Symptoms
- No service after a factory reset
- eSIM section in settings shows empty
- Phone asks to set up cellular as if new
- eSIM QR code from setup is no longer valid to reuse
Likely causes
- CommonFactory reset erased the eSIM profile along with other dataeSIM profiles are stored on the device and can be removed during a full reset unless specifically transferred first.
- CommonOriginal activation QR code or method was single-use and already consumedMost eSIM QR codes only work once, so they can't simply be rescanned after a reset.
- PossibleCarrier didn't automatically preserve the eSIM through the reset processSome phones prompt to save your eSIM before resetting, but this step is easy to miss.
What to do
- Check your phone's cellular settings to confirm the eSIM is actually gone versus just needing to be re-selected as active.
- Contact your carrier's support or app to request the eSIM be reactivated or resent, since most carriers can do this without needing a new physical SIM.
- If the carrier provides an app, check if it has a 'redownload eSIM' or similar recovery option.
- For future resets, use your phone's built-in 'Erase and transfer eSIM' option if available, which preserves the cellular plan during the process.
- Be prepared to verify your identity with the carrier, since reissuing an eSIM is a security-sensitive action.
When to call a pro
Contact your carrier's support to reissue the eSIM profile; this is a routine request and doesn't require a store visit for most carriers.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.