eSIM not working in China: what to check

Five checks, in order

• The eSIM line is on and chosen for mobile data. Airalo says the eSIM must be on and selected for data to be used.
• Data roaming is enabled for that eSIM line.
• The plan has started and has data left. Yesim states that validity begins when the eSIM connects to a compatible network.
• You are testing on mobile data, not on hotel Wi-Fi. Airalo’s help page says its routing applies to eSIM data, not to hotel Wi-Fi.
• The right network is selected, or automatic selection is on.

Connected but slow

Unlimited plans slow down after a high-speed allowance, and providers say so. Yesim notes speeds may be limited under the operator’s fair-use policy; the Airalo plan data lists 1 Mbps after 3 GB per day. Slow video calls may be the plan, not a fault.

The connection works but an app does not

A working connection does not override an app’s own country rules. Airalo’s help page says services such as Google, Instagram and WhatsApp are generally blocked on local networks, and that AI tools may be blocked or geoblocked by their providers. That is a different problem from an eSIM that has no data.

What to send to support

• The order reference and the eSIM label.
• Your phone model and iOS or Android version.
• The time you installed and the time you first connected.
• A screenshot of the mobile data screen showing the selected line.

Avoid deleting the eSIM while you troubleshoot unless the provider tells you to: reinstall rules differ.

Questions before you go

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