Can I turn off an eSIM without deleting it? Yes, and in most cases that is exactly what you should do. Turning off an eSIM is like taking a SIM card out and putting it in a drawer. Deleting it is like cutting the card in half: it is gone for good.
This guide explains the difference, when each option makes sense, and how to do both on iPhone and Android.
In this guide:
- Turning off vs. deleting an eSIM
- When to turn off and when to delete
- How to turn off an eSIM
- How to delete an eSIM
- Before you reset or sell your phone
- FAQs
Turning Off vs. Deleting an eSIM
| Turn off | Delete | |
|---|---|---|
| What happens | The line is disabled but stays on your phone | The eSIM profile is removed from your phone |
| Can you undo it? | Yes, switch it back on any time | Usually not, it can't be reinstalled |
| Remaining data | Kept, as long as the plan hasn't expired | Lost |
| Best for | Pausing a line, saving battery, avoiding mix-ups | Expired plans you will never use again |
Good to know: Turning off an eSIM doesn't pause its validity. If your plan runs for 7 days, the days keep counting even while the line is off.
When to Turn Off and When to Delete
Turn it off when:
- You want your phone to use a different line for a while, for example back on your home SIM.
- You are troubleshooting and support asks you to switch lines.
- You want to save a little battery on a long day.
Delete it when:
- The plan has expired and you are back home. egoViet plans can't be topped up, so an expired travel eSIM has no further use.
- You have too many old eSIMs and want to tidy up your settings. Here is how many eSIMs a phone can store.
Never delete it when:
- It isn't connecting. That is almost always a setting, not a broken eSIM. Try these 8 quick fixes first.
- The plan still has days or data left.
How to Turn Off an eSIM
On iPhone
- Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Service).
- Tap the eSIM line.
- Switch off Turn On This Line.
On Android
- Go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager (Samsung) or Settings > Network & internet > SIMs (Pixel).
- Tap the eSIM.
- Switch it off.
Don't forget to choose another line for mobile data if you still need internet. Here is how to switch between lines.
How to Delete an eSIM
Only do this when you are sure you no longer need the plan.
On iPhone
- Go to Settings > Cellular.
- Tap the eSIM line.
- Scroll down and tap Delete eSIM (or Remove Cellular Plan on older iOS), then confirm.
On Android
- Open the SIM settings described above and tap the eSIM.
- Tap Remove or Delete (Samsung), or Erase SIM (Pixel), then confirm.
Before You Reset or Sell Your Phone
A factory reset can remove every eSIM on the phone. Recent versions of iOS and Android ask whether to keep or erase eSIMs during the reset, so read the prompt carefully. If you have an active travel eSIM, finish using it before you reset, or keep the eSIMs when asked.
Selling or giving away your phone? Delete all eSIMs first, so nobody else can use your lines.
Planning your next trip? Pick a fresh plan in the egoViet eSIM store and install it with our installation guide. Still have questions? Visit the help center.
FAQs: Turning Off or Deleting an eSIM
Can I turn off an eSIM and turn it back on later?
Yes. Turning off an eSIM keeps it on your phone, and you can switch it back on whenever you like, as long as the plan is still valid.
What happens if I delete my eSIM?
The eSIM profile is removed from your phone, along with any remaining data. In most cases it can't be reinstalled, so only delete eSIMs you no longer need.
Does turning off an eSIM pause the plan?
No. The validity period keeps running while the line is off.
Should I delete my travel eSIM when I get home?
Once the plan has expired, yes. It keeps your settings tidy. If the plan still has days left, keep it until it expires.