A small issue that can become a big problem before you even realize it.
In an era where the eSIM has become a travel essential for many worldwide, one often-overlooked issue that causes a major headache is accidentally deleting a travel eSIM.
Many people might think, “It’s fine, I can just scan it again,” or “I’ll delete it for now and install it on another device later.” But the reality is, most Travel eSIMs have limitations that are different from traditional SIM cards. If you aren’t aware of this, a small slip-up could leave you without a connection for your entire trip.
Let’s see what happens if you delete it and how we can prevent losing time, money, or the experience during your travels.
What happens if you accidentally delete your eSIM?
While eSIM is a modern technology that is convenient to use in many ways, it is also fragile in a way that many people might not be aware of. Specifically, “accidentally deleting the eSIM” can cause more problems than you might think.
Deleting the eSIM means you can no longer use the network.
When you delete the eSIM from your device, it means:
- Your purchased package becomes unusable immediately.
- The deleted eSIM cannot be reinstalled (in cases where the QR code is for one-time use only).
- You might have to purchase a new package even if you haven’t used up your days or data.
- If you’re abroad and don’t have a backup Wi-Fi connection, you might not be able to contact anyone.
Furthermore, many prepaid eSIM providers for travelers don’t have a detailed login system or usage history, so they can’t always recover your eSIM for you.
Why can’t the eSIM be recovered?
This is because most Travel eSIMs are designed to be “easy and fast” to use, without requiring you to create an account or go through complicated steps. This means:
- The provided QR code can be used only once.
- There is no “reset” or “request a new QR code” system.
- Some providers will state clearly, “If the eSIM is deleted, we cannot issue a refund or send a new one.”
Unless you still have the original, unexpired QR code—in which case you might be able to reinstall it (depending on the provider).
What are some of the common reasons for accidentally deleting an eSIM?
Many eSIM users often delete their profiles for these reasons:
- Thinking it can be reinstalled on another device.
- Believing it can be activated later (e.g., before the trip starts).
- Accidentally pressing delete while managing network profiles.
- Switching devices and forgetting to install it from the old device first.
All of these are small details that can create major chaos without you even realizing it.
Here’s how to prevent accidentally deleting your eSIM:
Before you hit “delete eSIM” or even before you install one, you should do these things in advance:
- Take a photo or save the QR code in a secure location.
- Storing it in Google Drive or a password-protected note is a great idea for data recovery.
- Ask customer support beforehand if you are unsure whether the QR code can be reused.
- Do not delete it until it has expired or you are sure you no longer need it.
- If you are changing devices, install the eSIM on the new device first, and then delete it from the old one.
Once you’ve accidentally deleted your eSIM, the options are limited, but there are a few things you can try.
What should you do if you accidentally delete it?
- Check if you still have the old QR code (if you do, you might be able to reinstall it).
- Contact the service provider’s support team immediately.
- Some providers may be able to help if you’re still within the usage period and have sufficient proof.
- If it’s truly unrecoverable, you may need to purchase a new package to continue using the service.
So, don’t be too quick to delete your eSIM if you’re not sure! The eSIM is a crucial helper for modern travelers, but because it is “SIM-less” and “backup-less,” managing it requires an extra level of caution.
Remember, in many cases, once you delete it, it’s gone for good. The best approach is to use your eSIM until your trip is over, then delete it when you no longer need it. This way, you won’t have any issues to worry about.
If you are planning to buy an eSIM, don’t forget to choose a reliable service provider with a responsive after-sales support system. For example, The Global Sim has a support team ready to assist you with advice.
