Release SIMs from devices

Releasing a SIM from a device is a standard operation in the emnify Portal that allows you to manage your IoT connectivity more effectively. This process involves unbinding a SIM card from its associated device, which can be useful in various scenarios.

There are several reasons why you might want to release a SIM from a device:

• Reassignment: You want to assign the SIM to a different device.
• Device status management: You need to troubleshoot a device that's not performing as expected, and releasing the SIM changes the device status to Disabled.
• SIM status management: Helps organize your SIM inventory and allows for SIM reuse.
• Device deletion preparation: Releasing the SIM is necessary before deleting your device from the Portal.

All SIMs keep their current status when released from a device, except for Activated SIMs, which become Suspended.

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For more information about how the SIM and device status interact, see Device troubleshooting.

It's important to note that releasing a SIM is a reversible action. You can always reassign the SIM to the same or a different device later if needed.

Individual device

1. Log in to your emnify account.
2. Navigate to your Connected Devices.
3. Find the device from which you want to release the SIM and hover over the table row to reveal quick actions.
4. Select More options and then Release SIM.
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   This action has no confirmation dialogue, so make sure you're releasing the SIM from the correct device.

Multiple devices in bulk

It's also possible to select several devices on the Portal and release all their SIMs simultaneously.

1. Navigate to Connected Devices.
2. Search for the devices where you wish to release the SIM and select the checkbox next to every relevant device.
3. A new menu at the top of the page provides bulk operations. Select More and then Release SIM.
4. Review the information on the modal, then select Confirm.