China Unicom is the runner-up Chinese carrier for the number of subscribers, behind China Mobile. On the other hand, it’s the top choice for mobile data usage thanks to their 4G LTE pay-as-you-go SIM cards. That, coupled with the fact they perform free delivery to 100+ hotels in Beijing alone, as well as most of China, they’re the top choice for travelers. Moreover, they’re the only carrier in China that provides 3G 2100 MHz bands, so speed remains high whenever 4G is not available. With that said, let’s jump straight into how to activate China Unicom SIM card.
1. Activate a China Unicom SIM card
Activating China Unicom SIM card couldn’t be easier. You simply need to insert the SIM card into your phone, turn it on, and the signal will appear. Keep in mind that the SIM will expire after 90 days from the first use, whether you top it up or not. You must purchase a “Keep your number” service after registering a user account on their official website.
2. Enter Internet via China Unicom APN Settings
It is not usual for the signal to come on, allowing you to call or next, but mobile data not to work. Because that’s a pivotal part of their offer, China Unicom recommends configuring APN manually like this:
- Follow method 1 or 2 in our Fastlink activation guide, depending on your smartphone operating system.
- When you get to APN (Access Point Names), enter these details:
- Under Name and APN, enter “3gnet”.
- Under Proxy, enter “10.0.0.172”.
- For Port, enter “80”.
- Leave Username and Password blank.
- For Servicer, enter “http://www.wo.com.cn”.
- For MMSC, enter “http://mmsc.myuni.com.cn”.
- Under MMS Protocol, select “WAP 2.0”.
- For MCC, type “460”.
- For MNC, type “01”.
- As APN Type, select “Default”.
- Tip. If you get a pop-up asking you to select between “3gnet” and “3gwap”, select “3gnet”.
3. Contact China Unicom
Contacting China Unicom can be done like this:
- Dialing 10010 and pressing 9 to reach their 24/7 Customer Support line.
- Sending an e-mail to [email protected].