Why Is My eSIM Not Working After Factory Reset?

If your eSIM is not working after a factory reset, the most common reasons are that the eSIM profile was deleted during the reset, the phone did not restore the mobile plan correctly, the line is disabled, the activation details need to be entered again, or the device has not fully re-registered on the network yet.

This is one of the most stressful eSIM situations. A factory reset is often done to fix software problems, prepare a phone for resale, or restore a device after a bug. But after the reset, the travel eSIM may appear missing, inactive, or completely unusable.

The good news: in many cases, the issue is fixable. The exact solution depends on whether the eSIM profile was kept, removed, or partially restored during the reset process.

You may notice:

• the eSIM line is gone after reset
• the phone says No SIM or No Service
• the eSIM is installed but not working
• the QR code is needed again
• the main SIM works but the travel eSIM does not

This guide explains exactly why your eSIM is not working after factory reset, how to fix it fast, and how to avoid losing service in the future.

1. The Factory Reset Deleted the eSIM Profile

This is the #1 reason.

Many phones give users a choice during factory reset:

• erase everything and keep the eSIM
• erase everything including the eSIM

If the eSIM was removed, the phone will no longer have the installed mobile plan after setup.

Fix:

• Check whether the eSIM profile still exists in settings
• If not, reinstall it using the original QR code or activation details

Helpful guides:

• Can I Reinstall My eSIM If I Delete It?
• What Happens If I Remove My eSIM by Mistake?

2. The eSIM Is Still There, But the Line Is Disabled

After a factory reset, some phones restore the profile but leave it turned OFF.

This makes it look like the eSIM disappeared or stopped working, even though it still exists in the system.

Fix:

• Open the SIM or Cellular menu
• Look for stored plans
• Turn the eSIM line ON manually

Helpful guides:

• Why Is My eSIM Installed But Hidden?
• Why Can’t I Turn On My eSIM Line?

3. The eSIM Profile Was Restored Incorrectly

Some phones partially restore eSIM data after a backup restore or cloud recovery, but the restored line may not be fully active.

This can create confusing situations such as:

• the plan is visible but unusable
• the line appears with no signal
• the phone asks to activate again

Fix:

• Restart the phone after setup completes
• Check whether the profile is active or only stored

4. The Phone Needs to Re-Register on the Network

After a factory reset, the modem and SIM services may need time to reconnect to the local network.

This is especially common if you are already abroad and the phone must immediately reconnect to a roaming partner.

Fix:

• Wait 5–10 minutes
• Keep the phone unlocked and connected to Wi-Fi during setup
• Restart once more if needed

Helpful guide: Why Is My eSIM Activated But Not Working?

5. Data Roaming Is OFF After the Reset

Many factory resets return network settings to default values. That often means roaming is turned OFF again.

For many travel eSIM plans, roaming must be enabled or mobile data will not work properly abroad.

Fix:

• Select your eSIM
• Turn Data Roaming ON

Helpful guide: Do You Need Roaming for eSIM?

6. The Wrong SIM Is Selected for Mobile Data

If the phone also has a physical SIM or another eSIM, the factory reset may return the default data line to the wrong SIM.

This can make the travel eSIM seem broken even though the real problem is only SIM priority.

Fix:

• Set the travel eSIM as the active mobile data line
• Turn OFF roaming on the home SIM if needed

Helpful guide: Why Is My eSIM Using My Main SIM Instead?

7. The QR Code or Activation Details Are Needed Again

If the reset removed the eSIM completely, you may need to install it from scratch.

That means you may need:

• the QR code
• the SM-DP+ address
• the activation code

Fix:

• Use the latest NoveSIM activation email
• Reinstall through the proper Add eSIM menu

Helpful guides:

• Why Is My eSIM QR Code Not Working?
• Why Does My eSIM Say Invalid Activation Code?
• Why Is My eSIM Asking for Activation Code?

8. The Device Is Not Properly Set Up Yet

Sometimes the issue is not the eSIM itself but the incomplete phone setup after reset.

If the device setup wizard is not fully completed, some SIM and network settings may not behave normally yet.

Fix:

• Complete all phone setup steps first
• Sign in fully to the operating system
• Then return to the eSIM settings

9. The Factory Reset Triggered a Software Bug

Some iPhone and Android devices behave unpredictably immediately after a clean restore, especially if a software update is also pending.

