How to remove an eSIM on iPhone, Samsung, Pixel, and iPad

Only remove an eSIM after the plan has ended, after a successful transfer, or when instructed by the provider. Turning it off is safer if you may need the line again later. Deleting it removes the profile from the device and does not automatically cancel an ongoing mobile subscription.

HolySim advice: never delete an eSIM as the first solution for poor reception or no internet. A one-time QR code may not work again afterward.

Turning off, deleting, and canceling are different

Turning off the line keeps the profile on the device. The line does not connect, but you can enable it again later.

Removing or deleting takes the eSIM profile off the phone or tablet. You may need a new code or help from the provider to reinstall it.

Canceling ends an ongoing contract or subscription with the mobile provider. Removing the profile from your device is not enough. A prepaid travel plan usually ends automatically when its validity expires, but check the terms.

Check before deleting

Only remove the eSIM if you can answer yes to all these questions:

• the plan or trip has ended;
• you no longer need any remaining allowance or validity;
• any transfer to the new device is complete and has been tested;
• your regular SIM or Wi-Fi works as a backup connection;
• you have saved your order and support details.

If you only want to prevent the eSIM from connecting, turn off the line. This has the same practical effect without deleting the profile.

Remove an eSIM on iPhone

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Cellular.
3. If you have multiple lines, select the correct plan.
4. Tap Delete eSIM or Remove Cellular Plan.
5. Check the name again and confirm.

In its instructions for erasing an eSIM on iPhone and iPad, Apple warns that you may need to contact the provider afterward for a new eSIM. Apple does not recommend deletion as a standard troubleshooting step.

Remove an eSIM on Samsung Galaxy

Open Settings > Connections > SIM manager. Select the eSIM or tap the profile menu and choose Remove. The exact button differs between One UI versions.

Check the label and number first. If you see two lines with the same carrier name, rename them before deleting or compare the final digits of the eSIM identifier where available.

Remove an eSIM on Google Pixel

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Network & internet.
3. Open SIMs or Mobile network.
4. Select the eSIM.
5. Tap Erase SIM and confirm.

Google also includes the removal process in its explanation of dual SIM on Pixel. If you want to keep the profile, only turn off Use SIM.

Remove an eSIM on iPad

Open Settings > Cellular Data. If you have multiple plans, select the correct line first and tap Remove Cellular Plan. With a single profile, Delete eSIM may appear directly.

An iPad backup is not a reliable replacement for the eSIM profile. Keep the order details outside the device as well.

Selling the phone or performing a factory reset

Transfer your data and any mobile plan first. When you choose Erase All Content and Settings, an iPhone or iPad may ask whether eSIMs should be kept or deleted. Choose deletion when the device is going to someone else. Only choose to keep them if you will continue using the device and understand what the reset does.

Android devices may show a separate option for downloaded SIMs during a factory reset. Read every confirmation screen. Performing a reset without checking the eSIM option can either leave the profile in place or delete it.

Deleted by accident

Do not automatically scan the old code. Check your order email and contact HolySim with the order number, device model, and time of deletion. Support can determine whether reinstallation, reissue, or a new plan is required.

If the profile disappeared during a device reset, do not make further changes until the provider has checked whether the installation code can be reused.

Sources and editorial review

The removal processes were checked with Apple and Google. Samsung menu names can differ between One UI versions. Reinstallation, reissue, and contract cancellation depend on the provider and plan. Content last reviewed on July 15, 2026.