Turn off vs delete: the decision that matters

iPhone gives you a few different “stop using this eSIM” options. They’re not the same.

• Turn off the eSIM line: best when you want to pause it and keep it installed.
• Switch Cellular Data to another line: best when you just want your iPhone to use a different SIM for data (but keep the eSIM on for calls or standby).
• Delete the eSIM / remove cellular plan: only when you’re done with it and don’t want the profile on your phone anymore.

How to turn off an eSIM line on iPhone

This method disables the eSIM itself, which means it won’t connect to a network until you turn it back on.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data in some regions).
3. Under SIMs (or Cellular Plans), select your eSIM line (for example: ZetSIM).
4. Toggle Turn On This Line to Off.

If you don’t see “Turn On This Line,” look for a similar toggle in your eSIM plan page. Apple’s wording can differ slightly by iOS version.

How to stop using your travel eSIM for data (without turning it off)

Sometimes you don’t need to disable the eSIM. You just want your iPhone to use your main SIM for mobile data again. This is common after a trip when you’re back home.

1. Go to Settings > Cellular.
2. Tap Cellular Data.
3. Select your primary SIM (instead of ZetSIM).

If your goal is purely to avoid using travel data, this is often the cleanest approach because you keep the travel eSIM ready for the next trip.

How to turn off data roaming for an eSIM (a “soft off” option)

With travel eSIMs, Data Roaming can be an activation requirement (ZetSIM’s setup includes switching on Data Roaming to activate). After your trip, turning it off is a good safety move.

1. Open Settings > Cellular.
2. Select your eSIM line (ZetSIM).
3. Tap Data Roaming and toggle it Off.

When you should delete an eSIM (and when you shouldn’t)

Deleting removes the eSIM profile from your iPhone. That can be fine, but it’s irreversible on-device. If you delete and later need it again, you’ll need to reinstall.

Delete the eSIM if:

• You’re certain you won’t use that plan/profile again.
• You’re cleaning up old eSIM profiles to reduce confusion.
• You’re troubleshooting and you’ve been instructed to reinstall.

Don’t delete the eSIM if:

• You might travel again soon and want a faster setup next time.
• You simply want to stop using it for data (switch Cellular Data instead).
• You’re unsure whether you’ll need to reactivate at your destination.

How to delete an eSIM on iPhone (remove a cellular plan)

If you’re fully done with the eSIM, here’s the removal path.

1. Go to Settings > Cellular.
2. Select the eSIM line you want to remove.
3. Tap Remove Cellular Plan (or similar wording).
4. Confirm removal.

If you’re traveling and still need that line later, removing it can slow you down. Consider turning it off instead.

If your ZetSIM isn’t working: try this before you turn it off

Many users turn off the eSIM because data doesn’t work. Often, it’s one of these:

• Wrong data line selected: Set Cellular Data to ZetSIM.
• Data Roaming is off: ZetSIM activation includes switching Data Roaming on for the eSIM line.
• Network refresh needed: Toggle Airplane Mode on/off once.
• You’re not at the destination yet: ZetSIM can be installed in advance and activates when you reach your destination.

Travel workflow: the easiest “on/off routine” for a travel eSIM

If you travel more than once a year, you’ll save time by keeping a consistent routine:

1. Before the trip: install ZetSIM in advance on Wi‑Fi.
2. On arrival: set Cellular Data to ZetSIM and turn on Data Roaming for the ZetSIM line (activation step).
3. After the trip: switch Cellular Data back to your main SIM and turn off Data Roaming for ZetSIM.
4. If you don’t need it for a while: turn off the ZetSIM line (instead of deleting).

Security note: if your iPhone is lost or stolen

If you lose your phone with an active eSIM, act quickly. ZetSIM’s guidance is to contact support immediately to disable your eSIM profile and prevent unauthorized use.