How to Turn Off a Travel eSIM Without Deleting It

Back in Australia, the home line has reconnected, but the travel eSIM remains listed in settings. One wrong tap could remove a reusable profile. Before travelling again, compare TravelKon travel eSIMs by destination, allowance, validity, networks and activation conditions so the right plan is already in place when it’s time to switch on and go. 

The correct setting depends on whether you want to stop the line, block roaming data, change the data SIM or remove the profile permanently.

Can You Turn Off an eSIM Without Deleting It?

Yes. Open the phone’s SIM settings, select the travel profile and switch that line off. The eSIM remains installed, but disabling it does not pause validity, extend expiry or cancel the service.

Confirm the profile label and destination first. Do not press Delete eSIM, Erase eSIM, Remove or Delete Mobile Plan when only a temporary shutdown is required.

If the travel eSIM is turned off while you are still overseas, check the mobile data preference immediately. The phone may select another active line that can incur roaming charges.

Turn Off the Line on iPhone

Rename vague labels such as Primary or Secondary to something more specific to avoid any confusion.

To turn off an eSIM on iPhone:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Mobile Service, Mobile Data or Cellular.
3. Under SIMs, select the travel eSIM.
4. Turn off Turn On This Line.
5. Confirm the line shows Off, then check the selection under Mobile Data.

Turning the line off stops its data, carrier calls and standard SMS while keeping the profile and settings stored. It does not delete or disable the other SIM.

On iOS 26, the phone may turn off a travel eSIM after arrival. Verify the result and the restored home line.

Supported iPhones can store 8 or more eSIMs, so deletion is rarely needed to stop one line. Check how many eSIMs a phone can hold when storage is limited.

To restore it, enable Turn On This Line, select it for mobile data and follow its roaming instructions. An expired or exhausted plan will not regain service.

Turn Off the Line in Android SIM Settings

Android wording varies by model, software, carrier and region. Look for Use This SIM, Use eSIM, Enable or an on/off switch. Avoid Erase, Remove and Delete.

On other Android phones, search Settings for SIM, eSIM, Mobile Network or SIM Manager. Select the travel profile and use its line toggle. Ignore any nearby erase or delete option.

On Google Pixel

1. Open Settings > Network & Internet.
2. Tap SIMs or Mobile Network.
3. Select the travel eSIM.
4. Turn off Use This SIM or Use eSIM.
5. Confirm the profile remains listed but inactive.

On Samsung Galaxy

1. Open Settings > Connections > SIM Manager.
2. Identify the travel eSIM by its label or plan details.
3. Tap the switch beside that line.
4. Confirm Turn Off if prompted.
5. Check the Preferred SIMs section to ensure calls, messages and mobile data use the intended remaining line.

Some Galaxy devices also show SIM preferences in the Quick Panel. Australian menu options vary by device variant.

To restore an Android eSIM, enable it through the same menu and wait for network registration. Check mobile data, roaming, validity and allowance. Do not rescan the QR code if the profile has disappeared.

Know When to Disable Data Roaming Instead

Turning off the entire eSIM is not always necessary. Use the smallest reversible action that produces the required result.

Goal	Safest Action	What Remains Available?
Stop all travel-line service	Turn the line off	Profile remains installed
Keep calls and SMS but block data on that line	Select another data SIM and disable automatic data switching; if the line is roaming, also disable data roaming	Supported calls and SMS remain
Change the internet line	Select another SIM under Mobile Data	Both lines remain active
Prevent data fallback	Disable automatic data switching	Data stops instead of switching
Remove the profile	Delete only after confirming no future use	Profile leaves the device

Data roaming controls only data used outside a line’s normal network. Turning it off may not block data from a local-network eSIM. To keep calls or SMS while blocking that line’s data, select another SIM under Mobile Data and disable automatic switching. If the line is roaming, also turn off data roaming.

Many travel eSIMs require data roaming on partner networks. Disabling it can stop their data connection but will not pause the plan. Validity may begin on installation, first connection or another stated event.

After returning home, select the Australian SIM for mobile data and turn off data roaming on the travel line. Turn off the line itself when every network function from that profile must stop.

Avoid Deletion When the Profile May Be Needed Again

Deleting removes the profile but may not cancel the plan, stop a subscription or produce a refund. A single-use QR code may not reinstall it.

Do not delete an eSIM merely because:

• Mobile data is assigned to the wrong line.
• The eSIM has temporarily lost service.
• Data roaming or APN settings need correction, or another profile must be used.
• The phone is being restarted or placed in Aeroplane Mode.

Review what happens if you delete an eSIM before removing it. If deletion has already occurred, check our detailed guide for reinstalling an eSIM after deletion rather than repeatedly scanning the QR code.

Deletion may be reasonable when no balance or top-up remains, the profile has been transferred, or the phone is being sold. Record the order number and check whether separate cancellation is required.

Contact our support team if the profile is not visible, the activation code has already been used, the line cannot be enabled, or service does not return after the basic checks. Do not reset network settings unless requested. If a new profile is required, install the eSIM using the supplied instructions.

What to Provide to Support

• Order number and destination
• Phone model and software version
• Travel eSIM label and plan name
• Screenshot of SIM settings with personal details hidden
• Exact error message and checks already completed

FAQs

Does Turning Off an eSIM Delete It?

No. Turning off leaves the profile stored. Deleting removes it and may require a new activation code.

Can You Turn a Travel eSIM Back On Later?

Yes, if the profile remains installed and the plan has not expired or been exhausted. Enable it, select it for data and follow its roaming instructions.

Does Turning Off an eSIM Stop Billing or Pause Its Expiry?

No. Turning off the line changes the phone’s network connection. Validity, billing and subscription status continue under the provider’s terms.

Should You Remove an Expired eSIM?

Only when no balance, top-up option or future use remains. Keeping the profile installed is normally harmless to the phone, but any subscription or billing arrangement may continue until cancelled with the provider.

What Is the Difference Between Deactivate and Delete?

On the phone, deactivate usually means switching the line off while keeping its profile. Delete removes it. A provider may use deactivate for account suspension or cancellation, so check the wording before confirming.