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title: "Turning off or deleting an eSIM: the difference | Gigapass"
description: "One is reversible, one isn't, and the third depends on your provider. What each does and which one you want in each situation."
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# Turning off, deleting or reinstalling an eSIM: three buttons that aren't the same

> One is reversible, one isn't, and the third depends on your provider. What each does and which one you want in each situation.

[Home](https://getgigapass.com/en) › [Blog](https://getgigapass.com/en/blog) › Turning off, deleting or reinstalling an eSIM: three buttons that aren't the same

How it works

One is reversible, one isn't, and the third depends on your provider. What each does and which one you want in each situation.

**Bea Nogales** 10 Aug 2026 5 min Photo by Anton Lecock on Unsplash

In this article › Turning it off › Deleting › Reinstalling › When you should delete

En corto

- Turning off switches the line off and deletes nothing: it's reversible.
- Deleting wipes the profile from the chip and there's no undo.
- Reinstalling depends on your provider being able to reissue the code.
- When in doubt, turn off. Never delete.

On an eSIM line's screen there are two buttons that look like the same thing and aren't, and one of them is irreversible. Worth knowing which before you tap.

## Turning it off

Switches the line off: it stops registering on networks, stops using data and disappears from the status bar. The profile stays stored and you switch it back on whenever you want.

It's what to do when you get back from a trip, and also when a line is causing trouble and you don't know why.

## Deleting

Wipes the profile from your phone's chip. If the plan was still valid, you lose access to it, and reinstalling is only possible if your provider can issue a fresh code.

The original code is no use: it was single use and it's already been spent.

## Reinstalling

This means requesting a fresh profile for the same plan. It depends entirely on your provider and on whether the plan is still active, which is why it's worth messaging support BEFORE deleting anything, not after.

What to check before blaming the eSIM is in [what to do when the eSIM isn't working](https://getgigapass.com/en/blog/esim-not-working).

## When you should delete

- Before selling or handing on your phone.
- When the chip runs out of room for new profiles, clearing out the expired ones.
- And if your provider explicitly asks you to so they can reissue one.

Resetting your network settings or the whole phone can wipe eSIM profiles on some models. If you're going to do it, check first that you can get them back.

Know where you're going?

Pick your destination, days and data. Install it before you leave and pay once.

[See destinations](https://getgigapass.com/en#destinos)

Bea NogalesDevices and compatibility

She has been repairing phones since before eSIMs existed. She explains what a handset does inside without it sounding like a manual.

## Frequently asked questions

**What's the difference between turning off and deleting an eSIM?**

Turning it off switches the line off and is reversible. Deleting wipes the profile from the chip and there's no undo.

**Can I reinstall a deleted eSIM?**

Only if your provider can issue a fresh code. The original was single use.

**What do I do if my eSIM plays up?**

Switch it off and back on, and message support before deleting anything.

**Does resetting my phone delete eSIMs?**

On some models yes, even resetting just the network settings. It's worth checking beforehand.

## Keep reading

[How it works Install it at home, not at the airport 7 min](https://getgigapass.com/en/blog/how-to-install-an-esim)

- [How it works](https://getgigapass.com/en/blog/esim-apn-settings) | An eSIM's APN: what it is and when you have to touch it | 5 min
- [How it works](https://getgigapass.com/en/blog/esim-on-ipad) | eSIM on iPads and tablets: when it's worth it and how to install it | 5 min