How to reset an eSIM on an iPhone: A guide for resetting and restoring your eSIM settings

Why do eSIMs on iPhones need resetting?

Resetting an eSIM on an iPhone usually means refreshing its network settings or removing and reinstalling the eSIM profile (sometimes called a digital SIM profile). You may need to reset your eSIM if your iPhone loses signal, mobile data stops working, or the eSIM develops connection problems after a software or carrier update.

An eSIM reset can help you get rid of temporary network or profile issues and help your iPhone reconnect to your carrier.

Before resetting an eSIM card on an iPhone

A little preparation can help the iPhone eSIM reset process go smoothly. Take these steps before resetting your eSIM so you have what you need to get back online.

1. Locate your eSIM activation details. Check how your provider handles eSIM installation. Depending on the carrier, you may need a QR code, an app, or other activation details to reinstall it.

2. Make sure you’re on a stable, secure Wi-Fi connection. You’ll need an internet connection to reinstall your eSIM. If you’re using hotel, airport, or café Wi-Fi, make sure the public Wi-Fi connection is safe before connecting.

3. Save your EID. Support teams sometimes need your EID number to identify your device or eSIM. Write it down before you begin.

4. Check your plan. Make sure your data package is still valid. A reset can fix connection problems, but it won’t renew an expired plan.

5. Back up the iPhone in question. Run a quick backup to iCloud and make sure you can access your Apple Account just to be safe.

You’ve built your safety net. Now you can reset the eSIM with less risk of getting stuck without the information you need to reconnect.

Before jumping to a full reset, though, try toggling the line off first. Go to “Settings” > “Cellular,” tap the eSIM plan, and switch off “Turn on this line.” Wait a few seconds, then toggle it back on. Apple recommends doing so as a first troubleshooting step, and this step can fix minor connectivity issues on its own. If that does the trick, you can skip the reset entirely. 

It’s also worth noting that Apple recommends not deleting an eSIM as a troubleshooting step unless your carrier tells you to because you may need the carrier to issue a new eSIM afterward. 

How to reset an eSIM on an iPhone

If your carrier has instructed you to remove and reinstall your eSIM, follow these steps. 

This reset procedure works on eSIM-compatible iPhones, including iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, and later models.

1. Open the “Settings” app on your home screen.

   

2. Tap “Cellular” (or “Mobile service”/”Mobile data,” depending on your region).

   

3. If you have multiple cellular plans, tap the eSIM you want to remove.

   

4. Tap “Delete eSIM” or “Delete plan,” depending on your device and setup.

   

5. Confirm by tapping "Delete eSIM" again.

   

How to reinstall an eSIM on iPhone after resetting it

Now you simply need to set up the eSIM again. With the old profile gone, use these steps to get back online.

1. Stay connected to Wi-Fi.

2. Return to “Settings” and tap “Cellular” or “Mobile data.”

3. Tap “Add eSIM,” “Set up cellular,” or “Add cellular plan,” depending on your iPhone and iOS version. 

4. Follow the on-screen instructions and activation method provided by your carrier. You may be asked to scan a QR code, use a carrier app or activation link, or enter the details manually.

5. Label your plan when prompted (e.g., “Travel” or “Saily”).

6. Wait for the activation to complete, then make sure the new line is turned on under your cellular settings.

Activation might take a few moments — but once it’s complete, your phone should latch onto the local network, and those connection bars will hopefully turn solid!

What to do if the eSIM is not working on an iPhone after resetting it 

If your iPhone eSIM is not working after resetting it and you still see "No service" or "SOS only," don’t worry. A few simple tweaks may help restore the connection.

• Check your Wi-Fi connection. Make sure you’re connected to a strong, stable Wi-Fi network while activating or reinstalling your eSIM. If the signal is weak, move closer to the router or try another trusted network. Apple requires Wi-Fi or a hotspot for eSIM setup in most cases. 

• Cycle airplane mode. Turn airplane mode on for about 30 seconds, then turn it off. This prompts your iPhone to reconnect to the cellular network. 

• Toggle the line. Go to “Settings” > “Cellular” or “Mobile data,” tap your eSIM, and make sure “Turn on this line” is enabled. If it’s already on, turn it off and back on. You can also review the rest of your eSIM settings on your iPhone while you’re there. 

• Check data roaming. If you’re using a travel eSIM, make sure “Data roaming” is turned on for that line. Many travel eSIMs require roaming to connect to partner networks. 

• Check for carrier settings and iOS updates. Go to “Settings” > “General” > “About” to see whether a carrier settings update is available and make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS. If your eSIM temporarily loses its connection after a software or carrier update, the next step may help.

• Reset network settings. If the other steps don’t work, go to “Settings” > “General” > “Transfer or reset iPhone” > “Reset” > “Reset network settings.” This resets Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, VPN settings, and APN settings, so you may need to reconnect to Wi-Fi afterward. 

