How to Delete an eSIM on iPhone — What Happens If You Do

  • Smart Tips

30 December 2025

5-min read

How to Delete an eSIM — What You Must Know Before You Remove It

Many people search for how to delete eSIM, how to remove eSIM on iPhone, or accidentally deleted eSIM — usually because something went wrong or they’re trying to “reset” their connection.

Before you delete anything, stop for a second.

If you’re using travel eSIM, deleting it is not the same as pausing, fixing, or changing a plan — and in most cases, deleting is the worst possible option.

This guide explains:

  • how deleting an eSIM actually works

  • how to delete an eSIM on iPhone (technically)

  • what happens if you accidentally delete an eSIM

  • and why you usually should NOT delete your RedDogFish travel eSIM

First Things First — What Does “Deleting an eSIM” Mean?

Deleting (or removing) an eSIM means permanently removing the eSIM profile from your device.

Once deleted:

  • the eSIM cannot reconnect to networks

  • the profile is removed from your phone

  • in many cases, it cannot be restored

This is very different from:

  • turning mobile data off

  • pausing a plan

  • fixing activation issues

  • switching plans

Deleting is final.

 Travel eSIMs are:

  • single-installation only

  • non-transferable

  • not reusable after deletion

Once you delete an activated travel eSIM: ❌ it cannot be reinstalled ❌ it cannot be moved to another phone ❌ active or remaining plans are lost

This is why deleting your eSIM is almost never the solution.

If you are using RedDogFish eSIM and something doesn’t work — contact our Human Support first.

Why People Usually Want to Delete an eSIM (and Better Options)

❌ “My plan didn’t activate”

➡️ Do NOT delete the eSIM

What to do instead:

  • wait for the local network

  • check APN / mobile data settings

  • manually activate the plan in your account (if needed)

  • contact RedDogFish Human Support

❌ “I want to change my plan”

➡️ You don’t need to delete anything

With RedDogFish:

  • one travel eSIM can hold multiple plans

  • new plans activate automatically when you arrive in the destination country

❌ “I want to pause my plan”

➡️ Use Hold, not delete

Hold pauses an already active plan, saving remaining days and data.

❌ “I deleted it by mistake”

➡️ Unfortunately, deletion is irreversible

This is why we strongly warn users not to delete their eSIM.

How to Delete an eSIM on iPhone (Technical Steps)

⚠️ Only do this if you are 100% sure you want to permanently remove it.

How to delete eSIM on iPhone:

  1. Open Settings

  2. Go to Cellular (or Mobile Data)

  3. Select the eSIM you want to remove

  4. Tap Delete eSIM

  5. Confirm deletion

This applies to:

  • how to delete eSIM on iPhone

  • how to remove eSIM from iPhone

  • delete eSIM iPhone

Once confirmed, the eSIM profile is gone.

What Happens If You Accidentally Deleted an eSIM?

If you accidentally deleted a RedDogFish travel eSIM:

  • it cannot be restored

  • it cannot be reinstalled

  • active or unused plans are lost

  • you will need to purchase a new eSIM

This is exactly why we recommend: Never delete your eSIM unless our Human Support explicitly tells you to.

When Is It OK to Delete an eSIM?

Deleting an eSIM only makes sense if:

  • you are permanently done with that eSIM

  • it has no active or future plans

  • you are switching to a completely new device and understand the loss

  • the eSIM is from a provider that allows reinstallation (RedDogFish does NOT)

If you’re unsure — don’t delete it.

The Safer Alternative — What to Do Instead of Deleting

If something feels wrong:

  • turn mobile data off and on

  • restart your phone

  • check network selection

  • log in to your RedDogFish account and review the plan

  • contact our Human Support

In 99% of cases, deleting the eSIM is unnecessary.

Final Advice — Read This Before You Tap “Delete”

Deleting an eSIM is permanent. For RedDogFish users, it’s irreversible.

If your eSIM:

  • doesn’t activate

  • seems stuck

  • isn’t using data

  • shows no signal

 Do NOT delete it.

Reach out to our Human Support — real people who will fix the issue without risking your connection, your plans, or your money.

Your RedDogFish eSIM is designed to be:

  • installed once

  • used for multiple trips

  • kept active for up to 12 months from the last purchase

Treat it like a digital passport — you wouldn’t throw that away.

Get your RedDogFish eSIM Install once. Travel freely. Stay connected.

Read more

All articles
All articles