Traveler installing a China eSIM before departure

How to Install China eSIM: Step-by-Step Setup Guide

NoveSIM | Last updated on: July 7, 2026 | 7 minute read

If you are traveling to China, installing your eSIM before departure is the easiest way to avoid airport SIM card queues and roaming surprises.

A China eSIM can be installed while connected to WiFi before your trip. After landing, you only need to select the eSIM for Mobile Data, enable Data Roaming and use internet where local mobile coverage is available.

Quick answer: connect to WiFi, open your phone’s mobile network settings, choose Add eSIM, scan your QR code, install the plan, then enable Data Roaming on the China eSIM after arrival.

Top China eSIMs

Before You Install China eSIM

Requirement Why It Matters
eSIM-compatible phone Your device must support eSIM installation
Unlocked device Locked phones may reject travel eSIMs
Stable WiFi Required for installation
QR code or manual details Needed to add the eSIM profile
Updated software Helps avoid installation errors

When Should You Install Your China eSIM?

Install your China eSIM before departure while connected to stable WiFi. This helps you avoid airport WiFi issues, QR code problems or setup delays after landing.

Do not delete the eSIM after installation. Deleted eSIM profiles usually cannot be reused.

How to Install China eSIM on iPhone

  1. Connect your iPhone to WiFi.
  2. Open Settings.
  3. Tap Cellular or Mobile Data.
  4. Tap Add eSIM.
  5. Select Use QR Code.
  6. Scan the QR code from your China eSIM order.
  7. Follow the on-screen steps.
  8. Label the eSIM as China eSIM or Travel.
  9. Keep your primary SIM for calls and SMS.
  10. Do not delete the eSIM after installation.

How to Install China eSIM on Android

  1. Connect your Android phone to WiFi.
  2. Open Settings.
  3. Go to Network & Internet, Connections or SIM Manager.
  4. Tap Add eSIM, Add SIM, Add Mobile Plan or Download a SIM.
  5. Select Use QR Code.
  6. Scan the QR code from your China eSIM order.
  7. Follow the on-screen installation steps.
  8. Label the eSIM as China eSIM or Travel.
  9. Keep your primary SIM for calls and SMS.
  10. Do not delete the eSIM after installation.

Android Menu Names May Be Different

Phone Brand Common eSIM Menu Path
Samsung Galaxy Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM
Google Pixel Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add SIM
Motorola Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Network → Add Carrier
Other Android phones Settings → Mobile Network or SIM Manager → Add eSIM

How to Activate China eSIM After Landing

  1. Turn off Airplane Mode after landing in China.
  2. Open your phone settings.
  3. Turn ON the China eSIM line.
  4. Select the China eSIM for Mobile Data.
  5. Enable Data Roaming on the China eSIM.
  6. Turn off Data Roaming on your primary SIM.
  7. Turn off Automatic Data Switching or Allow Mobile Data Switching.
  8. Keep Network Selection on Automatic.
  9. Wait a few minutes for the network connection.
  10. Use APN data.esim if manual setup is required.

Recommended China eSIM Settings

Setting Recommended Value
Mobile Data China eSIM
Calls Primary SIM
SMS Primary SIM
Data Roaming on eSIM ON
Data Roaming on Primary SIM OFF
Automatic Data Switching OFF
Network Selection Automatic
APN data.esim if required

APN Settings for China eSIM

Most phones configure APN settings automatically. If mobile data does not work after arrival in China, enter the APN manually.

Field Value
APN data.esim
Username Leave blank
Password Leave blank
Authentication None

Can You Install China eSIM Without WiFi?

No. You usually need WiFi or another internet connection to install an eSIM profile. Install your China eSIM before travel while you still have reliable internet.

Can You Install China eSIM After Landing?

Yes, but it is not recommended unless you have reliable airport, hotel or café WiFi. Installing before departure is safer and faster.

Can You Keep Your Main SIM Active?

