Accidentally Deleted eSIM in Japan? Can It Be Reinstalled?

Unlike a physical SIM card that you can remove from your phone, an eSIM is entirely digital—but that doesn’t make it any less important. In fact, it’s even easier to accidentally delete an eSIM through a simple tap on the wrong setting. Many users end up deactivating their eSIM simply by hitting “Remove,” making it unusable. And when you’re traveling abroad in an unfamiliar country, that kind of mistake can quickly turn into panic.

“I accidentally deleted my eSIM and now I don’t have internet access!”
“I’m in the middle of my trip in Japan—I have no idea what to do…”
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This kind of accident is more common than you think, and in many cases, it’s still possible to recover the situation if you stay calm and follow the right steps.

I Deleted My eSIM—Is It Game Over?

Step 1: Don’t panic—and don’t scan the QR code again

eSIMs are different from physical SIM cards—most eSIM QR codes can only be scanned once. If you deleted your eSIM and immediately tried scanning it again, you might make things worse instead of better.

For example, eSIMs provided by CDJapan Rental are designed for one-time use. Once deleted, they cannot be reinstalled or downloaded again. At this point, stop what you’re doing and don’t attempt to reinstall or change any settings. Your next move should be to contact customer support.

Many people instinctively think, “Maybe I can just scan it again?” Unfortunately, that’s the opposite of what you should do. A QR code for an eSIM is like a one-time password—once it’s used, it expires. Repeated attempts may only complicate things further for customer support.

Step 2: Contact the platform you purchased the eSIM from

Each eSIM provider has different policies. Some allow QR code reissue, while others do not. You’ll need to:

• Find your order number or receipt
• Take screenshots that clearly show the issue
• Contact customer support and ask if reissuing is possible

Remember: do not try to reinstall the eSIM yourself after deleting it. Further errors may make it impossible to recover. CDJapan Rental provides bilingual English and Japanese support (not 24/7), and generally replies promptly during business hours.

If you encounter this issue while traveling, you can temporarily connect to airport or hotel Wi-Fi to reach out via email or support form. The more specific and clear your description, the faster they can assist you.

Is There Any Hope? When an eSIM Can Be Recovered

Whether or not your eSIM can be reinstalled depends entirely on the provider. Here are some common scenarios:

• Some providers can reissue a QR code—as long as it hasn’t been activated yet
• Some providers clearly state “deleted = not refundable or replaceable”, in which case you’ll need to buy a new one
• Some providers may allow eSIM transfer to another phone—but you must check with support first

So it’s crucial to read the product details and terms carefully before buying. Even from the same company, policies may vary depending on the specific plan. Don’t assume all eSIMs are recoverable.

Regardless of the brand, some eSIMs cannot be reissued once deleted. This is a limitation of the eSIM technology itself. Look for phrases like “cannot be reinstalled if deleted” or “single-use only” in the product description.

If this is your first time using an eSIM, look for providers with clear setup instructions, well-defined usage rules, and reliable customer support. CDJapan Rental offers multilingual guidance and support to help walk you through the process and handle issues if they arise.

For first-time users, choosing a provider with a simple, step-by-step installation guide can give you peace of mind while traveling.

Prevention Tips: How to Avoid Accidentally Deleting Your eSIM

To avoid this kind of hassle during your trip, here are some practical tips:

• Do not delete or modify the eSIM once installed
• If you’re worried about deleting it, enable screen lock or parental controls
• Store your QR code in a safe place, but never scan it more than once
• Some providers offer a PDF manual or online account backup—check these in advance

You can also take a screenshot of the activation screen and note the activation date. This info can help customer support troubleshoot more quickly if something goes wrong.

If you’re not tech-savvy, consider asking a friend or family member to help with setup before your trip. Once installed, avoid touching mobile network settings again. That’s the safest option for less experienced users.

Conclusion: Accidentally Deleted Doesn’t Mean the End—But Know the Risks

eSIMs are super convenient—but they do require careful handling. In most cases, once deleted, they can’t be reinstalled, and the eSIM is permanently lost.

So take it slow, don’t panic, and reach out to customer support before making further changes. Some eSIMs can be reissued, while others can’t. Make sure you read all terms before buying.

If you’re still looking for a reliable eSIM for Japan, choose a provider that uses local Japanese networks, offers multilingual support, and provides detailed setup instructions—like CDJapan Rental. That way, you’ll be better prepared no matter what happens.