Short answer
Apple says that if you erase an eSIM you need to contact the carrier for a new one, and not to erase it as a troubleshooting step unless the carrier tells you to. A move onto another phone works only when that carrier supports the phone's transfer, and Wakamo does not publish a reinstall or a phone-to-phone transfer for a Japan plan.
Whether the phone you switched to supports eSIM, and whether it has to be unlocked, is covered in Does my phone support eSIM for Japan, and does it need to be unlocked?.
Fact table
As of 2026-10-21
Each claim names its source. The full source list, with the date each page was read, is below.
| Claim | Source |
|---|---|
| Apple says not to erase an eSIM as a troubleshooting step unless your carrier directs you to. If you erase an eSIM, Apple says you need to contact your carrier to get a new one, and then set up that new eSIM. To cancel the cellular plan, Apple says to contact the carrier. Apple also says to erase the eSIM if you transferred its plan or phone number to another device, or if you are going to sell, trade in, or give the device away. If you erase all content and settings, you can choose to erase the eSIM or keep it. | Apple Support, erase an eSIM |
| On iPhone, Apple's erase path is Settings, Cellular, then Delete eSIM when there is one plan, or the plan and then Delete Plan when there are several. On iPad, the path is Settings, Cellular Data, then the same delete labels. | Apple Support, erase an eSIM |
| Apple says that if your carrier supports eSIM Quick Transfer, you can transfer the SIM from your previous iPhone to your new iPhone without contacting the carrier. Both iPhones have to be signed in with your Apple Account, the previous iPhone unlocked with its passcode, nearby with Bluetooth on, and on iOS 18.4 or later. With iOS 26 or later, Apple says you can transfer more than one phone number. After setup, the path on the new iPhone is Settings, Cellular, then Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM, then a plan to transfer, or Transfer From Nearby iPhone. Apple says that when the cellular plan on the new iPhone activates, it deactivates the previous SIM. | Apple Support, set up eSIM |
| Apple says that a transfer from a non-Apple phone to an iPhone may require contacting the carrier, who transfers the phone number by eSIM Carrier Activation or a QR code. With iOS 26 or later, Apple says some carriers and some phone makers support a transfer from Android to iPhone and the other way. The carriers Apple lists for that transfer include au and UQ in Japan. The iPhone has to be an iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, or later, on iOS 26 or later, and the Android phone has to be a compatible model on Android 16 or later. If the carrier or the phone does not support it, Apple says to contact the carrier. After a completed transfer, Apple says the SIM on the Android phone deactivates. | Apple Support, transfer from Android |
| On a Pixel, Google says some of these steps work only on Android 11 and up. Turning a SIM off temporarily is Settings, Network and internet, Mobile network, the SIM, then turn off Use this SIM. Deleting is a different control: select the eSIM and tap Erase eSIM. | Google Pixel Help, dual SIMs |
| Google says you can transfer a physical SIM or an eSIM to an eSIM on a new phone, during setup or later from Settings, and that it depends on the carrier. If the phone does not detect the transfer, Google says to contact the carrier to activate the eSIM, and that the existing device or eSIM can still work if the transfer does not succeed. On the Android instructions, automatic transfer needs Android 12 or later, the current Google Play Services, and a screen lock on both devices. From Settings, that path is Network and internet, SIMs, Add SIM, Transfer SIM from another device. If the transfer has a problem, Google says to try again, and to contact the carrier if it continues. | Google Pixel Help, transfer a SIM |
| On a new Galaxy, Samsung's path is Settings, Connections, SIM manager, Add eSIM, then Transfer SIM from another phone. Samsung says that when the transfer is complete, the SIM in the new device will be activated. Samsung says carriers that may allow eSIM Instant Transfer include, in Japan, NTT Docomo, KDDI, SoftBank, and UQ Mobile. Transfer from an iPhone is only for carriers Samsung lists, and that Japan list is KDDI and UQ Mobile. If the carrier is not on the list, Samsung says to contact the carrier to move the eSIM. Samsung says the screens may vary by carrier, software, and model. | Samsung, SIM cards |
| Samsung Malaysia says you remove an eSIM plan in Settings, Connections, SIM card manager, by selecting the plan, turning it off, and tapping Remove. Samsung says removing the plan on the Galaxy does not affect the subscription with the carrier, and that you then contact the carrier to terminate or suspend the subscription. | Samsung Malaysia, Galaxy eSIM |
