If you need to delete an eSIM from your iPhone, follow this straightforward guide. These easy steps will help you remove it from your device without any hassle.
Removing an eSIM from your iPhone is a simple process. It’s crucial to understand how to do this in different situations:
- You’re upgrading to a new device
- You are selling your current phone
- You are switching carriers
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the exact steps to delete an eSIM from your iPhone.
Why Would You Want to Delete Your eSIM from Your iPhone?
There are, in fact, several reasons why you might want or need to delete an eSIM from your iPhone or other Apple device.
- When you’re upgrading to a new iPhone. If you want to transfer an eSIM to a new iPhone, you should delete the eSIM from your older iPhone. This helps avoid any conflicts or issues and ensures a smooth transfer.
- When you’re selling or trading your iPhone. If you’re selling or trading in your iPhone, it’s crucial to remove all personal data, including your eSIM, to protect your privacy.
- When you’re switching carriers. You might need to delete the existing eSIM before setting up a new one if you’re switching your mobile carrier.
- When you need to troubleshoot. Your carrier will occasionally suggest deleting an eSIM as part of a troubleshooting process if you encounter issues.
Steps to Delete Your eSIM from Your iPhone
Deleting an eSIM from your iPhone is simple and can be done in a few short steps. It shouldn’t take more than a minute or two.
1. Open Settings
- Start by opening the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Navigate to Cellular:
- Scroll down and tap on Cellular or Mobile Data.
3. Select the eSIM You Want to Delete:
- Under Cellular Plans or Mobile Plans, you’ll see a list of eSIMs associated with your iPhone. Tap on the eSIM profile you wish to remove from the phone.
4. Delete the eSIM:
- On the next screen, tap Delete eSIM or Remove Cellular Plan. Confirm your choice if prompted.
5. Confirmation:
- The eSIM will now be removed from your device. You can insert a physical SIM card if desired or set up a new eSIM.
How to Delete Your eSIM from Your iPad
You can have an eSIM on other Apple devices such as an iPad or an Apple Watch. The process to remove eSIMs from these devices is similar. Here’s what to do:
- Open Settings:
- Access the Settings app on your iPad.
- Navigate to Cellular Data:
- Tap on Cellular Data in the menu.
- Select the eSIM:
- Choose the eSIM profile you wish to delete under Cellular Plans.
- Delete the eSIM:
- Tap Delete eSIM or Remove Cellular Plan. Confirm if necessary.
How to Delete Your eSIM from Your Apple Watch
Deleting an eSIM from your Apple Watch is also a straightforward process:
- Open the Watch App on Your iPhone:
- Launch the Watch app that controls your Apple Watch.
- Go to Cellular:
- Tap on Cellular in the app.
- Select the Plan to Delete:
- Choose the eSIM or cellular plan you want to remove.
- Delete the eSIM:
- Tap Remove Cellular Plan and confirm.
Managing Your Cellular and Personal Data
If you’re preparing to sell your iPhone or transfer your eSIM, you should take care of your cellular and personal data. This is crucial so you control who is in charge of your data; you don’t want to risk it falling into the wrong hands.
Follow these steps to ensure safety:
- Before selling or giving away your iPhone, it’s recommended to erase all content and settings. This process will also give you the option to erase your eSIM.
- Clear all your personal data. Ensure all personal data, cache, passwords, and other sensitive information are removed from the device.
- If you’re deleting the eSIM because you’re canceling a cellular plan, remember to contact your carrier to cancel the plan itself.
FAQ About Deleting an eSIM from Your iPhone
Can I Reinstall an eSIM That I Have Deleted Before?
The answer here is it depends on your carrier. Some eSIMs can be reinstalled after being deleted. You’ll need to contact your carrier to get the necessary activation details or a new QR code. However, we recommend you don’t remove any eSIM that you still intend to use. That’s because once an eSIM is removed from your device, you may encounter an error when trying to download it again.
Can I Transfer My eSIM to Another Device?
Yes, you can transfer your eSIM to another device, but it often requires the eSIM to be removed from the original device first. The process may vary depending on your carrier. Check out our guide on how to transfer an eSIM to another iPhone. You can also transfer eSIMs to other devices, such as other eSIM-compatible phones from other manufacturers.
Can I Use a Different eSIM After I Delete My eSIM from My iPhone?
Yes, after deleting your eSIM, you can set up a different eSIM on your iPhone, provided you have the necessary details or QR code from your carrier. You can check out our comprehensive guide on how to activate an eSIM for more information.
What happens when I delete my eSIM from my iPhone?
When you delete your eSIM, the plan associated with it is removed from your iPhone. This means that you will no longer have access to that number or cellular service on the device. If you need to use the same number again, you will have to contact your carrier to reactivate the eSIM or obtain a new one.
Will deleting my eSIM affect my physical SIM card?
No, deleting your eSIM will not impact any physical SIM card you have installed in your iPhone. The physical SIM and eSIM operate independently, so you can continue using your physical SIM without any issues.
Is deleting an eSIM the same as canceling my cellular plan?
No, deleting an eSIM from your iPhone only removes the cellular plan from your device, but it does not cancel the service with your carrier. You will still need to contact your carrier to officially cancel the plan and avoid any future charges.