eSIM Cards
What is an eSIM QR code, and how to get one?
An eSIM QR code is a scannable image containing all the essential data needed to activate an eSIM on your device. An eSIM (embedded SIM) allows you to connect to…
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After you travel, it’s important to turn off your eSIM to avoid unnecessary charges or accidental usage. Whether you’re using an Android or iPhone, managing your eSIM is a straightforward process. We’ll cover the steps for both device types in this guide.
By the way, turning off your eSIM means it will still be available for future use, but it won’t be able to connect to the network. You can always turn it back on later. For a more permanent solution, you’ll need to deactivate the eSIM or remove the profile from your device.
We’ll also explore best practices for managing your eSIM after turning it off, including reactivating it if you ever need to use it again. First, though, how do you turn off your eSIM on an Android device?
Table of Contents
How to turn off your eSIM on an Android phone
Disabling an eSIM on an Android phone is a simple process that takes just a few steps. The exact process may vary depending on your manufacturer and device, but it usually looks like this:
- Open the Settings app on your phone.
- Scroll to Connections, then select SIM card manager.
- You’ll see a list of all active SIM cards and eSIMs. Locate the eSIM you want to disable, and toggle the switch to Off.
Once turned off, the eSIM will no longer use data or connect to the network. However, the profile remains stored on your device unless you choose to delete it entirely.
How to turn off your eSIM on an iPhone
Turning off your eSIM on an iPhone is just as simple. You can do it in a few steps:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Go to Cellular or Mobile Data (depending on your region).
- You’ll see a list of active plans. Scroll to the eSIM you want to disable, and tap on it.
- On the next screen, there will be an option labeled Turn Off This Line. Toggle the switch to disable your eSIM.
Once turned off, your eSIM won’t be able to connect to cellular networks or use data. However, the eSIM profile will still be stored on your phone unless you choose to delete it completely.
How to turn off your eSIM on a smartwatch
Turning off an eSIM on a smartwatch is a slightly different process than on a phone, but it’s still straightforward. Whether you’re using a smartwatch with Android Wear OS or an Apple Watch, the steps are designed to be intuitive and quick. Here’s what to do.
How to turn off your eSIM on an Apple iWatch
The process of turning off your eSIM on an Apple Watch is relatively straightforward, and similar to doing it on an iPhone. Here’s what to do:
- Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.
- Scroll down and tap Cellular.
- Tap on Remove Cellular Plan.
- Follow the prompts to confirm the action, and the eSIM will disconnect from the network.
Again, your eSIM will be disabled and unable to connect to the network. However, you can reactivate it later via your phone.
How to turn off your eSIM on an Android smartwatch
Android smartwatches can vary significantly depending on the exact device, such as whether you’re using an OPPO watch, or a Samsung Galaxy, and so on.
Generally, the steps are as follows:
- Open the Settings app on your smartwatch.
- Scroll to Network & Internet.
- Select Mobile Network.
- Find the eSIM you want to disable, and toggle the switch to the Off position.
Just like on your phone, the eSIM profile will be stored on the watch. However, it will no longer be able to connect to the network or use data.
How to reactivate your default SIM card after you deactivate your eSIM
If you’ve deactivated your eSIM and wish to reactivate your default SIM card for standard mobile connectivity, it’s a simple process. Again, it varies depending on whether you’re using an Android or iPhone device. Whether you’re looking to switch back to your original carrier or restore your physical SIM card, here’s how.
Reactivating your default SIM card on Android
Every Android manufacturer is slightly different. However, the general steps for reactivating your physical SIM card are as follows:
- Open the Settings app on your phone.
- Scroll down to Connections.
- Tap on SIM card manager.
- You’ll see a list of all your SIM cards and eSIMs, including the eSIM you turned off before. Find the default SIM card you wish to reactivate and tap on it.
- Toggle the switch to the On position. This allows you to use your regular mobile network again.
Once your SIM is reactivated, your phone will reconnect to your default carrier and resume normal service.
Reactivating your default SIM card on iPhone
Reactivating your default SIM card on an iPhone after deactivating your eSIM is a simple process. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down to Cellular or Mobile Data,
- You’ll see a list of SIM and eSIM options, including the eSIM you just turned off. Find and tap on the physical SIM profile to access its settings.
- Toggle the switch for Turn On This Line to On. This will reactivate your SIM card.
Once activated, your iPhone will automatically switch back to using your physical SIM card for calls and data.
How to turn off your eSIM – FAQs
Is deactivating an eSIM and turning off an eSIM the same thing?
No, deactivating and turning off an eSIM are not the same. Turning off an eSIM means temporarily disabling it so it doesn’t connect to the network. You can turn it off after your travels to prevent it using data, but you can easily turn it back on later. Meanwhile, deactivating an eSIM means permanently disconnecting it by removing the eSIM profile from your device. You cannot use the eSIM again unless your plan allows it, and you’ll have to undergo the full reactivation process.
Is deleting an eSIM and turning off an eSIM the same thing?
No, deleting an eSIM and turning off an eSIM are different actions. Turning off an eSIM simply disables its connection to the network without removing the profile from your device. Deleting an eSIM, meanwhile, removes it from your device completely.
What happens after you turn off your eSIM?
After you turn off your eSIM, your device will no longer use mobile data or connect to network through the eSIM. However, your physical SIM card may still be active, allowing you to use voice, text, and data services as usual. Turning off the eSIM only disables its use temporarily, so you can turn it back on at any time without losing any data or settings. If you no longer need the eSIM, you can also delete the profile for a more permanent solution.
