Setting up a China travel eSIM on Android usually requires four actions: install the eSIM profile, select it for mobile data, enable data roaming when required and confirm the APN settings.
The exact menu names depend on your phone manufacturer and Android version. Samsung Galaxy devices use Connections > SIM manager, while Google Pixel phones use Network & internet > SIMs.
Quick answer: Connect your Android phone to Wi-Fi, open the SIM or mobile-network settings, select Add eSIM, scan the provider’s QR code, label the new profile “China eSIM,” select it for mobile data and enable roaming for the travel line. Keep roaming off on your primary SIM unless you intentionally use your home carrier’s roaming service.
Before installing anything, confirm that you have purchased the correct mainland China plan. If you still need a provider, compare the best China eSIMs for travelers. Once you have chosen a plan, follow our guide to buying a China eSIM online.
Why Android eSIM Instructions Vary
Android is used by several phone manufacturers, including:
- Samsung
- Motorola
- OnePlus
- Honor
- Xiaomi
- Oppo
- Sony
Each manufacturer can change the names and locations of network settings.
The same menu may be called:
- SIM manager
- SIMs
- Mobile network
- Cellular network
- SIM card management
- Download a SIM
- Add mobile plan
- Add eSIM
- Set up an eSIM
Menu wording may also change after an Android or manufacturer software update.
This guide provides exact instructions for Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices, followed by a general method for other Android phones.
What You Need Before Installing
Prepare the following:
- An eSIM-compatible Android phone
- A carrier-unlocked device
- Stable Wi-Fi
- The provider’s QR code, installation link or app
- Manual activation details, if supplied
- APN information, if required
- Your order number
- The plan’s activation policy
- Another screen on which to display the QR code
Keep the provider’s confirmation email and installation information until the trip is complete.
Do not delete the QR code, activation code, APN instructions or order number after installation.
Step 1: Check Whether Your Android Phone Supports eSIM
Do not rely only on the phone’s model name.
eSIM support can vary according to:
- Exact model number
- Country or region of purchase
- Carrier
- Firmware
- Single-SIM or Dual-SIM version
- Whether the phone is carrier-locked
Two phones with the same commercial name can have different eSIM capabilities.
Check a Samsung Galaxy phone
Open:
Settings > Connections > SIM manager
Look for:
Add eSIM
If the option appears, the device likely contains enabled eSIM functionality.
You can also check:
Settings > About phone > Status information
Look for an EID. An EID indicates that the device contains eSIM hardware, but it does not guarantee compatibility with every provider.
Check a Google Pixel phone
Open:
Settings > Network & internet > SIMs
Look for:
Add SIM > Set up an eSIM
You can also search the Settings application for:
- eSIM
- Add SIM
- Download a SIM
- EID
Check another Android phone
Open Settings and use the search field to search for:
eSIM
If nothing appears, try:
- Add SIM
- SIM manager
- Mobile network
- Cellular plan
- Download SIM
Confirm the exact model number on the manufacturer’s official support website or the eSIM provider’s compatibility list.
Important: Android phones purchased in mainland China
Many Android devices manufactured for the mainland Chinese market do not provide the same eSIM functionality as international versions.
Do not assume that a phone supports travel eSIMs because the international version does. Check the exact model and region.
If the device does not support eSIM, compare the alternatives in our China eSIM vs. physical SIM card guide.
Step 2: Confirm That the Phone Is Carrier-Unlocked
An Android phone can support eSIM hardware but still reject a travel eSIM if it is locked to the original carrier.
Android does not provide one universal carrier-lock screen across every manufacturer.
Possible ways to verify include:
- Check the phone’s network or SIM status
- Review the original purchase agreement
- Contact the carrier that sold the phone
- Ask whether the device accepts another carrier’s SIM or eSIM
- Check the carrier account for an unlock status
The safest method is to contact the original carrier and request confirmation.
An eSIM provider cannot unlock the phone.
Step 3: Check When the Plan Starts
Installing the eSIM and starting its validity are not always the same event.
Depending on the provider, the validity period may begin:
- At purchase
- When the eSIM is installed
- When it first connects to a supported network in China
- On a selected date
- When manually activated in the provider’s app
Read the provider’s activation instructions before scanning the QR code.
If validity begins only after the first connection in China, installing the eSIM before departure is usually safer. If validity begins immediately when installed, wait until the provider’s recommended time.