• Check whether your iPhone is carrier locked. A carrier-locked iPhone may prevent you from using an eSIM from another provider. If needed, follow our guide to unlocking an eSIM on an iPhone.

• Get additional help. Visit the Saily help center for step-by-step setup guides and answers to common eSIM questions.

Work through these steps one by one — sometimes just one of them is enough to get your iPhone connected again. If the eSIM still doesn’t work, contact your carrier or eSIM provider for help.

Can you factory reset an iPhone without losing the eSIM?

You can factory reset an iPhone and choose to keep your eSIM. A factory reset erases your personal data, including your apps, photos, and settings, but Apple gives you the option to leave your cellular plan on the device. Be sure to back up important data and files first to help prevent data loss.

When you start the reset (“Settings” > “General” > “Transfer or reset iPhone” > “Erase all content and settings”), you can choose:

1. Delete eSIM and erase data. This erases your personal data and removes the eSIM. If you choose this option, you may need to contact your carrier to reactivate your cellular plan.

2. Keep eSIM and erase data. This erases your personal data but keeps your eSIM on the iPhone.

Choose the second option if you want to keep your eSIM while resetting your iPhone. If you want to remove the cellular profile as well, learn how to delete an eSIM from an iPhone. 

Why trust Saily for your eSIM needs

Travel should be about the destination, not the settings menu. You expect the internet to work the moment you land.

Saily makes that happen. With coverage in over 200 destinations and a support team that knows iPhone connectivity inside and out, we designed the app to remove barriers to connectivity so you can focus on the trip. Check out the benefits of an eSIM to see how we compare.

The bottom line is simple — you land, get connected, and start your adventure. Download an eSIM app that keeps up with your pace!

What to do if the eSIM is not working on an iPhone after resetting it 

If your iPhone eSIM is not working after resetting it and you still see "No service" or "SOS only," don’t worry. A few simple tweaks may help restore the connection.

• Check your Wi-Fi connection. Make sure you’re connected to a strong, stable Wi-Fi network while activating or reinstalling your eSIM. If the signal is weak, move closer to the router or try another trusted network. Apple requires Wi-Fi or a hotspot for eSIM setup in most cases. 

• Cycle airplane mode. Turn airplane mode on for about 30 seconds, then turn it off. This prompts your iPhone to reconnect to the cellular network. 

• Toggle the line. Go to “Settings” > “Cellular” or “Mobile data,” tap your eSIM, and make sure “Turn on this line” is enabled. If it’s already on, turn it off and back on. You can also review the rest of your eSIM settings on your iPhone while you’re there. 

• Check data roaming. If you’re using a travel eSIM, make sure “Data roaming” is turned on for that line. Many travel eSIMs require roaming to connect to partner networks. 

• Check for carrier settings and iOS updates. Go to “Settings” > “General” > “About” to see whether a carrier settings update is available and make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS. If your eSIM temporarily loses its connection after a software or carrier update, the next step may help.

• Reset network settings. If the other steps don’t work, go to “Settings” > “General” > “Transfer or reset iPhone” > “Reset” > “Reset network settings.” This resets Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, VPN settings, and APN settings, so you may need to reconnect to Wi-Fi afterward. 

• Check whether your iPhone is carrier locked. A carrier-locked iPhone may prevent you from using an eSIM from another provider. If needed, follow our guide to unlocking an eSIM on an iPhone.

• Get additional help. Visit the Saily help center for step-by-step setup guides and answers to common eSIM questions.

Work through these steps one by one — sometimes just one of them is enough to get your iPhone connected again. If the eSIM still doesn’t work, contact your carrier or eSIM provider for help.

Can you factory reset an iPhone without losing the eSIM?

You can factory reset an iPhone and choose to keep your eSIM. A factory reset erases your personal data, including your apps, photos, and settings, but Apple gives you the option to leave your cellular plan on the device. Be sure to back up important data and files first to help prevent data loss.

When you start the reset (“Settings” > “General” > “Transfer or reset iPhone” > “Erase all content and settings”), you can choose:

1. Delete eSIM and erase data. This erases your personal data and removes the eSIM. If you choose this option, you may need to contact your carrier to reactivate your cellular plan.

2. Keep eSIM and erase data. This erases your personal data but keeps your eSIM on the iPhone.

Choose the second option if you want to keep your eSIM while resetting your iPhone. If you want to remove the cellular profile as well, learn how to delete an eSIM from an iPhone. 

Why trust Saily for your eSIM needs

Travel should be about the destination, not the settings menu. You expect the internet to work the moment you land.

Saily makes that happen. With coverage in over 200 destinations and a support team that knows iPhone connectivity inside and out, we designed the app to remove barriers to connectivity so you can focus on the trip. Check out the benefits of an eSIM to see how we compare.

The bottom line is simple — you land, get connected, and start your adventure. Download an eSIM app that keeps up with your pace!