S3Semi contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, eBay affiliate program, Etsy Affiliate Program. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. This helps support our research, testing and writing.

eSIM Won’t Reinstall After Deletion: Why It Happens and How to Fix It

by

The panic hit me about three seconds after I tapped “Remove Cellular Plan.” I was trying to troubleshoot a minor connectivity issue with my iPhone 13, and in my infinite wisdom, I thought deleting and reinstalling my eSIM would be a quick fix. After all, I had the QR code saved in my email. How hard could it be?

Turns out, very hard. When I tried to scan that same QR code to reinstall my eSIM, my iPhone cheerfully informed me that the “Cellular Plan Cannot Be Added.” I tried again. Same error. And again. Still nothing. What I thought would be a five-minute fix turned into a three-day ordeal that taught me more about eSIM technology than I ever wanted to know.

That moment of casual troubleshooting cost me hours of frustration, multiple calls to customer support, and nearly left me without phone service during a critical work week. Here’s what I learned about why reinstalling a deleted eSIM isn’t as simple as it should be – and how to actually fix it.

Why the Same QR Code Won’t Work Again

My biggest mistake was assuming an eSIM QR code works like a password you can use repeatedly. It doesn’t.

How eSIM activation actually works:

When a carrier generates an eSIM QR code, it’s not a generic “here’s your phone number” code. It’s a one-time activation token tied to a specific activation session. Once that eSIM profile is downloaded to your device, the activation code is typically consumed and can’t be reused.

Think of it like a concert ticket with a barcode. Once it’s scanned at the gate, that barcode is marked as used and won’t work again. Your eSIM QR code works the same way – one download, one use.

The carrier’s system logic:

  1. eSIM QR code is generated
  2. You scan it and download profile to your device
  3. Carrier’s system marks that activation code as “used”
  4. If you delete the eSIM, your device has no profile
  5. But the carrier’s system still shows code as consumed
  6. Scanning the same code again fails because it’s already been used

Different carriers handle eSIM reactivation differently:

  • Some allow unlimited reuse of the same code
  • Others allow reuse within a time window (like 30 days)
  • Some require new codes for every installation
  • Many fall somewhere in between with varying policies

I had no idea which category my carrier fell into.

Quick Diagnosis: Why Reinstallation Failed

Before troubleshooting, identify your specific situation:

Type 1: Same QR code won’t scan

  • Get “Invalid code” or “Cannot be added” errors
  • Code scanned fine the first time
  • Problem: Activation code already consumed

Type 2: New QR code but still fails

  • Carrier sent new code
  • New code also fails to activate
  • Problem: Account provisioning issue or device problem

Type 3: Installs but no service

  • eSIM appears in settings
  • Shows “No Service” or no signal bars
  • Problem: Profile incomplete or carrier backend issue

Type 4: Can’t get new code

  • Carrier won’t/can’t generate new code
  • Stuck without activation method
  • Problem: Carrier policy or system limitation

Immediate Steps After Deletion (Do These First)

1. Don’t Panic and Try Same Code Repeatedly

Stop after 2-3 failed attempts:

  • Repeatedly scanning won’t make it suddenly work
  • Multiple failed attempts may flag your account
  • Can complicate carrier support’s troubleshooting
  • Save time by moving to actual solutions

2. Check If You Have Physical SIM Backup

If you kept your old physical SIM:

  1. Power off phone
  2. Insert physical SIM in tray
  3. Power on phone
  4. You’ll have service while fixing eSIM issue
  5. Can take time to resolve without pressure

This saved me – I had kept my old SIM and used it while dealing with the eSIM problem.

3. Verify You Have Wi-Fi Access

Critical for reinstallation:

  • eSIM installation requires internet connection
  • Wi-Fi is more reliable than cellular for this
  • Ensure strong, stable connection before trying
  • Don’t attempt installation on weak/public Wi-Fi

Contact Your Carrier Immediately (Most Important Step)

This is not a device issue you can fix yourself – you need carrier intervention.

What to Tell Support

Be clear and specific:

“I deleted my eSIM to troubleshoot an issue. Now when I try to reinstall using the same QR code, I get an error that says ‘Cellular Plan Cannot Be Added.’ The code worked before I deleted the eSIM. Can you generate a new activation code for me?”

