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How to Remove eSIM from iPhone 16: Step-by-Step Guide

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I bought an iPhone 16 Pro specifically because I loved the idea of being eSIM-only – no physical SIM card tray, no tiny cards to lose, just pure digital simplicity. For months, it worked perfectly. Then I decided to sell my iPhone and upgrade to the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

“I’ll just remove the eSIM and transfer it to the new phone,” I thought. Simple enough, right?

Except when I went to Settings, I couldn’t find the “Remove” option. It wasn’t where I expected. The menu structure was different. And every guide I found online was for older iPhones with slightly different settings paths.

After 20 minutes of searching through menus and nearly panicking that I couldn’t remove my eSIM before selling my phone, I finally found it. Here’s everything you need to know about removing eSIM from iPhone 16 – including the situations where you should (and definitely shouldn’t) remove it.

Before You Remove: Do You Actually Need To?

The biggest mistake people make is removing their eSIM when they don’t actually need to.

When You DON’T Need to Remove eSIM

Transferring to another iPhone 16:

  • Use eSIM Quick Transfer instead
  • Settings > Cellular > Set Up Cellular > Transfer From Another iPhone
  • Keeps same eSIM, just moves it to new device
  • Much easier than removing and reinstalling

Troubleshooting minor issues:

  • Restart phone first (fixes 80% of issues)
  • Reset network settings before removing eSIM
  • Toggle Airplane Mode
  • Most issues don’t require eSIM removal

Switching between dual eSIMs:

  • You can turn eSIM lines on/off without removing
  • Settings > Cellular > Tap the line > Toggle “Turn On This Line”
  • Removal isn’t necessary just to stop using a line

When You DO Need to Remove eSIM

Selling or giving away your iPhone 16:

  • Must remove eSIM before transferring ownership
  • Protects your account and phone number
  • New owner needs clean device

Switching to Android or non-Apple phone:

  • eSIM Quick Transfer only works between iPhones
  • Need to remove from iPhone 16 and get new code for other phone
  • Requires carrier involvement

Returning defective iPhone 16:

  • Remove eSIM before sending back for replacement
  • Ensures your number stays accessible
  • Can install on replacement device when it arrives

Changing to physical SIM:

  • Some prefer physical SIM for flexibility
  • Especially when traveling internationally
  • Note: iPhone 16 in US has no SIM tray – can’t use physical SIM

Completely changing carriers:

  • Sometimes cleaner to remove old carrier eSIM
  • Install fresh eSIM from new carrier
  • Avoids potential conflicts

Persistent technical issues:

  • After trying all other troubleshooting
  • Removing and reinstalling can fix corrupted profiles
  • Last resort, not first step

How to Remove eSIM from iPhone 16 (Step-by-Step)

Here’s the exact process for removing eSIM on iPhone 16:

Method 1: Standard Removal Process

Steps:

  1. Open Settings
    • Tap the Settings app (gray icon with gears)
  2. Go to Cellular settings
    • Tap “Cellular” or “Mobile Service” (depends on region)
    • You’ll see all your cellular plans listed
  3. Select the eSIM you want to remove
    • If you have multiple eSIMs, tap the specific one you want to delete
    • It will show the label you assigned (like “Personal,” “Work,” or your carrier name)
  4. Scroll down to find “Remove Cellular Plan”
    • This option is at the bottom of the screen
    • Below all other settings for this line
  5. Tap “Remove Cellular Plan”
    • A confirmation dialog will appear
  6. Confirm removal
    • Read the warning carefully
    • Tap “Remove” to confirm
    • Or tap “Cancel” if you changed your mind
  7. eSIM is now removed
    • The plan disappears from your Cellular settings
    • Phone number is no longer accessible on this device

Visual path: Settings > Cellular > [Your eSIM] > Scroll down > Remove Cellular Plan > Remove

Method 2: Remove All Cellular Plans (Nuclear Option)

If you want to remove all eSIMs at once:

Steps:

  1. Settings > General
  2. Scroll down and tap “Transfer or Reset iPhone”
  3. Tap “Erase All Content and Settings”
    • This removes everything, including all eSIMs
    • Only use when selling/giving away phone
    • Creates completely clean device
  4. Follow prompts to confirm
    • Will ask for passcode
    • Will sign you out of Apple ID
    • All data and eSIMs will be erased

Warning: This is not just eSIM removal – it’s a complete factory reset. Only use when intentionally wiping the entire phone.

