You are halfway through a two-week European trip when your iPhone prompts you to install an iOS update. You tap "Install Now" without thinking, and when your phone restarts, your travel eSIM is gone. No data, no maps, no WhatsApp. This nightmare scenario has happened to thousands of travelers, and understanding the risks can prevent it from happening to you.
Can an iOS Update Delete Your eSIM?
Standard iOS Updates (Over the Air)
Regular over-the-air (OTA) iOS updates — the kind you install through Settings > General > Software Update — are designed to preserve your eSIM profiles. In the vast majority of cases, your eSIM survives an iOS update without any issues.
However, there are documented cases where iOS updates have caused eSIM problems:
- The eSIM profile becomes "unavailable" or shows "No Service" after the update
- The eSIM profile appears in settings but will not activate
- In rare cases, the eSIM profile disappears entirely
These issues typically occur with:
- Major iOS version upgrades (e.g., iOS 18 to iOS 19)
- Beta software updates
- Updates installed when battery was critically low
- Updates interrupted by power loss
iTunes/Finder Restore
If you restore your iPhone using iTunes or Finder (on Mac), the behavior depends on the restore type:
Restore from backup: Your eSIM profiles should be preserved. The backup includes eSIM configuration data.
Restore to factory settings (erase all content and settings): This removes all eSIM profiles. Your phone returns to a blank slate.
DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode restore: This is the most thorough reset. It erases everything, including eSIM profiles.
Other Scenarios That Can Delete Your eSIM
Factory Reset
Going to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings removes all eSIM profiles. This is by design — it is a full device wipe.
Transferring to a New Phone
When you set up a new iPhone and transfer from your old one:
- Quick Start / iCloud Restore: Your eSIM profiles may transfer automatically if your carrier supports eSIM Quick Transfer. Travel eSIM profiles from third-party providers typically do NOT transfer.
- Manual setup: You need to re-install each eSIM using a new QR code from the provider.
Carrier Account Changes
If you make changes to your carrier account (upgrading plan, changing number, porting out), your carrier eSIM may be deactivated. Travel eSIM profiles from third-party providers are not affected by carrier account changes.
Accidental Deletion
It is surprisingly easy to accidentally delete an eSIM profile:
- Go to Settings > Cellular
- Tap a cellular plan
- Scroll down and tap "Delete eSIM" or "Remove Cellular Plan"
- Confirm deletion
There is no "undo" for this action. The eSIM profile is permanently removed from your device.
How to Protect Your eSIM While Traveling
Rule 1: Do NOT Update iOS During Your Trip
This is the single most important rule. Unless there is a critical security emergency, postpone all iOS updates until you return home and have WiFi plus access to your eSIM provider's support.
To delay updates: Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates > turn OFF "Download iOS Updates" and "Install iOS Updates."
Rule 2: Do NOT Factory Reset While Abroad
If your phone is acting up, try a soft restart (hold power + volume button) instead. A factory reset while abroad means losing your eSIM with no way to get a new QR code without data.
Rule 3: Save Your eSIM Details
Before traveling, save these details somewhere accessible offline (notes app, screenshot, paper):
- Your eSIM provider's name and support email/phone
- Your order number or account ID
- The QR code (take a screenshot when you first receive it)
- Your ICCID (found in Settings > Cellular > [your eSIM plan] > scroll down)
Rule 4: Screenshot Your QR Code
When you receive your eSIM QR code, take a screenshot immediately. Save it to:
- Your phone's photos
- A cloud storage service (Google Drive, iCloud)
- Email it to yourself
Note: Most eSIM QR codes are single-use and cannot be re-scanned. But having the screenshot helps support teams identify your order and issue a replacement.
Rule 5: Install eSIM Before Departure
Install your travel eSIM at home, while you have WiFi and access to support. Do not wait until you arrive at your destination. This gives you time to troubleshoot any installation issues. See our [setup guide](/how-it-works) for instructions.
What to Do If Your eSIM Is Lost
Step 1: Check If It Is Really Gone
Go to Settings > Cellular on your iPhone. Look for your travel eSIM profile. Sometimes after an update, the profile exists but is turned off. Tap it and toggle "Turn On This Line."
If the profile shows "No Service" or "SIM Failure":
- Toggle Airplane Mode on, wait 10 seconds, toggle off
- Restart your phone
- Go to Settings > General > About and wait 30 seconds (this can trigger a carrier settings update)
Step 2: Try to Re-install
If you saved a screenshot of your QR code:
- Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM
- Choose "Use QR Code"
- Try scanning the screenshot
If the QR code has already been used, you will get an error. Move to Step 3.
Step 3: Contact Your eSIM Provider
Contact support and provide:
- Your order number
- Your email address used for purchase
- Your phone's IMEI (Settings > General > About > IMEI)
- Description of what happened (update, reset, accidental deletion)
Most providers can issue a replacement eSIM QR code. TripoSIM support is available 24/7.
Step 4: Get Temporary Connectivity
While waiting for a replacement eSIM:
- Connect to WiFi (hotel, cafe, restaurant)
- Buy a physical SIM card at a local store if your phone has a SIM tray
- Ask a travel companion to share their hotspot
- Visit a carrier store for a prepaid SIM or eSIM
Android eSIM and Updates
Android phones handle eSIM differently by manufacturer:
Samsung
- One UI updates generally preserve eSIM profiles
- Factory reset removes all eSIM profiles
- Samsung Smart Switch may or may not transfer eSIM to a new device
Google Pixel
- Pixel updates typically preserve eSIM profiles
- Pixel's built-in eSIM transfer works well during phone setup
- Factory reset removes all eSIM profiles
General Android Tips
- The same "do not update during travel" advice applies
- eSIM management is in Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs (varies by manufacturer)
- Accidental deletion risks are the same as iPhone
Check your device's eSIM support at [triposim.com/compatibility](/compatibility) before purchasing your plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Apple fixed the eSIM deletion bug in newer iOS versions? Apple has improved eSIM stability significantly since iOS 16, where most of the reported issues occurred. iOS 17 and 18 have fewer reports of eSIM loss during updates. However, no software update is 100% risk-free, which is why we recommend avoiding updates during travel regardless.
Can I have a backup eSIM installed on my phone? Yes. Modern iPhones can store 8+ eSIM profiles. You could install two travel eSIMs for the same destination and keep the second one disabled as backup. If your primary eSIM fails, enable the backup instantly. This costs extra but provides peace of mind for critical trips.
If I accidentally delete my eSIM, can Apple restore it? Apple cannot restore deleted eSIM profiles. Only your eSIM provider (the company you purchased the plan from) can issue a replacement. Apple Store staff can help troubleshoot eSIM issues but cannot reinstall third-party eSIM profiles.
Does restarting my iPhone risk deleting the eSIM? No. A normal restart (powering off and on) does not affect eSIM profiles at all. It is safe to restart your phone as often as needed. Only factory resets, full restores, and software updates carry any risk to eSIM profiles.