Critical Questions to Ask

  1. “Can your system reuse eSIM activation codes, or do I need a new one?”
  2. “Can you generate a new eSIM QR code for me right now?”
  3. “How long will it take to receive the new activation code?”
  4. “Is there a limit to how many times I can activate/delete this eSIM?”
  5. “Can you verify my account is still provisioned for eSIM service?”
  6. “Will the new code work immediately or does it need time to activate in your system?”

Information They’ll Need

Have ready:

  • Your phone number and account number
  • Device model and IMEI (Settings > General > About)
  • When you deleted the eSIM
  • Exact error message when trying to reinstall
  • Whether you’ve had eSIM working previously on this device

Escalate If Necessary

If first representative can’t help:

  • Ask for “eSIM specialist team”
  • Request supervisor or technical support
  • Mention that you previously had working eSIM
  • Get ticket number for follow-up
  • Ask for direct callback number

Request New Activation Code (The Solution)

Most carriers can generate a new eSIM activation code – this is your primary solution.

How New Code Generation Works

Carrier’s process:

  1. They verify your account and device
  2. Invalidate the old activation code in system
  3. Generate fresh eSIM profile
  4. Send new QR code via email, text, or app
  5. You install using the new code

Typical delivery methods:

  • Email with QR code attached
  • SMS text with activation link
  • Carrier app with built-in activation
  • Account portal with downloadable code

Time to receive:

  • Good carriers: Immediately to 30 minutes
  • Average carriers: 2-4 hours
  • Slow carriers: 24-48 hours (unacceptable but happens)

My Experience

After explaining the situation, T-Mobile generated a new code within 15 minutes and emailed it to me. The new code worked perfectly on the first scan attempt.

The key difference: The email specifically stated: “This is a new activation code. Your previous code is no longer valid.”

Install the New eSIM Code (Do This Carefully)

Once you receive the new code, take time to install it properly.

Before Installing

Preparation:

  1. Ensure strong Wi-Fi connection
  2. Remove physical SIM if using one temporarily
  3. Close unnecessary apps
  4. Ensure phone has at least 50% battery
  5. Don’t interrupt installation process

Installation Steps

Using QR code:

  1. Display new QR code on another device’s screen (not printed)
  2. Increase screen brightness to maximum
  3. Open Settings on your iPhone
  4. Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data)
  5. Tap Add Cellular Plan (or Add eSIM)
  6. Position phone to scan QR code
  7. Hold steady 6-8 inches away
  8. Wait for automatic detection and scanning

Using manual entry:

  1. Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan
  2. Tap “Enter Details Manually” at bottom
  3. Enter SM-DP+ address exactly as provided
  4. Enter activation code
  5. Tap Done
  6. Follow prompts

After installation:

  1. Label your eSIM if prompted (e.g., “Personal” or “Primary”)
  2. Select it as your default line for calls/data
  3. Restart phone after setup completes
  4. Wait 2-3 minutes for full activation
  5. Verify you have signal bars and carrier name

Troubleshooting New Code Installation

If new code also fails:

  1. Verify you’re entering details exactly as provided
  2. Check for extra spaces or incorrect characters
  3. Ensure Wi-Fi connection is stable
  4. Try manual entry if QR scan fails
  5. Contact carrier – may be account provisioning issue

Alternative: Use Carrier App for Reinstallation

Many carriers offer apps that handle eSIM installation more reliably than QR codes.

Benefits of Carrier Apps

Advantages:

  • Can generate new codes within the app
  • Handles installation automatically
  • Better error messages if something fails
  • Direct communication with carrier systems
  • Often works when QR codes fail

Using Carrier App

Steps:

  1. Download carrier’s official app (App Store/Google Play)
  2. Sign in with your account credentials
  3. Navigate to “eSIM” or “Mobile Plans” section
  4. Select your line or device
  5. Look for “Reinstall eSIM” or “Get new eSIM” option
  6. Follow in-app instructions
  7. App will install directly without QR code

My carrier app experience: Some carriers make this incredibly easy. Others don’t offer app-based eSIM management at all.

