You’re back from an amazing trip to Japan, and in a flurry of digital decluttering, you deleted your travel eSIM profile. Now, a new adventure is on the horizon, and you find that old email with the QR code. Can you simply scan it again and save yourself the trouble? It’s a question we hear a lot, and it touches on the very core of how eSIM technology works.
This guide will clear up the confusion, explaining why that old QR code won’t work and what you should do instead for seamless connectivity on your next journey. Getting connected should be the easiest part of your travel prep. Start by exploring Yoho Mobile’s flexible plans for over 200 destinations.
The Quick Answer: One QR Code, One-Time Installation
Let’s get straight to the point: No, you cannot reuse the same QR code to reinstall a deleted eSIM.
Think of an eSIM QR code as a unique, single-use key. Its purpose is to securely download and install a specific eSIM profile onto your device. Once that profile is successfully installed, the key has served its purpose and is deactivated. If you then delete the eSIM profile from your phone, it’s gone for good—and the original QR code cannot be used to bring it back.
This is a crucial security feature, designed by organizations like the GSMA (Groupe Spéciale Mobile Association), to prevent your digital SIM profile from being duplicated or installed on unauthorized devices. While it might seem inconvenient, it keeps your connection secure.
Understanding the Core Difference: eSIM Profile vs. Data Plan
The key to understanding why you can’t reuse a QR code lies in the difference between an eSIM profile and a data plan.
- eSIM Profile: This is the digital equivalent of a physical SIM card. It’s the secure profile that gets installed on your phone’s embedded chip. It identifies you to a mobile network. Deleting this profile is like physically snapping your SIM card in half and throwing it away.
- Data Plan: This is the service you purchase and associate with your eSIM profile—for example, 5GB of data valid for 30 days in Europe. When your plan expires or runs out of data, the eSIM profile remains on your phone, dormant and ready for a new plan.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Action | What it means | Can you reuse it? |
|---|---|---|
| Deleting the eSIM Profile | You remove the digital SIM from your phone. | No. You need a new profile (and a new QR code). |
| Data Plan Expires | Your purchased data/days run out. The profile is still on your phone. | Yes. You can buy a new plan or top up the existing profile. |
What Should You Do if You’ve Already Deleted Your eSIM?
Don’t worry, getting connected again is simple. If you’ve deleted your eSIM profile, you just need to get a new one. Here’s the straightforward process with Yoho Mobile:
- Choose Your Destination: Head to the Yoho Mobile website and select the country or region you’re traveling to, like the USA or Thailand.
- Purchase a New Plan: Select a data package that fits your needs. You’ll be purchasing a new eSIM profile that comes with this plan.
- Install Your New eSIM: You will receive a brand-new QR code. Follow the installation steps for your device.
Remember, for iOS users, the process is even easier! After purchase, you can often just tap an ‘Install’ button directly in our app or on the confirmation page—no QR code scanning required. The eSIM installs seamlessly in under a minute. Ensure your device is on our eSIM compatible devices list before you buy.
The Best Practice: Deactivate, Don’t Delete
To avoid this issue in the future, here’s a pro tip: deactivate your travel eSIM instead of deleting it.
On both iOS and Android, you can go into your cellular/mobile settings and simply turn off the line associated with your travel eSIM. The profile will remain safely on your device, ready for your next trip. When you’re ready to travel again, you can easily purchase a new plan to add to your existing Yoho Mobile eSIM without needing a new QR code at all. This is the smartest way to manage your travel connectivity.
Furthermore, with Yoho Mobile’s Yoho Care service, you get an added layer of security. Even if your main data plan runs out, Yoho Care ensures you’re never completely disconnected, providing a backup network to keep you online for essential needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What happens if I accidentally deleted my eSIM before ever using it?
If you delete the eSIM profile after receiving the QR code but before it has been activated or used, the same rule applies. The QR code is considered ‘consumed’ once the installation process begins. You will need to contact support or, in most cases, purchase a new eSIM plan to receive a new, valid QR code.
2. How do I get a new eSIM QR code after deletion?
The only way to get a new QR code is by purchasing a new eSIM plan. Each purchase generates a unique, single-use QR code for installing a new eSIM profile on your device. You can get one in minutes from Yoho Mobile.
3. Can you top up an eSIM that has been removed from a phone?
No. ‘Topping up’ refers to adding a new data plan to an existing eSIM profile that is still installed on your device. If the profile has been removed (deleted), there is nothing to top up. You must first purchase and install a new eSIM profile.
4. Is it better to have multiple eSIM profiles or just top up one?
For frequent travelers, it’s best to keep your primary travel eSIM profile (like a Global or European one from Yoho Mobile) installed and simply top it up with new data plans as needed. This is more efficient than deleting and reinstalling new profiles for every trip.
Conclusion
While the digital nature of an eSIM offers incredible flexibility, it’s important to remember that its QR code is a one-time key for a secure installation. Once an eSIM profile is deleted, that key cannot be reused.
The best strategy is to simply deactivate your travel eSIMs when not in use and top them up for future trips. But if you do delete one, getting a new one is fast and easy.
Ready for your next hassle-free travel experience? Explore Yoho Mobile’s eSIM plans today and stay connected wherever you go.