Hi ChinaShanghai

How to use an eSIM in China

Hi China editorial guide. Sources checked .

Short answer

Use an Airalo China eSIM on an unlocked, compatible phone. Buy and install it before departure, follow your package’s activation policy and select it for mobile data on arrival. Airalo says its China coverage allows YouTube access without a separate VPN while using its mobile data. Use referral code ROY2841 for US$3 off your first purchase.

Get US$3 off your first Airalo purchase

Use referral code ROY2841 when you sign up or at checkout.

At checkout, choose “Use Airmoney or code”, enter the code and apply it. Check that the discount appears before paying. Airalo allows one discount method per purchase.

Choose your Airalo China plan →

Referral disclosure: we receive US$3 in Airmoney credit when you sign up using our code and complete your first qualifying purchase.

Sources:Airalo: referral rewards and first-purchase discountAiralo: redeeming a referral code

1. Check your phone before you buy

Check Airalo's compatibility information for your exact phone model and the country where you bought it. Support can differ between regional versions. Your phone must also be unlocked for use with another carrier.

On an iPhone, open Settings > General > About and check Carrier Lock. It should say No SIM restrictions. If it is locked, ask your home carrier about unlocking before you pay for a travel plan.

Sources:Apple: using eSIM while travelingAiralo: Android installation and connection instructions

2. Choose coverage and data for your trip

Choose an Airalo package that explicitly includes mainland China. If you also visit Hong Kong or Macao, check each destination in the coverage list before buying.

Check the current price, validity period, data allowance, hotspot rules and top-up options for your selected plan. Airalo offers fixed-data and unlimited options. Read the speed policy if you plan to watch videos often.

Check whether the selected package includes calls, SMS or a phone number. Do not assume that buying mobile data supplies a Chinese number for services that require one.

Sources:Airalo: China plans and package details

3. Install before departure

While you have a reliable internet connection, open the Airalo app and go to My eSIMs. Select your purchase, open View details and follow the installation instructions under Ready to use your eSIM. Keep your order and support details available offline.

Installing the eSIM and starting the package validity period are different steps. Follow the activation policy shown for your purchased package before installing it.

  1. On iPhone, use the installation method Airalo offers for your package. For a QR code, open Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data > Add eSIM and follow the prompts. You can also use supported app installation or manual details.
  2. On Android, follow the device-specific instructions in Airalo. Some models support direct installation. Otherwise, use its QR code or manual method through your phone’s SIM settings.
  3. Label the line China travel so you can identify it later. In Airalo, open the package’s How to connect instructions for the required network, APN and roaming settings.

Sources:Apple: setting up an eSIMAiralo: Android installation and connection instructionsAiralo: China plans and package details

4. Connect when you arrive in China

Open your purchased eSIM in Airalo and follow How to connect. On iPhone, roaming is controlled per line. On some Android phones, roaming settings apply to more than one active SIM.

  1. Turn on the travel eSIM and select it as the line for Cellular Data or Mobile Data.
  2. Enable roaming as instructed by Airalo. On iPhone, leave your home line’s data roaming off and disable automatic data switching. If Android does not let you isolate roaming to the travel line, turn off your home SIM to avoid home-carrier roaming charges.
  3. If you keep your home line active for calls or SMS, check its roaming charges with your carrier. Turning off home-line data roaming does not prevent every possible voice or messaging charge.
  4. Wait for a supported mobile network, turn Wi-Fi off briefly, and open a webpage. This checks that the travel eSIM is actually providing your internet connection.

Sources:Airalo: connection troubleshootingApple: using eSIM while travelingApple: choosing data settings with Dual SIM

Can you search YouTube and watch videos?

Airalo says its eSIMs with China coverage provide access to blocked services, including YouTube, without a separate VPN. This is Airalo’s claim; Hi China has not field-tested the connection.

Airalo describes routing mobile data through gateways outside mainland China. This does not make an eSIM a VPN, and it does not change how another internet connection works.

YouTube remains blocked on ordinary mainland internet connections. If your phone joins hotel or café Wi-Fi, switch back to Airalo mobile data to use the access described above. Video quality still depends on coverage, congestion and your package’s speed limits.

Sources:Airalo: internet access in China

If your eSIM has no internet

Do not delete an eSIM you still intend to use. Airalo says reinstallation is usually unavailable, though its app can check recovery options for a deleted plan. Start with the connection settings instead.

  1. Confirm that your Airalo package covers your location, is active and unexpired, and still has data.
  2. Check that China travel is enabled and selected for mobile data. Review Airalo’s How to connect instructions for the required roaming and APN settings.
  3. Turn airplane mode on, then off, or restart your phone. If Airalo recommends manual network selection, choose a network listed for your package.
  4. If it still fails, contact Airalo through its app or website with your order reference and phone model. Keep QR codes and account information out of public posts.

Sources:Airalo: connection troubleshootingAiralo: eSIM removal and recovery

When you get home

Select your home line for mobile data again and turn off China travel if you no longer need it. Check Airalo for any renewal setting you enabled. Keep the eSIM installed if you plan to reuse it and your package supports top-ups.

Sources:Apple: using eSIM while travelingAiralo: China plans and package details