Method 3: Remove via Carrier App (Sometimes Available)

Some carriers let you manage eSIM through their app:

Steps:

  1. Open your carrier’s app
    • T-Mobile app, Verizon app, AT&T app, etc.
  2. Navigate to device or line settings
    • Look for “Manage devices” or similar
  3. Find your iPhone 16
    • Should show as connected device
  4. Look for “Remove eSIM” or “Deactivate” option
    • Not all carriers offer this
    • If available, it’s often easier than phone settings
  5. Confirm removal in app
    • eSIM becomes inactive
    • Will disappear from iPhone settings

Note: This method availability varies widely by carrier.

What Happens When You Remove eSIM

Understanding the consequences helps you prepare properly.

Immediate Effects

Your phone loses cellular service:

  • Can’t make or receive calls
  • Can’t send or receive SMS texts
  • No cellular data (only Wi-Fi)
  • Emergency calls still work (any available network)

The eSIM profile is deleted:

  • Removed from iPhone 16’s eSIM chip
  • Can’t be “un-deleted” – it’s gone
  • Original QR code usually won’t work again
  • Need new activation code from carrier to reinstall

Your phone number status depends on carrier:

  • Some carriers keep number active in their system
  • Others deactivate number when eSIM removed
  • Account remains but line may be suspended
  • Contact carrier to understand their policy

What Stays on Your iPhone 16

Doesn’t affect:

  • Your apps and data
  • Photos and videos
  • Contacts (stored in iCloud or phone)
  • Settings and preferences
  • Apple ID
  • Wi-Fi connections

Only removes:

  • The eSIM cellular profile
  • Ability to connect to cellular networks
  • Access to phone number on this device

Critical: Can You Reinstall After Removing?

This is where many people get confused and frustrated.

The QR Code Reality

Original QR code typically won’t work again:

  • Most carriers generate one-time-use activation codes
  • Once eSIM is downloaded and activated, code is consumed
  • Removing eSIM doesn’t “reset” the code
  • Scanning same code usually results in “Cannot Add Cellular Plan” error

Exceptions:

  • Some carriers allow code reuse within time window (30 days)
  • Google Fi generally allows unlimited reactivations
  • A few carriers have reusable codes
  • But these are exceptions, not the rule

How to Get Your eSIM Back

If you need to reinstall on same iPhone 16:

  1. Contact your carrier
    • Explain you removed eSIM and need new activation code
    • They can generate fresh code
    • Usually provided via email or their app
  2. Request time frame
    • Some carriers: Immediate to 30 minutes
    • Others: 2-24 hours
    • Know what to expect
  3. Install new code
    • Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan
    • Scan new QR code or enter manually
    • Wait for activation

Timeline:

  • Best case: 15 minutes total
  • Typical: 1-2 hours
  • Worst case: 24-48 hours

Before Removing – Critical Checklist

Only remove eSIM after confirming:

  • [ ] You actually need to remove it (see earlier section)
  • [ ] You have backup connectivity (Wi-Fi, another phone)
  • [ ] You know how to get new activation code
  • [ ] Carrier support is available if needed
  • [ ] You’re not traveling or in critical communication period
  • [ ] You’ve backed up important texts/voicemails
  • [ ] You have time to deal with reinstallation if needed

Special case – selling phone:

  • [ ] Backed up everything you want to keep
  • [ ] Signed out of iCloud and all apps
  • [ ] Disabled Find My iPhone
  • [ ] Ready to erase all content and settings

Troubleshooting: Can’t Find Remove Option

Sometimes the “Remove Cellular Plan” option is hidden or grayed out.