| Wakamo help tells you to sign in to the account you used to buy and open the purchase in My eSIMs. It does not describe putting a deleted eSIM back on a phone, or moving one to a new phone. If you still need help, email [email protected] and include the order email or reference, the destination, the phone model, and what happened. Keep installation codes private. | Wakamo help |
| Wakamo help says a top-up adds data to the profile already on the phone, and that there is no new QR code and nothing to reinstall. Help says a top-up exists only when the plan allows one and a package is available. If the plan cannot be topped up, you buy a new plan. | Wakamo help |
| Wakamo help says no installation email is sent when you buy. After you fetch, another installation email is available only while the eSIM is still working, unexpired, and not cancelled. Email me my eSIM is unavailable before fetching or after expiry or cancellation. Help does not describe that email as a new eSIM. | Wakamo help |
| When the account marks a purchase In Use, it says that means the eSIM is installed, and that live connection status is not tracked there. When it says the eSIM has expired, it says the eSIM can no longer be used and that you can order the same plan again any time. The account can still show installation details for that purchase. The label is Install your eSIM while it is ready to install, and Installation details after that. The account does not show a control that moves the eSIM to another phone. Showing those details is not a statement that scanning them again puts a deleted plan back on the phone. | Wakamo account |
| The Japan eSIM guide is the write-up for how to install. This page does not repeat those steps. | Wakamo Japan eSIM guide |
FAQ
Can I scan the same QR code again after I delete the eSIM?
Apple says that if you erase an eSIM, you need to contact the carrier to get a new one, and then set up that new eSIM. A Wakamo account can still show the installation details from the purchase. This page does not say that scanning those details again puts a deleted plan back on the phone.
Should I delete the eSIM if it has no data?
No. Apple says not to erase an eSIM as a troubleshooting step unless the carrier directs you to.
Is turning the line off the same as deleting it?
No. On a Pixel, Google's control for turning a SIM off is Use this SIM, and deleting is Erase eSIM. On iPhone, Apple's erase labels are Delete eSIM and Delete Plan.
Will eSIM Quick Transfer move a Japan plan to a new iPhone?
Only if that carrier supports eSIM Quick Transfer. Apple requires both iPhones signed in with your Apple Account, the previous iPhone unlocked with its passcode, nearby with Bluetooth on, and on iOS 18.4 or later. When the cellular plan on the new iPhone activates, Apple says it deactivates the previous SIM. Wakamo does not publish that a Japan plan supports this transfer.
Can I move it from an Android phone to an iPhone?
Apple says you may need to contact the carrier, who transfers the phone number by eSIM Carrier Activation or a QR code. With iOS 26 or later, some carriers support a direct transfer, and Apple's Japan list for that transfer is au and UQ. The iPhone has to be an iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, or later, on iOS 26 or later, and the Android phone a compatible model on Android 16 or later. If it is not supported, Apple says to contact the carrier. After a completed transfer, the SIM on the Android phone deactivates.
Can I transfer it to a Pixel?
Google says a transfer to a new phone depends on the carrier. If the phone does not detect it, contact the carrier to activate the eSIM. Google says the existing device or eSIM can still work if the transfer does not succeed. Automatic transfer needs Android 12 or later, the current Google Play Services, and a screen lock on both phones.
Which carriers does Samsung list for a Galaxy transfer?
Samsung says carriers that may allow eSIM Instant Transfer include NTT Docomo, KDDI, SoftBank, and UQ Mobile in Japan. Transfer from an iPhone, on that same page, lists KDDI and UQ Mobile in Japan. If the carrier is not on the list Samsung gives for that transfer, Samsung says to contact the carrier. Those lists are Samsung's, for the carriers named there.
If I remove the plan on a Galaxy, is the carrier plan cancelled?
Samsung Malaysia says removing the plan on the Galaxy does not affect the subscription with the carrier, and that you contact the carrier to terminate or suspend it. That sentence is about the carrier subscription. It is not a statement about a Wakamo plan.
Does a top-up put a deleted eSIM back on the phone?
No. Wakamo help says a top-up adds data to the profile already on the phone. There is no new QR code and nothing to reinstall. If the plan cannot be topped up, you buy a new plan.
What if the Wakamo eSIM has expired?
The account says an expired eSIM can no longer be used, and that you can order the same plan again any time. Another installation email is available only while the eSIM is still working, unexpired, and not cancelled.
Who do I contact about a Wakamo Japan plan?
