Effective June 17, 2026, at 00:00 China Standard Time (UTC+8), users who purchase a China Unlimited Data plan and choose a physical SIM card must activate their SIM card outside Mainland China before it can be used within Mainland China.
Who Is Affected?
This change applies only to physical SIM cards for China Unlimited Data plans.
eSIM users are not affected. Users who purchase a China Unlimited Data plan with the eSIM option can still activate and use it within Mainland China as usual.
Required Activation Steps
For users who purchase a China Unlimited Data plan and choose a physical SIM card, please complete the following steps within 72 hours before entering Mainland China:
1. Insert the SIM Card Before Arrival
Insert the physical SIM card into your phone within 72 hours prior to entering Mainland China.
2. Turn On Your Device Outside Mainland China
The SIM card must be inserted and activated while you are outside Mainland China, including:
Hong Kong
Macau
Taiwan
Any other country or region outside Mainland China
3. Keep the Device Connected
After inserting the SIM card, keep your phone powered on and connected to the mobile network for at least 3–5 minutes.
What Happens If I Don't Complete These Steps?
If you do not complete the activation process before entering Mainland China, your physical SIM card may not activate properly and may be unable to connect to the mobile network after arrival.
Need Help?
If you have any questions or require assistance, please contact us at: esim.support@textrapp.com
