To turn off the primary SIM on iPhone, open Settings > Cellular, tap the primary line and disable Turn On This Line. Then choose the travel eSIM under Cellular Data.
Switching a line off is temporary and reversible. Do not choose Delete or Remove eSIM, because that can erase credentials that may not be reusable.
NoveSIM travel eSIMs are data-only, so switching off the primary line also removes access to its ordinary calls and SMS until you turn it back on.
Quick answer: On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular, open the primary line and turn off Turn On This Line. Select the travel eSIM for Cellular Data, enable Data Roaming when required and disable Allow Cellular Data Switching. Do not delete either SIM.
If you have not yet chosen the travel line that will replace primary-SIM data, start with the NoveSIM destination list. Select the country or region first, then compare allowance and validity before changing the phone’s SIM settings.
How to Turn Off the Primary SIM on iPhone
Leave it on when you need bank codes, incoming SMS or the normal phone number and understand the carrier’s roaming charges. Turn it off when avoiding all accidental primary-line activity is the priority. The guide to keeping a number with eSIM data explains the alternative. Even with mobile data disabled, calls, voicemail or SMS may still create carrier fees.
Turn Off the Primary SIM on iPhone
- Open Settings > Cellular.
- Under SIMs, tap the line labelled Primary or your normal carrier.
- Turn off Turn On This Line.
- Return to Cellular and select the travel eSIM under Cellular Data.
- Turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching.
Turn Off the Primary SIM on Samsung
- Open Settings > Connections > SIM Manager.
- Switch off the primary SIM.
- Under Preferred SIMs, choose the travel eSIM for Mobile data.
- Open the travel eSIM settings and enable Data Roaming when required.
Turn Off the Primary SIM on Pixel or Other Android Phones
On Pixel, open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs, select the primary line and turn off Use SIM. Then select the travel eSIM for Mobile data. Other Android manufacturers may label these controls SIM Manager, SIM cards or Mobile network.
Verify the eSIM before Leaving Wi-Fi
- Confirm the travel line is switched on.
- Select it for Mobile Data.
- Enable Data Roaming on the travel line, following the travel eSIM roaming guidance.
- Leave Network Selection on Automatic.
- Turn off Wi-Fi and load a normal website.
If data does not work, use the connection checklist. For NoveSIM, the manual APN is data.esim only when required.
How to Turn the Primary SIM Back On
Return to the same SIM menu and enable the primary line. Recheck the default voice, text and mobile-data choices because the phone may not restore every preference automatically. When back in the home country, disable the travel line if no longer needed and select the primary SIM for data.
Related Articles
- Keep a primary number with eSIM data
- Data Roaming settings
- Stop the phone using the main SIM
- Fix eSIM data
FAQ
Can I turn off my primary SIM and use only an eSIM?
Yes. Disable the primary line in SIM settings and select the eSIM for mobile data.
Will turning off the SIM delete it?
No. Switching a line off is temporary. Do not choose Delete eSIM or Remove Cellular Plan.
Will I receive SMS on the disabled primary SIM?
No. The line must be enabled and registered to receive its carrier calls or SMS.
Should roaming be on?
Enable it on the travel eSIM when required and keep it off on the primary line.
Final Recommendation
Select and test the travel eSIM before disabling the primary SIM. Turn the primary line off only if losing temporary access to its number is acceptable.
Use the line switch, not the delete command. Recheck defaults when enabling the primary SIM again.
This leaves the phone ready for travel data without risking the permanent removal of either SIM profile.
