Wondering when it’s time to delete your eSIM? Whether you’re finishing a trip, switching phones, or just cleaning up your device, understanding the right time to remove your eSIM can save you from unnecessary issues. In this guide, we’ll help you decide when to delete or deactivate your eSIM, explain the difference between the two, and provide useful tips to make sure you’re making the right choice.
When to Delete Your eSIM
You might need to delete your eSIM in the following situations:
- Upgrading to a New Device: If you’re transferring your eSIM to a new phone, deleting it from the old one is necessary.
- Expired Plan: If your eSIM plan has ended and you no longer need the services, it’s time to delete it.
- Trip Over: Once your travels are done, and you no longer need the eSIM for data or calls, deletion might be the best option.
- Limited Profiles: If your device has hit the profile limit and you want to install a new eSIM, removing old ones can free up space.
- Better Plan: If you find a better data plan for the same region or country, deleting the old one is the way to go.
- Selling or Giving Away Your Phone: To protect your privacy, delete the eSIM before handing over your device.
When NOT to Delete Your eSIM
There are some instances when it’s best to hold off on deleting your eSIM:
- Trouble Connecting: If your eSIM isn’t working, first ensure the activation steps are followed properly before deleting it.
- Pre-Travel Setup: If you’ve activated your eSIM before a trip, simply disable data roaming until you reach your destination.
- Factory Reset: If you’re performing a factory reset, don’t choose the option to delete your eSIM if you still need it for future use.
- Multiple eSIMs: If you’re unsure which eSIM to delete, it’s best to keep all profiles until you confirm which one you no longer need.
Key Considerations
- Expired eSIM Profiles: You can leave expired eSIM profiles on your device, but be mindful of your device’s profile limit. Keeping too many inactive profiles could block new installations.
- Factory Reset Reminder: During a factory reset, be cautious about deleting eSIMs. If you’re unsure, opt to keep them—some providers don’t allow reinstallation after deletion.
- Deactivate vs. Delete: Deactivating your eSIM temporarily disables it but keeps it in your profile, while deleting removes it entirely. If you just need a break from using it, deactivation is often enough.
What If I Accidentally Deleted My eSIM?
If you accidentally deleted your eSIM, you might not be able to reinstall it. You’ll have to purchase a new eSIM plan entirely and get a new eSIM profile. However, in some cases, you can manually reinstall it using the activation codes provided by JetSIMGo.
How to Deactivate an eSIM
If you want to temporarily disable your eSIM (e.g., before you reach your destination or when switching to a new one), here’s how:
For iPhone
- Go to Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data
- Select the eSIM you want to deactivate
- Toggle off Turn On This Line to deactivate it without deleting it.
For Android
- Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager
- Find the eSIM and toggle it off to deactivate.
Deleting or deactivating your eSIM is a personal choice based on your needs. Make sure to follow these steps to manage your eSIM effectively and avoid unnecessary issues.