Managing eSIM iPhone Settings: Remove and Reinstall in Minutes

If you are an eSIM iPhone user who decides to change carriers, has trouble with connectivity issues, or simply resets the cellular configuration to enable the mobile operator's switch, then knowing your eSIM settings is very important. Luckily, this is a process that Apple has revamped, allowing users to both remove and install their digital SIM card via a quick and straightforward procedure. This guide is so detailed that you'll be able to do it yourself in just a few minutes, and it will ensure that you become confident in managing your iPhone's eSIM.

What is an eSIM on iPhone?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card that is directly integrated into the hardware of your iPhone. Unlike traditional plastic SIM cards that you have to put in and take out, an eSIM operates electronically, without a single physical movement. Its impact on the mobile market is significant and demonstrates significant advantages in the following areas:

• Multi-SIM Capability: eSIM-supported iPhones, being new, allow a physical nano-SIM to be used along with the electronic SIM. It is the perfect solution to have two active phone lines on a single device, e.g., for personal and work purposes, or for the local number that you will use abroad.
• Comfort and Flexibility: The switch from one cellular plan to another or from one carrier to another has never been so comfortable. Instead of waiting for the new traditional size SIM card to be delivered, you could most likely activate a new plan by means of the QR code or the carrier's relevant app instantly.
• Limited Device Footprint: As a result of not incorporating a physical SIM card tray, more internal space is provided for the manufacturers, and the latter can use it more efficiently, which leads to devices of a smaller size or batteries of larger capacity.
• Advanced Protection: The eSIM was kept inside to avoid the danger of being physically lost or stolen.

A wide range of iPhone models now support eSIM technology, including:

• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
• iPhone XR
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
• iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 14
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 15
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 16
• iPhone 16 Plus
• iPhone 16 Pro
• iPhone 16 Pro Max
• iPhone 16e

Before You Begin: What to Know

Before you get your hands dirty with the removal or reinstallation of your eSIM, there are a few crucial steps that must be taken into account for the process to go smoothly:

• Unlock Your iPhone (If Switching Carriers): If you intend to use a different mobile carrier, make sure that your iPhone is unlocked. A locked iPhone can be used only with the carrier from which it was initially purchased. In case your carrier is the current one, ask about the unlocking process.
• Ensure a Stable Wi-Fi Connection: You will definitely be in need of a stable Wi-Fi network to download and activate your eSIM profile, particularly when you are reinstalling it via a QR code or carrier app.
• Back Up Your iPhone (Optional but Recommended): While removing or reinstalling an eSIM shouldn't directly affect your data, it's always a good practice to back up your iPhone before making any significant system changes. You can do this via iCloud or your computer.

Important Note:

• Removing Deletes Plan and Data: Please, take into account that the removal of the eSIM from your phone means that the cellular plan linked to it is also deleted. It is equivalent to losing the eSIM as your connectivity source until you upload a new profile or the old one. Further, all used data and settings linked to the specific eSIM will be removed.

How to Remove an eSIM on iPhone

Taking an eSIM out of your iPhone is an easy thing to do, which can be done in just a few simple steps:

1. Open Settings: The "Settings" icon on the iPhone's Home Screen is typically a grey gear. So, you need to look at the Home Screen of your iPhone and among all the various apps, you will be able to find the settings one, or you might have placed the icon for it on the front screen. Tap it to open.

2. Go to Cellular or Mobile Data: Go to your Settings and continue scrolling down until you see Cellular. Tap on this option.

3. Select the eSIM Plan You Want to Remove: In the "CELLULAR PLANS" or "MOBILE DATA PLANS" section, there is the option to see the current active cellular plans. The eSIM plan will most likely be the one branded with the carrier name or the one that your creative label is.

4. Tap Remove Cellular Plan: Under the name of the selected eSIM plan, scroll down to where you can find the "Remove Cellular Plan" option. Tap it.

5. Confirm Removal: Press "Remove Cellular Plan" once more to confirm if the question of being inshore is also positive for the user.

After you take these steps, the eSIM profile will be deleted from your iPhone. The corresponding cellular plan is thus no longer active on your device.

How to Reinstall an eSIM on iPhone

Reinstalling an eSIM on your iPhone typically involves one of two primary methods: using a QR code provided by your carrier or utilizing the carrier's dedicated app or an automatic setup process.

Method 1: Using a QR Code

This is a common method, especially when activating a new eSIM plan from a carrier.

Go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan. Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone. Navigate to "Cellular" (or "Mobile Data") and then tap on "Add Cellular Plan."

Scan QR Code or Enter Details Manually: You will see an option to "Scan QR Code." If your carrier has provided you with a QR code (usually via email or a printed document), hold your iPhone's camera over the QR code. Ensure the entire code is within the frame. Your iPhone will recognize the code and prompt you to proceed.

If you cannot scan the QR code, tap on the option that says "Enter Details Manually" (the exact wording might vary). You will then be asked to enter the SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code provided by your carrier.

