Signal but no internet
Check Data Roaming is on for the China line and the APN is e-ideas. On iPhone, turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching.
How to install your
China eSIM
Scan the QR from your email on Wi-Fi before you fly, set the new line for mobile data, and turn on Data Roaming for it. Your home number stays for texts. Plan days start when you install, and each day ends at 11:59 PM China time.
Your timeline
- 1Before you fly5 minInstall the eSIM on Wi-Fi and set it for mobile data. Plan days start when you install.
- 2On the plane—Airplane mode on. Nothing else to do.
- 3After landing1 minAirplane mode off, Data Roaming on for the China line. It connects to China Mobile.
Before you start
1Your phone supports eSIMDial *#06#. If you see an EID number, the phone can hold an eSIM.
2It is carrier-unlockedA phone locked to your home carrier will refuse a travel eSIM. Ask your carrier if you are not sure.
3Wi-Fi and a second screenInstall on Wi-Fi, with the QR open on a laptop, tablet, or printout so the phone can scan it.
Not sure about your model? See the eSIM phone list →
Step by step
Pick your phone
Each screen shows what you tap. Highlighted rows are the ones to press.
Install on iPhone
iPhone XS, XR, and newer · 8 steps · about 5 minutes
1Open Settings, then Cellular
Connect to Wi-Fi first. Open Settings and tap Cellular (Mobile Service in some countries).
2Tap Add eSIM
Your home line stays as it is. The China eSIM is added as a second line next to it.
3Choose Use QR Code
Pick Use QR Code. Transfer From Nearby iPhone is for moving an existing line, not for a new eSIM.
4Scan the QR from your email
Open the email or your order page on a laptop, tablet, or printout, and point the camera at the QR.
5Label the new line China
When iPhone asks for labels, keep your home line as Primary and name the new line China.
6Keep your home line as default
For Default Line choose your home line. The China eSIM is data only, so calls, SMS, iMessage, and FaceTime stay on your usual number.
7Use China for Cellular Data
Choose China for Cellular Data and turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching, so data never falls back to your home line.
8Turn on Data Roaming for the line
In Settings, then Cellular, open the China line. Check Turn On This Line is on and turn on Data Roaming. The APN is e-ideas. After landing, turn off airplane mode.
On some iOS versions and in some countries, Cellular is called Mobile Service or Mobile Data. The steps are the same.
Install on Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S20 and newer · 7 steps · about 5 minutes
1Open Settings, then Connections
Connect to Wi-Fi first. Open Settings and tap Connections.
2Tap SIM manager
SIM manager lists every SIM on the phone. Your home SIM stays in place.
3Tap Add eSIM
Under eSIMs, tap Add eSIM. The phone starts looking for a plan to download.
4Choose Scan QR code
Pick the option to scan a QR code from your service provider.
5Scan the QR from your email
Point the camera at the QR on your laptop, tablet, or printout, then confirm to add the eSIM.
6Name it China and set mobile data
Rename the new eSIM China. Under Preferred SIMs, keep Calls and Text messages on Home and set Mobile data to China.
7Turn on Data roaming
In Connections, then Mobile networks, turn on Data roaming for the China eSIM. Set the APN to e-ideas if it is not already. After landing, turn off airplane mode.
Menu names can differ slightly between One UI versions and regions. Look for SIM manager or SIM card manager under Connections.
Install on Google Pixel
Pixel 3 and newer · 7 steps · about 5 minutes
1Open Settings, then Network & internet
Connect to Wi-Fi first. Open Settings and tap Network & internet.
2Tap SIMs
SIMs shows your home SIM and any eSIMs on the phone.
3Tap Add SIM
Tap Add SIM (or the + button next to SIMs) to start a new eSIM.
4Choose to download a SIM
If the phone asks whether you want to download a SIM instead, tap Next.
5Scan the QR from your email
Point the camera at the QR on your laptop, tablet, or printout. The eSIM downloads in a few seconds.
6Rename it, use it for data, turn on Roaming
Open the new SIM, rename it China, turn on Mobile data, and turn on Roaming. Set the APN to e-ideas if it is blank. Keep calls and SMS on your home SIM.
7After landing: check the line is on
Turn off airplane mode. In SIMs, the China eSIM should show as active for mobile data.
On older Android versions, SIMs may be under Mobile network. Xiaomi, OPPO, and OnePlus use similar names: look for Add eSIM or Download SIM.
Can’t scan the QR?
Enter the code by hand
Below the QR in your email there is an install code that starts with LPA:1$. It holds two values. Choose Enter Details Manually (iPhone) or Enter activation code (Android), and copy them in.
- SM-DP+ Address: the part between the two $ signs.
- Activation Code: everything after the second $ sign.
- Some Android phones accept the whole code in one field. Paste it as it is.
Your China eSIM
Scan this QR, or use the install code below.
Install code (example)
LPA:1$smdp.example.com$ABCD-1234-EFGH-5678
- SM-DP+ Address
- smdp.example.com
- Activation Code
- ABCD-1234-EFGH-5678
Your real code is in your email and on your order page.
When you land
Online in the arrivals hall
- 1
Turn off airplane mode
The phone searches for China Mobile. Keep the China line selected for mobile data.
- 2
Check the China line is on
It should be selected for mobile data. Your home line can stay on for texts.
- 3
Turn on Data Roaming for the eSIM
The eSIM roams on China Mobile, so roaming must be on for this line. There is no extra charge. Keep roaming off on your home SIM.
When your plan days start and end
Plan days start once the eSIM is installed. Each day ends at 11:59 PM China time (GMT+8), so the first day can be short. Pick one day more than your stay. On a daily plan, the next day’s 500 MB or 1 GB starts at that time.
Troubleshooting
If something doesn’t connect
No Service on the China line
Toggle airplane mode for 10 seconds, or set network selection to Automatic.
QR says already used
The eSIM is probably already on the phone. Turn it on in your SIM list instead of scanning again.
Phone will not add an eSIM
The phone may be carrier-locked or a model without eSIM. Check with *#06# for an EID.
When should I install the China eSIM?+
On Wi-Fi before you fly. Installing needs internet, and your plan days start when you install. Each day ends at 11:59 PM China time, so the first day can be short.
Can I install the same QR code twice?+
No. Each QR code can be installed once. Do not delete the eSIM during the trip. If you scanned it before, look for it in your SIM list and turn it on.
What is the APN?+
The APN is e-ideas. If data does not connect, open the line’s mobile network settings and set the APN to e-ideas.
Will I keep my WhatsApp number?+
Yes. WhatsApp is tied to your account, not the data line. It keeps working on your usual number while the China eSIM provides the data. WhatsApp calls work over data.
What if my phone cannot scan the QR?+
Use manual entry. The install code below the QR in your email has the SM-DP+ address and the activation code. Enter them as shown in the manual install section.
Do I need to turn on data roaming?+
Yes, for the eSIM line only. It connects to China Mobile as a roaming line, and there is no extra charge for roaming on it. Keep Data Roaming off on your home SIM so your carrier does not charge you.
When do plan days start and end?+
Days start once the eSIM is installed. Each day ends at 11:59 PM China time (GMT+8), so the first day can be short. Pick one day more than your stay. On a daily plan, that is also when the next day’s 500 MB or 1 GB starts.
Do I need a VPN?+
Not for Google, Gmail, Maps, YouTube, Facebook, or WhatsApp. Traffic on this eSIM is routed via Hong Kong, so those apps work without a VPN.
No eSIM yet?
Your QR arrives by email after payment. Install it on Wi-Fi before you fly.
See plans from $3.00