Quick answer
If your China eSIM has no data after landing, turn on Data Roaming for the China line. Then check the line is on and chosen for mobile data, turn airplane mode on and off once, and set the APN to e-ideas. The line uses China Mobile.
What should I check first?
Most problems are a setting, not the eSIM. Work through these in order.
- 1Turn off airplane mode.
- 2Make sure the China line is switched on.
- 3Turn on Data Roaming for the China line.
- 4Choose the China line for mobile data (Cellular Data on iPhone).
- 5Set the APN to e-ideas if it is blank or different.
- 6Turn airplane mode on for 10 seconds, then off, so the phone searches for the network again.
- 7Restart the phone.
The line shows signal but no internet. What now?
First check Data Roaming again: on iPhone go to Settings, Cellular, the China line; on Samsung go to Connections, then Mobile networks; on Pixel open the SIM under Network & internet, then SIMs.
Then check the APN. On iPhone it is under the China line, then Cellular Data Network. On Android it is in the eSIM’s settings under Access Point Names. The APN should be e-ideas.
On iPhone, also make sure Allow Cellular Data Switching is off. Otherwise the phone may keep trying your home line.
The phone shows “No Service” on the China line
Open the network settings for the China line and turn on automatic network selection. After landing, give the phone a moment to search. The eSIM is meant to use China Mobile. This store does not promise signal in every place.
Data works, but I can’t make calls or send SMS
That is expected. The eSIM is data only, with no phone number, calls, or SMS. WhatsApp calls work over data. Leave your home SIM on if you need SMS or bank codes, with roaming off on it.
Still not working?
Connect to Wi-Fi and email admin@kovitel.com or message us on Telegram, with your order link and a screenshot of the SIM settings. Your QR and order details stay on your order page.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the eSIM take to connect after landing?
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Turn off airplane mode and give the phone a moment to search. If nothing happens, check Data Roaming is on for the eSIM, set the APN to e-ideas, toggle airplane mode, and make sure the line is chosen for mobile data.
Can I reinstall the eSIM if I deleted it?
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No. Each QR scans once. Email admin@kovitel.com or message us on Telegram with your order link if you deleted the eSIM by mistake.
Can I top up the eSIM?
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No. Plans cannot be topped up. If you need more days or data, buy a new plan. It comes with a new QR code that you install as a second eSIM.
Do I need to turn on data roaming?
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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?
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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?
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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.