Quick answer
Can I delete and reinstall my eSIM?
Sometimes, but you should not assume it will work. Some eSIM profiles can only be installed once, and deleting the eSIM can remove the profile from your phone. Reinstallation depends on the provider, plan rules, and whether a new QR code, activation link, or manual setup details can be issued. If you still need the plan, contact support before deleting the eSIM.
Do not delete an eSIM as a normal troubleshooting step for No Service, no data, roaming, or APN issues unless support tells you to.
Delete or not?
- DefaultDo not delete
- Turn off lineKeeps profile installed
- Delete only ifFinished or support says so
What to avoid
- Deleting as a first fix
- Repeatedly scanning the QR code
- Removing the profile before contacting support
Delete vs turn off: not the same thing
Turning off an eSIM line keeps the eSIM profile on the phone. Deleting or removing an eSIM removes the profile from the phone.
If you still need the travel eSIM, turn the line off only if needed — do not delete it unless support tells you to.
Common examples:
- Turn the line off temporarily if you are not using it right now.
- Keep the profile installed until the trip or plan is finished.
- Delete only after you are finished with the plan or support instructs you to.
Compare
Turn off line vs delete eSIM
Recommended · Turn off line
Profile stays installed
- eSIM profile stays on the phone.
- You can turn the line back on later.
- Safer for troubleshooting.
Careful · Delete eSIM
Profile removed from phone
- Same QR code may not work again.
- Provider may need to issue replacement details.
- Contact support first if you still need the plan.
Why deleting an eSIM can cause problems
Deleting a travel eSIM is not always reversible. Depending on the provider and plan:
- Some eSIM profiles are one-time install.
- The QR code may not work again.
- The activation link may not work again.
- Manual setup details may not reinstall the same profile.
- The provider may need to issue replacement details.
- Support may need order details and screenshots first.
- Deleting removes useful troubleshooting evidence support can see.
Reinstallation depends on the provider and plan. Contact support before deleting a plan you still need.
Risk checklist
What can happen if you delete
QR may be one-time
Some QR codes can only be scanned once
Activation link may be one-time
Some links only work for a single install
Profile removed from phone
Deletion clears the eSIM profile
Support may need screenshots
Send evidence before removing the profile
Replacement may be required
Provider may need to issue new setup details
When it is safe to delete an eSIM
It is generally safe to delete a travel eSIM when:
- The trip is finished.
- The plan has expired.
- Support tells you it is safe to delete it.
- You have transferred to a new device and support or the provider confirms it is safe.
- You are selling, trading in, or giving away the phone and no longer need the plan.
Apple says to erase an eSIM if you transferred the data plan or phone number to another device, or if you are selling, trading in, or giving away your device.
When you should not delete an eSIM
Do not delete the travel eSIM if:
- Data is not working.
- The phone says No Service.
- Roaming is unclear.
- APN settings are unclear.
- You are still traveling.
- You still need the data plan.
- Support has not seen screenshots yet.
- You are hoping deletion will “refresh” the eSIM.
Deleting should not be your first fix.
Can I scan the same QR code again?
Maybe, but do not rely on it. Some QR codes, activation links, or manual setup details can only be used once. Others may allow another attempt depending on provider rules. If you already installed the eSIM once, contact support before scanning the same QR code again or deleting the installed profile.
Do not repeatedly scan a QR code hoping it will work. Repeated attempts can waste a one-time activation.
What to do instead of deleting
Walk this checklist before considering deletion. In most cases the fix is here.
- Confirm the travel eSIM is installed.
- Confirm the travel eSIM line is turned on.
- Select the travel eSIM for mobile data.
- Check data roaming for the travel eSIM if your plan requires it.
- Toggle airplane mode for 20–30 seconds.
- Restart the phone.
- Check whether the issue is No Service or data not working — they need different fixes.
- Check APN settings only if your order or support provides values.
- Contact support before deleting the eSIM.
Related troubleshooting:
iPhone: delete eSIM vs turn off line
On iPhone, you can turn a travel eSIM line off without deleting the profile. The line stays installed and you can turn it back on later.
Settings → Mobile Service / Cellular / Mobile Data → travel eSIM
iPhones may show Mobile Service, Cellular, or Mobile Data depending on iOS version and region.
Delete eSIM or Delete Plan removes the profile from the phone. Apple documents erasing an eSIM as an action for device transfer, resale, or when directed by your carrier or provider — not as a general troubleshooting step.
iPhone · Travel eSIM
Settings → Mobile Service / Cellular / Mobile Data → Travel eSIM
Travel eSIM
Turn On This Line
Keep the profile installed
Data Roaming
Follow plan instructions
Delete eSIM
Removes the profile
Turn the line off if needed. Do not delete the eSIM unless support tells you to or you are finished with the plan.