Yes. Most Dual SIM phones allow you to keep your main SIM active while using your China eSIM for mobile data.

  • Use China eSIM for internet.
  • Keep your primary SIM for calls and SMS.
  • Receive verification codes if supported by your carrier.
  • Turn off roaming data on your primary SIM.
  • Keep WhatsApp or messaging apps linked to your existing number where available.

Does WhatsApp Work After Installing China eSIM?

WhatsApp may not work normally on local Chinese internet networks because some apps and services can be restricted. A China eSIM gives you mobile data, but app access can still depend on network routing, local restrictions and your specific plan.

Your WhatsApp account can remain linked to your existing phone number, even if your China eSIM is data-only.

Can You Use Hotspot with China eSIM?

Yes. Most smartphones allow hotspot sharing with an eSIM where mobile coverage is available. This can be useful if you want to share internet with another phone, tablet or laptop.

Hotspot can use data quickly, especially with streaming, video calls, cloud sync or multiple devices.

Common China eSIM Installation Problems

  • The phone does not support eSIM.
  • The phone is locked to a carrier.
  • The QR code was already used.
  • The phone is not connected to WiFi.
  • The camera cannot scan the QR code clearly.
  • The eSIM was deleted after installation.
  • The phone software is outdated.
  • The eSIM menu is hidden under a different settings name.

What to Do If Installation Fails

  1. Check that your phone supports eSIM.
  2. Confirm that your phone is unlocked.
  3. Connect to stable WiFi.
  4. Restart your phone.
  5. Update your phone software if needed.
  6. Try scanning the QR code again in good lighting.
  7. Use manual activation details if available.
  8. Do not delete any partially installed eSIM profile.
  9. Contact support if the QR code cannot be installed.

What to Do If eSIM Installs but Internet Does Not Work

  1. Check that the China eSIM is turned ON.
  2. Select the China eSIM for Mobile Data.
  3. Enable Data Roaming on the China eSIM.
  4. Turn off Data Roaming on your primary SIM.
  5. Turn off Automatic Data Switching.
  6. Restart your phone.
  7. Turn Airplane Mode ON for 30 seconds, then OFF.
  8. Keep Network Selection on Automatic.
  9. Set APN to data.esim if required.
  10. Move closer to a window or open area if signal is weak.

Best Apps to Prepare Before China Travel

  • Download offline maps before departure.
  • Install translation apps before arrival.
  • Save hotel addresses in English and Chinese.
  • Screenshot booking confirmations.
  • Save train, flight and transfer details offline.
  • Check which messaging and payment apps you will need.
  • Keep emergency contacts saved offline.
  • Install your eSIM before leaving home.

Related China eSIM Guides

FAQ

How do I install a China eSIM?

Connect to WiFi, open your phone’s mobile network settings, choose Add eSIM, scan your QR code and follow the installation steps.

Should I install China eSIM before travel?

Yes. It is best to install your China eSIM before departure while connected to stable WiFi.

Do I need WiFi to install China eSIM?

Yes. You usually need WiFi or another internet connection to download and install the eSIM profile.

Can I delete my China eSIM after installation?

No. Do not delete the eSIM after installation unless you are finished using it. Deleted eSIM profiles usually cannot be reused.

What APN should I use for China eSIM?

If manual APN setup is required for a NoveSIM China eSIM, use data.esim.

Why is my China eSIM installed but not working?

Most issues happen because Data Roaming is off, the wrong SIM is selected for Mobile Data, APN settings are missing or the phone is in an area with weak signal.

Final Recommendation

Install your China eSIM before departure while connected to WiFi. After landing, select the China eSIM for Mobile Data, enable Data Roaming, turn off roaming on your primary SIM and keep Network Selection on Automatic.

If mobile data does not start automatically, restart your phone, toggle Airplane Mode for 30 seconds and use data.esim as the APN if manual setup is required.

Browse China eSIM plans here.

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