How to archive your eSIM

To archive your eSIM, which essentially means deactivating it without fully removing the plan from your device, you’ll need to manage the settings on your device. This is commonly done when you no longer need to use the eSIM temporarily but may want to re-enable it later. Here’s how to do this on iPhone and Android devices:

On iPhone:

  1. Open Settings:
    • Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Go to Cellular (or Mobile Data):
    • Scroll down and tap on Cellular or Mobile Data (depending on your region).
  3. Select the eSIM to Archive:
    • Under Cellular Plans, you will see your active SIMs. Select the eSIM you want to archive by tapping on it.
  4. Turn Off This Line:
    • On the next screen, you will see an option to Turn Off This Line. Toggling this off will deactivate the eSIM but keep it on the device.
    • Once deactivated, it will not use data or be available for calls and messages, but the eSIM profile will still be stored on the device for future use.
  5. Archiving Complete:
    • Your eSIM is now effectively archived. You can re-enable it by toggling the switch back on whenever needed.

On Android (Google Pixel, Samsung, etc.):

  1. Open Settings:
    • Open the Settings app on your Android device.
  2. Go to Network & Internet:
    • Tap on Network & Internet or Connections (depending on the device).
  3. SIM Card Manager (or SIMs):
    • Tap on SIMs or SIM Card Manager.
  4. Select the eSIM:
    • You will see a list of available SIMs, including your eSIM. Select the eSIM that you wish to archive.
  5. Disable the eSIM:
    • Toggle Off the option for the eSIM, which may be labeled as Enable SIM, Mobile Data, or Use this SIM. This will deactivate the eSIM without deleting it from the device.
  6. Archiving Complete:
    • The eSIM is now archived on your Android device. It won’t be used for data, calls, or messages but remains installed for future reactivation.

Considerations:

  • Archiving vs. Deleting: Archiving an eSIM (turning it off) is different from deleting it entirely. Deleting the eSIM removes the plan from your device, while archiving keeps the eSIM profile stored for future use.
  • Re-enabling the eSIM: To use the eSIM again, simply follow the same steps and toggle the switch back on.

By following these steps, you can easily archive your eSIM for later use without having to reinstall it.