When the Japan eSIM is not connecting, many people may wonder, "Will it be fixed if I delete it and reinstall it?" or "I accidentally deleted the eSIM."
When you delete the eSIM from your smartphone, the communication information stored on that device is erased, and in principle, you will no longer be able to use that line.
Furthermore, the QR code for travel eSIMs can often only be scanned once, and you may not be able to reinstall it using the same QR code after deletion. Therefore, even if you cannot connect, it is not advisable to delete the eSIM immediately based on your own judgment.
In this article, we will clearly explain what happens when you delete a Japan eSIM, the reasons why you may not be able to reinstall it, how to deal with accidental deletion, and the settings you should check before deletion.
What happens when you delete a Japan eSIM?
When you delete the Japan eSIM from your device, the eSIM profile stored on that smartphone is erased.
After deletion, you will generally be in the following state:
- You will no longer be able to use the Japan eSIM line.
- You will not be able to use mobile data communication.
- The communication settings saved in the eSIM will disappear from the device.
- If it is an eSIM with a phone number, you will not be able to make calls or send SMS.
- You may not be able to reinstall using the same QR code.
Deleting the eSIM is different from simply turning the line off temporarily.
If you only turned the line off, you can turn it back on later. However, when you delete the eSIM, the communication contract information registered on the device itself is erased.
If you are going to use a Japan eSIM, be sure to check the product description and pricing plans for Japan eSIM.
The difference between turning off the eSIM and deleting it
When communication troubles occur, it is important to avoid confusing "turning off the line" with "deleting the eSIM."
| Action | Turn off the line | Delete the eSIM |
|---|---|---|
| eSIM information on the device | Remains | Erased |
| How to use it again | Turn the line back on | Reinstallation is required |
| QR code | Not needed | May be needed again |
| Risk of not being able to reuse | Low | High |
If you only want to temporarily stop communication, please turn off the line from the settings screen instead of deleting the eSIM.
Can you reinstall the Japan eSIM after deletion?
Whether you can reinstall it or not depends on the method of issuance of the purchased eSIM and the rules of the telecommunications provider.
Generally, the QR code for travel eSIMs can often only be used once, and it becomes used once scanned on the initial device.
Therefore, even if you scan the same QR code after deleting it from the device, you may see errors such as:
- This code is invalid.
- This eSIM has already been used.
- Cannot add mobile communication plan.
- Activation code is invalid.
- Cannot activate the eSIM.
Some products may support re-downloading, but it is not guaranteed that the purchaser can reinstall it freely as many times as they want.
Before deletion, please check the reinstallation conditions in the email received at the time of purchase, the setup manual, and the frequently asked questions about eSIM.
Why can't the same QR code be reused?
The QR code for the eSIM contains activation information for downloading the communication plan to the device.
To prevent unauthorized use and duplicate registrations on multiple devices, the QR code may be set to be valid only once.
Once the initial installation is complete, that QR code is processed as used. Even if you delete the eSIM from the device afterward, the number of times the QR code can be used does not reset.
Additionally, even if the QR code itself is the same, if the status of the eSIM profile on the telecommunications provider's side is "downloaded" or "activated," re-downloading may be denied.
Is it better not to delete the Japan eSIM even if it is not connecting?
Yes. Even if the Japan eSIM is not connecting, it is recommended not to delete it immediately unless instructed to do so by support.
Many of the reasons for not being able to connect are due to settings rather than a malfunction of the eSIM, such as:
- The Japan eSIM line is turned off.
- The Japan eSIM is not selected for mobile data communication.
- Data roaming is turned off.
- APN settings are incorrect.
- Network selection is incorrect.
- You are either before the start of use or after the expiration date.
- You are in a temporarily weak signal area.
Before deleting the eSIM, first check the settings.
For detailed checking methods, please refer to troubleshooting when the eSIM is not connecting.
Things to check before deleting the Japan eSIM
1. Is the Japan eSIM line ON?
Even if you have installed the eSIM, you cannot connect to the internet if the line itself is turned off.
On iPhone, check under "Settings" → "Mobile Data," and on Android, check under "Settings" → "SIM" or "Mobile Network."
2. Is the Japan eSIM selected for mobile data communication?
If the mobile data communication is still set to the main line you usually use, you will not be able to communicate with the Japan eSIM.
