Why Can’t I Remove an eSIM from My Device?

This issue most commonly occurs on iOS devices (iPhone), where the eSIM may be linked to a carrier profile or system restrictions (such as MDM management or a corporate profile). On Android, it happens less often, but it may still be caused by a system bug or missing permissions.

Solution:

Check whether your device has a management profile installed:

iPhone (iOS):

Settings → General → VPN & Device Management

If a profile is installed, remove it or contact your administrator. Also make sure your operating system is up to date.

How to Remove an eSIM on iPhone (iOS)

Go to:
Settings → Cellular / Mobile Data

Select the eSIM and tap:
Remove Cellular Plan

If the option is unavailable or grayed out, first try disabling the eSIM and then attempt to remove it again.

If it still does not work, restart your iPhone and try again.

How to Remove an eSIM on Android

Go to:
Settings → Network & Internet → SIM Cards

Select the eSIM and choose the remove option.

Depending on the manufacturer, the menu path may vary (for example on Samsung devices it may appear under SIM Manager).

If the option does not work, try disabling the eSIM first and then removing it again.

What Should I Do If the eSIM Removal Option Does Not Work?

The following solutions usually help:

• restarting the device,
• updating the operating system,
• temporarily disabling other SIM cards,
• resetting network settings (as a last resort).

Can an eSIM Be Locked by the Carrier?

Yes — in some cases, the carrier or a dedicated app may restrict eSIM removal (for example if the profile is still active or incorrectly saved).

Solution:

Try removing the eSIM directly through the phone’s system settings instead of using the carrier app.

If that does not help, contact your carrier or eSIM provider for assistance.