Resetting an eSIM can fix connection issues including 'No Service' errors, slow data, and failed network registration. There are several levels of reset, from a simple airplane mode toggle to a complete profile removal and re-download. Start with the gentlest approach and escalate only if the problem persists.
This guide covers each method from lightest to most thorough.
Step-by-step instructions
- 1
Try Airplane Mode first (soft reset)
Toggle Airplane Mode on from Control Center (iPhone) or Quick Settings (Android). Wait 30 seconds, then toggle it off. This forces your phone to disconnect from all networks and re-register, which resolves most temporary connection glitches.
If your eSIM was showing 'No Service' or 'Searching,' the carrier name should reappear within 60 seconds after turning off Airplane Mode.
Tip: If Airplane Mode does not help, power your phone off completely, wait 30 seconds, and power it back on. A full restart clears radio firmware state that a simple toggle does not.
- 2
Toggle the eSIM line off and on
On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > select the eSIM line > toggle 'Turn On This Line' off. Wait 10 seconds, then toggle it back on. On Android, go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > select the eSIM > toggle it off and back on.
This forces the phone to re-authenticate with the carrier network without deleting the profile. It resolves most authentication and registration failures.
Tip: After toggling back on, wait up to 5 minutes for the network to re-register. Do not toggle it again during this window.
- 3
Reset network settings (medium reset)
On iPhone, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. On Android, go to Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth. This clears all saved Wi-Fi passwords, VPN configurations, APN settings, and network preferences.
Your eSIM profiles remain installed but re-negotiate their network connections from scratch. This fixes APN misconfigurations and corrupted network settings.
Tip: You will need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords after this reset. Write down any important ones before proceeding.
- 4
Delete and re-download the eSIM profile (full reset)
If nothing else works, delete the eSIM profile entirely and re-install it. On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > select the line > Delete eSIM. On Android, go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > select the eSIM > Delete.
Then log into your provider's app and download a fresh QR code from your order history. Scan the new QR code to re-install the profile. This gives you a clean profile from the provider's server.
Frequently asked questions
Will resetting my eSIM delete my data plan?
Toggling the eSIM off and on or resetting network settings does not delete your plan. Only physically deleting the eSIM profile from your device removes it. Even then, your data plan remains active on the provider's server. You can re-download it with a new QR code.
How often should I reset my eSIM?
You should not need to reset your eSIM under normal conditions. Reset only when experiencing specific issues like 'No Service,' unusually slow speeds, or failed data connections. If you find yourself resetting frequently, the issue is likely with the eSIM plan itself or the local network coverage rather than your phone's configuration.
Does factory reset remove eSIM profiles?
On iPhone, a factory reset (Erase All Content and Settings) removes all eSIM profiles from the device. On most Android phones, a factory reset also removes eSIM profiles, though some manufacturers preserve them. Always note your eSIM provider credentials before factory resetting so you can re-download profiles afterward.
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