You can delete an eSIM directly from your iPhone's Settings app in about two minutes

An eSIM is a digital copy of a phone plan stored on your device instead of a physical SIM card. Removing it from your iPhone doesn't cancel your service with your carrier — it just disconnects that plan from this phone. You can delete it through Settings, and the process is the same whether you're removing a plan you no longer use, switching carriers, or preparing to sell or give away your phone.

The steps differ slightly depending on whether you have one eSIM or multiple plans, and whether you're using an iPhone 13 or later (which supports two eSIMs at once) or an older model. Either way, you control the deletion yourself — no call to your carrier needed.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, tap Cellular, select the eSIM you want to remove, and tap Remove eSIM or Remove Plan to delete it from your phone.
  • Deleting an eSIM from your iPhone does not cancel your service with your carrier — you must contact them separately if you want to end your plan.
  • If you have two eSIMs on an iPhone 13 or later, you can remove one while keeping the other active.
  • Before you delete an eSIM, confirm with your carrier that you won't need it again, because reinstalling it usually requires a new set up code.

Steps to delete an eSIM on iPhone 13 and later models

On iPhone 13, 14, 15, and newer, go to Settings and tap Cellular. You'll see a list of your plans — this might show one eSIM, a physical SIM, or both. Tap the plan you want to remove. At the top of the screen, you'll see the carrier name and a button labeled Remove eSIM or Remove Plan. Tap it, then confirm by tapping Remove again when the phone asks you to verify.

The eSIM disappears from your phone when ready. Your phone will no longer connect to that carrier's network using that plan. If you had that plan set as your default for calls, texts, or data, your iPhone will automatically switch to your other plan if you have one. If it was your only plan, you'll have no cellular service until you add a new eSIM or physical SIM.

Steps to delete an eSIM on iPhone 12 and earlier models

Older iPhones support only one eSIM at a time, so the process is slightly different. Go to Settings, tap Cellular, then tap Cellular Plans (not just "Cellular"). You'll see your eSIM listed. Tap Remove Cellular Plan, then confirm the deletion.

After you remove it, your phone will have no cellular plan until you add a new one. You can add a new eSIM by going back to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan and scanning a QR code from your carrier, or by using your carrier's app.

What happens to your carrier service when you delete an eSIM

Deleting the eSIM from your phone is not the same as canceling your plan. Your carrier still has your account active and may still charge you for service. You need to contact your carrier separately — by phone, their website, or their app — to actually cancel the plan if that's what you want to do.

If you're switching to a different phone and want to keep the same plan, ask your carrier for a new set up code before you delete the eSIM. Once it's gone, you'll need that code to reinstall it on another device. Some carriers let you transfer an eSIM between phones without a new code, but others require you to request one each time.

Reasons to delete an eSIM before selling or giving away your phone

If you're selling your iPhone or giving it to someone else, removing your eSIM is important for privacy and security. Even though the new owner can't use your plan without your carrier account credentials, the eSIM data remains on the device until you delete it. Removing it ensures your carrier information and billing details aren't accessible on the phone you're handing over.

You should also erase all other data on the phone by going to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. This wipes the entire phone and removes your Apple ID, photos, messages, and everything else. Deleting the eSIM is one part of that process, but erasing the whole device is the complete step.

What to do if you accidentally deleted an eSIM you still need

If you deleted an eSIM by mistake, you can reinstall it, but you'll need the set up code from your carrier. Contact them and explain what happened. They can send you a new code by email, text, or through their app. Once you have it, go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan (or Add eSIM on newer models) and scan the QR code or enter the code manually.

Some carriers charge a small fee to reissue an set up code, and some do it free. Ask before they send it. The reinstallation itself takes a few minutes and doesn't require a call to customer service.

Difference between removing an eSIM and removing a physical SIM

A physical SIM card is a small chip you can hold in your hand and remove from a slot on your phone. You eject it by pushing a tiny pin into the SIM tray on the side of your iPhone. An eSIM is software only — there's nothing physical to remove, so you delete it through Settings instead.

If your iPhone has both a physical SIM and an eSIM, you can remove either one independently. Removing the physical SIM means opening the SIM tray and taking out the card. Removing the eSIM means using Settings. You don't have to remove both at the same time unless you want to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does deleting an eSIM cancel my phone plan?

No. Deleting the eSIM from your phone only removes it from that device. Your carrier still has your account active and may continue to charge you. You must contact your carrier directly to cancel the plan itself.

Can I put the same eSIM back on my phone after I delete it?

You can reinstall the plan, but you'll need a new set up code from your carrier. Some carriers provide it free, others charge a small fee. You cannot straightforward undo the deletion — you have to request a new code and go through the setup process again.

What if I have two eSIMs and only want to delete one?

You can delete one eSIM and keep the other active on iPhone 13 and newer. Go to Settings > Cellular, tap the plan you want to remove, and tap Remove eSIM. Your other plan will stay active. Older iPhones support only one eSIM, so deleting it leaves you with no cellular plan.

Do I need to contact my carrier before deleting an eSIM?

You don't have to, but it's a good idea if you might need the plan again. Ask your carrier whether they can reissue the set up code free or if there's a fee. If you're sure you won't need it, you can delete it without calling first.

Will the new owner of my phone be able to use my eSIM if I don't delete it?

They won't be able to use your plan without your carrier account login, but your carrier information will still be on the device. For privacy and security, delete the eSIM before handing over the phone, and erase all content and settings to remove everything else.