eSIM Disappeared After a Software Update? How to Fix It
You update your phone, it restarts, and your travel eSIM is nowhere to be found. It's a stressful moment, especially right before a trip. The good news: in many cases, an eSIM gone after a software update hasn't actually been deleted. It's just switched off or waiting for a restart.
This guide explains why an eSIM can go missing after an iOS or Android update, what to check first and how to fix it step by step on iPhone and Android. You'll also learn when you need a new installation and how to avoid the problem next time.
Why Did My eSIM Disappear After Updating My Phone?
There are a few common reasons an eSIM goes missing after a software update.
The Update Reset Network or Carrier Settings
Some updates refresh network or carrier settings. The eSIM may still be installed, but the line can be switched off or temporarily unable to connect.
A Software Bug Affected the eSIM Profile
New software versions sometimes ship with bugs that affect how eSIM profiles load or appear in settings. Later fixes usually solve these issues.
The eSIM Was Accidentally Removed During the Update
If you reset or restored your phone as part of the update, the eSIM may have been removed along the way, especially if an option to erase eSIMs was selected.
Your Phone Needs a Restart to Reload the Profile
Sometimes the phone simply hasn't finished loading the eSIM after the update. A restart often brings the line back.
What to Check First Before You Panic
eSIM disappeared after update? Quick check: Before deleting or reinstalling anything, restart your phone and open your SIM settings. If the eSIM is listed but switched off, turn it back on. If it's listed with no signal, follow the fixes below. Only if it's completely gone do you need a new installation from your provider.
Confirm the eSIM Is Really Gone, Not Just Inactive
On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular. On Android, open SIM manager (Samsung) or Settings > Network & internet > SIMs (Pixel). If your travel eSIM is listed, it hasn't been deleted: tap it and make sure the line is turned on.
Find Your eSIM Order Details
Look for your Enjoy eSIM order confirmation email. Your order number makes it much faster for our support team to help if you need a new installation.
How to Fix a Missing eSIM After an Update on iPhone
1. Restart Your iPhone
Turn your iPhone off, wait about 30 seconds and turn it back on. This gives the eSIM profile a clean chance to load.
2. Check Settings > Cellular for the Missing Line
Open Settings > Cellular and look for your travel eSIM. If it's there, tap it and turn on Turn On This Line. Then check that it's selected for Cellular Data and that Data Roaming is on if you're abroad.
3. Update Carrier Settings
Go to Settings > General > About while connected to Wi-Fi. If a carrier settings update is available, a prompt will appear: tap Update.
4. Reset Network Settings
Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This normally keeps your eSIM installed, but it removes saved Wi-Fi passwords and VPN settings, so use it only after the steps above.
5. Contact Your eSIM Provider Before Reinstalling
If the line still doesn't appear, don't try to scan the old QR code again. Contact Enjoy eSIM support with your order details and we'll check your options.
How to Fix a Missing eSIM After an Update on Android
1. Restart Your Phone
Restart your phone and wait a minute after it boots so the eSIM has time to register on the network.
2. Check SIM Manager for the Missing eSIM
On Samsung, open Settings > Connections > SIM manager. On Pixel, open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs. If the eSIM is listed, switch it on and set it as your mobile data line.
3. Update Carrier Settings or APN
Install any pending system or carrier updates. If your provider gave you APN details, check that they still match under the eSIM's Access Point Names settings, as an update can reset them.
4. Reset Mobile Network Settings
Use your phone's network reset option, such as Reset mobile network settings on Samsung or Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth on Pixel. If you see an option to erase downloaded eSIMs, leave it unchecked.
5. Contact Your eSIM Provider for a New Installation
If the eSIM is still missing, it has most likely been removed and will need a new installation. Contact Enjoy eSIM support with your order details. If you run into errors when installing a new one, see our guide on what to do when your eSIM is not activating.
💡 Tip: Traveling soon? Keep your next plan ready so a phone issue never leaves you offline. Check available eSIM destinations and install your plan before you go.
Can You Reinstall an eSIM After It Disappears?
Why the Same QR Code Can't Be Reused
An eSIM QR code downloads one profile to one device, and most providers don't allow the same code to be installed twice. That's why scanning the old code again usually fails. If you keep getting scan errors, read our fixes for when an eSIM QR code is not working.
When You Need to Contact Your Provider for a New One
Contact your provider if the eSIM no longer appears in your settings after a restart, or if you deleted it by mistake. Share your order number and your phone model so the team can check what's possible for your plan.
How to Avoid Losing Your eSIM in Future Updates
Keep Your eSIM Order Details Easy to Find
Save your order confirmation email in a folder or take a screenshot of the order number. If you ever face a lost eSIM after an update, you'll be ready to get help quickly.
Wait Before Updating Right Before a Trip
Major software updates can wait. If you're flying in the next few days, update after your trip, or at least at home where you have Wi-Fi and time to fix any issue.
Check for Known Issues Before Major OS Updates
Before installing a big iOS or Android update, take a minute to check whether other users report eSIM problems with it. If they do, wait for the next fix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my eSIM disappear after an iOS or Android update?
Usually because the update reset network settings, a software bug affected the profile or the phone needs a restart to reload it. In some cases, the eSIM was removed during a reset.
Can I reinstall my eSIM using the same QR code?
Usually not. Most eSIM QR codes can only be installed once. Contact your provider with your order details to check your options.
Will I lose my data if my eSIM disappears?
If the eSIM is only switched off, your plan and remaining data are still there. If it was deleted, contact your provider as soon as possible to check what's possible for your remaining data.
Should I contact my eSIM provider or my phone manufacturer?
Start with your eSIM provider, since they manage your plan and installation. Contact your phone manufacturer if other features also stopped working after the update.
Does resetting network settings delete my eSIM?
On iPhone, resetting network settings normally keeps your eSIM. On Android, some reset options can erase downloaded eSIMs, so leave that option unchecked.
How can I prevent this from happening again?
Keep your order details handy, avoid major updates right before a trip and check for known eSIM issues before installing big OS updates.
Stay connected wherever you go: get your travel eSIM ready before your next trip.
