Using eSIM with your iPhone in China mainland

Learn which iPhone models support eSIM in China mainland and how to set up cellular service on your device.

Supported iPhone models

The following iPhone model supports eSIM in China mainland:

  • iPhone Air, model A35181

All other iPhone models, including those purchased outside of China mainland, are unable to install an eSIM profile from carriers in China mainland.

How to identify your iPhone model

Use the model number to find out which model iPhone you have. You can find the model number as follows:

  • Look on the back of your iPhone retail packaging for tech specs related to your iPhone model. Some packaging might have a QR code that you can scan to show tech specs.

  • Go to Settings > General > About. To the right of Model Number, you'll find the part number. To find the model number, tap the part number.

Learn more about identifying your iPhone model

About eSIM for iPhone in China mainland

  • Pending regulatory approval, in China mainland, China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom will provide eSIM support for iPhone Air. Contact your carrier to confirm support.

  • To activate an eSIM on iPhone Air in China mainland, you must have an iPhone model that supports eSIM in China mainland and visit your carrier's store.

Setting up an eSIM with your iPhone in China mainland

To activate eSIM on your iPhone Air, visit your carrier's store. Store staff will help you with a required ID check and activating your eSIM.

Before you go to a carrier store

Complete the following steps:

  1. Set up your iPhone Air.

  2. Transfer your data from your current iPhone to your iPhone Air. If you can't transfer your data before going to your carrier's store, back up your current iPhone with iCloud as follows:

    1. On your current iPhone, open Settings.

    2. Tap your name.

    3. Tap iCloud.

    4. Tap iCloud Backup.

    5. Tap Back Up Now.

  3. Bring a government ID or passport, and, if applicable, your existing SIM card.

Traveling with your iPhone outside of China mainland

When traveling outside of China mainland, you can activate an eSIM from a local carrier on your iPhone Air, model A3518 that was purchased in China mainland. To do so, you must have location services enabled. eSIMs from non-China mainland carriers can't be installed while located in China mainland.

Learn more about using an eSIM while traveling internationally with your iPhone.

  1. Pending regulatory approval

Published Date: