Posted on
Aug 13, 2025
3 min
read
/
By
Clay Thomas
“What happens if I delete eSIM”, you ask? Well, usually you will lose all connectivity instantly, and the eSIM profile gets permanently wiped from your device. But here's the thing - if this has happened to you, then you are not alone.
I get this question constantly, especially from first time travelers who've accidentally nuked their Japan travel eSIM or any other eSIM profile from their phone. The panic doesn’t start to set in while you are trying to fix a very simple issue, and it starts when you realize what you've done. Allow me to explain a bit on how to avoid this and some tips to help resolve.
Understanding eSIM Basics
Before getting into the deep stuff, we need to understand the basics of what exactly is an eSIM. In simple terms, think of an eSIM as a digital SIM card living inside your phone. No physical card to lose or swap, just a downloadable profile that connects you to your carrier or provider’s network.
eSIM are very easy to connect and install, but can also be as easy to delete if you are not careful. People delete their eSIM for different reasons. Most of the time it is by accident, whether it's not being patient enough when trying to set up the connection, or waiting for connection to improve.. Occasionally, for long term eSIM, people end up switching carriers and think they need to remove the old one first.
Travel eSIMs get deleted a lot because people think they are "done" after a trip. Some folks even think eSIMs take up phone storage (they don't).
Immediate Effects of eSIM Deletion
The moment you delete your eSIM, the same things happen instantly. Your phone loses all connectivity- no calls, texts, music streaming, or mobile data. You're completely cut off from your carrier's network.
Next, the eSIM profile gets permanently wiped from your device. This isn't like deleting a photo where you can recover it from "Recently Deleted." With many eSIM, when it's gone, it's gone from your phone and can not be reinstalled.
I learned this the hard way during a trip to Tokyo. Deleted my Japan travel eSIM thinking I was "cleaning up" my phone. Suddenly I found myself in Shibuya crossing with zero connectivity and no way to navigate.
The best advice here is, once your eSIM is installed, never remove it. Although, in case this has happened, there might be a few things you can do.
Getting Your eSIM Back
Here's the reality - there's no "undo" button on your phone once you delete an eSIM. However, it is possible at times to get it back through your carrier, though the process varies. You can try these steps.
Re-downloading the profile
Re-downloading the profile is often the easiest option, but not always the most available. Check your carrier eSIM type and see if it lets you download the same eSIM again. Normally, you can check by using QR codes in your email or carrier app. Some carriers give you multiple download attempts.
Contacting customer service
Contacting customer service works when re-downloading isn't available. Depending on policies, if you call and explain what happened - they can usually reset your eSIM profile free of charge. You'll need to verify your identity and account details.
Using your carrier's app
Using your carrier's app is often the fastest route. Many carriers have shared eSIMs for public data access. Though these provide a lower data quality, these apps let you manage eSIMs with "reactivate" or "download again" options built right in.
Pre-Deletion Checklist
Before you erase that eSIM, it is best to double-check everything.
Confirm your carrier allows reinstalls before deleting. Some carriers are one-and-done, others let you download multiple times. Check their policy to avoid nasty surprises.
Be sure to have copies or have backed up your activation info. Save QR codes to your photos, screenshot activation emails, and write down any setup codes you might possibly need later.
Regardless of the reactivation ability, it is important to have Wi-Fi available. You'll need the internet to get your eSIM back, whether it's hotel Wi-Fi or your home network. Don't delete your eSIM in the middle of nowhere.
Know if your phone number is tied to the profile. Deleting might mean losing your number, especially for primary lines. Travel eSIMs usually don't have this issue.
Better Option: Disabling Instead of Deleting
Here's a pro tip that would've saved me while traveling in Tokyo. Instead of deleting, just turn off or disable your eSIM temporarily.
On iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular, find your eSIM line, and toggle it off. The profile stays on your phone but goes inactive.
On Android: Open Network settings, go to SIM manager, and turn off the eSIM you don't want active. Same result - eSIM sleeps instead of dying.
This way you can turn it back on anytime without re-downloading or calling customer service. It's way smarter than permanent deletion.
Be careful, however, as switching eSIMs from Primary and Secondary can be tricky and possibly lock you out of your service.
Factory Reset Considerations
Factory resets are another way people accidentally lose their eSIM. Most phones will erase eSIM data during a factory reset, though some newer devices ask if you want to keep profiles.
Pay attention to these prompts during reset. Always back up your eSIM info before resetting - save QR codes, export carrier app data, and write down activation details.
I've seen people factory reset before international trips thinking they were "starting fresh." They arrived in Japan with no way to get their travel eSIM back. Don't be that person.
The Bottom Line
Deleting an eSIM removes it permanently from your device with no “undo” option. Your phone loses all connectivity immediately, but on occasion, are able to get it back with help through your carrier.
Overall, it's just extra work you probably don't want to deal with. When in doubt, don’t delete, just disable or even better, leave it alone. Trust me, your future self will thank you.
Always back up your eSIM activation info, especially for travel eSIMs where Wifi, or customer service might not be easily accessible. What happens if I delete eSIM can be reversible, but only with your carrier's help.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will I lose my phone number if I delete my eSIM?
It depends on your carrier and eSIM plan type.
For primary phone lines, deleting the eSIM might disconnect your number temporarily.
Travel eSIMs usually don't come with permanent numbers, so you won't lose anything important.
Contact your carrier before deleting if you're unsure.
2. Can I delete an eSIM and reinstall it on a different phone?
Most carriers allow this, but it can depend. Travel eSIM providers for instance are typically more flexible about device switching. However, private data eSIMs can only allow one-time access. Whichever is the case, check their policy first. You'll usually need the original QR code or activation details.
3. What's the difference between deleting and deactivating an eSIM?
Deleting permanently removes the eSIM profile from your phone. Deactivating just turns it off while keeping it stored on your device.
You can reactivate a disabled eSIM anytime without contacting your carrier.
Always try deactivating first unless you're absolutely sure you want it gone.
4. How long does it take to get a deleted eSIM back?
This varies by carrier. Some let you re-download immediately through their app or website. Others require calling customer service, which can take some time.
5. Can I accidentally delete my eSIM during a software update?
Software updates typically don't delete eSIM profiles. However, major iOS or Android updates can sometimes cause eSIM issues.
Your profiles usually stay intact but might need reactivation. Always back up your eSIM info before major software updates, just in case.
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