If you are selling, trading, or giving away the iPhone, Apple says you can choose to erase or keep the eSIM when erasing content and settings.
Android: remove eSIM vs turn off SIM
Android labels vary by brand, Android version, region, and carrier. Many Android phones let you turn a SIM or eSIM off without removing it.
Settings → Network & internet / Connections / SIM manager → travel eSIM
Pixel and Samsung Galaxy paths vary by brand and version. Wording may say Use SIM, SIMs, SIM manager, or Mobile plans.
Android · Travel eSIM
Settings → Network & internet / Connections → SIM manager → Travel eSIM
Travel eSIM
Use SIM
Keep the profile installed
Mobile data
Select travel eSIM for data
Remove SIM
Removes the eSIM profile
Turn the SIM off if needed. Do not remove the eSIM profile while you still need the plan.
If you see Remove SIM, Delete eSIM, or Remove mobile plan, do not use it unless you are finished with the plan or support tells you to.
What to send support before deleting
Have this information ready so support can help before you remove the profile:
Support handoff
Send this before you delete the profile
- Order email
- Destination
- Phone model
- iOS or Android version
- Whether the device is iPhone or Android
- Screenshot of installed eSIM or SIM settings
- Screenshot of the error state
- Whether the travel eSIM line is turned on
- Whether the travel eSIM is selected for mobile data
- Whether data roaming is on for the travel eSIM if required
- Whether the QR code or activation link was already used
- What troubleshooting steps were already tried
What not to do
- Do not delete the eSIM as a first troubleshooting step.
- Do not repeatedly scan the QR code.
- Do not assume the same QR code will work again.
- Do not delete the eSIM while you still need the plan.
- Do not remove the profile before sending screenshots to support.
- Do not guess APN settings.
- Do not assume the included VPN fixes deleted eSIM profiles.
- Do not factory reset your phone to fix a travel eSIM unless device support tells you to.
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Can I delete and reinstall my eSIM?
Sometimes, but you should not assume it will work. Some eSIM profiles can only be installed once, and deleting the eSIM can remove the profile from your phone. Reinstallation depends on the provider, plan rules, and whether a new QR code, activation link, or manual setup details can be issued. Contact support before deleting a plan you still need.
What happens if I delete my eSIM?
Deleting an eSIM removes the profile from the phone. Depending on the provider and plan, the same QR code, activation link, or manual details may not reinstall the profile. In some cases the provider needs to issue replacement details, which may take time and require support.
Should I delete my eSIM if data is not working?
No, deletion should not be your first fix. Confirm the travel eSIM is selected for mobile data, mobile data is on, roaming matches your plan instructions, and the phone has been restarted. Contact support before deleting the eSIM.
Should I delete my eSIM if it says No Service?
No. No Service usually points to line, destination, or network selection issues rather than a broken profile. Follow the No Service troubleshooting steps and contact support before deleting the eSIM.
Can I scan the same QR code again?
Maybe, but do not rely on it. Some QR codes, activation links, or manual setup details can only be used once. Others may allow another attempt depending on provider rules. If you already installed the eSIM once, contact support before scanning the same QR code again or deleting the installed profile.
Is turning off an eSIM the same as deleting it?
No. Turning off the line keeps the eSIM profile on the phone and lets you turn it back on later. Deleting or removing the eSIM removes the profile from the phone and may require support to issue replacement details.
When is it safe to delete an eSIM?
It is generally safe when the trip is finished, the plan has expired, support tells you it is safe, you have transferred to a new device with confirmation, or you are selling, trading in, or giving away the phone.
How do I delete an eSIM on iPhone?
On iPhone, open Settings → Mobile Service, Cellular, or Mobile Data (label depends on iOS version and region), tap the travel eSIM line, then look for Delete eSIM or Delete Plan. Apple documents this as an action for device transfer, resale, or when directed by your carrier or provider — not as a general troubleshooting step.
How do I remove an eSIM on Android?
On Android, open Settings → Network & internet, Connections, or SIM manager, tap the travel eSIM, then look for Remove SIM, Delete eSIM, or Remove mobile plan. Labels vary by brand and Android version. Do not use these options unless you are finished with the plan or support tells you to.
Does the included VPN help reinstall a deleted eSIM?
No. The included VPN does not reinstall eSIM profiles or recover a deleted eSIM. VPN works after mobile data is available. If you deleted an eSIM you still need, contact support with your order details and device information.
