How to Keep eSIM and Erase Data Safely? (iPhone & Android)

Resetting your phone doesn’t mean losing your mobile plan. This blog explains how to keep eSIM and erase data safely on both iPhone and Android, what to do before a factory reset, and how to recover if you delete your eSIM by mistake. We compare eSIM vs physical SIM, answer if I reset my iPhone, will I lose everything, and cover what happens if I delete my eSIM. For travelers, using a travel eSIM is even more important. Jetpac offers international eSIM plans and the best eSIM for travel, with coverage in 200+ countries, upfront pricing, and 24/7 support.

One of the most common concerns travelers and smartphone users have is: can I keep eSIM and erase data at the same time? Whether you’re preparing to sell your phone, fix software issues, or just start fresh, you don’t want to lose your eSIM plan and get stuck without connectivity. This blog explains how to reset your phone while protecting your eSIM, covers both iPhone and Android, and helps you avoid mistakes that could cause permanent loss.

What Does “Keep eSIM and Erase Data” Actually Mean?

When you select keep eSIM and erase data during a factory reset, you’re wiping your phone’s personal information (photos, apps, messages, accounts) but keeping your digital SIM profile intact. This is useful when:

You want a clean slate without losing your carrier plan.

You rely on a travel eSIM or prepaid plan for trips and don’t want to reinstall it.

You need to troubleshoot issues, but don’t want to reconfigure connectivity.

Before You Reset: Backups & Must-Do Checks

Before choosing to keep eSIM and erase data, follow these steps:

Backup your data: Use iCloud/Google Drive for photos, contacts, and app data.

Check your accounts: Note down important logins and 2FA codes.

Save eSIM details: Although you plan to keep it, having QR codes or carrier details helps if anything goes wrong.

Remember, if I reset my iPhone, will I lose everything? No, not if you keep eSIM and erase data, but your apps and files will still be wiped.

What is a Factory Reset?

A factory reset wipes your phone back to its original settings. On iPhone and Android, you’ll usually see options to reset everything or to keep eSIM and erase data. Think of it as clearing the phone but leaving your SIM, whether digital or physical, intact.

Keep eSIM and Erase Data on iPhone

On iPhone, the process is simple:

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.

Tap Erase All Content and Settings.

On the confirmation screen, choose Keep eSIM and Erase Data.

This way, your carrier plan remains active, but your personal data is gone.

If you’re asking, if I reset my iPhone, will I lose everything? You’ll lose personal files, but not your eSIM, if you choose the keep option.

Keep eSIM and Erase Data on Android

Steps vary slightly by brand, but generally:

Go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase All Data (Factory Reset).

When prompted, select Keep eSIM and Erase Data if the option is available.

Confirm and reset.

Manufacturers like Samsung, Google Pixel, and Motorola now support this option, so you don’t have to reinstall your eSIM after the reset.

When Should You Delete the eSIM?

While it’s safe to keep eSIM and erase data in most cases, there are times you should delete it:

You’re selling or giving away your phone.

You’re switching to a new device and installing a new eSIM.

Your carrier requires reinstalling to fix errors.

So, what happens if I delete my eSIM? It removes your carrier profile, meaning no calls, texts, or data until you reinstall or request a new QR code.

If You Accidentally Deleted the eSIM: Recovery Options

Accidentally deleting is stressful, but there are solutions:

Re-download: Many carriers let you scan the QR code again.

Contact carrier: Request a new activation code.

Use your backup: If you saved eSIM details before the reset.

After the Reset: How to Verify Your eSIM Works

Once the reset is done:

Check Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data on iPhone or Android.

Ensure your carrier and number appear.

Test data by opening a browser or app.

Troubleshooting: eSIM Missing or Not Activating

If your eSIM disappears after reset:

Restart your phone.

Check if the reset option was set to keep eSIM and erase data.

Reinstall using the QR code.

Contact your carrier if activation fails.

eSIM vs Physical SIM: Which is Safer in a Reset?

With a physical SIM, resetting your phone never affects connectivity; the chip stays put. With an eSIM, things are digital, so the option to keep the eSIM and erase data is crucial. For frequent travelers, eSIM vs physical SIM often comes down to convenience: eSIMs mean no swapping cards, while physical SIMs are harder to accidentally delete.

Keep Your eSIM with Jetpac, Reset with Peace of Mind

Travelers especially value the ability to keep eSIM and erase data. Imagine preparing your phone before a trip but not wanting to reinstall your travel plan. With Jetpac, the best eSIM for travel, you don’t need to worry. Jetpac offers:

International eSIM plans across 200+ destinations.

Travel eSIM profiles you can keep active even after resets.

Upfront pricing with no roaming bill shocks.

24/7 support if you run into issues activating or recovering your eSIM.

Whether you reset your phone for performance or safety, Jetpac ensures your travel eSIM remains intact and reliable.

FAQs

How to erase data without deleting eSIM?

Choose to keep eSIM and erase data during the reset process.

What happens if I delete my eSIM?

You’ll lose access to calls, texts, and data until you reinstall it with a QR code or get a new profile.

Can I skip backup when erasing my iPhone?

You can, but it’s not recommended. Backups ensure your personal data is safe.

Is it safer to keep or delete the eSIM during a reset?

Keep it if you’re resetting for performance or troubleshooting. Delete it if you’re selling or giving away the device.

Can I recover an eSIM if I accidentally erase it?

Yes. Most carriers let you re-download using your QR code or provide a replacement.

Can a factory reset delete your eSIM?

Not if you select keep eSIM and erase data. A full reset without this option will erase it.