While setting up a travel eSIM, it is possible to accidentally delete the eSIM.
Many people may feel anxious and wonder, "Can I restore the deleted eSIM?" "Can I install it again using the same QR code?"
The response after deleting an eSIM varies depending on the eSIM service you are using. In some cases, you can reinstall it using the same QR code, while in others, you may need to request a reissue of the QR code or contact support.
In this article, we will clearly explain what to check first when you accidentally delete an eSIM, how to reinstall it, and what to do if reconfiguration is not possible.
What to Do If You Accidentally Delete Your eSIM
- Connect to Wi-Fi
- Check your purchase email and my page
- Check if you can reuse the QR code
- If reusable, reinstall the eSIM
- If not reusable, check about reissuing
- If unsure, contact the eSIM provider
Before scanning the same QR code multiple times, let's check the reinstallation conditions of the eSIM you are using.
Can I Reinstall If I Deleted My eSIM?
Whether you can reinstall or not depends on the specifications of the eSIM service.
| Situation | Response Method |
|---|---|
| Can reuse the same QR code | Follow the provider's instructions to reinstall |
| Cannot reuse the QR code | Check if reissue is possible |
| Manual configuration information is available | Use the provided information to set it up |
| Don't know how to reinstall | Contact the eSIM provider's support |
Particularly, you should be cautious about the QR code. Depending on the eSIM, once installed on the device, you may not be able to reuse the same QR code.
Therefore, instead of repeatedly scanning the same QR code after deletion, first check the usage guide for the eSIM you purchased.
First, Check Your Purchase Email and My Page
If you accidentally delete your eSIM, check the email you received at the time of purchase and the my page of the eSIM service.
The following information may be included:
- eSIM QR code
- Installation method
- Notes regarding reinstallation
- SM-DP+ address
- Activation code
- How to contact support
Even if the QR code is still available, it does not guarantee that it can be reused. Be sure to check the reinstallation conditions as well.
Check If You Can Reuse the Same QR Code
The conditions for using the eSIM QR code vary by service.
Some services allow reinstallation using the same QR code, but there are also types that cannot be reused once installed.
Check your purchase email or setup guide for notes such as "The QR code can only be used once" or "Cannot reinstall if deleted."
Note: Even if you have the QR code on hand, it does not guarantee that you can reinstall it. If you are unsure about the reusability, it is recommended to confirm with the provider before proceeding.
Basic Flow for Reinstalling the eSIM
If the eSIM can be reinstalled, set it up according to the provider's instructions. The general flow is as follows:
- Connect to a stable Wi-Fi
- Open the eSIM addition screen on your smartphone
- Scan the provided QR code
- Follow the on-screen instructions to add the eSIM
- Activate the added eSIM
- Select the eSIM to use for mobile data
- Set up data roaming or APN if necessary
- Check if you can connect to the internet
The actual operation method may vary depending on whether you are using an iPhone or Android, as well as the eSIM service you are using.
What to Do If You Cannot Reuse the QR Code?
If you get an error when scanning the same QR code, instead of repeatedly trying, check with the eSIM provider.
Depending on the service, it may be possible to reissue a new QR code. On the other hand, there are products that cannot be reissued, or cases where repurchase is necessary.
When contacting support, it is smooth if you prepare the following information:
- Order number
- Model of the smartphone you are using
- OS version
- Situation in which the eSIM was deleted
- Error message displayed
Can I Manually Reconfigure Without the QR Code?
For some eSIMs, it may be possible to manually add the eSIM using the SM-DP+ address or activation code instead of the QR code.
However, even if manual configuration information is available, it does not guarantee that you can reinstall an already used eSIM.
Only if the provider has instructed you on manual configuration, please use the specified information to set it up.
You Cannot Create a New eSIM Profile on Your Own
eSIMs cannot be freely created as new profiles on your smartphone.
Reinstallation requires a QR code or configuration information issued by the eSIM provider. If there is no information available after deletion, you will need to contact the provider.
