Learn how to reset your phone without losing your eSIM. Orange Travel guides you with clear instructions for both iPhone and Android users, ensuring a smooth reset process while keeping your eSIM intact. Discover how to preserve your mobile data while safely resetting your device.
What exactly is a factory reset?
Do you want to have a like-new phone without buying a new one? A factory reset is the solution!
It allows you to start fresh by deleting all your personal data: photos, apps, settings, and more. Your device is then restored to its original state, just like when you first bought it.
Ideal for fixing technical issues, preparing your phone for a new owner, or eliminating unwanted information, a factory reset is a simple and effective way to give your device a new life while removing what you no longer need.
The different types of resets of your phone
There are three main types of phone resets:
- Soft Reset: This is the mildest form of reset. It simply involves restarting your phone, usually by holding down the power button. A soft reset doesn’t erase any data and is often used to resolve minor issues.
- Hard Reset: Also known as a forced restart, this method is used when the phone becomes unresponsive. It typically involves holding down specific hardware buttons for a few seconds. Like a soft reset, it doesn’t erase data.
- Factory Reset: This is the most comprehensive type of reset. It erases all user data and returns the phone to its original factory state. It’s often used as a last resort for troubleshooting or before selling a device.
How factory reset typically affects eSIM data
A factory reset doesn’t automatically erase your eSIM: on recent iPhones and Android phones, you choose whether to keep or delete your eSIM during the reset. If you keep it, your eSIM profile stays on your phone and your line should work again once the reset is complete. If you delete it, you’ll need new activation details from your carrier to install it again.
Key things to know about how a factory reset affects eSIM:
Your choice: iPhone asks whether you want to keep or delete your eSIM. On Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones, there’s an option to erase eSIMs during the reset.
- Keep eSIM: the profile stays on your phone. Choose this if you’re keeping your phone.
- Delete eSIM: the profile is removed. Choose this if you’re selling or giving away your phone. Deleting an eSIM doesn’t cancel your plan.
- Reactivation: if you deleted your eSIM, you’ll usually need a new QR code or activation details from your carrier.
In most cases, eSIM data is preserved, but it’s always a good idea to check with your carrier if any issues pop up after the reset. Want to know more about how eSIM works?
Learn more in our guide on what is an eSIM ?
Thus, this is what can happen during restets:
| Type of Reset | Description | Effect on eSIM |
| Soft Reset | Simple restart, no data erased. | No effect on eSIM. |
| Hard Reset | Forced restart, no data erased. | No effect on eSIM. |
| Factory Reset | Erases all personal data, restores factory settings. | You choose whether to keep or delete your eSIM during the reset. |
A factory reset only deletes your eSIM if you choose to. Here’s how to reset your phone and keep your eSIM, first on iPhone, then on Android.
How to keep your eSIM and reset your phone on an Iphone?
Follow these simple steps to keep your eSIM and erase data while ensuring your eSIM remains intact on an Iphone during the reset process.
Back up your data: Use iCloud or your computer to back up your photos, apps, and settings.
Factory reset: Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone, then tap Erase All Content and Settings and Continue.
Keep your eSIM: When asked, choose Keep eSIM and Erase Data. Only choose Delete eSIM and Erase Data if you’re selling or giving away your iPhone.
Confirm: Enter your passcode and your Apple Account password to start the reset.
Reactivation of the eSIM (if necessary): If your eSIM doesn’t work after the reset, go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM, or contact your carrier.
eSIM simplifies mobile plan management and typically stays intact when you reset your phone. To better understand how eSIM works and learn how to activate or configure it on your iPhone, check out our article: set up eSIM on iPhone.
How to keep your eSIM and reset your phone on an Android?
If you want to reset your Android phone without losing your eSIM, follow these simple steps to ensure your eSIM stays intact during the process.
Back up your data: Use your Google account or your computer to back up your important files, photos, apps, and settings.
Factory reset:
On a Google Pixel: Go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset). Leave “Erase downloaded SIMs” unchecked to keep your eSIM.
On a Samsung Galaxy: Go to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset. If an option to delete eSIMs appears, make sure it isn’t selected.
Menus may vary slightly depending on your phone model and Android version.
Reactivation of the eSIM (if necessary): On a Pixel, go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM. On a Samsung, go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM. You can also contact your carrier.
You now have all the information you need to keep your eSIM and erase data on your Android device, ensuring a smooth reset and keeping your mobile service intact!
When should you delete your eSIM?
There are several reasons why you might consider deleting your eSIM:
- Selling or giving away your phone: Before parting with your device, deleting the eSIM helps protect your personal information.
- Changing your carrier: If you decide to switch service providers, it may be necessary to delete and reinstall your eSIM to activate the new plan.
- Connectivity issues: In case of bugs or network disconnections, deleting and reactivating the eSIM can help resolve the problem.
- Factory reset before selling your phone: If you’re resetting your phone to sell or give it away, choose the option to delete your eSIM during the reset.
Deleting your eSIM protects your line when you change devices or carriers. Just remember that deleting an eSIM doesn’t cancel your plan.
What to do if you accidentally delete the eSIM during the reset?
If you accidentally delete your eSIM during a reset, don’t worry recovery is usually straightforward. Here is what to do:
- Check your carrier’s support: Contact your mobile carrier for assistance, as they may help reactivate your eSIM remotely.
- Re-add eSIM manually: Go to your phone’s settings:
- iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM, then scan your eSIM QR code or enter the activation details provided by your carrier.
- Android: Pixel Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM. Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM. Then follow the instructions.
- Use your eSIM activation code: If you received an eSIM QR code when you first activated it, simply scan it again to restore the eSIM.
In most cases, reactivating the eSIM is quick and easy. Just make sure to have your carrier details handy!
How to verify if your eSIM works after the factory reset?
Now that resetting is no longer a secret for you, here are the steps to check if your eSIM is still functional after restoring your device, ensuring you can keep your eSIM and erase data without any issues.
Here’s how to verify:
- Check Cellular Network Connection:
- iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data. If your eSIM is working, your carrier should appear, and you should see signal bars.
- Android: Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs (Pixel) or Settings > Connections > SIM manager (Samsung). If the eSIM is active, your carrier’s name should appear.
- Test Calls and Data: Make a test call or browse the internet. If both work as expected, your eSIM is functioning properly.
- Verify eSIM Status:
- iPhone: If you see a “Cellular Plan” listed under Settings > Cellular, your eSIM is active.
- Android: Under Settings > Network & internet > SIMs (Pixel) or Settings > Connections > SIM manager (Samsung), you should see an active connection.
Now that you’ve learned how to verify your eSIM after the reset, you’re all set to enjoy seamless mobile connectivity. Take full advantage of your travels with our eSIM Europe offers and explore Orange Travel Europe prepaid offers!