What If Carrier Won’t Give New Code?

Some carriers have policies or system limitations that prevent easy eSIM regeneration.

Difficult Carrier Scenarios

Problem 1: Manual process required

  • They can’t generate codes remotely
  • Must visit store or call special department
  • Can take days to process

Solution:

  • Ask for expedited handling
  • Explain urgency of situation
  • Request store visit if faster than waiting

Problem 2: Fee for new code

  • Some carriers charge for “replacement” eSIM
  • Fees range from $10-30

Solution:

  • Argue it’s not replacement, just reactivation
  • Point out you deleted for troubleshooting
  • Ask for fee waiver as one-time courtesy
  • Escalate to supervisor if refused

Problem 3: System limitations

  • Older carrier systems can’t easily regenerate
  • May require account reset or other complex process

Solution:

  • Ask for detailed timeline
  • Request escalation to technical team
  • Consider switching carriers if too difficult

Your Rights

What you should expect:

  • Reasonable timeframe for new code (within 24 hours)
  • No charge for reactivation of existing service
  • Clear communication about process and timeline
  • Functional service restored

If carrier is unreasonable:

  • Document all interactions
  • File complaint with FCC (US) or equivalent regulatory body
  • Consider switching carriers after resolved
  • Leave honest review of experience

Temporary Solutions While Waiting

If you’re waiting hours or days for a new eSIM code:

Use Physical SIM Temporarily

If you have one:

  1. Insert physical SIM from same carrier
  2. Same phone number and account
  3. Works immediately
  4. Remove after eSIM is reinstalled

If you don’t have one:

  • Some carriers can mail physical SIM (takes days)
  • May be able to pick up at carrier store
  • Consider as permanent backup in future

Enable Wi-Fi Calling

For calls and texts over Wi-Fi:

  1. Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling
  2. Toggle on “Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone”
  3. Enter emergency address if prompted
  4. Connect to Wi-Fi
  5. Can make calls and send texts

Limitations:

  • Only works when connected to Wi-Fi
  • No cellular data for apps
  • May not work with all international Wi-Fi

Use Messaging Apps

Over Wi-Fi, you can use:

  • iMessage (iPhone to iPhone)
  • WhatsApp
  • Signal
  • Telegram
  • Facebook Messenger

Borrow Phone Temporarily

For urgent calls:

  • Use work phone if available
  • Borrow family member’s phone
  • Use landline if you have one
  • Use friend’s phone for important calls

Prevention: Never Delete eSIM Without Backup Plan

Learn from my expensive mistake.

Before Deleting eSIM

Always verify first:

  1. Confirm you can get new code:
    • Call carrier and ask specifically
    • “If I delete my eSIM, can you immediately provide a new activation code?”
    • Don’t assume you can reuse old code
  2. Save activation information:
    • Screenshot QR code
    • Save email with activation details
    • Note SM-DP+ address and code separately
    • Store in password manager or secure notes
  3. Have backup connectivity:
    • Keep physical SIM available if possible
    • Ensure Wi-Fi calling is enabled
    • Know where nearest carrier store is located
  4. Question if deletion is necessary:
    • Most troubleshooting doesn’t require eSIM deletion
    • Try other solutions first
    • Deletion should be last resort, not first attempt

When Deletion Is Actually Necessary

Valid reasons to delete eSIM:

  • Selling or trading in device
  • Switching to different carrier’s eSIM
  • Moving eSIM to new device (using transfer, not deletion)
  • Carrier specifically instructs you to delete and reinstall

Not valid reasons (don’t delete):

  • Minor connectivity issues (try restart, network reset instead)
  • Slow data speeds (not an eSIM problem)
  • Temporary “No Service” (often resolves without deletion)
  • General troubleshooting (deletion rarely helps)

Different Carrier Policies on eSIM Reactivation

Carrier policies vary dramatically – know yours before deleting.

