China Travel eSIM Guide

How to Install and Activate an eSIM in China

Set up your China travel eSIM on iPhone, Samsung, or Google Pixel before your trip. Follow these simple steps to install your eSIM profile and connect when you arrive.

You'll need your eSIM QR code, an eSIM-compatible and carrier-unlocked phone, and a stable Wi-Fi connection.

Prepare your eSIM QR code and connect your phone to Wi-Fi

Before You Start

Prepare these essentials before installing your travel eSIM. Menu names may vary slightly depending on your device model and software version.

✓
Compatible phone
Confirm that your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked.
✓
QR code or activation details
Find the installation information in your order email.
✓
Stable internet connection
Use Wi-Fi to download and install the eSIM profile.
✓
Keep your QR code accessible
Open it on another device or print it before scanning.

CHECK THE COMPATIBILITY OF YOUR DEVICE

Check if your device is compatible with eSIM technology. Select your device brand below to see the full list of compatible models.

Compatible Apple devices

  • iPhone 18 Series
  • iPhone 17 Series
  • iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
  • iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
  • iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
  • iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, SE 3 (2022)
  • iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
  • iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
  • iPhone XS, XS Max, XR
  • iPhone SE (2020, 2022)
  • iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd and 3rd generation)
  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th and 5th generation)
  • iPad (7th, 8th and 9th generation)
  • iPad Mini (5th and 6th generation)
Check compatibility
iPhone devices compatible with eSIM

Check your iPhone is locked or unlocked

If you bought your iPhone on an installment plan or monthly contract from a carrier such as T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, or a similar provider, your device may be network locked.

  1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
  2. Go to General, then tap About.
  3. Scroll down and look for Carrier Lock.
  4. If it says SIM locked, contact your carrier and request an unlock before using an eSIM from another provider.
How to read the status: “No SIM restrictions” means your iPhone is unlocked. If it says “SIM locked,” your carrier needs to unlock it.
How to check whether an iPhone is locked or unlocked for eSIM

Quick Setup: 6 Essential Steps

For most travelers, scanning the QR code is the easiest way to install an eSIM. Install it before departure and follow your plan's activation instructions when you arrive.

1

Connect to Wi-Fi

Connect your phone to a stable Wi-Fi network before starting. Your phone needs an internet connection to download the eSIM profile.

Connect to Wi-Fi and prepare the eSIM QR code

Make sure your internet connection is stable before installation.

2

Open eSIM Settings

On an iPhone, open Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data) → Add eSIM. On Android, open the SIM or network settings and look for Add eSIM or Add mobile plan.

Open iPhone Settings, Cellular, and Add eSIM

Choose the option to add or download an eSIM.

3

Scan the QR Code

Select the option to use a QR code, then scan the code provided in your order email. If the QR code is displayed on the same phone, use manual installation if your device offers it.

Scan the eSIM QR code using an iPhone

Keep the full QR code visible and inside the scanner frame.

4

Install the eSIM Profile

Follow the on-screen prompts to add the eSIM. If requested, give it a clear label such as China Travel. Wait for the installation to finish before leaving the settings screen.

Install the eSIM profile and confirm the installation

Do not delete the eSIM profile after installing it.

5

Activate Upon Arrival

When you arrive in China, open your SIM settings and turn on the travel eSIM line. Select it for mobile data if required by your plan, then enable Data Roaming when the provider's instructions call for it.

Turn on your travel eSIM after arriving in China

Follow the activation instructions supplied with your specific eSIM plan.

6

Configure Network Settings and Browse

Choose the travel eSIM as your mobile data line. If you experience connection issues, try switching from 5G to 4G/LTE if supported by your device and plan. Keep an eye on data usage in your phone settings.

Configure mobile network settings and select 4G LTE if needed

Turn off mobile data on your primary SIM if you want to avoid accidental roaming data charges.

How to Install eSIM on iPhone (iOS)

The exact wording may vary by iOS version. Keep your iPhone connected to Wi-Fi throughout installation.

Method 1: Install via QR Code

1

Get Your QR Code

Open the eSIM email on another device or print the QR code. Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi.

Prepare your eSIM QR code before installing on iPhone
2

Open Add eSIM

Go to Settings → Cellular (Mobile Data) → Add eSIM, then choose the QR code option.

Open the Add eSIM option on iPhone
3

Scan the QR Code

Position the QR code inside the scanner frame and follow the on-screen instructions.

Scan an eSIM QR code on iPhone
4

Confirm Installation

Tap Continue or the relevant confirmation button and wait for the eSIM to finish installing.

Confirm eSIM activation on iPhone

Method 2: Manual Installation

1

Choose Manual Entry

From Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM, choose the option to enter details manually if available.

Choose manual eSIM installation on iPhone
2

Enter Activation Details

Carefully copy the SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code from your provider's email into the correct fields. Avoid extra spaces or characters.

Enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code manually on iPhone

After Installation

1

Rename Your eSIM

Open your cellular settings, select the new eSIM, and give it a recognizable label such as China eSIM.

Rename an eSIM on iPhone
2

Set the Mobile Data Line

Select your travel eSIM under Cellular Data if your plan requires it. Check the data-switching setting to avoid unintended use of your primary SIM.

Choose the eSIM for cellular data on iPhone
3

Check Data Roaming

Open the travel eSIM settings and enable Data Roaming if your provider requires it for the plan to connect.

Enable Data Roaming for the travel eSIM on iPhone

How to Install eSIM on Samsung (Android)

Samsung menu names can vary by model and software version. On most supported devices, eSIM settings are found in Connections or SIM Manager.

1

Connect to Wi-Fi

Connect your Samsung phone to a stable Wi-Fi network before you start.

Connect to Wi-Fi before installing eSIM on Samsung
2

Open SIM Manager

Go to Settings → Connections → SIM Manager.

Open SIM Manager in Samsung Settings
3

Add an eSIM

Tap Add eSIM or Add mobile plan. Follow the available installation options on your device.

Tap Add eSIM in Samsung SIM Manager
4

Scan the QR Code

Select the QR code scanning option and scan the code from your order email or printed copy.

Scan the eSIM QR code on Samsung
5

Confirm and Finish

Follow the prompts to add the eSIM and wait for the download to complete. If you use manual installation, enter the activation details supplied by your provider.

Confirm and wait for eSIM download to complete

How to Install eSIM on Google Pixel

On Google Pixel, look for the SIM options under Network & internet. Labels may differ slightly by Android version.

1

Open Settings

Connect to Wi-Fi, then open the Settings app on your Google Pixel.

Open Settings on a Google Pixel phone
2

Open SIM Settings

Go to Network & internet → SIMs or choose the option to add a SIM.

Navigate to Network and internet then SIMs on Google Pixel
3

Download an eSIM

Choose Download a SIM or a similarly named option to start adding your eSIM.

Choose Download a SIM on Google Pixel
4

Scan or Enter the Code

Scan the provider's QR code. If prompted, use the manual entry option and enter the supplied activation information.

Scan a QR code or enter the activation code on Google Pixel
5

Download and Label

Confirm the download and wait until installation finishes. You can then label the line so it is easy to identify as your travel eSIM.

Download and finish installing an eSIM on Google Pixel

After Installation: Activate Your eSIM

When you arrive, check the following settings. The precise requirements depend on the eSIM plan you purchased.

1

Turn On the eSIM

Open SIM settings and make sure the travel eSIM line is enabled.

Turn on the travel eSIM after arrival
2

Select Mobile Data

Set the travel eSIM as the mobile data line if required. Check that your primary SIM is not selected for data by mistake.

Select the travel eSIM as the cellular data line
3

Enable Data Roaming if Required

Some travel eSIMs require Data Roaming to be enabled. Check your provider's instructions before changing this setting.

Check Data Roaming settings for the travel eSIM
4

Restart if Needed

If your eSIM does not connect after checking the settings, restart your phone and allow it a few moments to register on the supported network.

Confirm the eSIM connection and start browsing in China

How to Install eSIM in China: FAQ

Answers to common questions about setting up and using a China travel eSIM.

Is eSIM illegal in China?

Travel eSIM availability and service depend on the provider and plan. Check your plan details and current local requirements before traveling.

How do I get a China eSIM?

Choose a plan that suits your trip and complete your purchase. Your provider will send the QR code and installation instructions by email. Check your spam or promotions folder if the email does not arrive.

Can I keep using WhatsApp with my eSIM?

You can generally keep your existing WhatsApp account and number. App access in China can depend on your eSIM provider's routing, plan, and service conditions.

Should I install my eSIM before traveling?

Installing before departure is often convenient because you can use a reliable internet connection. Follow the activation timing supplied with your plan so that you do not start validity earlier than intended.

Does a China travel eSIM include a phone number?

Many travel eSIM plans are data-only and do not include a local phone number, voice calls, or SMS. Check the exact features of your chosen plan.

How can I tell if my eSIM is active?

On iPhone, open Settings → Cellular or Mobile Data and check that the eSIM line is enabled. On Android, open SIM or Network settings and check that the travel eSIM is enabled. A data connection may require additional settings.

What should I do if my eSIM is not working?

Check that the eSIM line is enabled, that it is selected for mobile data, and that Data Roaming is configured according to your plan. Restart your phone if needed. If the problem continues, contact your provider before deleting the eSIM profile.

Can I use the same QR code on multiple phones?

Usually not. Many eSIM QR codes are intended for a single installation on one device. Check your provider's instructions before scanning.

Ready to Stay Connected in China?

Choose a travel eSIM plan, check your device compatibility, and follow the installation instructions before your trip.

Explore China eSIM Plans