Yes, you can reset your iPhone without deleting your eSIM. For small problems, use Reset Network Settings or Reset All Settings: your apps, photos and eSIM stay where they are. For a full factory reset, choose Erase All Content and Settings, then tap Keep eSIM and Erase Data when your iPhone asks. One thing to know first: there is no eSIM backup on iPhone. iCloud and computer backups save your data, not your eSIM. This guide shows you each reset step by step, what a backup really saves, and how to restore an eSIM on iPhone if it gets deleted.
Does resetting your iPhone delete your eSIM?
It depends on which reset you choose. All of them are in Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Reset Network Settings: removes saved Wi-Fi networks, VPN settings and other network settings. Deleting eSIMs is a separate option in the same menu, so this reset is not the one that removes them.
- Reset All Settings: resets all your settings to their defaults, including network settings. Apple says no data or media are deleted.
- Delete All eSIMs: deletes every eSIM on your iPhone. Don't tap this one unless you mean it.
- Erase All Content and Settings: erases your data and settings. You choose whether to keep or delete your eSIM.
- Restore iPhone with a computer: erases the iPhone and installs the latest iOS. Apple says restoring an iPhone this way doesn't delete your eSIM.
Sources: Apple: Reset iPhone settings to their defaults and Apple: Restore your iPhone to factory settings using a computer.
Can you back up an eSIM on iPhone?
No. There's no "eSIM backup" setting on iPhone, and you can't save your eSIM to iCloud. Your eSIM is a profile from your carrier, installed on your iPhone. Apple's list of what iCloud Backup includes covers your settings, app data, messages and photos (if they don't already sync to iCloud), but not the eSIM itself. It only mentions the eSIM for your Visual Voicemail password, which needs the same SIM or eSIM you used when you made the backup (Apple: What does iCloud back up?).
An encrypted backup on your computer doesn't save your eSIM either. Apple says it adds saved passwords, Wi-Fi settings, website history, Health data and call history (Apple: About encrypted backups).
So you can't restore an eSIM from an iCloud backup. If your eSIM gets deleted, a new eSIM comes from your carrier or eSIM provider.
How to save your eSIM before resetting your iPhone
Since you can't back it up, protect it instead:
- Choose a reset that keeps it. Use one of the options below and read every prompt before you tap.
- Write down your lines. Go to Settings > Cellular (called Mobile Service in some countries) and note each line's number and label, like "Personal" or "Travel".
- Know how to get it back. Find your carrier's app, your online account or the email with your eSIM QR code. Some carriers can send a new eSIM to your iPhone, others give you a new QR code.
- Ask about travel eSIMs. Some travel eSIMs can be installed again from the same QR code, others can't. Check with your provider before you reset.
Before you reset your iPhone
- Back up your data. Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tap Back Up Now. On a Mac, use the Finder. On a Windows PC, use the Apple Devices app or iTunes (Apple: Back up iPhone).
- Have your passcode and Apple Account password ready. Your iPhone asks for both when you erase it, and you need your Apple Account to set it up again.
- Connect to Wi-Fi. Your iPhone finishes your iCloud backup before it erases, and you'll need internet to set it up again.
How to reset your iPhone without deleting your eSIM
Start with the smallest reset that can fix your problem. These steps are for iOS 26 and iOS 27.
Option 1: Reset Network Settings (connection problems)
Try this first if you have trouble with Wi-Fi, mobile data or calls.
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Reset, then Reset Network Settings.
- Enter your passcode and confirm.
Your apps and data stay. Saved Wi-Fi networks and VPN settings are removed, and your iPhone name goes back to "iPhone". Apple also says Data Roaming may be turned off, so turn it back on for a travel eSIM (more below).
Option 2: Reset All Settings (iPhone acting strange)
Same steps, but tap Reset All Settings. Every setting goes back to default, including network, keyboard, location and privacy settings, and Apple Pay cards are removed. Your photos, apps and other data stay on your iPhone.
Option 3: Erase your iPhone and keep your eSIM
This is a full factory reset. Your data is deleted, so back up first.
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings, then Continue.
- When your iPhone asks "Are you sure you want to erase all data?", tap Keep eSIM and Erase Data. With more than one eSIM, it may say "Keep eSIMs".
- Enter your passcode, wait for the iCloud backup to finish, then enter your Apple Account password.
- Wait for the reset. When the Hello screen appears, set up your iPhone again.
If you tap Delete eSIM and Erase Data instead, you'll need to contact your carrier to reactivate your plan (Apple: How to factory reset your iPhone).
Keep eSIM or delete eSIM: which one should you choose?
- Keep eSIM and Erase Data: you keep using this iPhone and just want a fresh start.
- Delete eSIM and Erase Data: you're selling, trading in or giving away your iPhone, or you've already moved your number to another phone. Apple says to erase the eSIM in these cases (Apple: How to erase an eSIM).