Step 4: Install a China eSIM on Samsung Galaxy
Samsung’s current menu path is generally:
Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM
Samsung supports several installation methods.
Method 1: Scan a QR code
- Connect the Galaxy phone to Wi-Fi.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Connections.
- Tap SIM manager.
- Tap Add eSIM.
- Tap Scan QR code.
- Scan the QR code supplied by the eSIM provider.
- Confirm that you want to add the mobile plan.
- Wait for the profile to download.
- Confirm that the new eSIM appears in SIM manager.
Restart the phone if Samsung or the provider instructs you to do so.
What if the QR code is on the same phone?
Display the QR code on:
- A laptop
- A tablet
- Another phone
- A printed copy
Some provider applications also support direct Android installation without scanning a second screen.
If no second screen is available, use the manual activation method.
Method 2: Install through the provider’s app
- Download the provider’s official application.
- Sign in using the account associated with the purchase.
- Open the purchased China plan.
- Select Install eSIM, Direct installation or similar wording.
- Allow the application to open the Android eSIM settings.
- Review and approve the installation.
- Wait for the profile to appear in SIM manager.
Use only the provider’s official application.
Method 3: Enter the activation code manually
The exact wording varies, but the path is generally:
Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM > Scan QR code > Enter activation code
Enter the information exactly as supplied.
Manual details may include:
- SM-DP+ address
- Activation code
- Confirmation code
Do not add spaces or punctuation unless they appear in the provider’s instructions.
Step 5: Install a China eSIM on Google Pixel
Google’s current menu path is:
Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM > Set up an eSIM
Install with a QR code
- Connect the Pixel phone to Wi-Fi.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Network & internet.
- Tap SIMs.
- Tap Add SIM.
- Select Set up an eSIM.
- Choose the option to use a QR code.
- Scan the provider’s QR code.
- Confirm that you want to download the eSIM.
- Wait for the profile to install.
- Follow the prompts to configure SIM preferences.
If the Pixel asks which line to use for calls, texts and data, keep your primary SIM for calls and messages and select the China eSIM for mobile data.
Install through an application or activation link
Some providers allow installation directly through their application.
- Open the official provider application.
- Select the purchased plan.
- Tap the installation option.
- Approve the request to add a mobile plan.
- Return to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.
- Confirm that the new eSIM appears.
Enter details manually
If the QR code cannot be scanned, look for an option such as:
- Enter code manually
- Need help?
- Use activation code
- Enter it manually
Enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code supplied by the provider.
Step 6: Install an eSIM on Other Android Phones
For Motorola, OnePlus, Honor, Oppo, Xiaomi, Sony and other Android devices:
- Connect to stable Wi-Fi.
- Open Settings.
- Search for eSIM.
- Open the relevant SIM or mobile-network menu.
- Select Add eSIM, Add mobile plan or Download a SIM.
- Scan the provider’s QR code.
- Confirm the installation.
- Wait for the new profile to appear.
- Label the new plan clearly.
- Select it for mobile data.
Common menu paths include:
Settings > Network & internet > SIMs
Settings > Mobile network > SIM management
Settings > SIM card & mobile data
Settings > Mobile network > eSIM
The exact path depends on the device and software version. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions if they differ.
Step 7: Label the eSIM Clearly
After installation, rename the two lines to prevent mistakes.
Use labels such as:
- Primary or Home SIM for your normal line
- China eSIM or Travel Data for the new line
Clear labels reduce the risk of selecting your home SIM for expensive roaming data.
On Samsung, labels can usually be changed under:
Settings > Connections > SIM manager
On Pixel, open:
Settings > Network & internet > SIMs
Select the relevant line and edit its name if the option is available.
Step 8: Configure Dual SIM Correctly
Most travelers want:
- Primary SIM for normal phone number, calls and SMS
- China eSIM for mobile data
Recommended Samsung settings
Open:
Settings > Connections > SIM manager
Configure:
- Calls: Primary SIM or Ask always
- Messages: Primary SIM
- Mobile data: China eSIM
- Data switching: Off, if available
Recommended Google Pixel settings
Open:
Settings > Network & internet > SIMs
Under the primary SIM settings, configure:
- Calls: Primary SIM or Ask every time
- Texts: Primary SIM
- Mobile data: China eSIM
- Automatic data switching: Off
Google states that only one SIM can be the default mobile-data line at a time.