Issue 1: Remove Option Is Grayed Out

Why this happens:

  • Find My iPhone is enabled (most common)
  • Device management or parental controls active
  • Carrier has restrictions on the account
  • eSIM is locked by carrier

Solutions:

Disable Find My iPhone:

  1. Settings > [Your Name] > Find My
  2. Tap “Find My iPhone”
  3. Toggle OFF “Find My iPhone”
  4. Enter Apple ID password
  5. Now try removing eSIM again

Check Screen Time restrictions:

  1. Settings > Screen Time
  2. Tap “Content & Privacy Restrictions”
  3. Tap “Cellular Data Changes”
  4. Ensure it’s set to “Allow”
  5. Try removing eSIM again

Contact carrier:

  • They may have account-level restrictions
  • Can unlock from their end
  • Ask them to remove restrictions for eSIM management

Issue 2: Remove Option Doesn’t Appear at All

Why this happens:

  • Looking in wrong menu location
  • iOS glitch hiding the option
  • eSIM already inactive but still showing

Solutions:

Verify you’re in correct location:

  1. Settings > Cellular > [Specific eSIM plan, not “Cellular” section]
  2. Scroll all the way to bottom
  3. “Remove Cellular Plan” should be last option

Restart iPhone:

  1. Press and hold Side button and Volume button
  2. Slide to power off
  3. Wait 30 seconds
  4. Power back on
  5. Check settings again

Update iOS:

  1. Settings > General > Software Update
  2. Install any available updates
  3. Restart phone
  4. Try again

Contact Apple Support:

  • If option still doesn’t appear
  • May be iOS bug
  • They can guide through alternative method

Issue 3: Error When Trying to Remove

Symptoms:

  • Tap “Remove” but nothing happens
  • Error message appears
  • “Unable to remove cellular plan” message

Solutions:

Check internet connection:

  1. Removal may require checking with carrier servers
  2. Connect to Wi-Fi
  3. Try removal again

Sign out and back into Apple ID:

  1. Settings > [Your Name]
  2. Scroll down and tap “Sign Out”
  3. Sign back in
  4. Try removing eSIM

Reset Network Settings:

  1. Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
  2. Tap Reset > Reset Network Settings
  3. Confirm reset
  4. After restart, try removing eSIM

Contact carrier to deactivate remotely:

  • They can deactivate from their end
  • eSIM becomes inactive even if still shows on phone
  • Then you can remove the inactive profile

Special Situations

Removing eSIM When Selling iPhone 16

Complete preparation process:

  1. Back up your iPhone:
    • Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now
    • Or back up to computer via Finder (Mac) or iTunes (PC)
    • Verify backup completed
  2. Unpair Apple Watch (if you have one):
    • Open Watch app on iPhone
    • Tap your watch at top
    • Tap info icon (i)
    • Tap “Unpair Apple Watch”
  3. Remove eSIM:
    • Settings > Cellular > [Your eSIM] > Remove Cellular Plan
    • Confirm removal
  4. Sign out of iCloud:
    • Settings > [Your Name] > Scroll down > Sign Out
    • Enter Apple ID password
    • Choose what data to keep on device (doesn’t matter since you’re erasing)
    • Tap “Sign Out” twice to confirm
  5. Erase all content:
    • Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
    • Tap “Erase All Content and Settings”
    • Confirm and wait for process to complete
    • Phone will restart as new device
  6. Verify everything is removed:
    • Should see “Hello” setup screen
    • No personal data accessible
    • eSIM gone
    • Ready for new owner

Removing eSIM When Switching to Android

Process:

  1. Contact carrier first:
    • Before removing iPhone eSIM
    • Request eSIM or physical SIM for Android device
    • Get activation code/SIM card ready
  2. Set up Android phone:
    • Complete initial Android setup
    • Connect to Wi-Fi
    • Install carrier app if available
  3. Activate service on Android:
    • Install new eSIM on Android first
    • Or insert physical SIM
    • Verify Android phone has working service
    • Test calls, texts, and data
  4. Only then remove iPhone eSIM:
    • Once Android is fully working
    • Settings > Cellular > Remove Cellular Plan
    • Now safe to remove since Android works

Why this order matters:

  • Prevents service gap
  • Android eSIM activation can take time
  • If issues arise, iPhone still works
  • Much less stressful

Removing eSIM When Traveling

Should you remove eSIM when getting travel eSIM?

Short answer: Usually no

Instead of removing:

  1. Turn off your primary eSIM
  2. Settings > Cellular > [Primary eSIM] > Turn Off This Line
  3. Install travel eSIM as second line
  4. Use travel eSIM for data
  5. Keep primary eSIM off but available for important calls

When to actually remove:

  • iPhone 16 in US only supports 2 eSIMs active
  • If already have 2 eSIMs and need third
  • Must remove one to make space

Better approach:

  • Remove old/unused eSIM
  • Keep your primary
  • Add travel eSIM as secondary

After Removing: Getting Service Back

When you’re ready to restore cellular service:

Reinstalling Same Carrier eSIM

Steps:

  1. Contact carrier for new activation code:
    • Call, chat, or use their app
    • Request: “I removed my eSIM and need a new activation code for same number/account”
    • They’ll verify account
    • Generate and send new code
  2. Wait for code delivery:
    • Email with QR code (most common)
    • Text message with link
    • Available in carrier app
    • Time varies: instant to 24 hours
  3. Install new eSIM:
    • Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan
    • Scan QR code displayed on another device
    • Or tap “Enter Details Manually”
    • Follow prompts
    • Wait for activation (1-10 minutes typically)
  4. Configure settings:
    • Set as default line for calls/texts/data
    • Enable/disable data roaming as needed
    • Set up Wi-Fi calling if desired
  5. Test everything:
    • Make test call
    • Send test text
    • Check data works (disable Wi-Fi temporarily)
    • Verify voicemail accessible

Switching to Different Carrier

Process:

  1. Choose new carrier and plan
  2. Check if porting number:
    • Porting keeps your old number
    • New carrier handles the port
    • Need account info from old carrier
  3. Get eSIM from new carrier:
    • Purchase online or in store
    • Receive eSIM QR code
    • Or physical SIM if iPhone 16 isn’t US model
  4. Install new carrier eSIM:
    • Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan
    • Follow new carrier’s instructions
  5. Wait for port to complete (if porting):
    • Can take 1-24 hours
    • Old carrier service stops
    • New carrier service starts
    • Your old number appears on new carrier

Important timing:

  • Don’t remove old eSIM until port starts
  • New carrier initiates port process
  • Then safe to remove old carrier eSIM
  • Or it may deactivate automatically when port completes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common errors:

Mistake 1: Removing eSIM Before Getting New Code

The problem:

  • Remove eSIM thinking you can reinstall easily
  • Discover original QR code doesn’t work
  • Now stuck without service while waiting for new code

The fix:

  • Always contact carrier BEFORE removing eSIM
  • Get new code ready first
  • Or confirm you can get new code quickly
  • Then remove old eSIM

Mistake 2: Removing eSIM When You Just Need to Toggle It Off

The problem:

  • Think you need to remove eSIM to stop using it
  • Removal is permanent and requires reinstallation
  • Much more work than necessary

The fix:

  • Just turn the line off: Settings > Cellular > [eSIM] > Turn Off This Line
  • Keeps eSIM installed but inactive
  • Can turn back on anytime instantly
  • No reinstallation needed

Mistake 3: Removing eSIM While Traveling

The problem:

  • Remove eSIM while overseas
  • Now can’t get new activation code without Wi-Fi
  • May need that line for important calls

The fix:

  • Don’t remove eSIM while traveling
  • Turn it off if needed, don’t remove
  • Wait until home with reliable internet
  • Or ensure you have Wi-Fi access for reinstallation

Mistake 4: Not Backing Up Important Data First

The problem:

  • Remove eSIM (maybe preparing to sell)
  • Forget to save text messages or voicemail
  • Once eSIM gone, harder to access

The fix:

  • Back up everything before removing eSIM
  • Save important texts
  • Save voicemail messages you want to keep
  • Export any data tied to phone number

Mistake 5: Removing eSIM from Old iPhone Before New iPhone Arrives

The problem:

  • Ordered new iPhone 16
  • Remove eSIM from old iPhone early
  • New iPhone delayed or arrives damaged
  • Now no working phone

The fix:

  • Keep old iPhone eSIM active until new phone arrives
  • Verify new phone works properly
  • Then remove from old phone
  • Or use eSIM Quick Transfer which handles automatically

Carrier-Specific Notes

Different carriers have different processes:

T-Mobile

Removal process:

