Can You Use Foreign SIM Cards in Chinese IPhone?

If you own a Chinese version of the iPhone and plan to travel abroad or live in another country for a while, you might be wondering whether you can use a foreign SIM card in your device. In this blog post, we'll explore the key factors that determine whether it's possible and how to make it work smoothly.

 

1. Network Band Compatibility

Hardware Support Differences

The network bands of Chinese iPhones are mainly configured according to the 4G/5G bands of Chinese carriers, such as China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. For example, common 4G network bands in China are Band 38, 39, 40, and 41. However, in Europe and the United States, they may use bands like Band 1, 3, 5, and 7. If the bands used in the target country don't fully overlap with those supported by the Chinese iPhone, it could lead to unstable signals, an inability to access 4G/5G networks, or you might even be restricted to using only 2G/3G networks.

5G Compatibility Issues

There are significant differences in 5G bands between China and other countries/regions. For instance, the United States uses bands like n77 and n78, and some European countries use n28. The 5G band coverage of Chinese iPhones may be limited, resulting in the inability to use 5G services in certain areas.

 

2. SIM Card Restrictions

SIM Card Lock Issues

Chinese iPhones are usually unlocked. You can check this in "Settings > General > About 本机" to see if "Carrier Lock" shows "No SIM restrictions". In theory, it supports inserting SIM cards from any country. However, be aware that some overseas carriers may lock the SIM card to a specific device. In such cases, you need to contact the local carrier to unlock it.

Physical SIM Card Slot Support

Chinese iPhones up to the iPhone 15 series still have a physical SIM card slot, allowing you to directly insert a foreign SIM card. In contrast, the US - version iPhones starting from the iPhone 14 series have removed the physical SIM card slot and only support eSIM. Since Chinese iPhones still support dual - physical SIM cards, there are no hardware obstacles when inserting a foreign physical SIM card.

 

3. Usage Recommendations

Confirm Band Compatibility in Advance

You can check the network bands of the target country on the official Apple website or use third - party tools, and then compare them with the bands supported by your Chinese iPhone. For example, the iPhone 16 Pro supports 5G bands including n1, n3, n28, etc.

Choose the Right SIM Card or Roaming Service

For Short - Term Trips: You can either activate international roaming with your domestic carrier (although it can be quite expensive) or purchase a prepaid SIM card from the local carrier.

For Long - Term Use: It is recommended to buy a post - paid plan from the local carrier or consider purchasing a Hong Kong - version or international - version iPhone for more comprehensive band support.

Software and Service Adaptation

The App Store on a Chinese iPhone may restrict the download of some overseas apps. You may need to switch the region of your Apple ID or register a new account to access the international version of the store. Additionally, due to network restrictions, you may need to use a VPN to access iCloud services abroad.

 

4. Conclusion

In most cases, a Chinese iPhone can be used for calls and basic data services when a foreign SIM card is inserted. However, due to band differences, the network experience may be limited, such as the inability to use 5G or unstable signals. It is advisable to plan in advance and choose an appropriate solution based on the network environment of the target country. If you travel frequently, you may give priority to international - version models that support eSIM to flexibly switch carriers.