Turning off automatic data switching prevents the phone from unexpectedly using your primary SIM for mobile data.
Step 9: Enable Data Roaming for the China eSIM
International travel eSIMs normally use roaming agreements with local networks. Therefore, data roaming often needs to be enabled for the travel eSIM.
This does not mean you should enable roaming on your primary SIM.
Samsung Galaxy
The menu is generally:
Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Data roaming
Some Galaxy versions may show roaming controls for individual lines in SIM manager.
Before enabling roaming:
- Confirm that China eSIM is selected for mobile data.
- Confirm that the primary SIM is not being used for data.
- Enable roaming as required by the eSIM provider.
Google Pixel
Open:
Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > China eSIM
Turn on:
- Use SIM
- Mobile data
- Roaming
Then confirm that automatic data switching is off.
Other Android phones
Search Settings for:
- Data roaming
- Roaming
- Mobile network
- SIM settings
Enable roaming only for the travel data line whenever the device offers per-SIM controls.
Step 10: Check the APN
Many travel eSIMs configure the Access Point Name automatically. Others require manual APN entry.
Do not enter an APN unless the provider supplies one.
Samsung Galaxy APN path
Open:
Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Access Point Names
Select the travel eSIM if the phone asks which line to edit.
Then:
- Tap Add.
- Enter the APN exactly as supplied.
- Enter a username or password only if provided.
- Save the APN.
- Select the newly created APN.
- Restart mobile data if necessary.
Google Pixel APN path
The path is generally:
Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > China eSIM > Access Point Names
If the option is available:
- Open Access Point Names.
- Add a new APN.
- Enter the provider’s details.
- Save it.
- Select the new APN.
Some devices or carrier profiles prevent users from editing APN settings. Contact the provider if the option is unavailable.
Never copy an APN from another eSIM brand.
Step 11: Connect After Arriving in China
After landing:
- Turn off Airplane Mode.
- Open the SIM settings.
- Turn on the China eSIM.
- Select China eSIM for mobile data.
- Confirm that data switching is off.
- Enable data roaming for the China eSIM.
- Wait several minutes for network registration.
- Open a webpage or map application to test the connection.
The network name may show:
- The local partner network
- The eSIM provider
- A roaming carrier
- A generic mobile-network name
The phone may initially display Searching, Emergency calls only or No service while registering.
If the provider uses an application, open it over airport Wi-Fi and check whether the plan requires a separate activation action.
Common Android eSIM Problems
The Add eSIM option is missing
Possible causes include:
- The phone does not support eSIM
- The regional model does not support eSIM
- The phone is carrier-locked
- The firmware disables eSIM
- The feature is located under a different menu
- The device needs a software update
Search Settings for eSIM, Add SIM and Download a SIM.
Check the exact model number rather than only the product name.
The QR code will not scan
Check that:
- The entire QR code is visible
- The image is not blurred
- Screen brightness is high enough
- The camera lens is clean
- The code has not already been used
- The plan has not expired
- You are connected to Wi-Fi
Try displaying the code on another device or enter the activation information manually.
Do not repeatedly purchase the same plan because the first QR code fails.
The eSIM is installed but there is no internet
Work through these checks in order:
- Confirm that the eSIM is enabled.
- Select it for mobile data.
- Turn on data roaming for the eSIM.
- Turn off automatic data switching.
- Check that the plan is active.
- Check that the plan has remaining data.
- Verify the APN.
- Turn Airplane Mode on for approximately 30 seconds.
- Turn Airplane Mode off.
- Restart the phone.
- Leave network selection on Automatic.
- Contact the provider.
The most common causes are the wrong default data line, disabled roaming, an inactive plan or an incorrect APN.
The phone has signal but data does not load
Signal bars only show that the phone has registered with a mobile network. They do not prove that the data session is configured correctly.
Check:
- Default mobile-data SIM
- Roaming
- APN
- Plan activation
- Remaining allowance
- Validity period
5G appears but the connection is unstable
5G availability depends on the plan, device, location and roaming agreement.
If the connection repeatedly drops, temporarily select LTE or 4G:
- Samsung: Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network mode
- Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > China eSIM > Preferred network type
Return to automatic or 5G later.
A stable 4G connection is more useful than an unstable 5G connection.
