How to Delete, Remove and Reinstall an eSIM (Without Losing Your Number)

You've probably deleted an eSIM by mistake, are getting ready to trade in your phone or are wondering if resetting your device will ditch your mobile plan. You're not alone - a fair few folks are scratching their heads about deleting and reinstalling eSIMs, especially with more people switching away from physical SIM cards.

The good news is that deleting an eSIM wont necessarily mean losing your phone number. In most cases, your number stays tied to your carrier account and can be reactivated or reinstalled if needed. The more you know about what to expect the less likely you are to encounter any service interruptions or unnecessary stress.

Whether it's upgrading your phone, dealing with activation issues or jetting off on international travels, this guide breaks down exactly what happens when you delete an eSIM & how to get up & running quickly & safely.

Need a New eSIM?

Got a deleted old travel eSIM or need connectivity on a brand new device? Simify can hook you up with instant eSIM activation in all corners of the globe.

Check out eSIM Plans with Simify

Quick Answer: Can You Delete an eSIM ?

Short Answer : Yes, you can delete an eSIM but only do so if you're 100% sure you can get it reactivated later.

• Deleting an eSIM removes it from your device.
• In most cases, it wont touch your phone number.
• Most carriers let you re-activate, but the process is different each time.
• Some travel eSIMs may require a brand new Installation Code.

You can delete an eSIM, but do make sure to double-check with your carrier first and keep your activation info to hand.

What Happens When You Delete an eSIM

An eSIM is just a digital version of a SIM card stored on your device, so when you delete it, you're removing the carrier profile that lets your phone connect to the network - including the on-device profile for your carrier's mobile plan.

Its worth remembering that deleting an eSIM is not the same as canceling your mobile service - your account remains active with the carrier until you tell them to cancel it.

Lots of folks assume that deleting an eSIM will lose their number for good, but in reality, the carrier still owns the account, it's just your device that loses access to it. At that point, your phone will be unable to make calls, send texts or even get online until the eSIM is restored.

This is especially important when switching phones, dealing with issues or selling your old device.

Will Deleting an eSIM Delete My Phone Number?

This is probably the most common question about eSIMs.

In most cases, deleting an eSIM wont delete your phone number. Your number stays tied to your carrier account, not the device itself.

Think of an eSIM as a digital key. Removing the key from your phone wont remove ownership of the account, it just removes access until a new key is issued.

But if you go ahead & delete the eSIM by mistake, recovery is normally down to your carrier account & may involve a bit of extra support before you get your replacement profile.

Have your account details on hand to speed things up.

Can I Delete an eSIM & Reinstall It?

In many cases, Yes.

Major carriers usually let you re-install your eSIM after deleting it, although the process can vary.

Some carriers let you just scan the original QR code again. Others require a brand new activation code for security reasons. Some travel eSIM providers only let you install their profiles once, so if you delete it, you cant get it back. Others let you restore the same eSIM, while others need a brand new QR code instead.

This is why it's so important to get a handle on your provider's policy before removing an active profile.If your eSIM is capable of reinstalling, the process is typically pretty straightforward and only takes a couple of minutes, and many carriers also offer reactivation through their apps or website.

How to Delete an eSIM on an iPhone and Android

The process of deleting an eSIM varies slightly depending on the device.

On an iPhone, users can get rid of an eSIM through the Cellular settings menu. On an Android device, the option is usually in SIM Manager or Mobile Network settings, though the exact menu path can differ depending on your device and brand.

Before you delete an active eSIM, double check your phone settings to make sure you've got access to any QR codes, activation details, or account credentials you might need to reactivate the eSIM later.

If you're getting a new phone, it's often a good idea to activate the eSIM first on that device and then delete it from the old phone.

Should You Delete an eSIM Before Trading In a Phone?

Yes, definitely.

If you're selling, recycling, or trading in a smartphone, deleting the eSIM from your old phone before resale or transfer is a crucial step to protect your privacy and security.

An eSIM contains information that ties your device to your carrier account, and while the next buyer can't just grab your account details, deleting the profile helps prevent accidental activation issues and keeps your personal information safe.

Most carriers and manufacturers recommend getting rid of eSIM profiles before transferring ownership of a device.

Does Factory Reset Delete an eSIM?

Not necessarily - it depends on the settings you choose during the reset process.

On an iPhone, you might get the option to keep your esim plan or mobile data plan instead of deleting it.

Different manufacturers handle this differently, so it's always a good idea to read the reset confirmation screen carefully before proceeding.

If you want to keep your service active after the reset, make sure to save the plan by selecting the option to keep mobile plans during the factory reset.

Does Reset Network Settings Delete an eSIM?

In most cases no.

Resetting network settings usually clears out your Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth pairings, and network preferences, but the eSIM itself generally remains installed. If service seems missing afterward, try toggling airplane mode on and off to see if that helps restore the connection before taking bigger steps.

However, network resets might temporarily affect activation status or require reconnection to carrier services.

For troubleshooting purposes, a network reset is a safer bet than deleting the eSIM entirely.

Does Reset All Settings Delete an eSIM?

