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How to Delete SIM Profile from iPhone

Deleting iPhone SIM Profile

Do you want to erase the SIM (Subscriber Identity/Identification Module) profile from your iOS device, but don’t know how? We can help you wipe the configuration from your device and start anew. However, it would help if you took precautions before doing so, and ensured that you could configure a new one or insert a physical SIM card afterward. It’s also worth noting that doing so does not cancel the subscription plan with your carrier. With that in mind, here’s how to delete the SIM profile on an iPhone.

Why should I erase the SIM profile from an iPhone?

Here’s why you should erase the iPhone’s SIM profile:

  1. If you entered the information for the wrong profile or scanned the incorrect QR code
  2. If you got a new iPhone and want to transfer your mobile phone number to it
  3. When you are no longer using the iPhone and want to trade, sell, or gift it
  4. If you switched carriers and want to get a fresh start with the new eSIM
  5. If you decided to switch to a physical SIM card such as a nano SIM
  6. When you get critical errors such as invalid or no SIM detected

When shouldn’t I erase the SIM profile from an iOS device?

You shouldn’t erase the SIM card profile unless you reach the maximum number. For instance, you can have multiple SIM profiles, usually 8 or more, for different carriers, and use up to two phone numbers simultaneously.

If you encounter an error and want to troubleshoot, it’s wise to first disable a cellular line by going to Settings → Cellular (or Cellular Data/Mobile Data) → selecting the eSIM → Toggling “Turn On This Line” to Off.

Also, ensure that you don’t wipe SIM profiles until you contact the carrier, whether you plan on using the device with the same or a new phone number. That way, they can provide a new one soon after.

Another common misconception is that you should wipe your SIM profile when upgrading or downgrading your payment plan. The feature was built with updates in mind, hence the carrier can provide data OTA (over-the-air) and refresh your profile.

Unless you encounter issues, don’t wipe the SIM profile during a factory reset if you plan to use the same phone number afterward.

Method 1. Delete the SIM profile from iPhone’s Settings

Follow these instructions to use iPhone’s Settings to delete the SIM profile:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone’s home screen or the bottom home bar.
  2. Find the Cellular option. It may be titled Cellular Data or Mobile Data on some iOS versions.
  3. Select the user plan you want to delete by tapping.
  4. Tap the Delete eSIM option. The option may also be specific, such as Remove Cellular Plan or Remove [carrier’s name] Plan.
  5. Confirm the decision by tapping the same option in the option above again.
  6. The SIM profile will be erased. The only way to revert the removal is to set up a new embedded SIM profile by tapping Set Up Cellular, and then:
    1. Transfer from Nearby Phone
    2. Use QR Code
    3. Manually enter the SIM profile details your carrier provided

Method 2. Reset iPhone to factory settings to remove SIM profiles

Another method to wipe all SIM profiles at once is to revert your iPhone to its original settings. This is irreversible, so proceed only when the other option is unfeasible for some reason. Ensure you synced your data with iCloud or created a backup. You can also restore from a backup dating to the time before you installed the SIM profile if you’re using iTunes on Mac.

Follow these steps to remove any SIM profile on your iPhone by deleting all settings and content:

  1. Open Settings from the home bar at the bottom or the home screen.
  2. Tap the General option at the top.
  3. Select Transfer or Reset iPhone.
  4. Choose the Erase All Content and Settings option.
  5. Pick the Delete All eSIMs option.
  6. Enter the Apple ID password or your phone’s passcode to proceed.
  7. Confirm by pressing Delete All eSIMs again.
  8. The phone will delete all your data, including your SIM profile, and restart. This can take a few minutes.
  9. Set the device up as a new one, or sign in to your Apple ID and restore from a manual or cloud backup.

Note. If you can’t remember your Screen Time passcode, restoring from a backup later won’t let you access the phone. Thus, you have to configure your iPhone as a new device after a reset and set a new Screen Time password.

What to do after deleting the iPhone SIM profile?

After deleting the iPhone SIM profile, you should boot the device to the home screen and do one of five things:

  1. Restore from a backup. Sign in to your Apple ID and let the device sync data from the cloud.
  2. Use the automatic SIM profile download. Tap the “Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed” notification in the Settings app.
  3. Configure a new eSIM profile. To do this, Settings → Cellular (or Cellular Data/Mobile Data) → Tap Add eSIM or Add Cellular → Use a QR code, share data from a nearby phone, or add information manually.
  4. Choose an old or different eSIM profile. After making sure “Turn On This Line” is enabled for that profile, tap the Default Voice Line option and make that profile “Primary”.
  5. Switch to a physical SIM card if your iPhone supports it. You can insert the SIM card on the iPhone and enable it under the “Cellular Data” menu.
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