What to Do With Your SIM and eSIM Before Selling a Phone
Physical SIMs are easy — pop them out. eSIMs are trickier: deleting one from the device doesn't cancel the mobile contract, and a careless deletion can leave you waiting days for the network to reissue. General guidance only.
Reviewed by the PhonesForCash buying teamLast reviewed
This guide reflects practical device identification, inspection and resale considerations used by our buying team when assessing phones and other devices. It is general guidance, not a confirmed valuation.
Physical SIM
- Use the SIM-eject tool (or a paperclip) on the SIM tray slot — usually on the right edge of the phone
- Keep the SIM safely. You'll re-insert it into your next phone
- If you no longer need the SIM (you're keeping the number on a new eSIM), your network can deactivate the old physical SIM
eSIM — overview
An eSIM is a digital SIM profile installed on the phone's secure chip. Deleting it from the device removes the profile from that phone but doesn't end the contract or release the number — that's still active with the network. To use the same number on a new device, the network issues a new eSIM activation, which can be instant or take a day or two.
Before deleting an eSIM
- Contact your network first if you intend to keep the number. Ask them to issue a new eSIM activation code or QR for your replacement device — many networks let you do this in their app
- On iPhone running iOS 16+: Settings → Cellular → [plan] → Transfer to Another Device works phone-to-phone for some networks. Check that your network supports it before relying on it
- Don't delete the eSIM until you have a confirmed plan to move the number — otherwise you may be without service while the network reissues
Deleting an eSIM
- iPhone: Settings → Cellular → tap the plan → Delete eSIM
- Samsung / Android: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → tap the eSIM → Remove
- Confirm with your network that the profile is released — sometimes the network still sees the old eSIM as active until they clear it
Difference between deleting an eSIM and cancelling a contract
Deleting the eSIM from your phone does not cancel your mobile contract. Your line, number and monthly bill all continue. To end the contract, you must contact the network and follow their cancellation process — usually with notice.
Keeping your mobile number
If you're switching networks, request a PAC code from your current network by texting PAC to 65075 (free, UK-wide). You then give the PAC to the new network — they transfer your number, normally within one working day. If you're staying on the same network, ask them to issue a fresh eSIM or SIM for your new device.
If you've already factory-reset without removing the eSIM
On most modern phones a factory reset offers to preserve the eSIM. If you reset without removing the eSIM and the phone is now wiped, contact your network — they can reissue the profile to a new device. The new owner of the sold phone won't be able to use your eSIM because it's tied to your account.
Common questions
Can I leave the eSIM on the phone for the buyer?
No. The eSIM is tied to your mobile contract and your network account. Always remove it (and ideally transfer the number to your next device) before selling.
Will removing the eSIM stop my monthly bill?
No. The contract is with the network, not the phone. Cancel through the network directly if that's your intention.
Do I need to remove the physical SIM if I'm selling the phone with a cracked screen?
Yes if you can — but bring it in if you can't. We'll remove it at the counter before completing the sale.
Want this applied to your specific device? Send the model and we'll come back with a realistic guide figure.
Related reading
Device Knowledge Centre →
All selling, valuation and recycling guides.
Back up before selling →
Do this before any reset.
Factory reset before selling →
Clean wipe instructions.
Prepare your phone for valuation →
Full pre-counter checklist.
Sell my phone →
Start a valuation when ready.
Visit PhonesForCash St Helens →
Counter address and hours.