Deleting an eSIM is the removal of that carrier's mobile profile from your phone. Calls, text messages and mobile data for that line stop until you install a replacement eSIM or physical SIM. Deleting the eSIM usually does not cancel your wireless plan, so your carrier may continue billing you.
If your phone has 2 active SIM profiles, the other line can continue providing calls, texts and mobile data.
Last reviewed:
What Changes After Deleting an eSIM?
| What you do | What happens |
|---|---|
| Delete the eSIM | The cellular profile is removed from your phone |
| Make calls or send SMS | Calls and messages stop for that line |
| Use mobile data | Mobile data stops for that line |
| Use Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi continues to work |
| Use apps | Apps continue to work over Wi-Fi |
| Cancel the phone plan | This usually does not happen automatically |
| Recover the line | You normally need a new eSIM from your carrier |
If your phone has another active SIM or eSIM, that line can keep working. Deleting one profile does not automatically remove the others on a dual-SIM phone.
Does Deleting an eSIM Cancel My Phone Plan?
No. Deleting an eSIM normally does not cancel your wireless service. The eSIM is the digital SIM profile stored on your phone. Your carrier account and plan are managed separately.
AT&T and T-Mobile both state that removing an eSIM does not cancel the plan. Apple also advises customers to contact their carrier when they want to cancel mobile service.
To stop billing, cancel the line through your carrier's account system or contact the carrier directly. Deleting the eSIM alone is not enough.
Can I Get My eSIM Back After Deleting It?
Usually, you can restore the line by downloading a new eSIM profile. The exact process depends on your carrier.
- Connect your phone to Wi-Fi.
- Open your carrier's app or website.
- Look for Replace SIM, Get a new eSIM or Switch device.
- Follow the activation instructions.
- If you cannot find the option, contact your carrier and request a replacement eSIM or QR code.
AT&T allows customers who deleted an eSIM by mistake to request a replacement through their wireless account. Apple says an erased iPhone eSIM generally requires the carrier to issue a new one.
Your carrier may verify your identity before activating the replacement profile.
Will I Lose My Phone Number?
Deleting the eSIM from your phone does not normally cancel your phone number. It removes the line's profile from that device.
You will not be able to use the number on that phone until the carrier activates a replacement eSIM or physical SIM. If you transferred the number to another phone, it should work on that device instead.
What If I Only Wanted to Stop Using the eSIM Temporarily?
Turn the line off instead of deleting the eSIM. Turning it off preserves the profile, so you can enable it again later.
On a Google Pixel phone, go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs, select the eSIM and turn off Use this SIM. On a Samsung Galaxy phone, open Settings > Connections > SIM manager and use the option to disable the line.
On an iPhone, open the cellular settings and turn off the line rather than selecting Delete eSIM.
Should I Delete My eSIM Before Selling or Trading In My Phone?
Yes, but wait until your number works on the new phone. Delete the eSIM before selling, trading in or giving away the device after confirming that the transfer is complete.
Apple recommends erasing the eSIM when moving a plan to another device or preparing an iPhone for someone else. If you delete it before the transfer finishes, you may need to contact your carrier to reactivate the line.
You should still complete the phone's normal factory reset. Deleting the eSIM does not remove photos, accounts, messages or other personal content.
What If I Deleted a Travel eSIM?
A deleted travel eSIM may not be recoverable. Some travel eSIMs are tied to one device, cannot be transferred and cannot be restored after deletion.
AT&T states that certain travel eSIM plans require customers to purchase a new plan after deleting the eSIM or changing phones.
Check the travel eSIM provider's terms before deleting the profile. If the plan is still active, contact the provider before buying another one.
Bottom Line
Deleting an eSIM removes the mobile profile from your phone, but it usually does not cancel the carrier plan. If you deleted it by mistake, connect to Wi-Fi and request a replacement eSIM. If you only want to pause the line, turn it off instead.