Learn how to remove eSIM on your iPhone effortlessly with our step-by-step guide. Switch carriers, troubleshoot issues, or prepare for travel with ease.
Recently, a wave of user complaints about problems with the iPhone due to eSIM, which can disable the cellular module, has swept across the RuNet. Moreover, users all over the world encounter such problems, and repairs can cost a pretty penny. We tell you how to remove eSIM to avoid problems.
What is eSIM
eSIM (embedded SIM) is a module built into a device that replaces a physical SIM card. Instead of the usual plastic chip, eSIM allows you to store data about your mobile operator directly in the phone’s memory. The technology allows you to use several operators and tariffs at the same time, as well as easily switch between them without having to change cards manually. It is also convenient for travelers, as it allows you to quickly connect to local networks.
But there is a downside – eSIM memory is not unlimited. This means that a large volume of operator data rewriting can disable the entire cellular module. In this case, you will not be able to call or connect to LTE networks even from a physical SIM card. Replacing the module costs from $ 399. Since such a problem does not appear immediately, but after a year or two of use, you will have to pay for the repair – it is not covered by the Apple warranty.
Apple first added eSIM support to the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR in 2018. Since then, almost all iPhones support the technology. Today, eSIM technology is available on all iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, iPhone 16, and iPhone SE (2022) series models.
Note that starting with the iPhone 14, all smartphones intended for the American market lack a physical SIM card slot. And devices for the Chinese market do not support eSIM, but there is the ability to install two physical SIM cards at once.
How to Remove eSIM on iPhone.
Removing an eSIM is quite simple, but it is important to understand that in order to re-add the number, you may need to visit the service provider’s stores.
Here’s how to remove eSIM:
Open “Settings”
Go to the “Cellular” section;
In the list of connections, find the required eSIM tariff and click on it;
At the bottom of the screen, find the “Delete cellular plan” button and confirm your action.
After this, your iPhone will disable the eSIM and all carrier settings will be removed from the device. To reconnect the eSIM, you will need a QR code or activation data from the carrier.
As you may have noticed, eSIM removal is a quick process that any user can handle. And the advantages of abandoning eSIM are listed above. We can only hope that Apple will fix the problem with the eSIM module in future iPhone models.