In brief
On iPhone, go to Settings > Mobile Service, tap your travel eSIM and choose Delete eSIM. You can also just turn the line off and keep the eSIM for later. Either way, your UK SIM and your number aren’t affected. Still got data left, or going back soon? Turning it off is the safer choice.
Key points
- Turn off: the line stops, the eSIM stays on your phone.
- Delete: the eSIM is erased, and it can’t always be reinstalled.
- On iPhone, everything happens in Settings > Mobile Service.
- Removing the travel eSIM doesn’t touch your UK SIM or your number.
- Not sure? Turn it off rather than delete it.
Turn off or delete?
Turning off the eSIM switches the line off: the eSIM stays installed, ready to use again. Deleting it erases it from your phone: to go back, you generally need a new eSIM.
| What changes | Turn off | Delete |
|---|---|---|
| The eSIM | Stays on your phone. | Is erased. |
| The line | Off: it no longer connects. | Gone for good. |
| Going back | Yes, with one switch in Settings. | Not always: you generally need a new eSIM. |
| When to do it | When you’re home, or to pause the line for a while. | To free up space, or before selling or giving away your phone. |
Apple gives the same advice: don’t erase an eSIM as a troubleshooting step unless your network provider tells you to (Apple Support).
Delete an eSIM on iPhone
Turn the eSIM line off
Open Settings
Go to Settings > Mobile Service (Mobile Data on older versions of iOS).
Choose your eSIM
Tap your travel line, for example “Travel” or “Japan”.
Switch it off
Turn off Turn On This Line. To use it again, switch the same button back on.
How to remove an eSIM from your iPhone
Open Settings
Go to Settings > Mobile Service.
Choose your eSIM
Tap the line you want to erase.
Delete it
Tap Delete eSIM (or Delete Plan, depending on your version of iOS), then confirm.
On Android
Samsung Galaxy
- Turn off: go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager, then switch off your eSIM’s toggle.
- Delete: in the same menu, tap your eSIM, switch it off, then tap Remove and confirm.
Google Pixel
- Turn off: go to Settings > Network and Internet > Mobile network (or SIMs), tap your eSIM, then turn off Use this SIM.
- Delete: in the same menu, tap your eSIM, then Erase eSIM.
On other brands, search for “SIM” in Settings: the options are similar. Menus checked in October 2026 on Samsung UK’s eSIM help and Google’s Pixel help.
Before you delete: check your data and top-ups
Take a minute before you erase anything:
- Data left? Once the eSIM is deleted, you can’t use it any more, including data from top-ups. If your plan is still valid, keep the eSIM and simply turn it off.
- Going back to Japan soon? Keep it turned off and ask support on WhatsApp whether it can be used again on your next trip.
- Changing phone? Don’t delete anything yet: ask support first what’s possible for your eSIM.
- Short of space? A phone holds several eSIMs, but there’s a limit: erasing old travel lines frees up room.
Removing your travel eSIM changes nothing on your UK SIM: your number and your UK plan stay as they are. Back home, just make sure your UK line is on and chosen for mobile data again.
Reinstalling an eSIM
An eSIM QR code generally works only once, so a deleted eSIM can’t always be reinstalled. Deleted yours by mistake? Message support on WhatsApp: a real person looks at what’s possible for your eSIM, 24/7, in English or French.
If you get a new eSIM, follow our guide to reinstalling an eSIM on iPhone or the Android steps.
Off to Japan again? Get a new eSIM for your next trip and install it at home before you fly.
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See the plansFAQ
How do I remove an eSIM from my iPhone?
Go to Settings > Mobile Service, tap your travel eSIM, then tap Delete eSIM and confirm.
How do I turn off an eSIM on iPhone?
Go to Settings > Mobile Service, tap your travel eSIM and switch off Turn On This Line. The eSIM stays on your iPhone: switch the same button back on to use it again.
Does deleting the eSIM affect my UK plan?
No. Removing the travel eSIM doesn’t touch your UK SIM, your number or your UK plan. Back home, just check that your UK line is chosen for mobile data again.
Can I reinstall a deleted eSIM?
Not always: an eSIM QR code generally works only once. For your Mobile Companion eSIM, message support on WhatsApp, who will tell you what’s possible.
Should I delete it straight away?
No need. You can simply turn it off when you’re home, and delete it once your plan has ended.