Follow Prompts to Activate: Once the QR code is scanned or the details are entered, your iPhone will connect to the carrier's server to download and activate the eSIM profile. Follow any on-screen prompts to complete the activation process. This might involve confirming your plan and setting up your preferences for the new eSIM (e.g., making it your primary line for calls and data).

Method 2: Using a Carrier App or Automatic Setup

Through the Legacy Global eSIM solution, the client is offered an automatic and streamlined eSIM activation process without any hassle. The process can be done either by downloading carrier carrier-specific mobile application or by using the automatic setup feature available in iOS.

Carrier App: To get the eSIM of your carrier activated, first of all, log in and install the dedicated app, which is available on the App Store. After that, choose the manage account section and look for an option to activate or manage your eSIM. Follow the steps given in the app. It is very common to first log in to your account. When prompted, select your eSIM plan from the list of options.

Automatic Setup: For some situations, particularly when buying an eSIM plan from a carrier directly from your iPhone, the eSIM can be utilized by you as soon as the mobile phone is set up for the first time or when it connects to the carrier network. Check the screen if there is a message indicating the need for eSIM activation, then proceed with the instructions given. If your iPhone gets connected to a carrier's network for the first time and the eSIM is added, follow the on-screen instructions.

People who are based abroad or those who wish to switch carriers are being presented with the following information:

While traveling internationally, it is often possible to purchase and install a local eSIM from a carrier in the foreign country alongside your regular eSIM or physical SIM. This strategy of utilizing a local eSIM with your original eSIM or a physical SIM can help you avoid incurring high charges for roaming.

When moving to a new carrier, the user must confirm the complete quitting of the previous eSIM plan and then proceed to set up the new one. At this point, the user should refer to all the information given in detail by the new carrier concerning the process to follow.

Troubleshooting eSIM iPhone Issues

While the eSIM setup process is generally trouble-free, you may still face some issues sometimes. Here are some of the most typical problems and their solutions:

eSIM Doesn’t Activate:

• Check Wi-Fi Connection: You should confirm beyond a shadow of a doubt that there is a good, working, and reliable Wi-Fi connection that you are connected to since it is one of the common requirements when downloading the eSIM profile.
• Verify QR Code or Details: Make sure that you have not messed up scanning the QR code or entering the SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code. Also, keep in touch with your carrier for clarification of the details if necessary.
• Restart Your iPhone: A quick phone restart can fix most of the temporary software problems easily.
• Software Update: Check whether your iPhone is operating on the latest iOS version. To do that, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update, and then check for and install any updates that may be available.
• Contact Your Carrier: If the problem still exists, get in touch with your mobile carrier's support team. Your account or the eSIM profile they provided might be at the heart of the problem of the issue.

No Signal After Reinstall

• Check Cellular Settings: First, you need to enter the Cellular settings of your iPhone, which can be found in the Settings, and then ensure that your eSIM plan is set as the primary line for data and voice (if applicable).
• Restart Your iPhone: If your mobile phone can't receive the cellular network, you can restart it in order for your iPhone to attempt to reconnect to the network.
• Check for Carrier Outages: It is possible that, where you live, there is a network problem. Your carrier may make announcements on the website or social media. So, you can check there for any network issues.
• Reset Network Settings: Opening the transfer and reset panel of your phone through the General and then a recovery to initial settings will allow you to remove Wi-Fi passwords, cellular settings, and VPN configurations, but not your data. You can reconnect your Wi-Fi networks, your cellular data, and your VPN after the reset.

• Contacting the Carrier: If the signal is still missing, then call your carrier to confirm that your eSIM plan is active and correctly provisioned with them.

"No SIM" or "Invalid SIM" Errors Appear:

• Restart Your iPhone: This can sometimes resolve temporary errors.
• Check for Software Updates: Ensure your iPhone is running the latest iOS version.
• Contact Apple Support or Your Carrier: If the error persists, it could indicate a problem with your iPhone's eSIM hardware or the eSIM profile itself. Contact Apple Support or your mobile carrier for further assistance.

When to Contact Your Carrier or Apple Support:

• If you are having trouble activating your eSIM despite following the correct steps.
• If you are experiencing persistent network connectivity issues after installing or reinstalling your eSIM.
• If you receive error messages related to your eSIM that you cannot resolve.
• If you suspect a hardware issue with your iPhone's eSIM functionality.

Conclusion

It's easy to handle your eSIM settings on the iPhone, apart from removing what you have and installing the new, which is a very short process that usually takes only a few minutes. Here in this article, you will find step-by-step guidelines to follow and thus be able to manage your digital SIM card confidently and utilize the benefits of eSIM technology. Do not forget the requirements, support of the carrier, and Apple Support, and do not hesitate to ask at the time of difficulties.

Have any more questions on the subject of managing your eSIM iPhone setup? Please don't be shy and leave them in the comments section below!