If you’re an iPhone user who has lost their eSIM, restoring your device might seem like a daunting task. Fortunately, it’s a relatively straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps. By following these steps, you can quickly and easily restore your iPhone without an eSIM.
First, you’ll need to connect your iPhone to a computer using a USB cable. Once you’ve done this, open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina or later) and select your iPhone from the list of devices. Next, click on the “Restore” button in the Summary tab. iTunes will then prompt you to confirm that you want to restore your device. Once you’ve confirmed, iTunes will begin the restoration process.
During the restoration process, iTunes will download the latest version of iOS and install it on your iPhone. Once the restore is complete, you’ll be prompted to set up your iPhone as new. If you have a backup of your iPhone, you can choose to restore your data from that backup. Otherwise, you can set up your iPhone as a new device. Once you’ve completed the setup process, your iPhone will be restored without an eSIM.
Preparations Before Resetting
Before proceeding with an iPhone reset without eSIM, it is crucial to undertake meticulous preparations to avoid potential data loss or connectivity issues. Here is a comprehensive guide to essential precautions and actions required prior to initiating the reset process:
Back Up Your Data
Data backup is paramount to safeguard your precious information, including contacts, messages, photos, and app data. There are two primary methods for backing up your iPhone:
- iCloud Backup: This method automatically stores your data in the cloud, accessible from any device signed into your Apple ID. To enable iCloud backup, navigate to “Settings” -> “Your Name” -> “iCloud” -> “iCloud Backup” and toggle the switch to “On.”
- Computer Backup: Using a computer, you can create a local backup of your iPhone. Connect your iPhone to your computer via a USB cable and launch iTunes or Finder. Select your iPhone in the sidebar, click on the “Back Up Now” button, and choose whether to encrypt the backup or not.
Disable Find My iPhone
Find My iPhone is a security feature that prevents unauthorized access to your device. However, it can interfere with the reset process if not disabled beforehand. To disable Find My iPhone, follow these steps:
- Go to “Settings” -> “Your Name” -> “Find My” -> “Find My iPhone.”
- Enter your Apple ID password when prompted.
- Toggle the switch to “Off.”
Sign Out of iCloud and App Store
Signing out of iCloud and the App Store ensures that you have complete control over your account and prevents potential issues during the reset process:
- For iCloud, navigate to “Settings” -> “Your Name” and tap on “Sign Out.” Enter your Apple ID password to confirm.
- For the App Store, open the App Store app and tap on your profile icon in the top-right corner. Select “Sign Out.”
Remove the eSIM
Since you cannot reset an iPhone without an eSIM, it is imperative to remove the eSIM before proceeding. Here’s how:
- Go to “Settings” -> “Cellular” -> “Cellular Plans.”
- Tap on the eSIM you want to remove.
- Select “Remove Cellular Plan” and confirm your action.
Other Considerations
In addition to the above steps, it is advisable to consider the following:
| Action | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Charge your iPhone | Ensures ample power during the reset process |
| Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network | Facilitates seamless download of software updates |
| Confirm your Apple ID and password | Required for iCloud backup and Find My iPhone disabling |
Using Recovery Mode
Restoring your iPhone without an eSIM requires utilizing Recovery Mode. To enter this mode, connect your iPhone to a computer using a USB cable, then follow these steps:
- Press and release the Volume Up button, then press and release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Power button. Keep holding the Power button until you see the Apple logo, then release it immediately.
- After a few seconds, an iTunes or Finder window will appear on your computer, indicating that your iPhone has entered Recovery Mode.
Restoring Your iPhone Through Recovery Mode
Once your iPhone is in Recovery Mode, you can follow these steps to restore it without an eSIM:
- In the iTunes or Finder window, click the “Restore” button.
- You may be asked to enter your Apple ID password to confirm the restoration. Enter it and click “Continue.”
- The restoration process will begin and may take some time to complete. Do not disconnect your iPhone from the computer during this process.
- After the restoration is complete, your iPhone will restart and you will be prompted to set it up as a new device or restore from a backup.
Important Notes:
- If you have Find My iPhone enabled, you may need to enter your Apple ID password after the restoration to activate your iPhone.
- Restoring your iPhone through Recovery Mode will erase all data and settings from your device. Back up your data before performing this process.
- If you encounter any issues during the restoration process, try disconnecting and reconnecting your iPhone to the computer, or contact Apple Support for assistance.
Using DFU Mode
DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode is a low-level restore mode that can be used to restore an iPhone without an eSIM. It is more advanced than recovery mode and should only be used if other methods have failed.
To enter DFU mode:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable. |
| 2 | Turn off your iPhone by holding down the Power button and the Volume Down button simultaneously. |
| 3 | Release the Power button but continue holding down the Volume Down button. |
| 4 | After 5 seconds, press and release the Power button once. |
| 5 | Continue holding down the Volume Down button for another 10 seconds. |
| 6 | Release the Volume Down button. |
| 7 | Your iPhone should now be in DFU mode. |
Once your iPhone is in DFU mode, you can use iTunes or Finder to restore it. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the restore process.
