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Overseas text/SMS not received in China!

Hi

I use iPhone 13 bought in Malaysia. I live in Guangzhou in China. I cannot send or receive any direct text/SMS at my China Mobile number. Their CS says there’s no restrictions from their part. Is there any option I need to activate for specifically China? Thanks.

iPhone 13, iOS 17

Posted on Mar 27, 2024 8:41 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 4, 2024 6:13 AM

Can your iMessage function be used to send and receive messages normally to Chinese users?

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Mar 27, 2024 11:24 PM in response to amenak70

If you are not a Chinese citizen residing in China mainland, you can edit the country or region setting of your Apple ID to reflect your current country or region and continue using iCloud under Apple's current terms and conditions.


Here are some possible reasons why you might not be receiving SMS messages on your iPhone 13 in China, even though your carrier (China Mobile) says there are no restrictions:


Carrier Settings: There might be a specific setting needed for your iPhone to receive SMS in China. Contact China Mobile again and ask if there's any additional configuration required for your phone model (iPhone 13) or for users coming from overseas.

SMS vs. iMessage: Are you sure the messages you're not receiving are SMS and not iMessages? iMessages are sent between Apple devices and require internet access. SMS messages use your cellular network.


Additional Tips:

  • Try turning iMessage off and on again. Go to Settings > Messages > iMessage.
  • If you're still having trouble, consider reaching out to Apple Support for further assistance.


Here's a quick summary:

  • Contact China Mobile to confirm any specific settings for iPhones or overseas users.
  • Verify if the messages are SMS and not iMessages.
  • Try turning iMessage off and on.
  • If all else fails, contact Apple Support.


iCloud in China mainland is operated by GCBD (AIPO Cloud (Guizhou) Technology Co. Ltd). This allows us to continue to improve iCloud services in China mainland and comply with Chinese regulations.28 Dec 2023


Learn more about iCloud in China mainland - Apple Support


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Mar 28, 2024 12:14 AM in response to SravanKrA

Hi SravanKrA


Thanks for your response.


I had lived in New Zealand before I moved to China. My Apple ID has some fund in NZ. Hence, I couldn’t change my region to China. Apple support created an alternative ID to use only in Chinese App Store to be used during my work contract here. I’m still using my original Apple ID created on iCloud.


is there a way you can help to spend Apple ID fund, please? I was trying to buy an eSIM for China from Klook.com today. Though I could see Apple fund balance but I couldn’t spend it.


just to clarify, I can receive iMessage, not direct message to China Mobile. I’m told by expats that it’s blocked to prevent fraud.


please provide a solution to my problem.


thanks.

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Overseas text/SMS not received in China!

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