If You Cannot Connect Even After Reinstallation
Even if you can reinstall the eSIM, there may be cases where you cannot connect to the internet immediately. In that case, check the following items:
- Is the eSIM activated?
- Are you selecting the correct eSIM for mobile data?
- Is data roaming turned on if necessary?
- Is APN configuration needed?
- Is airplane mode off?
- Are you in a coverage area?
If you still cannot connect after checking the settings, contact the eSIM provider's support before deleting it again.
It Is Important Not to Delete the eSIM Immediately During Troubles
If you are experiencing issues such as not being able to connect with the eSIM, being out of service, or not being able to activate, it is not recommended to delete the eSIM as the first response.
Deleting it may result in not being able to reinstall it, so first check settings such as airplane mode, mobile data, data roaming, and APN.
If you do not know the cause, it is safer to contact the provider before deleting the eSIM.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I delete my eSIM?
If you delete the eSIM from your device, the eSIM profile that was saved on that device will no longer be available.
However, whether you can reinstall it or not depends on the eSIM service. In some cases, you can reuse the same QR code, while in others, you may need to request a new QR code or repurchase.
Can I restore the deleted eSIM?
It is not guaranteed that you can restore the deleted eSIM just by operating your smartphone.
If reinstallation is supported, you will need to use the QR code or configuration information issued by the provider to add the eSIM again. First, check your purchase email, my page, and setup guide.
Can I use the same QR code twice?
It varies by eSIM. Some services allow reusing the same QR code, but there are also cases where it becomes unusable after being installed once.
Just because you have the QR code does not guarantee that it can be reused, so be careful.
What should I do if I deleted or lost the QR code?
Check your purchase email or my page. You may be able to reconfirm the QR code or configuration information.
If you cannot find it, contact the eSIM provider to see if reissuing is possible.
Can I reuse the eSIM QR code if I take a screenshot of it?
Saving a screenshot can be convenient for checking the QR code.
However, saving an image and being able to reuse the QR code are different matters. Whether you can reuse a used QR code depends on the specifications of the eSIM service.
Can I reinstall the deleted eSIM on my iPhone?
If the eSIM is reinstallable, you may be able to reconfigure it from the eSIM addition feature on your iPhone.
However, whether you can reuse the QR code or activation information depends on the eSIM service. Please check the provider's instructions before proceeding.
Can I reinstall the deleted eSIM on my Android?
On Android, if the eSIM supports reinstallation, you may be able to add it again.
However, the operation method varies by manufacturer and OS, such as Google Pixel or Galaxy, so please check the device and eSIM service setup guide.
What should I do if I accidentally delete my eSIM while traveling?
First, connect to a stable Wi-Fi at your hotel or airport, and check the eSIM information from your purchase email or my page.
If you do not know how to reinstall or if the QR code shows as used, it is recommended to contact the eSIM provider's support instead of repeatedly trying to set it up.
Will the remaining data capacity return after reinstallation?
The handling of data capacity and validity period varies depending on the eSIM service and plan you are using.
Reinstallation does not necessarily reset the data capacity or usage period. Please check the usage conditions of the purchased plan.
Do I need to purchase a new eSIM if I delete it?
It is not always necessary to repurchase. Some services support reinstallation or reissuing of the QR code.
On the other hand, if reinstallation or reissuing is not supported, you may need to purchase a new eSIM. First, check with the provider.
Conclusion
Even if you accidentally delete your eSIM, it may be possible to reinstall it. However, the method of reconfiguration and whether you can reuse the QR code varies by eSIM service.
- First, check your purchase email and my page
- Check if you can reuse the same QR code
- If reinstallable, follow the provider's instructions
- If manual configuration information is available, use it according to the instructions
- If the QR code cannot be reused, check about reissuing
- If unsure, contact support
Additionally, even if you encounter issues such as not being able to connect, being out of service, or slow speeds, it is not recommended to delete the eSIM right away.
Since some eSIMs may not allow reinstallation after deletion, first check the settings and consult support if necessary before deleting.