Please select the Japan eSIM as the line for data communication.
3. Is data roaming ON?
Many travel Japan eSIMs require data roaming to be turned ON to connect to networks within Japan.
It is safe to turn ON data roaming for the Japan eSIM and keep the main line OFF.
4. Check the APN settings
Some Android devices and eSIM products require manual APN settings.
Please check if the APN information provided after purchase matches the device settings. If you were able to communicate normally, avoid changing the APN unnecessarily.
5. Turn airplane mode ON and OFF
Turning airplane mode ON for a moment and then OFF after about 10 seconds may reconnect you to the communication network.
6. Restart your smartphone
After adding the eSIM or changing settings, restarting the device may correctly reflect the communication settings.
7. Check the network selection
Usually, the network selection should be set to "automatic."
If you have been instructed to manually select a specific carrier from the place of purchase, please follow those instructions.
8. Check the conditions for starting use
The timing for starting use varies depending on the Japan eSIM.
- When you first connect to a compatible network in Japan
- The specified start date
- When the eSIM is installed
- After a certain period has passed since purchase
You cannot communicate before starting use or after the expiration date, so please check the instructions after purchase.
For basic eSIM settings, please also refer to how to set up eSIM.
What to do if you accidentally deleted the Japan eSIM
If you accidentally deleted the Japan eSIM, do not repeatedly scan the same QR code; instead, follow these steps:
1. Check the email from when you purchased
First, check the email or setup instructions you received after purchase.
Look for information such as:
- Reinstallation method
- Number of times the QR code can be used
- Manual installation code
- SM-DP+ address
- Activation code
- How to contact support
2. Check if the eSIM is still on the device
Even if you think you deleted it, the eSIM may still be on the device under a different name.
Check for line names you may have set, such as "Travel," "Secondary Line," "Mobile Data," "Personal," or "Business."
3. Check the same QR code once
If the instructions from the place of purchase state that re-scanning is possible, scan the QR code in a stable Wi-Fi environment.
However, repeatedly scanning may make it difficult to identify the cause of errors. If you see a message indicating it cannot be reused, do not proceed further and contact support.
4. Contact support from the place of purchase
If you cannot reuse the QR code, inform the support team of your situation.
The telecommunications provider may be able to reissue or reset the eSIM, but it is not guaranteed that they will do so.
Before contacting, it is helpful to prepare the following information for a smooth confirmation:
- Order number
- Purchaser's name or email address
- Intended use date
- Model name of the smartphone you are using
- Date and time you deleted the eSIM
- Error messages displayed
- The device on which you first scanned the QR code
- Current country or region you are in
For information on how to contact, please check eSIM setup and support information.
Main reasons for not being able to reinstall the eSIM
QR code has already been used
The most common reason is that the QR code has been marked as used after the first installation.
Even if you delete it from the device, the usage history on the telecommunications provider's side is not reset.
Installed on another device
If the eSIM is already registered on another smartphone, you may not be able to add it to a new device using the same QR code.
Installation period has expired
Depending on the eSIM, you may need to install it within a certain period after purchase or issuance.
If the expiration date has passed, the QR code may become invalid even if it has not been used.
Usage period has expired
If the usage period of the plan has already expired, you will not be able to communicate even if you reinstall it.
Unstable Wi-Fi environment
Downloading the eSIM requires an internet connection. If you are using unstable public Wi-Fi, errors may occur during the download process.
The device does not support eSIM
Even with the same model name, some devices may not support eSIM depending on the country of sale or model number.
Please check if the device you plan to use is listed in the list of eSIM compatible devices.
The device is SIM-locked
If the SIM lock imposed by the telecommunications company has not been lifted, you may not be able to add another company's eSIM.
The number of eSIM registrations on the device has reached the limit
Smartphones can store multiple eSIMs, but there is a limit to the number of eSIMs that can be saved.
However, if you are deleting another eSIM, please check if you can reinstall it before proceeding.
Can you transfer the Japan eSIM when changing devices?
Whether you can transfer the eSIM to a new smartphone when changing devices depends on the eSIM product and the telecommunications provider.
iPhones and Androids have eSIM transfer features, but not all travel eSIMs support transfer.
For travel eSIMs, they may only be usable on the device where they were first installed. Therefore, if you try to delete the eSIM from the old device and add it to the new device, you may not be able to reinstall it.
