How to delete an eSIM on Android: Step-by-step guide

Deleting an eSIM on Android isn’t complicated, but you might worry about removing the wrong profile or disrupting your main phone number. Menu labels vary between devices, and it’s natural to feel a little hesitant before hitting the final delete button.

The good news is that most Android phones keep these settings in a single, accessible menu. Once you know exactly where to look, clearing out an old travel plan or an expired carrier profile only takes a minute.

Below, we'll walk you through the steps to safely remove an eSIM. We’ll also provide a checklist before you start and give you tips on how to troubleshoot common eSIM deletion issues.

What should you check before deleting an eSIM?

You don’t need much preparation, but a few quick checks can help avoid headaches later.

• Confirm it’s the right SIM. Make sure you’re selecting the eSIM you want to remove and not your primary number.
• Review your plan. Deleting an eSIM doesn’t cancel any active mobile plan tied to it.
• Update two-factor authentication. If you’ve linked the eSIM to a banking or email account, switch to another line or an authenticator app first.
• Check your active SIM settings. If the eSIM you want to delete is currently set as your mobile data line, switch to another profile before you remove it.

These small steps help you avoid common issues like dropped service or login interruptions.

Step-by-step eSIM removal guide

Your menus may have different names depending on the make and model of your Android device, but the process is similar. If you get stuck, you can use the search bar in your Settings app to look for “SIM,” “eSIM,” or “Mobile Network.”

Samsung

Here’s how to remove an eSIM from most Samsung phone models.

Pixel

To remove an eSIM on a Pixel phone:

1.  Go to Settings > Network & internet.
2.  Select SIMs.
3.  Choose the eSIM profile you want to delete.
4.  Tap Erase eSIM or Delete eSIM.
5.  Confirm eSIM removal when prompted.

Xiaomi

To delete an eSIM from a Xiaomi device:

1.  Go to Settings > SIM cards & mobile networks.
2.  Select Manage eSIM.
3.  Choose the eSIM profile you want to delete.
4.  Tap Delete eSIM or Delete mobile plan.
5.  Confirm eSIM removal when prompted.

Once you confirm the removal of your eSIM, you won’t be able to undo this action. Double-check the SIM name before you delete it.

What happens after you delete an eSIM?

Removing an eSIM erases that mobile profile from your device. The change takes effect immediately, and your phone may switch to another SIM or show “No service” if you don’t have a backup line.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Deleted eSIMs aren’t recoverable unless your carrier allows you to reinstall the eSIM from the app or issues a new QR code.
• Your plan remains active until you cancel it with the provider.
• Dual SIM settings may reset, so double‑check your call and data preferences.
• Your device ID (IMEI, EID) doesn’t change when you delete an eSIM.

If you ever need the same plan again, your carrier will need to reopen or reissue the profile.

Troubleshooting eSIM deletion on Android

If something doesn’t look right, these quick fixes usually help:

• Settings menus don’t match your device. Use the search bar in Settings and type “eSIM” or “SIM cards.”
• The delete button isn’t there. Your eSIM may still be the active data line. Switch your main SIM first.
• You can’t access any of the eSIM settings. Only the carrier can remove some corporate or prepaid profiles.
• The phone won’t delete the eSIM. Try restarting your device, then repeat the steps.
• You want a clean slate. A factory reset removes eSIMs on certain models, but this wipes your entire device. Do this as a last resort.

What to remember when removing an eSIM

Removing an eSIM from your Android phone only takes a moment and the steps look similar across most devices. With the tips and checks above, you can delete an eSIM fairly easily and avoid issues with your data settings or plan.

If you’re preparing for a trip, you can follow our steps to remove an old or unused eSIM to keep your plans organized. You can install a travel eSIM like holiday.com via the app before you fly and activate it after you land. It’s the most convenient way to stay connected without juggling physical SIM cards.