Reactivate eSIM card on the same device

[waitbutwhy]

Hi

Is there any way to reactivate the eSIM card on an iPhone XS Max following a factory reset? The store says that it would cost $10 to do this. Is there any way to reactivate the eSIM card using the QR code on the SAME iPhone?

Considering a normal SIM card can be transferred between devices, I'm wondering what the reason for the eSIM only being usable once is.

Thanks!

[FidoNick · Accepted solution]

Hey @waitbutwhy!

Factory resetting a phone will not erase an eSIM that's been downloaded. Deleting an eSIM profile is a manual process, separate from the reset process, that requires you to accept deleting the eSIM.

If you do delete the eSIM, then it will require purchasing a new one (new QR code to download it). The same does apply if you change phone, eSIMs cannot be transferred between devices.

I hope that helps!