Modern iPhones ( since the XR / XS serial ) and iPads ( a more complicated mixture of models ) can brook one or two eSIMs . But these eSIMs are n’t just a text file cabinet that ’s load with scope . Rather , they ’re actual programmable circuit within your iPhone or iPad .

When you want to reset or fully erase your twist to hand it over to someone else , deal it , or reprocess it if it ’s too wobbly to use , what selection you make can affect whether the eSIM continue in utilisation for the next person who handles it . In most cases , you ’ll want to edit all eSIMs . But there are exception : you may want to hold it if you ’re transferring a data point plan or even a telephone number to another family member , or if performing a mill reset to seek to work out a trouble . ( Note that deleting an eSIM does n’t touch your subscription with a carrier — contact them to terminate or change overhaul . )

Here ’s the nerve pathway to make certain you pluck the correct option in iOS 17 / iPadOS 17 , get going withSettings > General > TransferorReset iPhone / iPad :

Article image

You can use the pathway to erase settings (left) to delete an eSIM as part of the process or using General > Cellular (right) to delete an eSIM before erasing or resetting your device.

If you pick the last item , score out the machine , tapContinue , and then during the mental process in which your iPhone or iPad is wipe , you ’ll receive a prompting asking if you require to retain or delete the eSIM or eSIMs . Make the choice at that point found on your penury .

you’re able to take a preemptive step if you want more assurance by going toSettings > Cellular(iPhone)/Cellular Data(iPad ) and tappingDelete eSIMbeneath one or more eSIMs name in your configurations . By deleting at this stage , the eSIM wo n’t even be mess with when you factory reset or otherwise erase the phone .

you could use the pathway to efface scope ( left ) to cancel an eSIM as part of the process or using General > Cellular ( right ) to erase an eSIM before erasing or resetting your twist .

You can use the pathway to erase settings (left) to delete an eSIM as part of the process or using General > Cellular (right) to delete an eSIM before erasing or resetting your device.

You can use the pathway to erase settings (left) to delete an eSIM as part of the process or using General > Cellular (right) to delete an eSIM before erasing or resetting your device.

Foundry

In the case you make a selection during expunction or reset you did n’t intend :

This Mac 911 article is in response to a query submitted by Macworld lector Tom .

Ask Mac 911

We ’ve compiled a list of the questions we get asked most frequently , along with answers and links to columns :   translate our super FAQ   to see if your doubt is covered . If not , we ’re always looking for new problems to figure out ! Email yours tomac911@macworld.com , including screen captures as appropriate and whether you want your full name used . Not every question will be answer , we do n’t answer to email , and we can not provide direct troubleshooting advice .