Need help?
Search our help center for answers to your questions.
Can I reinstall my eSIM?
Find out why eSIMs are typically not reinstallable and explore alternatives like temporarily disabling your plan or topping up.
Understanding eSIM reinstallation
GitSim eSIMs, like most eSIMs, are generally designed for a one-time installation on a single device. This is because the eSIM profile is securely downloaded and linked to your device's hardware. Unlike physical SIM cards that you can swap between phones, an eSIM cannot typically be removed and then reinstalled using the original installation method.
We strongly advise against removing or deleting any GitSim eSIM from your device if you plan to use it again, especially if it still has an active plan or you intend to top it up. Doing so will likely prevent you from re-adding it.
What happens if i remove an eSIM?
If you remove an active eSIM from your device, you will most likely encounter an error if you attempt to download or install it again using the original QR code or manual setup details. To regain connectivity for that region or plan, you would need to purchase a new eSIM data bundle.
What to do instead of removing your eSIM
Instead of removing your eSIM, consider these options based on your needs:
If you want to stop using it temporarily
If you're not currently using your eSIM (for example, if you've returned from your trip or are using a different data source) but plan to use it again later, you can temporarily disable it. This will stop it from connecting to a network and using data, which can help conserve your data allowance.
To temporarily disable an eSIM on iOS devices:
- Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data on some iPads).
- Under the "SIMs" section, tap on the eSIM line you wish to disable.
- Toggle Turn On This Line to the off position.
For more information on managing eSIMs on Apple devices, including the difference between deactivating (disabling) and deleting, see How do I delete or deactivate an eSIM on my iOS device?.
To temporarily disable an eSIM on Android devices: The exact steps can vary slightly depending on your device manufacturer and Android version.
- Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs (this might also be under Connections > SIM card manager or similar).
- Select the eSIM you want to disable.
- Look for an option such as Use SIM and toggle it off, or you may see a specific Disable option. Confirm if prompted.
Important: Temporarily disabling your eSIM does not pause its validity period. The data plan's duration will continue to count down according to its original schedule. You can learn more about how data allowances and validity periods work here.
If your eSIM has run out of data or its validity has expired
If your GitSim eSIM plan has depleted its data allowance or its validity period has ended, there's no need to remove the eSIM from your device. You can easily add more data by purchasing a top-up.
This process adds a new data bundle to your existing eSIM profile, allowing you to continue using it without needing a new installation. For a general guide on purchasing plans, see How to buy a bundle?.