Why You Might Need to Remove an eSIM
Maybe you're upgrading to a new iPhone and need to transfer everything cleanly. Maybe you've accumulated a handful of old eSIM profiles cluttering your settings. Whatever the reason, removing an eSIM from your iPhone is straightforward — but there are a few things worth knowing before you tap that delete button.
This guide walks you through exactly how to do it, when you should (and shouldn't), and what happens to your plan and number afterwards.
What Is an eSIM, and Why Does It Matter?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card built directly into your iPhone. Instead of a physical plastic card, your network credentials are stored electronically — meaning you can add, switch, or remove mobile plans without ever touching a SIM tray.
Fuse Mobile is a UK multi-network eSIM that connects you to all four UK networks — EE, Three, Vodafone, and O2 — automatically switching to whichever signal is strongest wherever you are. You activate it instantly via QR code, no physical SIM required. If you want to understand more about how eSIMs work, it's worth a quick read before diving into the removal steps.
Before You Remove an eSIM: Things to Check
Deleting an eSIM is permanent on your device. The profile is gone. That doesn't necessarily mean your plan is cancelled — but it does mean you'll need to re-add the eSIM if you want to use that plan again.
Before you proceed, run through this checklist:
- Is this your active line? If the eSIM you're deleting is your primary number, you'll lose mobile service the moment it's removed.
- Do you have your account login details? If you need to re-add the eSIM later, you'll need access to your provider's account to get a new QR code.
- Are you switching devices? Most eSIMs can only be transferred a limited number of times, so check your provider's policy first.
- Is your iPhone connected to Wi-Fi? You'll want an internet connection to verify the removal has worked, and to re-add any eSIM if needed.
Once you've ticked those off, you're ready to go.
How to Remove an eSIM From Your iPhone: Step by Step
The process is the same across iPhone XS, XR, and all later models running iOS 12.1 or above.
Step 1: Open Settings
Unlock your iPhone and tap the Settings app (the grey icon with cogs).
Step 2: Go to Mobile Service
Tap Mobile Service (sometimes labelled Cellular depending on your iOS version). You'll see a list of any SIMs currently active on your device — both physical SIMs and eSIMs.
Step 3: Select the eSIM You Want to Remove
Tap on the specific eSIM plan you want to delete. Each plan is listed by its label (e.g. "Fuse Mobile", "Personal", "Work") so you can identify the right one.
Step 4: Tap 'Delete eSIM'
Scroll to the bottom of that plan's settings page. You'll see a Delete eSIM option in red. Tap it.
Step 5: Confirm the Deletion
A confirmation prompt will appear asking if you're sure. Tap Delete to confirm. The eSIM profile is now permanently removed from your iPhone.
That's it. The whole process takes under a minute.
How to Remove an eSIM on iPhone 15 or Later (Dual eSIM Models)
From iPhone 15 onwards, Apple removed the physical SIM tray entirely in the UK — your iPhone now runs entirely on eSIM. The removal steps are identical, but there's one important difference: if you delete your only active eSIM, your phone will have no mobile connectivity at all until you add a new one.
Four UK networks, one eSIM. No contract.
Get connected to all four UK networks and never worry about signal again.
If you're switching providers or plans, make sure your new eSIM is ready to activate before deleting the old one. With Fuse, getting set up takes minutes — you scan a QR code and you're live.
What Happens to Your Plan and Number After Deletion?
This is where people often get confused. Deleting an eSIM from your iPhone does not automatically cancel your plan or release your number. Here's what actually happens:
Your plan keeps running. Your provider is still billing you. If you don't want to continue paying, you need to cancel your plan separately through your provider's app or account portal.
Your number is retained. Your phone number stays associated with your account, not your device. You can re-add the eSIM later and your number will be exactly as it was.
You'll need a new QR code to re-add. Once an eSIM is deleted from a device, that original QR code is usually invalidated. Log in to your provider's account to generate a fresh one.
With Fuse Mobile, you can manage everything through your account — cancel anytime, no contracts, no awkward phone calls to a retention team.
When Should You Remove an eSIM?
There are a few common scenarios where removing an eSIM makes sense.
Upgrading to a New iPhone
When you get a new iPhone, you'll want to move your eSIM across. Apple's Quick Start feature can transfer eSIMs automatically during device setup, so you may not need to delete anything manually. Check whether your provider supports eSIM transfer — if they do, use Quick Start and skip the manual deletion entirely.
If your provider doesn't support automatic transfer, you'll need to delete the eSIM from your old phone and request a new QR code to activate on the new device.
Clearing Out Old eSIM Profiles
Over time, especially if you've tested different plans or used eSIMs abroad, your iPhone can accumulate old profiles that are no longer active. These don't cause any harm, but tidying them up keeps your settings clean and makes it easier to manage your active lines.
Selling or Trading In Your iPhone
Before handing over your old iPhone, delete all eSIM profiles and perform a factory reset. This protects your account details and ensures the new owner starts fresh. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings — this removes eSIMs and all personal data in one go.
Switching Providers
If you're moving from one plan to another, you'll remove the old eSIM and add the new one. Just remember: cancel the old plan through your provider's account first, or you'll keep getting charged.
Can You Have Multiple eSIMs on One iPhone?
Yes. iPhones support multiple stored eSIM profiles, though only a limited number can be active simultaneously. iPhone 13 and later can store up to eight eSIMs, with two active at once. iPhone 15 and later (eSIM-only models in the UK) can run two eSIMs simultaneously.
This makes it easy to keep a personal and work line on the same device, or to store a plan for when you're abroad without deleting your main one.
FAQ
Does deleting an eSIM cancel my plan?
No — deleting an eSIM from your iPhone removes the profile from your device, but your plan and billing continue as normal. You need to cancel your plan separately through your provider's account if you no longer want it.
Can I re-add an eSIM after deleting it?
Yes, but you'll typically need a new QR code. The original QR code used to activate the eSIM is usually invalidated once the profile is deleted. Log in to your provider's account to request a new one.
Will I lose my phone number if I delete my eSIM?
No. Your phone number is tied to your account, not your physical device or eSIM profile. As long as your account remains active, your number is safe. You can re-add the eSIM on the same or a different device and your number will be restored.
What if I accidentally deleted the wrong eSIM?
Contact your provider as soon as possible. They can issue a new QR code to reactivate your plan. With Fuse Mobile, there are no contracts, so you can also simply restart with a fresh plan if needed — the 7-day free trial is always there if you want to test things before committing.
The Bottom Line
Removing an eSIM from your iPhone takes less than a minute and is entirely reversible from a plan perspective — your number and account stay intact. Just make sure you cancel your plan separately if you're done with it, and request a fresh QR code if you ever want to re-add it.
If you're in the market for a new eSIM plan once you've cleared the decks, it's worth considering what you actually need from your mobile connection. With Fuse Mobile, you get all four UK networks on a single eSIM — no patchy single-network coverage, no contracts, and plans starting from £5.99 a month. Sometimes the best time to switch is when you're already making a change.