You cannot restore a deleted eSIM from iPhone settings or an iCloud backup. To restore service, contact your mobile carrier and request a replacement eSIM for the same phone number. The carrier may activate it through a carrier notification, QR code, carrier app, or manual activation details. Apple says that deleting an eSIM requires you to contact the carrier for a new one.

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On iOS 17.4 or later, some carrier QR codes can also be added from a supported email app or browser.

What to Do First

Before contacting your carrier, check whether the eSIM was deleted or only turned off:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Cellular.
  3. Look under SIMs or Cellular Plans.
  4. If your plan is listed, tap it and turn on Turn On This Line.
  5. Restart the iPhone and check whether service returns.

If the plan is no longer listed, request a replacement eSIM from your carrier.

The Fastest Way to Recover a Deleted eSIM

1. Contact Your Carrier

Tell the carrier:

"I accidentally deleted the eSIM on my iPhone. Please issue a replacement eSIM for my existing phone number."

The carrier may verify your identity and ask for details about the iPhone. Find them under:

Settings → General → About

Have these details ready:

  • Mobile phone number
  • Account PIN or password
  • iPhone IMEI
  • iPhone EID
  • iPhone model
  • Billing ZIP code or other account verification details

Apple lists carrier activation, QR codes, carrier apps, and manual activation as ways to install a replacement eSIM.

2. Connect the iPhone to Wi-Fi

Connect the iPhone to Wi-Fi before installing the replacement eSIM. This lets the phone contact the carrier's activation servers when cellular service is unavailable.

3. Install the Replacement eSIM

Use the installation method provided by your carrier.

Carrier Activation Notification

If the carrier sends the eSIM directly to the iPhone:

  1. Wait for the Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed notification.
  2. Tap the notification.
  3. Tap Continue.
  4. Follow the onscreen instructions.
  5. Make a test call after activation.

Apple calls this eSIM Carrier Activation. The option depends on the carrier and country.

QR Code

If the carrier gives you a QR code:

  1. Open the Camera app.
  2. Scan the QR code.
  3. Tap Cellular Plan Detected.
  4. Tap Continue.
  5. Tap Add Cellular Plan.
  6. Enter the confirmation code if the carrier provides one.

On iOS 17.4 or later, you can also tap and hold a carrier QR code shown in a supported email app or browser, then select Add eSIM.

Carrier App

Some carriers let you replace an eSIM through their app:

  1. Open or download the carrier's official app.
  2. Sign in.
  3. Select your mobile line.
  4. Choose an option such as Replace SIM, Activate eSIM, or Switch to eSIM.
  5. Follow the instructions in the app.

The option name varies by carrier.

Manual Activation

If the carrier gives you an SM-DP+ address and activation details:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Cellular.
  3. Tap Add eSIM.
  4. Select Use QR Code or Enter Details Manually.
  5. Enter the information supplied by the carrier.

Do not use eSIM details found online. The activation information must come from your carrier.

Can You Recover the eSIM From an Old iPhone?

Yes, if the old iPhone still has the active eSIM and your carrier supports eSIM Quick Transfer.

On the iPhone that needs the eSIM:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Cellular.
  3. Tap Add eSIM.
  4. Choose Transfer From Nearby iPhone.
  5. Follow the instructions on both iPhones.
  6. Enter the verification code if prompted.

Apple says Quick Transfer generally requires both iPhones to be nearby with Bluetooth enabled. Both devices must also be signed in to the same Apple Account and use iOS 18.4 or later. When the new iPhone activates the plan, the previous SIM is deactivated.

Quick Transfer may work when:

  • The old iPhone still works.
  • The old iPhone still shows the mobile plan.
  • You are moving the number to another iPhone.
  • Your carrier supports eSIM Quick Transfer.

If the old iPhone was erased, lost, damaged, or no longer contains the eSIM, contact the carrier.

Does an iCloud Backup Restore a Deleted eSIM?

No. An iCloud backup should not be used to restore a deleted eSIM.

Apple states that if an eSIM is deleted after restoring an iPhone from a backup, you must contact the cellular provider to restore service. The carrier manages the cellular plan separately from photos, apps, and other device data.

Restoring the iPhone again can erase more data without bringing back the mobile plan.

What If the QR Code No Longer Works?

Ask the carrier for a new activation method. Depending on the carrier, it may provide:

  • A new QR code
  • A carrier activation notification
  • A carrier app
  • A carrier activation link
  • Manual activation details
  • eSIM Quick Transfer

Do not keep deleting and reinstalling the eSIM as a troubleshooting step. Apple advises users not to erase an eSIM unless the carrier tells them to do so.

What If the iPhone Shows "No SIM" or "SOS"?

If the eSIM is missing from Settings → Cellular, ask the carrier for a replacement.

If the eSIM is listed but the iPhone shows SOS, No Service, or Searching, try these checks:

  1. Confirm that the line is enabled under Settings → Cellular.
  2. Turn Airplane Mode on for 15 seconds, then turn it off.
  3. Restart the iPhone.
  4. Install any available iOS update.
  5. Check whether the carrier account is active.
  6. Contact the carrier if the problem continues.

A replacement eSIM may be needed if the carrier's activation record no longer matches the iPhone.

Does Deleting an eSIM Cancel the Mobile Plan?

Deleting an eSIM removes the cellular plan from the iPhone. It does not necessarily cancel the carrier account or stop billing.

If you no longer want the plan, contact the carrier directly. Apple treats eSIM deletion and mobile-plan cancellation as separate actions.

Quick Recovery Checklist

Situation Best solution
The eSIM is still listed in Cellular settings Turn on the line and restart the iPhone
The eSIM has disappeared Contact the carrier for a replacement eSIM
The old iPhone still has the active plan Use eSIM Quick Transfer if supported
You have a carrier QR code Scan it or use Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM
You restored an iCloud backup Do not expect the eSIM to return
The iPhone shows SOS after installation Check the line, restart the iPhone, and contact the carrier
You want to cancel the plan Contact the carrier, not Apple

Bottom Line

A deleted eSIM comes back through the carrier or, when the old iPhone still has the active plan, through eSIM Quick Transfer. An iCloud restore, factory reset, or restart does not recreate the carrier profile. If you no longer want the plan, ask the carrier to cancel it.