What is an eSIM?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM built into your phone — no physical card needed. You scan a QR code to install a data plan, and your phone connects to Chinese carrier networks automatically. No trip to a store, no passport registration at a counter.
- Install before you leave — takes 2 minutes
- Works the moment you land in China
- Keeps your home SIM active for calls and texts
- No physical SIM card to lose
Check If Your Phone Supports eSIM
Most modern phones support eSIM, but not all. Here's how to check:
iPhone
Go to Settings → General → About → scroll down to "Available SIM"
If you see an "eSIM" option listed, your phone supports it.
Screenshot: iPhone Settings → About → Available SIM (showing eSIM)
Android (Samsung, Google Pixel, etc.)
Go to Settings → Connections (or Network & Internet) → SIM card manager
Look for an "eSIM" or "Add eSIM" option.
✅ iPhone — eSIM Supported
- iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and later
- iPhone SE (2020) and later
- iPhone 14 and later (some models eSIM-only)
✅ Samsung — eSIM Supported
- Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23, S24
- Galaxy Z Flip, Z Fold series
- Galaxy Note 20 (certain models)
✅ Google Pixel — eSIM Supported
- Pixel 3, 3a, 4, 4a, 5
- Pixel 6, 7, 8 series
- Pixel Fold
❌ Not Supported
- iPhones older than iPhone XS
- Most budget Android phones
- Phones purchased in China (CDMACDMA variants)
Some iPhones sold in mainland China have a physical SIM tray only — no eSIM support. If you bought your iPhone in China, check your settings. If it doesn't show eSIM, you may need a physical SIM from your carrier instead.
If your phone supports dual-SIM, you can use your home SIM and China eSIM at the same time. Your home SIM handles calls/texts from home; the eSIM handles all China data. This is the ideal setup.
Install the eSIM QR Code
After purchasing your China eSIM plan, you'll receive a QR code by email. Install it before your trip:
iPhone — Scan the QR Code
- Make sure your phone is connected to WiFi
- Go to Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data) → Add eSIM
- Tap "Use QR Code"
- Scan the QR code with your camera
- Follow the on-screen prompts
- When asked "Label this plan" — choose a name like "China Data" or "Travel"
Screenshot: iPhone Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM screen
Android — Scan the QR Code
- Go to Settings → Connections → SIM card manager
- Tap "Add eSIM"
- Select "Scan QR code from operator"
- Scan your QR code
- Follow the prompts to activate
Screenshot: Android SIM card manager with "Add eSIM" option
The QR code is single-use. If you scan it and something goes wrong, contact support — don't try to scan again. The plan may already be activated on your phone even if it doesn't look active yet.
Configure Your Settings
After scanning, you need to configure which SIM handles what. This is critical — misconfigured settings can cause you to have no data in China.
iPhone Settings
- Go to Settings → Cellular
- Under "Cellular Plans," tap your China eSIM plan
- Enable "Data Roaming" — this is mandatory for China
- Set the plan as "Data" only (or allow both)
- Go to Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Options
- Make sure "Data Roaming" is ON
Screenshot: iPhone Cellular Data Options with Data Roaming enabled
In Settings → Cellular, scroll to "Cellular Data" and ensure your China eSIM is selected as the data line. This ensures your phone uses the China eSIM for internet, not your expensive home SIM's roaming data.
Android Settings
- Go to Settings → Connections → SIM card manager
- Tap your China eSIM
- Enable "Data Roaming"
- Under "Mobile data," ensure the China eSIM is selected
- Turn off data on your home SIM if you want to avoid accidental charges
After installing your eSIM, turn on Airplane Mode, then turn off only the China eSIM's data. This prevents your phone from wasting battery searching for networks before you land.
Activate When You Land
At the Airport
- After landing, turn off Airplane Mode
- Wait 30-60 seconds for your phone to find the Chinese carrier network
- You should see a carrier name appear in your status bar (China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom)
- Open Safari or any app to confirm data is working
- If nothing happens after 2 minutes, toggle Airplane Mode off and on again
Screenshot: iPhone status bar showing Chinese carrier name and data icon after landing
Once you see the carrier name and a data icon (4G, LTE, or 5G), your eSIM is connected. All your apps — Google Maps, WhatsApp, Instagram — will now work (if you have a VPN). Without a VPN, only apps not blocked in China will work.
Data Usage & Top-Up
Your ChinaGo eSIM plan includes a set amount of data (typically 30GB). Monitor usage in:
- iPhone: Settings → Cellular → China Data — shows data used
- Android: Settings → Connections → SIM card manager — shows usage
When you're running low, we'll send a reminder at 20% remaining. You can top up directly through our website — no new QR code needed.
Troubleshooting
"No Service" After Landing
- Wait 1-2 minutes — networks take time to connect after a flight
- Toggle Airplane Mode off/on
- Check that Data Roaming is enabled in your settings
- Check that your China eSIM is set as the active data line
- Restart your phone
QR Code Won't Scan
- Increase screen brightness — the camera needs a clear scan
- Move the QR code away from reflective surfaces
- Try a different camera angle
- On iPhone, go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM and choose "Enter Details Manually" if the QR code is damaged — contact support for your plan details
Data Connected But Apps Don't Work
- This is normal — Google, Facebook, and Western apps are blocked in China
- You'll need a VPN to use them (note: VPNs are also restricted in China)
- WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, YouTube, Google — all blocked without a VPN
- WeChat, Baidu, Amap, and most Chinese apps work fine without a VPN
eSIM Not Showing as Active
- Go to Settings → Cellular → check if the plan appears under "Cellular Plans"
- If it's greyed out or inactive, contact our support team
- Don't delete and re-add — contact us first
Each QR code is tied to one phone's IMEI. You can't transfer it to another phone. Make sure you install it on the phone you're bringing to China.
Ready for China?
Get our China Survival Kit — includes 30GB eSIM data plan, all app guide tutorials, video walkthroughs, and 24/7 WhatsApp support in case anything goes wrong on the ground.