  • Standard removal through Settings works
  • Can also manage via T-Mobile app
  • New codes typically available within 30 minutes
  • Good support for eSIM reinstallation

Getting new code:

  • T-Mobile app > Account > Devices
  • Request new eSIM
  • QR code appears in app usually

Verizon

Removal process:

  • Standard Settings removal works
  • My Verizon app can manage eSIM
  • Sometimes requires customer service call for reactivation

Getting new code:

  • Use My Verizon app
  • Or call customer service
  • Usually 1-2 hours for new code

AT&T

Removal process:

  • Remove via Settings as normal
  • myAT&T app can help manage
  • Reactivation sometimes requires customer service

Getting new code:

  • myAT&T app sometimes provides
  • Often need to call customer service
  • Can take 2-4 hours for new code

Google Fi

Removal process:

  • Standard removal works
  • Google Fi is most flexible with eSIM

Getting new code:

  • Google Fi app generates instantly
  • Can reinstall many times without issue
  • Most user-friendly for eSIM management

MVNOs (Mint Mobile, Visible, etc.)

Removal process:

  • Standard removal works
  • Reactivation can be slower and more difficult
  • Support is often chat/email only

Getting new code:

  • Request through app or support chat
  • Can take 24-48 hours
  • Less mature eSIM support overall

FAQ: Quick Answers

Q: Will removing eSIM delete my contacts? A: No, contacts stay on your phone unless stored only in carrier’s system (rare).

Q: Can I remove eSIM and put it back later? A: Yes, but you’ll need a new activation code from carrier – original usually won’t work again.

Q: Does removing eSIM cancel my service? A: Usually no – your account stays active, just not accessible on this device. Contact carrier to cancel service.

Q: How long does removal take? A: The removal itself is instant – just a few taps. Getting service back can take minutes to hours.

Q: Will I lose my phone number? A: No, carrier keeps your number. It’s just not active on this device until you reinstall eSIM.

Q: Can I remove eSIM without carrier’s help? A: Yes, you can remove it from Settings. But you’ll need carrier’s help to get it back.

Q: What if I remove eSIM by accident? A: Contact carrier immediately for new activation code. Usually fixable within hours.

Q: Do I need to remove eSIM before factory reset? A: Factory reset removes eSIM automatically, but better to remove it first manually so you control the timing.

Quick Reference: Removal Process

Standard removal (most common):

  1. Settings
  2. Cellular
  3. Tap your eSIM plan
  4. Scroll to bottom
  5. “Remove Cellular Plan”
  6. Confirm removal

Before selling phone (complete wipe):

  1. Back up iPhone
  2. Unpair Apple Watch
  3. Remove eSIM (Settings > Cellular > Remove Cellular Plan)
  4. Sign out of Apple ID
  5. Erase All Content and Settings

To temporarily stop using:

  • Settings > Cellular > [eSIM] > Turn Off This Line
  • (Don’t remove – just toggle off)

The Bottom Line

Removing eSIM from iPhone 16 is straightforward once you know where to look: Settings > Cellular > [Your eSIM] > Remove Cellular Plan. But the more important question is whether you actually need to remove it.

Key takeaways:

  1. Don’t remove unless necessary – Turning line off is often better than removal
  2. Get new code first – Contact carrier before removing if you’ll need it back
  3. Original code usually won’t work – Expect to need new activation code
  4. Removal is instant, reinstallation isn’t – Can take hours to get service back
  5. Selling phone requires removal – Part of proper phone preparation

My recommendation: Only remove eSIM when you’re certain you need to. For temporary situations (like travel, testing, or just not using a line), turn it off instead of removing it. Removal should be reserved for permanent changes like selling your phone, switching to another phone, or completely changing carriers.

That “Remove Cellular Plan” button is easy to press but hard to undo. Make sure you understand the consequences and have a plan for reinstallation before you tap it.

And if you are selling your iPhone 16 or switching to another device, follow the complete process – back up everything, remove eSIM, sign out of iCloud, and erase all content. Your new owner (or warranty service) will thank you for a clean device.

The iPhone 16’s eSIM-only design (in the US) is incredibly convenient once you understand how to manage it. Removing an eSIM when needed is simple – getting it back is where most people encounter challenges. Plan accordingly, and you’ll be fine.