Generally no, though smartphone manufacturers can change how these features work with a software update, which can alter reset behaviour or temporarily affect eSIM handling. Always check that warning message displayed before resetting.

What Happens If You Delete an eSIM and Wipe Your Data

When you delete an eSIM and then erase all your content and settings, your phone is basically brand new.

Removing the line can also affect services tied to that number, like iMessage and FaceTime, until you sign back in or reactivate service.

At that point, access to the mobile network depends on whether the eSIM can be reactivated.

If you have a carrier-issued eSIM, reactivation is usually pretty straightforward. For travel eSIMs, the process depends on the provider's installation policy.

Before you wipe your device, make sure you can still access any activation details that may be required later.

Can You Use a Physical SIM After Deleting an eSIM?

Absolutely, you can.

Deleting an eSIM doesn't stop you from using a physical SIM card. Many people switch between eSIM and physical SIM solutions depending on where they are, the prices, and whether their device works with it.

In fact, one of the best things about modern smartphones is the flexibility to use both technologies together when you need to.

How to Delete an Old eSIM Safely

Lots of devices end up with unused eSIM profiles just hanging around, especially if you're a regular traveler. Deleting old profiles can really help device management and prevent confusion.

Before you delete an old eSIM, go through a pre-deletion checklist: confirm it's no longer active, make sure you won't need it for future trips, and note that deleting an old profile is often a good idea when switching carriers. Some providers let you re-install, while others don't, so check the rules and keep those activation details handy - it can save you time if you need to re-install later.

If you're unsure, ask your provider before removing the profile.

How to Fix an eSIM That's Stuck on Activating

When your eSIM just won't move on from the "Activating" phase, it can be a right pain - especially just before a trip.

Common causes include carrier delays, poor internet connections, outdated software, or incomplete activation processes.

A few simple troubleshooting steps usually sorts the issue out, and many carriers can resend activation details or issue a replacement access code if you need it:

• Reboot your device. • Get yourself connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. • Make sure your operating system is up to date. • Check the carrier activation status. • Request a fresh activation QR code if you need to.If activation still doesn't work , your best bet is often to get in touch with the carrier and hope that their support team can work something out for you. Before you try reactivating the line, though, take a minute to check in with your carrier and make sure your account is active - if not, you can try getting a fresh code through their app or support.

Coverage & Network Quality After Reinstalling an eSIM

The thing is, reinstalling an eSIM doesn't cut your coverage or signal quality in any way.

Once you've finally got that eSIM up and running, you'll be back on the same carrier network you had before, with all the same LTE and 5G speeds. And don't worry - that's not going to change just because you reinstalled the eSIM - network access is all about the carrier's infrastructure, not the SIM itself.

In cities, eSIM activation usually goes pretty smoothly. In more rural areas, though, you'll still be at the mercy of your carrier's coverage - just the same as you would with a regular SIM.

If you're a global traveler using a provider that lets you use your eSIM in a bunch of different countries, the quality of your coverage will depend on the local carrier partnerships your provider has set up. Which is to say - it won't be affected by whether you reinstalled the eSIM.

eSIM vs Physical SIM - Which is Better After a Reset?

Honestly, for most people these days, an eSIM is the way to go.

The thing with physical SIMs is that they can be pretty easy to transfer between devices - just pop it out and move it to your new gadget. With an eSIM, though, you get to skip all that hassle and just activate it from your app - no waiting for shipping or making a special trip to a store.

But - the best option for you will depend on your travel style and what kind of gear you're using. If you're always zipping off to different places and need to switch providers on the fly, an eSIM is probably the way to go. But if you're not that into technology, or you've got an older device that doesn't support eSIM, a physical SIM might be a better bet.

Just to keep things in mind, though - even if you do choose to use a physical SIM, it's not like an eSIM is going to make your device useless or anything.

FAQ

If I delete my eSIM, can I get it back?

It's usually possible to get your eSIM back, but the process can vary depending on who your carrier is.

If I delete my eSIM, will I lose my number?

No - your number is tied to your carrier account, not the eSIM itself.

Can I delete an eSIM and then put it back on again?

A lot of providers will let you do that - but some might require you to get a new activation code.

Does a factory reset delete your eSIM?

Not always - a lot of devices will let you decide whether to keep or nuke the eSIM during the reset process.

Should I delete my eSIM when I'm resetting my phone?

Only if you're sure you don't need the profile anymore, or if you're getting rid of the device for good.

Can deleting an eSIM unlock my phone?

No - your phone is still locked to your carrier, no matter what you do with the eSIM.

Can I use a physical SIM after I've deleted an eSIM?

Yep - deleting an eSIM won't affect your physical SIM at all.

Get Connected with Simify

Lost your old eSIM, or just need some new connectivity for your next adventure? Getting back online doesn't have to be a hassle.

Activate a Simify eSIM in minutes and enjoy:

• Instant activation - no waiting around for a code to arrive in the mail
• Solid global coverage - wherever you go
• 24/7 customer support - if you need any help
• Super flexible plans for travelers - because one size doesn't fit all

Take a look at our latest eSIM plans and get connected wherever your travels take you.