Email [email protected]. Include the order email or reference, the destination, the phone model, and what happened. Keep installation codes private. Wakamo help does not describe a new eSIM after a deletion or a phone change.
Sources
Apple Support, erase an eSIMsupport.apple.com
Do not erase an eSIM as a troubleshooting step unless the carrier directs you to. If you erase one, contact the carrier for a new eSIM, then set that up. Contact the carrier to cancel the plan. Erase the eSIM after a transfer, or before you sell, trade in, or give the device away. Erasing all content and settings lets you erase the eSIM or keep it.
Accessed 2026-10-21.
Apple Support, set up eSIMsupport.apple.com
eSIM Quick Transfer moves the SIM from the previous iPhone to the new iPhone without contacting the carrier, when the carrier supports it. Both iPhones need the same Apple Account, the previous passcode, Bluetooth, to be nearby, and iOS 18.4 or later. iOS 26 or later can transfer more than one phone number. The plan on the new iPhone deactivates the previous SIM when it activates. The later path is Settings, Cellular, Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM.
Accessed 2026-10-21.
Apple Support, transfer from Androidsupport.apple.com
A transfer from a non-Apple phone may require the carrier, by eSIM Carrier Activation or a QR code. With iOS 26 or later, some carriers support a direct transfer. Japan on that list is au and UQ. The iPhone is an iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, or later, on iOS 26 or later. The Android phone is a compatible model on Android 16 or later. If it is not supported, contact the carrier. A completed transfer deactivates the SIM on the Android phone.
Accessed 2026-10-21.
Google Pixel Help, dual SIMssupport.google.com
On Android 11 and up, turn a SIM off under Settings, Network and internet, Mobile network, then Use this SIM. Deleting is a separate control: select the eSIM and tap Erase eSIM.
Accessed 2026-10-21.
Google Pixel Help, transfer a SIMsupport.google.com
A physical SIM or eSIM can transfer to an eSIM on a new phone during setup or later from Settings, and the steps depend on the carrier. If the phone does not detect the transfer, contact the carrier to activate the eSIM. The existing device or eSIM can still work if the transfer does not succeed. Automatic transfer needs Android 12 or later, current Google Play Services, and a screen lock on both devices. The Settings path is Network and internet, SIMs, Add SIM, Transfer SIM from another device.
Accessed 2026-10-21.
Samsung, SIM cardssamsung.com
On a new Galaxy, Transfer SIM from another phone is under Settings, Connections, SIM manager, Add eSIM. When it finishes, the SIM in the new device is activated. Carriers that may allow eSIM Instant Transfer include NTT Docomo, KDDI, SoftBank, and UQ Mobile in Japan. Transfer from an iPhone is only for supported carriers, and that Japan list is KDDI and UQ Mobile. A carrier that is not listed has to be contacted. Screens vary by carrier, software, and model.
Accessed 2026-10-21.
Samsung Malaysia, Galaxy eSIMsamsung.com
Remove one plan under Settings, Connections, SIM card manager, by turning that plan off and tapping Remove. Removing the plan on the Galaxy does not affect the subscription with the carrier. Contact the carrier to terminate or suspend the subscription. The page's own last update line is 21 June 2024.
Accessed 2026-10-21.
Wakamo helpwakamo.io
Wakamo product information. Sign in to the account used to buy and open the purchase in My eSIMs. Help does not describe putting a deleted eSIM back on a phone or moving one to a new phone. Support is [email protected], with the order email or reference, destination, phone model, and what happened. Keep installation codes private. A top-up adds data to the profile already on the phone, with no new QR code and nothing to reinstall. It exists only when the plan allows one and a package is available. Otherwise buy a new plan. No installation email is sent at purchase. Another one is only while the eSIM is still working, unexpired, and not cancelled. Email me my eSIM is unavailable before fetching or after expiry or cancellation.
Accessed 2026-10-21.
Wakamo accountwakamo.io
Wakamo product information. In Use means the eSIM is installed, and live connection status is not tracked there. An expired eSIM can no longer be used, and the same plan can be ordered again. Installation details for that purchase are labeled Install your eSIM while it is ready to install, and Installation details after that. The account does not show a control that moves the eSIM to another phone. Showing those details is not a statement that scanning them again puts a deleted plan back on the phone.
Accessed 2026-10-21.
Wakamo Japan eSIM guidewakamo.io
Wakamo product information. The Japan eSIM guide is the write-up for how to install. This page links it and does not repeat those steps.
Accessed 2026-10-21.