Fix:

• Check for the latest iOS or Android update
• Install the update and restart again

Helpful guides:

• Why Is My eSIM Not Working After Phone Update?
• Why Is My eSIM Not Working After iOS Update?
• Why Is My eSIM Not Working After Android Update?

10. The Reset Changed APN or Network Settings

Some phones wipe APN and mobile data configuration during reset. If your provider needs specific network settings, data may not work even if the eSIM itself is present.

Fix:

• Check whether APN fields are blank or incorrect
• Re-enter them if your plan requires it

Helpful guides:

• Why Is My eSIM Connected But No Internet?
• Why Is My eSIM Not Working After Resetting Network Settings?

11. The Device Is Carrier Locked or Region Limited

If the factory reset was done on a replacement phone or a second device, the issue may actually be phone compatibility, not the reset itself.

Some phones:

• do not support eSIM in all regions
• are carrier locked
• have different hardware variants

Fix:

• Check exact model compatibility
• Confirm the phone is unlocked

Helpful guides:

• Why Can’t My eSIM Be Added to This Phone?
• Why Does iPhone Say This eSIM Cannot Be Added?
• Why Is My Android Not Adding eSIM?

12. The Reset Was Done Before Travel Arrival

Some users reset and reinstall their phone before arriving at the destination country. In that case, the eSIM may be correctly installed but still not fully active until it connects to a supported local network.

Fix:

• Test again after arrival
• Make sure destination coverage is included in the plan

Helpful guides:

• Why Is My eSIM Not Working in Another Country?
• eSIM Works in One Country but Not Another

Best Setup After a Factory Reset

• complete the phone setup fully
• connect to strong Wi-Fi
• check whether the eSIM line still exists
• enable the eSIM manually if needed
• set the eSIM as your mobile data line
• turn roaming ON for the travel eSIM
• restart the phone once more

How to Fix on iPhone

• Settings > Cellular
• Look for your cellular plans
• Turn the travel eSIM ON
• Set Cellular Data = eSIM
• Turn Data Roaming ON

If the line is gone completely, use:

• Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM

How to Fix on Android

• Settings > SIM Manager or Network & Internet
• Check for stored eSIM profiles
• Enable the travel eSIM
• Set Preferred Data SIM = eSIM
• Turn Roaming ON

Fast 60-Second Fix Checklist

• restart the phone
• check whether the eSIM profile is still present
• turn the eSIM line ON
• select the eSIM for mobile data
• turn roaming ON
• reinstall the eSIM if it was deleted

Common User Mistakes After Factory Reset

Assuming the eSIM survives every reset automatically

Not always. Some resets remove the profile entirely.

Forgetting to check whether the line is disabled

The eSIM may still exist but be turned OFF.

Ignoring roaming settings after setup

Many travel plans need roaming ON again after reset.

Reinstalling too quickly without checking first

Always check whether the profile is still there before reinstalling.

Using the wrong SIM for data after setup

A reset often changes your default data line.

When to Contact Support

Contact support if:

• the eSIM profile was deleted and you need new installation details
• your QR code or activation code no longer works
• the eSIM appears installed but still never gets service
• your phone should support eSIM but cannot restore the profile

Helpful page: Contact Support

Final Thoughts

If your eSIM is not working after a factory reset, the issue is usually profile removal, disabled line status, roaming defaults, or setup order — not a permanently broken eSIM.

Check whether the eSIM still exists, enable it if needed, restore the correct data settings, and reinstall only if the reset removed the profile.

FAQ

Does a factory reset delete an eSIM?

It can, depending on the reset option you chose. Some phones let you keep the eSIM, while others remove it.

Can I reinstall my eSIM after a factory reset?

Yes, in many cases you can reinstall it using the QR code or manual activation details, if your provider allows reinstallation.

Why is my eSIM visible but not working after reset?

The line may be disabled, roaming may be OFF, or the wrong SIM may be selected for data.

Should I turn roaming ON again after reset?

Yes. Many travel eSIM plans need roaming enabled after a reset or restore.

Is my eSIM broken forever after factory reset?

No. In most cases, the issue is configuration, activation, or reinstallation, not permanent damage.