A factory reset is a fundamental procedure in electronic devices, often called a hard reset or master reset.
This essential process restores a device to its original system state and erases all stored data, settings, and applications.
While primarily addressing performance issues like freezing or software glitches, factory resets also pivotally prepare devices for resale, refurbishment, or transfer by wiping out personal data and settings associated with previous owners.
However, the impact of factory resets on embedded SIM (eSIM) profiles, a key component in modern mobile connectivity, is a critical consideration for users.
This article delves into the intricacies of factory resets, such as:
- The purpose and execution of factory resets in electronic devices.
- How factory resets affect eSIM profiles and their retention across different devices and operating systems.
- Practical tips for users to manage eSIM profiles during factory resets.
Did it pique your interest? Let’s delve deeper into it.
Table of Contents
What is Factory Reset?
A factory reset, commonly known as a hard reset or master reset, is a vital process in electronic devices.
It functions by reverting the device to its original system state, effectively erasing all stored data, settings, and applications. This procedure serves multiple purposes, primarily addressing performance issues like freezing or software glitches. Moreover, it prepares devices for resale, refurbishment, or transfer by wiping out personal data and settings associated with the previous owner.
The execution of a factory reset varies depending on the device, and it is often accessible through the device’s settings or recovery options. However, it’s essential to recognise that factory resets may not entirely erase all data, as certain security features like Factory Reset.
Protection (FRP) aims to prevent unauthorised access. Furthermore, specific devices may retain certain data, such as SIM card and microSD card information, even after a reset.
What Happens to Your eSIM During the Factory Reset?
The embedded SIM (eSIM) status and data are typically preserved during a factory reset.
When you do a factory reset:
- All your stuff gets deleted: Apps, photos, contacts, messages, and settings.
- Your device returns to how it was when you first got it: It resets all the customisations you made.
- It reinstalls the system, ensuring everything works appropriately by reinstalling the operating system and built-in apps.
This is because the eSIM information is securely stored on the device’s hardware and is not considered user data, which is subject to deletion during the reset process.
Exceptions and Variations
- Android Devices: While some Android phones are programmed to retain the eSIM automatically during a factory reset, others may remove it.
It’s advisable to consult the device’s manual or contact the manufacturer to clarify the eSIM retention after a reset.
- iOS Devices: During a factory reset, users are prompted to decide whether to retain or erase the mobile plan linked to the eSIM.
iOS devices allow users to preserve their eSIM plan even after resetting it, enhancing user control over eSIM management.
If your iOS device is configured to delete the eSIM during a factory reset, it is prudent to take preemptive measures by backing up your eSIM profile.
This action ensures the retention of your connectivity settings and data. Such proactive measures are crucial for seamlessly restoring your eSIM profile following the factory reset, thereby averting potential loss or inconvenience.
Recommended Read: What is Stored on a SIM Card?
How to Factory Reset without Deleting eSIM?
Here’s how you can factory reset without
On iOS
- Navigate to ‘Settings’ on your iPhone.
- Select ‘General’ from the list of options.
- Scroll down and tap on ‘Reset.’
- Choose ‘Erase All Content and Settings.’
- A prompt will appear asking if you want to ‘Erase iPhone’ and offering to ‘Erase All and Keep Mobile Plans.’
- Select ‘Erase All and Keep Mobile Plans’ to retain your eSIM plan.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the factory reset process.
On Android
- Navigate to the Apps menu on your Android device.
- Access the device settings from the Apps menu.
- In the Settings menu, locate and tap “Backup and Reset.”
- Under the Backup and Reset options, select “Factory Data Reset.”
- Confirm the action by tapping on “Reset Device.”
- During the factory reset process, you will reach a stage where you can choose to erase everything. Here, you can select or deselect the erasure of eSIMs. This option is unchecked by default, meaning eSIMs will not be erased unless specifically chosen.
When Should You Remove the eSIM Profile?
When considering removing your eSIM profile, evaluating the purpose of performing a factory reset is essential.
- For Troubleshooting Software Issues: If you’re trying to resolve and want to continue using your phone after a reset, preserving your eSIM profiles becomes crucial for maintaining connectivity with your network operator.
- For Selling or Transferring Ownership: If the factory reset is part of preparing your phone for sale or transferring ownership, the priority shifts to safeguarding personal data by deleting your eSIM profile.
Leaving an active eSIM profile on the device could potentially grant the following user access to your network credentials, posing a security risk.
Therefore, removing your eSIM profile hinges on the intended outcome of the factory reset: retaining connectivity or safeguarding personal information.
What Happens When Your eSIM Profile is Cleaned?
Performing a factory reset and deleting your eSIM profile will erase it from your phone. Although your line with your operator remains active, without the eSIM profile, your device won’t connect to the network.
Contact your network operator if you accidentally remove your eSIM profile without saving it. Some operators allow you to reinstall eSIM directly from your device, while others may require assistance.
If you plan to sell your device and perform a factory reset, it is wise to transfer your eSIM profiles to your new device with your operator’s help before resetting the old one.
Wrap it Up
Overall, understanding how factory resets impact eSIM profiles is crucial for managing device functionality and security. Whether on iOS or Android, users must consider whether to retain or remove eSIM profiles based on the purpose of the reset.
Retaining eSIM profiles ensures connectivity during troubleshooting, and removing them safeguards personal data during device resale or transfer.
Proactive management of eSIM profiles ensures a smooth transition through factory resets, balancing connectivity and security effectively.