Removing SIM/eSIM Card
Before restoring your iPhone without an eSIM, you must remove the physical SIM card or disable the eSIM profile. Here are the detailed steps:
For Physical SIM Card:
1. Retrieve the ejector tool.
2. Locate the SIM tray on the side or bottom of the iPhone.
3. Insert the ejector tool into the small hole next to the tray.
4. Gently press and pull out the tray.
5. Remove the SIM card from the tray.
For eSIM Profile:
1. Open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to “Cellular.”
3. Tap on the line associated with the eSIM profile.
4. Scroll down and select “Remove eSIM.”
5. Confirm the removal by entering your passcode or using Face ID/Touch ID.
Recovering Data from iCloud Backup
If you have backed up your iPhone to iCloud, you can restore your data from that backup without needing an eSIM. Here’s how:
- Turn off your iPhone: Press and hold the power button and volume down button until you see the power off slider. Slide the slider to turn off your iPhone.
- Connect your iPhone to a computer: Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC.
- Open iTunes (Mac) or Finder (PC): If iTunes or Finder doesn’t open automatically, open it manually.
- Put your iPhone into recovery mode: Follow these steps to put your iPhone into recovery mode:
- iPhone 8 or later: Press and release the volume up button, then press and release the volume down button. Finally, press and hold the side button until you see the recovery mode screen.
- iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus: Press and hold the volume down button and the sleep/wake button at the same time. Keep holding until you see the recovery mode screen.
- iPhone 6s and earlier: Press and hold the sleep/wake button and the home button at the same time. Keep holding until you see the recovery mode screen.
- Select “Restore from iCloud Backup”: In iTunes or Finder, click on the “Restore from iCloud Backup” option.
- Sign in to your iCloud account: Enter your Apple ID and password to sign in to your iCloud account.
- Choose a backup: You will see a list of available backups. Choose the backup that you want to restore from.
- Restore your iPhone: Click on the “Restore” button to begin the restoration process. This may take some time, depending on the size of your backup.
- Set up your iPhone: After the restoration is complete, you will need to set up your iPhone as a new device. This includes choosing a language, setting up your Wi-Fi network, and creating a new passcode.
Once you have restored your data from iCloud, you can use your iPhone without an eSIM.
| iPhone Model | Recovery Mode |
|---|---|
| iPhone 8 or later | Press and release volume up button, then volume down button. Press and hold side button. |
| iPhone 7 & 7 Plus | Press and hold volume down button and sleep/wake button. |
| iPhone 6s and earlier | Press and hold sleep/wake button and home button. |
Restoring from iTunes Backup
Follow these steps to restore your iPhone from an iTunes backup without an eSIM:
1. Connect Your iPhone to Your Computer
Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to the computer where you have iTunes installed.
2. Open iTunes
Launch iTunes on your computer and wait for it to recognize your iPhone.
3. Select Your iPhone
Click on the iPhone icon that appears in the top left corner of the iTunes window.
4. Click on the “Restore from Backup” Option
Locate the “Backup” section in the left sidebar and click on the “Restore from Backup” button.
5. Select a Backup
A list of available backups will appear. Choose the backup you want to restore from and click on the “Restore” button.
6. Provide Your Apple ID Password
If you have encrypted backups, iTunes will prompt you to enter your Apple ID password. Enter your password and click on the “Continue” button.
Note: You must have the same Apple ID associated with the backup as the one you are using on your current iPhone. Otherwise, the restore will fail. If you have multiple Apple IDs, make sure to sign out of all other Apple IDs before restoring from a backup.
Additionally, the restore process may take several minutes to complete, depending on the size of the backup. During this time, it is recommended to keep your iPhone connected to your computer and avoid using it.
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| iTunes installed on your computer | Ensure you have the latest version of iTunes installed. |
| USB cable | Use an Apple-certified USB cable to connect your iPhone to your computer. |
| Backup file | Locate the iTunes backup file that you want to restore from on your computer. |
| Apple ID password | If you have encrypted backups, you will need to provide your Apple ID password for authentication. |
Using Third-Party Recovery Software
In the event that iTunes cannot restore your iPhone without wiping the eSIM, you can turn to third-party recovery software for assistance. These tools are specifically designed to recover lost data and resolve various iOS issues, including those related to eSIM. Here’s a step-by-step guide to using third-party recovery software:
-
Choose a Reliable Recovery Software:
Research and select a reputable third-party recovery software that is compatible with your iPhone model and iOS version.
-
Install and Launch the Software:
Follow the software’s installation instructions and launch it on your computer.
-
Connect Your iPhone:
Connect your iPhone to the computer using an appropriate USB cable.
-
Select Recovery Mode:
Choose the recovery mode option within the recovery software to repair your iPhone’s operating system without deleting data, including the eSIM.