Moving to a new iPhone? Transfer your eSIM to it first, then erase the old one. Deleting an eSIM doesn't cancel your plan, so ask your carrier if you want to stop paying for it. Resetting a different phone? See how to reset a phone, with iPhone and Android steps.
Restoring with a Mac or PC?
Turn off Find My first in Settings > [your name] > Find My. Then connect your iPhone, select it in the Finder or the Apple Devices app and click Restore iPhone. Apple says this doesn't delete your eSIM. To remove it, you need to erase it separately (Apple).
How to restore your eSIM on iPhone after a reset
1. Check your lines
Once your iPhone is set up, go to Settings > Cellular. If you kept your eSIM, your lines are listed there. Tap a line to turn it on, then check which one is used for calls and mobile data.
2. Restore your data from a backup
On the Hello screen, follow the steps, tap Set Up Manually, then Restore from iCloud Backup. To restore from a computer, connect your iPhone to it with a USB cable and choose Restore from this backup in the Finder, or Restore Backup in iTunes (Apple: Restore iPhone from a backup). This brings back your apps, data and settings, but not a deleted eSIM.
3. eSIM missing? Get a new one from your carrier
If your eSIM is gone, contact your carrier. Apple says you need a new eSIM from them (Apple). Depending on the carrier, it comes as a prompt on your iPhone, through their app or as a new QR code. Here's how to get a QR code from your carrier, and how to enter the eSIM details manually if you can't scan it.
4. New iPhone? Use eSIM Quick Transfer
If your carrier supports it, you can move your number from your old iPhone during setup, or later in Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM. Both iPhones need iOS 18.4 or later, and with iOS 26 you can move more than one number (Apple: Set up eSIM on iPhone). Step by step: eSIM Quick Transfer on iPhone.
eSIM installed but no signal? Try our eSIM not working fixes before you delete anything. Apple says not to erase an eSIM to troubleshoot unless your carrier tells you to.
Erased a travel eSIM? Here's how to get it back
A travel eSIM is easy to delete by mistake during a reset. If it happens with a SimOptions eSIM:
- Find your order email. It has your QR code, and the PDF attached to it has the activation code for manual setup.
- Try to scan it again. Depending on the eSIM you bought, you can install it again from the same QR code (SimOptions FAQ).
- Still not working? Contact SimOptions support by live chat or email with your order details.
Did a network reset cut your data abroad? Turn Data Roaming back on for your travel eSIM: go to Settings > Cellular, tap the travel line and look for Data Roaming (or Cellular Data Options with a single line). SimOptions asks you to turn on Data Roaming for your eSIM so it works in all the countries it covers.
Next trip coming up? A travel eSIM works next to your home line, so you keep your number for calls and texts and use the eSIM for data. Check that your phone is eSIM compatible and install it on Wi-Fi shortly before you fly.
Europe, USA and Canada plans shown · data-only eSIMs, delivered by email · Find the eSIM for your destination
FAQs
Does resetting an iPhone delete the eSIM?
Not if you choose the right option. Reset Network Settings and Reset All Settings don't delete it. Erase All Content and Settings asks you to keep or delete it. Only Delete All eSIMs or Delete eSIM and Erase Data removes it.
Does iCloud backup include my eSIM?
No. iCloud Backup saves your data and settings, not the eSIM itself, and there's no eSIM backup setting on iPhone. To keep your eSIM, choose Keep eSIM and Erase Data when you erase your iPhone.
Can I restore an eSIM from an iPhone backup?
No. Restoring a backup brings back your apps, data and settings. A deleted eSIM has to come from your carrier again, or from your provider's QR code if it can be reinstalled. On a new iPhone, use eSIM Quick Transfer.
Does Reset Network Settings delete my eSIM?
No. It removes Wi-Fi networks, VPN settings and other network settings. Deleting eSIMs is a separate option, Delete All eSIMs. Check Data Roaming afterwards if you use a travel eSIM.
Does Reset All Settings delete my eSIM?
No. It resets your settings to their defaults without deleting your data. Your eSIM stays on your iPhone.
How do I factory reset my iPhone but keep my eSIM?
Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings, tap Continue and choose Keep eSIM and Erase Data.
Should I keep or delete my eSIM when erasing my iPhone?
Keep it if you'll keep using the iPhone. Delete it if you're selling, trading in or giving away the iPhone, or if your number has already moved to a new phone.
If I restore my iPhone with a computer, will I lose my eSIM?
No. Apple says restoring an iPhone to factory settings with a computer doesn't delete your eSIM. Your data is erased, so back it up first.
How do I get my eSIM back after a factory reset?
First check Settings > Cellular, since it may still be there. If it's gone, contact your carrier for a new eSIM. For a travel eSIM, try the QR code from your order email, then ask your provider for help.
