Should I delete my eSIM?
If you're using the new Airalo, your device has a single eSIM that holds all your packages, not just one. Removing that eSIM removes it entirely from your device — including access to any active or future packages on it — until you retry setup.
How do I know if I'm using the new Airalo or the public Airalo?
- If the app asks you to set up your device once and buy packages, you are using the new Airalo. Simply open the Packages tab (formerly "My eSIMs") to complete setup, and after that, whenever you buy a new package for your desired destination, it will be added to that same device automatically—no new eSIM needed.
- If the app shows individual eSIM installation instructions for each purchase and the My eSIMs tab instead of Packages, you are likely using the public Airalo.
If you remove your eSIM using the new Airalo
You will lose the ability to use any currently active package until you complete setup again. You'll need to go to Packages → Device Options Menu → Retry device setup to reinstall your eSIM.
Once setup is complete, your existing packages will be available again on the device — they are not deleted, but you won't be able to use them until the eSIM is reinstalled.
Because of this, we generally recommend against removing eSIM unless you're troubleshooting an issue or intentionally starting fresh.
If you're using the public Airalo
eSIMs typically can’t be reinstalled. We highly recommend that you don’t remove any eSIM that you still intend to use. Once an eSIM is removed from your device, you may encounter an error when trying to download it again. You will need to purchase, install, and activate a new eSIM to access mobile networks in your destination. We recommend temporarily disabling the eSIM when you are not using it.
Please note that your validity period is not paused when you temporarily disable your eSIM. The guidance below about when it's safe to remove an eSIM still applies per eSIM.
You can safely remove eSIMs from your device when:
There is no longer an active data package for the eSIM
- When you buy an eSIM from Airalo, it always comes with a data pack that is ready to be activated. You can see this from your account (on the Airalo App or website) if there is still an active data package for your eSIM (not yet expired). If this is the case, please do not delete the eSIM from the device.
You no longer have a use for it
- Some eSIMs from Airalo can only be used once and can't be topped up. You can remove these eSIMs after using them.
- If you have an eSIM that you no longer plan to use, you can safely remove it as well.
Your new eSIM is for the same country/region
- With the new Airalo, you don’t need a new eSIM for every destination. Local, regional, and global packages are automatically added to a single existing eSIM instead.
- When you buy an eSIM from the store, you will receive a new eSIM each time (public Airalo). The new eSIM will usually need to be installed. If you have a new eSIM that has not been installed yet and you are unable to top it up, you will need to buy and install a new one. This does not happen with the new Airalo.
To remove an eSIM from your device:
- Go to Settings
- Tap Cellular / Mobile Data / Mobile Service
- Select the eSIM you want to delete
- Tap "Remove Mobile Data Plan".
Depending on your device, this option may also appear as Remove eSIM, Delete Mobile Plan, or a similar label.
Once the eSIM is deleted, the line may still appear in the list as "No eSIM" or "No SIM". To fully clear this message, follow these steps:
- Tap the plan labeled "No eSIM" or "No SIM"
- A pop-up message saying "Line No Longer Available" will appear
- Tap "Update Contacts".
All set! The deleted eSIM will now be completely removed from the list.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our support team, and we'll be happy to help!
