how to delete esim from iphone

As a tech enthusiast who constantly tinkers with smartphones, my relationship with eSIMs has been… eventful. From accidentally hitting delete to helping friends troubleshoot activation nightmares, I’ve compiled these hard-earned lessons into a first-person guide for managing eSIMs on iPhones.

1. The First Mistake: When My Finger Slipped on the “-” Button

1.1 That Heart-Stopping Moment

Last year, I added a secondary eSIM line for family sharing. While cleaning up settings, my finger grazed the “-” button next to the number – the sudden “This cannot be undone” warning froze me mid-action.
Damage Control:

  1. Checked Settings → Cellular to confirm the number still existed in SIM management (just disabled);
  2. Disabled “Independent Number” to preserve primary call functionality;
  3. Later learned: eSIM deletion requires three confirmation prompts – never rush through them!

1.2 Crucial Distinction

I’d confused removing a number with deleting an eSIM entirely. Key differences:

  • Number removal: Only deactivates that phone number, eSIM profile remains;
  • eSIM deletion: Erases carrier configuration permanently (always check carrier warnings first!).

2. The Phone Upgrade Tango: Transferring eSIMs

2.1 Activation Nightmare

When upgrading to iPhone 16, I forgot to delete the eSIM from my old device before scanning the carrier QR code on the new phone. The “eSIM already active” error nearly sent me sprinting to the carrier store.
Proper Procedure:

  1. Old device: Settings → Cellular → Select eSIM → Remove Cellular Plan;
  2. New device: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM (scan QR or enter activation code);
  3. Wait 1-2 minutes for confirmation SMS before restarting.

2.2 The Auto-Transfer Myth

Don’t believe the “same Apple ID will transfer eSIMs automatically” fairytale. Reality check:

  • Works when: Same brand (iPhone→iPhone) with carrier support (e.g. AT&T, some China Mobile plans);
  • Fails when: Cross-platform (iPhone→Android) or unsupported carriers (requires manual deletion+reactivation).

3. Midnight Rescue: Recovering a Deleted eSIM

3.1 The 3AM SOS

After accidentally deleting a friend’s primary eSIM during troubleshooting, his “No Service” text woke me at 3AM. Remembered the golden rule: Deleted eSIMs can’t be reinstalled – carrier intervention required.
Recovery Steps:

  1. Called carrier (e.g. 10086 for China Mobile) with phone number and service password;
  2. Agent remotely reset eSIM configuration, emailed new activation link;
  3. Entered activation code under Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM (service restored in 5 minutes).

3.2 Three Irreversible Deletions

  • Embedded eSIMs: Found in older devices (early Apple Watches) – deletion bricks functionality;
  • Carrier-locked eSIMs: May trigger contract penalties (one carrier charged me £50 termination fee);
  • Single-use travel eSIMs: Deletion = permanent loss (learned this the expensive way).

4. Physical SIM vs eSIM: The Art of Switching

4.1 The Traveler’s Combo

During my Europe trip, I mastered dual-SIM functionality:

  1. Inserted physical Nano-SIM (home number) in primary slot;
  2. Added local eSIM via Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM (scanned carrier QR code);
  3. Configured physical SIM for calls, eSIM for data in SIM management.

4.2 Compatibility Chart (iPhone 14/15/16)

Scenario Supported Notes
Dual eSIM ✅ Requires carrier support
eSIM + Physical SIM ✅ Physical SIM occupies primary slot
Convert Single-SIM ✅ iOS 16+ required on some models

5. Factory Reset Dilemma: Keep or Kill the eSIM?

5.1 Selling Your iPhone? Choose Wisely

Faced with the “Keep/Delete eSIM” choice when factory resetting my old iPhone, I researched Apple’s guidelines:

  1. Active eSIM: Select “Keep eSIM” but ensure Apple ID sign-out + data wipe;
  2. Inactive eSIM: Choose “Delete eSIM + Erase” to prevent carrier profile misuse.

5.2 Practical Differences

  • Keep Mode: Retains carrier info (requires fresh Apple ID login);
  • Delete Mode: Complete carrier profile purge (ideal for full device transfer).

6. Six Essential Pro Tips

6.1 Pre-Deletion Checklist

  • Screenshot eSIM activation QR/code (critical!);
  • Confirm reactivation policy with carrier (some prepaid plans terminate upon deletion);
  • Disable carrier settings in iCloud Keychain (prevents accidental restoration).

6.2 Never Do These

  1. Click unsolicited “eSIM activation” links (phishing risk);
  2. Buy “universal eSIMs” from unofficial sources (usually scams);
  3. Enable eSIM deletion on children’s devices;
  4. Use jailbreak tools to remove embedded eSIMs;
  5. Delete eSIMs in airplane mode (may corrupt settings);
  6. Remove all SIMs simultaneously (total connectivity loss).

Final Thoughts: eSIM Mastery Requires Caution

After numerous eSIM adventures, I’ve learned they’re less intuitive than physical SIMs but offer greater flexibility when understood. My cardinal rule: Always call your carrier before deletion – this prevents 80% of headaches. Stay tuned for my guide on managing multiple eSIM numbers!

(P.S. DM me for my “eSIM Deletion Flowchart” – a lifesaver during crises!)