Mobile data works but Google or WhatsApp does not
This may be a network-routing issue rather than an Android installation problem.
Turn off Wi-Fi and test the application using the travel eSIM’s mobile data. Then read our guide to how China eSIMs work with Google, WhatsApp and international apps.
Do not delete the eSIM or repeatedly change the APN if ordinary mobile data already works.
Hotspot is unavailable
Hotspot support depends on the plan and carrier profile.
First confirm that the plan permits tethering. Then check whether the provider requires a separate hotspot APN.
On Samsung:
Settings > Connections > Mobile Hotspot and Tethering
On Pixel:
Settings > Network & internet > Hotspot & tethering
If the menu exists but connected devices have no internet, verify the eSIM’s hotspot policy and APN.
The eSIM was accidentally deleted
Deleting an eSIM is different from temporarily turning it off.
Some profiles cannot be installed twice with the same QR code. Contact the provider before attempting another installation or buying another plan.
Keep the profile installed until the trip is complete.
*If the eSIM appears in SIM Manager but cannot connect to mobile data, use our China eSIM troubleshooting guide to check the data line, roaming, APN and network registration.
How to Avoid Roaming Charges on Android
Use this configuration:
- China eSIM selected for mobile data
- Primary SIM retained for calls and SMS only
- Data roaming enabled for China eSIM when required
- Data roaming disabled for primary SIM
- Automatic data switching disabled
- Application updates restricted
- Cloud backups paused on mobile data
Keeping the primary SIM active can still create voice, SMS or voicemail charges, depending on the home carrier.
If you do not need calls or verification messages, temporarily disable the primary line.
How Much Data Should You Buy?
Android setup does not determine how much data you need.
For most travelers:
- 5GB suits a short, light-use trip
- 10GB suits approximately one week
- 15–20GB suits a typical two-week trip
- 30GB or more suits frequent video, uploads or hotspot use
Use our complete guide to estimating how much data you need for China travel before purchasing a plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Samsung Galaxy phones use a China travel eSIM?
Compatible and carrier-unlocked Galaxy models can use a travel eSIM. Support depends on the exact model, purchase region and firmware.
Check for Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM.
Can Google Pixel phones use a China travel eSIM?
Compatible and unlocked Pixel phones can use international travel eSIMs. Google’s current setup path is Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM > Set up an eSIM.
Should I install the eSIM before arriving in China?
Usually yes. Installing before departure gives you reliable Wi-Fi, access to the confirmation email and time to contact support.
Check when the plan’s validity begins before installing.
Do I need Wi-Fi to install an Android eSIM?
Usually yes. The phone needs an internet connection to download the eSIM profile.
Should data roaming be enabled?
For many international travel eSIMs, yes. Enable roaming for the travel eSIM when required, but keep roaming off for your primary SIM unless you deliberately use your home carrier’s service.
Can I keep my normal SIM active?
Yes, if the phone supports Dual SIM operation.
Use the travel eSIM for data and the primary SIM for calls and verification messages. Home-carrier fees may still apply.
Can I use one eSIM on two Android phones?
Usually not. An eSIM profile is normally installed on one device and its QR code may be single-use.
Each traveler generally needs a separate plan or profile.
Can I transfer the eSIM to another Android phone?
Transfer support depends on the provider, phone manufacturer and eSIM profile.
Do not delete the original profile until the provider confirms that transfer or reinstallation is permitted.
Final Android Setup Checklist
Before departure:
- Exact Android model supports eSIM
- Phone is carrier-unlocked
- China plan has been purchased
- Activation timing is understood
- QR code and manual details are saved
- eSIM is installed
- Profile is labeled China eSIM
- APN instructions are available
- Provider support information is saved
After arrival:
- China eSIM is enabled
- China eSIM is selected for mobile data
- Automatic data switching is off
- Primary SIM roaming is off
- Travel eSIM roaming is on when required
- APN is correct
- Plan is active
- Mobile data has been tested
- The eSIM has not been deleted
Sources
Information checked on August 16, 2026:
- Google: Use Dual SIMs on a Pixel phone
- Google: Connect to mobile networks on a Pixel phone
- Samsung: SIM cards and eSIM for Galaxy phones
- Airalo: Check whether an Android device supports eSIM
- Airalo: Configure an eSIM on Samsung Galaxy