Carrier Categories

Easy reactivation (good carriers):

  • T-Mobile: App generates new codes instantly
  • Google Fi: Multiple activations allowed easily
  • Verizon: Generally good at providing new codes quickly

Moderate difficulty:

  • AT&T: Can take few hours to get new code
  • Most MVNOs: Varies by company

Difficult:

  • Some regional carriers with limited eSIM experience
  • International carriers with immature eSIM systems
  • Prepaid carriers with automated-only systems

Before choosing carrier, research:

  • Their eSIM reactivation policy
  • How quickly they provide new codes
  • Whether they charge fees
  • User experiences with eSIM support

The Cost of My Mistake

My “quick fix” ended up costing me:

Direct costs:

  • 3+ hours troubleshooting on my own
  • 2+ hours on phone with customer support
  • Significant stress and frustration
  • Missed important calls during downtime

If I hadn’t kept physical SIM:

  • Would have been without service for 2+ days
  • Could have missed critical work communications
  • Might have paid for temporary physical SIM

Total actual cost: About 6 hours of my time and nearly losing service during an important week.

If I’d known to call carrier first: 15 minutes to get new code, 5 minutes to install. 20 minutes total.

What I Do Differently Now

My New eSIM Management Rules

  1. Never delete eSIM for troubleshooting – Almost never necessary
  2. Before any deletion, call carrier first – Confirm reactivation process
  3. Keep physical SIM as permanent backup – Worth the drawer space
  4. Document eSIM details thoroughly – Screenshots, notes, everything
  5. Test new carrier’s eSIM policy – Before fully committing
  6. Maintain backup phone – Old phone with prepaid SIM for emergencies

My Pre-Deletion Checklist (If Must Delete)

Only delete eSIM after:

  • [ ] Confirmed carrier can provide new code immediately
  • [ ] Have backup connectivity method ready
  • [ ] Saved all activation details in multiple places
  • [ ] Verified deletion is actually necessary
  • [ ] Have 1-2 hours available to deal with any issues
  • [ ] Not traveling or in critical communication period

Quick Reference: What to Do Right Now

If You Already Deleted Your eSIM

Immediate actions (next 30 minutes):

  1. Stop trying to reinstall with same code
  2. Insert physical SIM if available
  3. Call carrier support immediately
  4. Request new eSIM activation code
  5. Ask for code delivery timeframe

While waiting for new code:

  1. Enable Wi-Fi calling
  2. Connect to reliable Wi-Fi
  3. Use messaging apps for communication
  4. Have carrier give you ticket number for follow-up

When new code arrives:

  1. Ensure strong Wi-Fi connection
  2. Follow installation instructions carefully
  3. Don’t interrupt installation process
  4. Restart phone after installation
  5. Verify service works before relaxing

If You’re Considering Deleting eSIM

Before you do:

  1. Question if deletion is truly necessary
  2. Try other troubleshooting first (restart, network reset)
  3. Call carrier to verify reactivation process
  4. Have backup plan ready
  5. Choose low-risk time (not before travel or important events)

The Bottom Line

eSIM QR codes are typically one-time use. Deleting an eSIM usually means you need a new activation code from your carrier. The old code won’t work again in most cases.

Key takeaways:

  1. Call carrier before deleting – Confirm they can provide new code
  2. Most deletions are unnecessary – Try other troubleshooting first
  3. Keep backup connectivity – Physical SIM or secondary phone
  4. New codes usually come quickly – If carrier is responsive (15 min to few hours)
  5. Don’t waste time retrying old code – It won’t suddenly work

The painful truth: What seems like a simple troubleshooting step (delete and reinstall) can become a multi-day ordeal if you don’t understand how eSIM activation codes work.

My advice: Never delete your eSIM unless absolutely necessary and you’ve confirmed with your carrier that reactivation will be immediate and easy. Save yourself the stress I went through.

That casual tap of “Remove Cellular Plan” taught me that convenience features like eSIM come with their own complexities. They work brilliantly until you delete them – and then recovery isn’t as simple as reinstalling from the same code.

If I could go back to that moment, I’d skip the deletion entirely and just restart my phone. The minor connectivity issue I was trying to fix resolved itself within an hour anyway. My “solution” created a much bigger problem than the one I was trying to solve.

Learn from my expensive mistake: treat eSIM deletion like formatting your computer’s hard drive – a last resort, not a first troubleshooting step. And always, always confirm you can get a new activation code before removing the old one.