Troubleshooting

Accidentally deleted your eSIM? Reinstall and reissue policies

4 min read · 已更新 September 19, 2026

If you delete an eSIM (its profile) from your phone, you usually can't just restore it. Depending on the provider's policy, you either reinstall it or have to get it reissued. QR and install codes are typically single-use, so if you plan to reuse an eSIM, don't delete it; turn the line "off" to keep it inactive instead.

What happens if you delete it

If you erase an eSIM from your phone, that line's connection is gone. To restore it you often have to get it reissued by the provider (Apple's official guidance also says to contact your carrier for a new one after erasing). A QR code is, in principle, not meant to be reused.

Reinstall policies vary by provider

Some providers are single-use, so once deleted you can't reinstall and must buy again; others allow a set number of reinstalls on the same device (for example, up to 4 times). When reinstalling is allowed, you can install again with the original QR code or the manual codes in your confirmation email. Whether reinstall/recovery is possible varies by provider, so check the provider's app or your confirmation email.

It usually can't move to another phone

A travel eSIM usually works only on the first device where you installed it, and can't be transferred to another person or a new device. If you change phones, you often have to buy and install a new one.

Keep it by turning it "off" instead of deleting

If you plan to reuse the same eSIM later, don't delete it
Turning the line (cellular plan) "off" keeps it stored but inactive
This avoids accidentally erasing it and having to get it reissued

常见问题

I deleted it by mistake, can I reinstall it?

It depends on the provider. Some allow a set number of reinstalls; others are single-use and you have to buy a new one. Check whether there's a reinstall option in the provider's app or your confirmation email.

Can I just scan the QR code again?

A QR code is usually single-use and often can't be reused. If your provider supports reinstalling, you can install again through their app or with a manual install code.

Can I move it to a new phone?

A travel eSIM usually works only on the first device where you installed it, so it can't be transferred to another phone. If you change phones, you often have to buy and install a new one.