What happens if I delete my eSIM?

eSIMs (or embedded SIMs) are a digital version of traditional, plastic SIM cards. They are built into your device by its manufacturer. To use an eSIM, you need to sign up for an eSIM service and install the eSIM profile on your device. And, when you delete an eSIM, you simply erase the profile that connects you to the provider.

This means you won’t be able to access cellular service on the eSIM, and you may need to contact your eSIM provider to reactivate or replace it. While it often includes waiting and troubleshooting, it’s possible to recover a deleted eSIM. But this depends on your provider and how quickly you act.

In this article, I’ll explain what happens when you delete an eSIM, what it means, and how to restore a deleted eSIM.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM is the digital equivalent of the plastic SIM cards that millions of people around the world use. eSIMs are built directly into your smartphone. To use one, you have to purchase an eSIM plan online and set it up on your device.

eSIMs are more environmentally friendly than physical SIM cards, and experts predict that phone manufacturers will gradually ditch the physical SIM card slot in favor of eSIMs. Apple is already leading this trend. Since the release of the iPhone 14 in 2022, all iPhone models sold in the US only work with eSIMs — they don’t even come with a physical SIM tray.

Generally, most smartphones released after 2017 are compatible with eSIMs. The latest devices from the top phone manufacturers, like Google and Samsung, work with eSIMs. Even smartwatches, tablets, and laptops support eSIMs.

eSIMs allow you to easily switch providers without swapping out your physical SIM card. You can also purchase an eSIM plan and set it up without visiting a physical store. In fact, you can have multiple eSIM profiles on your phone, i.e., one for personal use, one for business, and one that keeps you connected in specific, remote regions. This is one of the reasons why eSIMs are popular among travelers.

Leading eSIM providers like Nomad offer global coverage, allowing you to seamlessly access high-speed connectivity abroad, even when traveling across different countries or continents.

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What does it mean to delete an eSIM?

Deleting an eSIM erases the eSIM data from your device. This includes the eSIM profile stored on your device, which contains all the essential network details and settings that connect your device to your network provider.

There are various reasons you might want to delete your eSIM. Perhaps you’re switching to a new provider and no longer need that plan, or you’re getting ready to sell or give away your device and want to wipe all the personal information. Sometimes, when moving your eSIM profile to a new phone, your eSIM provider may require you to delete the eSIM profile from the old device first.

Whatever the case, it’s important to note that deleting your eSIM profile doesn’t automatically cancel your mobile service or end your contract with your eSIM provider. It only removes the configuration files from your device. But your data plan still exists — it just won’t be active on that phone until you reinstall the eSIM or activate it on another device.

What if you mistakenly delete your eSIM?

It’s possible to delete your eSIM by accident. This can be incredibly frustrating if you’re in a place where Wi-Fi is inaccessible and rely on your eSIM’s internet connection.

When you delete your eSIM, you will immediately lose access to your eSIM mobile network. This means you won’t be able to make calls, send text messages, or access the internet. In most cases, deleting an eSIM would only affect your internet connection unless it’s an eSIM that supports phone calls and SMS messaging.

Deleting your eSIM won’t affect your device’s functionality or your personal files. Your phone will continue to work as usual, and your contacts, photos, and settings will remain unchanged. You’ll also still be able to use Wi-Fi and access your apps.

Most top eSIM providers, like Nomad, provide 24/7 customer support through various channels, including via the Nomad app. So, if you accidentally delete your eSIM, you can easily get assistance setting it up again. eSIM installation codes are usually single-use, but providers will issue you a new installation code.

So, it’s not the end of the world if you mistakenly delete your eSIM. You can easily reinstall it and restore your connectivity by contacting your eSIM provider’s customer support team.

Ways to restore a deleted eSIM on iPhone or Android

eSIM installation codes (including QR codes) are designed for one-time use. So, if you delete your eSIM profile, you’ll likely have to contact your eSIM provider’s customer support for a new eSIM activation code or instructions on how to set up your eSIM again.

Each eSIM provider handles this situation differently. While some providers might allow you to reactivate the deleted eSIM, others may issue a new eSIM profile.

If you’re using a Nomad eSIM, you should know that this provider’s QR codes for installing your eSIM are single-use. In some cases, like with an unused eSIM plan or an unactivated eSIM, Nomad may issue you a new code.

If you’ve already activated your eSIM plan, you can attempt to restore the deleted eSIM on your iPhone or Android device. Here’s a step-by-step guide explaining how to restore a deleted eSIM:

On iPhone:

1. Open the Nomad app.
2. Log in with the same account/email you used to purchase the eSIM.
3. If available, follow prompts to reinstall the eSIM or request a new eSIM. You can do that by going to your phone's settings and entering the mobile service section.
4. Tap on Delete eSIM, remove the service, and complete the reinstallation progress to restore your eSIM service.

On Android:

1. Open Nomad’s app.
2. Log in with your account details.
3. Navigate to the eSIM section.
4. Follow the prompts to reinstall your eSIM.

If you can’t reinstall your eSIM via the app, you’ll have to speak to Nomad’s customer support team. When you do this, ensure you provide all the relevant information, like the personal details linked to the deleted eSIM plan and your device model.

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Final thoughts

Deleting your eSIM will erase that SIM profile from your device, and you’ll lose your network signal. This means you won’t be able to access the internet, make calls, or send SMS messages.

In most cases, once you delete an eSIM profile, you can’t reinstall it using the same activation code. So, you’ll have to contact your eSIM provider’s customer support team for help reinstalling and reactivating your eSIM. In some rare cases, if you delete your eSIM profile, you’ll have to purchase a new plan even if your data hasn’t been used up completely.

I highly recommend you don’t tinker with your eSIM settings once you’ve set it up, as these fields are automatically filled in during your eSIM installation. I also recommend you check provider policies before purchasing an eSIM, and keep a backup of your eSIM details.

If you encounter any issues with your eSIM, don’t hesitate to contact your provider’s customer support team via the eSIM app or the provider’s official website.

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