How to set up an eSIM before a China trip

Install at home. Switch it on when you land. You are connected before you find the taxi line.

Checkout is not open yet. These are the steps for when your install email arrives. Most people are done in about two minutes. The short version is also on How to install.

Before you start

• The phone supports eSIM. See compatible phones.
• The phone is carrier-unlocked. iPhone: Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock. Look for “No SIM restrictions”.
• You are on Wi-Fi. The eSIM has to download.
• You have the haalaan email. It carries the install link, QR code, and manual codes.
• The trip is confirmed. Installing ends the refund for an uninstalled eSIM. More in when to install. An unused eSIM is valid for 180 days from purchase.

When to install

A few days before you fly. Your 30 days (or 7 or 15 on a daily plan) start when the eSIM first connects in mainland China, not when you install it.

iPhone

One tap (iOS 17.4 or later)

1. Open the haalaan email on the iPhone you are taking.
2. Tap Install on this iPhone.
3. Tap Continue.
4. Label the line haalaan China.
5. Choose your US number as the default line for calls and texts.
6. Leave Cellular Data on your US line until you land.

QR code

1. Open the QR code on a different screen.
2. On the iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM.
3. Tap Use QR Code and scan.
4. Use the same labels as above.

Manual entry

Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code > Enter Details Manually. Copy the SM-DP+ address and activation code from the email.

Android

One tap (Android 10 or later)

1. Open the haalaan email on the phone you are taking.
2. Tap Install on this phone.
3. Download the eSIM.
4. Rename it haalaan China if you can.
5. Keep the US SIM as the default for calls and texts.

QR code

Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM > scan.

Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM > Scan QR code.

Other phones: Settings, then SIM, Mobile network, or Connections, then Add eSIM.

Manual code

Choose “Enter code manually” on the scan screen and paste the activation code.

When you land in China

1. Turn off airplane mode.
2. Turn on the haalaan line.
3. Switch mobile data to haalaan.
   • iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data > haalaan China.
   • Android: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs (or SIM manager) > Mobile data > haalaan China.
4. Turn on data roaming for the haalaan line. This is the step people miss. The eSIM is an international roaming service.
   • iPhone: Settings > Cellular > haalaan China > Data Roaming on.
   • Android: Settings > SIMs > haalaan China > Roaming on.
5. Turn off data roaming on your US line.
6. Turn Wi-Fi off for a moment and open Maps or WhatsApp.

Days start now. Give it a minute or two. If it does not connect, toggle airplane mode or restart. The troubleshooting guide covers the rest.

Then you are set: a stable connection where Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and the rest are designed to work like they do back home.*

Mistakes that are easy to undo, and one that is not

• Deleting the eSIM. Do not delete it to “reset” it. A deleted eSIM usually cannot be reinstalled. Write to us first.
• Scanning a QR code that is on the same phone. Use one-tap install, or open the code on another device.
• Installing on the wrong phone. One eSIM, one phone.
• Forgetting data roaming. See step 4.
• No Wi-Fi during install. The download needs a connection.

The network settings (APN) are usually automatic. If the email lists an APN, add it in the haalaan line’s mobile data settings.

Which plan? The data guide maps trip length to a size, and the China eSIM page lists them. For the rest of the trip, start with China travel essentials or a city guide.

FAQ

* How apps work depends on the network route and isn't guaranteed. Your data is routed via Hong Kong, according to our network provider. Services and networks can change.

Valid in mainland China (not Hong Kong or Macau).

China eSIM · China travel essentials · China city guides · Help · How much data · FAQ