-
Download and Install Firmware:
The software will download and install the latest firmware for your iPhone model, ensuring the restoration process is up-to-date.
-
Begin Recovery Process:
Start the recovery process by following the software’s prompts. This may involve verifying device information and confirming your actions.
-
Monitor and Complete Recovery:
Keep your iPhone connected during the recovery process and monitor its progress within the software. Once complete, your iPhone should be restored without losing the eSIM.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
Preserves eSIM data during recovery |
May require paid software |
Contacting Apple Support
If you’re unable to restore your iPhone without an eSIM using the above methods, you can reach out to Apple Support for assistance. Here’s how to contact Apple Support:
Call 1-800-MY-APPLE (1-800-692-7753) to speak with an Apple Support advisor.
Visit the Apple Support website (https://support.apple.com) and click on the “Contact Support” button. You can then choose to chat with an Apple Support advisor or request a callback.
Visit your nearest Apple Store and make an appointment with a Genius Bar technician. They can help you restore your iPhone without an eSIM.
When contacting Apple Support, be sure to have your iPhone’s serial number and model number ready. You can also provide a brief description of the issue you’re experiencing.
Apple Support is available 24/7, so you can reach out to them at any time.
If you’re located outside the United States, you can find the contact information for your local Apple Support center on the Apple Support website.
| Phone Number | Region |
|---|---|
| 1-800-275-2273 | Canada |
| 0800-048-0408 | United Kingdom |
| 0800-692-7753 | Australia |
| 0800-656-094 | New Zealand |
| 400-666-8800 | China |
Resetting Without Wi-Fi Connection
If you don’t have a Wi-Fi connection, you can still reset your iPhone using a computer with iTunes. Connect your iPhone to the computer and open iTunes.
Select your iPhone in iTunes and click on the “Restore” button.
Click on the “Restore and Update” button to confirm.
9. Using Recovery Mode
If you’re unable to reset your iPhone using iTunes, you can try using Recovery Mode. To do this, you’ll need to:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Connect your iPhone to your computer and open iTunes. |
| 2 | Put your iPhone into Recovery Mode. For iPhone 8 and newer, press and release the Volume Up button, then press and release the Volume Down button. Finally, press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo. For iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, press and hold both the Volume Down button and the Sleep/Wake button until you see the Apple logo. For iPhone 6s and earlier, press and hold both the Home button and the Sleep/Wake button until you see the Apple logo. |
| 3 | Once your iPhone is in Recovery Mode, iTunes will detect it and give you the option to restore or update your device. |
| 4 | Click on the “Restore” button to begin the process. |
Re-inserting SIM/eSIM Card After Reset
After your iPhone has been successfully restored to its factory settings, you will need to re-insert your SIM card or eSIM in order to activate your device and regain access to your cellular network.
### Steps for Re-Inserting SIM Card
To re-insert your physical SIM card, follow these steps:
- Locate the SIM card tray on the side of your iPhone.
- Use the provided SIM ejector tool or a paperclip to eject the tray.
- Place your SIM card in the tray with the gold contacts facing down.
- Gently insert the tray back into your iPhone, ensuring it is fully seated.
### Steps for Enabling eSIM
If you’re using an eSIM, you will need to follow these additional steps:
- Go to “Settings” on your iPhone.
- Select “Cellular” and then choose “Add Cellular Plan”.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to scan your eSIM QR code or manually enter the eSIM activation details.
- Once your eSIM is activated, it will be listed under “Cellular Plans” in your Settings.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you’re having trouble re-inserting your SIM card or enabling your eSIM after a reset, try the following:
- Ensure that your SIM card is compatible with your iPhone model and your cellular carrier.
- Check that the SIM tray is properly inserted and fully seated.
- Restart your iPhone and try again.
- If you’re still encountering issues, contact your cellular carrier for further assistance.
How to Restore iPhone Without eSIM
If you need to restore your iPhone but don’t have an eSIM, you can do so using a computer. Here are the steps:
- Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
- Open iTunes or Finder on your computer.
- Select your iPhone from the list of devices.
- Click the “Restore” button.
- Click the “Restore and Update” button.
- Enter your Apple ID password.
- Click the “Restore” button.
Your iPhone will now be restored to its factory settings. You will need to set up your iPhone as a new device.
People Also Ask About How to Restore iPhone Without eSIM
How do I restore my iPhone 12 without eSIM?
The steps to restore an iPhone 12 without eSIM are the same as the steps for restoring any iPhone without eSIM. See the instructions above.
Can I restore my iPhone without eSIM if I don’t have a computer?
No, you cannot restore your iPhone without eSIM if you don’t have a computer. You need a computer to connect your iPhone to iTunes or Finder in order to restore it.
What should I do if I don’t have an eSIM on my iPhone?
If you don’t have an eSIM on your iPhone, you can contact your carrier to get one. You can also use a physical SIM card instead.