If you are planning to change devices, please check in the following order:
- Check with the place of purchase if eSIM transfer is possible.
- Check if the new device supports eSIM.
- Check the procedures for transfer or reissue.
- Confirm that you can communicate on the new device.
- Finally, delete the eSIM from the old device.
Be sure not to delete the eSIM from the old device before the setup on the new device is complete.
Is it okay to delete the Japan eSIM after the trip is over?
If your trip to Japan is over and you are certain that you will not use that eSIM again, it is fine to delete it from your device.
However, immediately after returning home, you may need to connect for the following reasons:
- Using the internet at the airport or transit location
- Checking reservation information from your trip
- Contacting Japanese facilities about forgotten items
- Checking flight change information
- Inquiring with the support team from the place of purchase
It is safer to delete it after confirming that you have completed all necessary checks.
Also, even if you delete an eSIM with remaining usage time, it is usually not the case that unused data capacity or remaining days will be refunded.
How to safely delete the Japan eSIM
Once you have confirmed that you no longer need the Japan eSIM and will not reuse it, delete it from the device's settings screen.
How to delete eSIM on iPhone
- Open "Settings."
- Select "Mobile Data."
- Select the Japan eSIM you want to delete.
- Select "Delete eSIM" or "Delete Mobile Data Plan."
- Confirm the displayed content and delete it.
How to delete eSIM on Android
- Open "Settings."
- Select "Network & Internet" or "Connections."
- Select "SIM" or "SIM Manager."
- Select the Japan eSIM you want to delete.
- Select "Clear SIM," "Delete eSIM," etc.
- Confirm the displayed content and delete it.
On Android, the item names may vary depending on the manufacturer and OS. Be sure to confirm that the target for deletion is not the main line you usually use.
Frequently Asked Questions about Deleting and Reinstalling Japan eSIM
Will the fees be automatically canceled when I delete the eSIM?
The operation of deleting the eSIM from the device is separate from the cancellation of contracts or pricing plans.
For prepaid eSIMs for short-term travel, there is often no automatic renewal, but for subscription-based products, the contract may continue even after deletion. Please check the contract conditions at the time of purchase.
Can I restore the deleted eSIM?
You cannot restore it just by operating the device.
You will need to check if you can reinstall it with the same QR code or if a reissue from the place of purchase is necessary. Some products may not be reissued.
Can I use the same QR code on a different smartphone?
Basically, you cannot reuse a QR code that has been installed once on another device.
Please check in advance with the place of purchase whether it supports device changes.
Will data capacity remain if I delete the eSIM?
The telecommunications provider may have remaining data, but you cannot use it if you cannot reinstall it.
Also, the validity period of the plan may continue to progress even while it is deleted.
Is Wi-Fi required for reinstallation?
Yes. A stable Wi-Fi or internet connection from another line is required to download the eSIM profile.
Will resetting network settings also delete the eSIM?
The behavior may vary depending on the device and OS. In a normal network settings reset, the eSIM may remain, but depending on the content of the initialization operation, an option to delete the eSIM may be displayed.
Please check the cautionary notes on the screen before resetting.
Is it okay to delete the eSIM before contacting support?
It is not recommended.
If you delete it, support will not be able to check the settings, and you may lose the ability to reuse the same QR code.
For other questions, please check the frequently asked questions about eSIM.
Summary | Check if the Japan eSIM can be reused before deleting
When you delete the Japan eSIM, the eSIM profile stored on that device is erased, and you will no longer be able to communicate.
Since the QR code for travel eSIMs can often only be used once, it is not guaranteed that you can reinstall it using the same QR code after deletion.
Before deletion, please check the following points:
- If you want to temporarily stop, turn off the line instead of deleting it.
- Check mobile data communication and data roaming.
- Check APN and network settings.
- Try airplane mode and restart.
- Check if the QR code can be reused.
- Do not delete before support instructions.
- When changing devices, delete after confirming setup on the new device.
If the Japan eSIM is not connecting, please check troubleshooting when the eSIM is not connecting before deleting.
For those who want to summarize the selection, setup methods, and precautions for using Japan eSIM, please also refer to the complete guide to Japan eSIM.
For those preparing for a Japan travel eSIM, you can check plans that match your stay duration and data capacity from the product and pricing plans for Japan eSIM.
