If you cannot receive SMS after setting up your eSIM, first check whether the plan you purchased actually supports SMS reception.
Many travel eSIMs are data-only. Even if an eSIM comes with a phone number, SMS may not be included.
If your plan supports SMS, check the line status, phone number format, network connection, and device settings one by one.
First, check whether your plan supports SMS
A data-only eSIM cannot receive standard SMS messages.
You can still use services such as Google Maps, social media, LINE, and WhatsApp, but SMS sent to a phone number is not supported.
Even if your eSIM includes a phone number, the available features depend on the plan.
| Feature | Data-only eSIM | eSIM with SMS support |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile data | Available | Available |
| Phone number | Usually not included | Included |
| Receive SMS | Not available | Available |
| Send SMS | Not available | Depends on the plan |
| SMS verification | Not available | May be available |
Having a phone number does not automatically mean that SMS is supported.
Check the product description for information such as “SMS reception supported.”
For plans that include a phone number, please see eSIM Plans with a Phone Number.
If your plan supports SMS but messages still do not arrive
Check the following:
- The eSIM line is turned on
- The phone is connected to a mobile network
- The plan has already started
- The plan has not expired
- The phone number was entered correctly
- SMS messages are not being filtered or blocked
Make sure the eSIM line is turned on
To receive SMS, the eSIM line associated with that phone number must be active.
iPhone
- Open “Settings”
- Select “Cellular”
- Select the eSIM that should receive SMS
- Make sure “Turn On This Line” is enabled
Android
- Open “Settings”
- Select “Network & Internet” or “Connections”
- Open “SIMs” or “SIM Manager”
- Make sure the relevant eSIM is enabled
The menu names may vary depending on the Android device.
Check the mobile network connection
SMS is usually delivered through the mobile network.
Even if your phone is connected to Wi-Fi, you may not receive SMS if the eSIM line has no mobile signal.
If your phone shows “No Service,” “Searching,” or “Emergency Calls Only,” try the following:
- Move to an area with better signal
- Turn Airplane Mode on and off
- Set network selection to automatic
- Restart your phone
Check the phone number format
If you are using SMS verification, make sure you entered the correct phone number.
Japan's country code is “+81”.
When entering a Japanese phone number in international format, the first “0” is usually removed.
| Japanese format | International format |
|---|---|
| 090-1234-5678 | +81 90 1234 5678 |
| 080-1234-5678 | +81 80 1234 5678 |
| 070-1234-5678 | +81 70 1234 5678 |
The required format may differ depending on the service, so follow the example shown on the actual input screen.
If you are using Dual SIM
If you are using your regular SIM and a travel eSIM at the same time, check which phone number the SMS is being sent to.
SMS is delivered to the line associated with the destination phone number, not necessarily the line selected for mobile data.
For example, if the verification code is sent to your regular phone number, that SIM or eSIM must remain turned on.
| Setting | Regular SIM | Travel eSIM |
|---|---|---|
| Line | ON if needed for SMS | ON |
| Mobile data | Do not use | Use |
| Data roaming | OFF | Follow the plan instructions |
Using your regular SIM for calls or sending SMS overseas may result in additional roaming charges.
If only verification codes do not arrive
If you can receive normal SMS messages but verification codes from a specific service do not arrive, the issue may be with the service rather than the eSIM.
Some services do not accept certain types of phone numbers, such as:
- Temporary phone numbers
- Prepaid numbers
- VoIP numbers
- Numbers not registered in your name
- Numbers from certain countries or regions
Banks, credit card companies, and payment services may have stricter phone number requirements.
For important accounts, consider using your regular phone number or another verification method such as email or an authentication app.
Check spam and blocked message settings
Your phone or mobile carrier may automatically filter some SMS messages.
Check:
- Spam or junk message folders
- Unknown senders
- Blocked phone numbers
- International SMS blocking
- Short-code SMS blocking
If you change filter settings, continue to be careful with suspicious messages and links.
If the verification code is delayed
SMS verification codes can sometimes be delayed because of network conditions or congestion on the sender's side.
If the message does not arrive immediately, wait a few minutes before trying again.
Requesting the code repeatedly in a short period may invalidate older codes or temporarily block additional requests.
If you request a new code, use the most recent one.
If SMS still does not arrive
Try the following in order:
- Confirm that the plan supports SMS reception
- Check the phone number you entered
- Make sure the eSIM line is turned on
- Check the mobile signal
- Check spam and blocked message settings
- Wait a few minutes and check again
- Turn Airplane Mode on and off
- Restart your phone
If another verification method is available, you can also try email verification, an authentication app, or a backup code.
If normal SMS messages do not arrive either
If you cannot receive normal SMS messages from other phone numbers either, the issue may be related to the eSIM line or device settings.
If possible, ask someone to send you a test SMS from another phone number.
If you still cannot receive messages, prepare the following information before contacting support:
- Order number
- The phone number provided with the eSIM
- Activation date
- Smartphone model
- OS version
- Carrier name shown on the screen
- Signal status
- Date and time when the SMS failed to arrive
For help with setup or your purchase, please see Japan eSIM Support.
Do not delete the eSIM just because SMS is not working
If you cannot receive SMS, do not immediately delete the eSIM.
Some eSIM QR codes can only be used once. If you delete the eSIM, you may not be able to reinstall the same line or phone number.
Before deleting it, check the plan's SMS support, line status, signal, validity period, and phone number format.
If the issue continues, contact support before deleting the eSIM.
Be careful when using a temporary phone number
With short-term travel eSIMs, the phone number may stop working when the plan expires.
If you register that number with a bank, social media account, or another important service, you may not be able to receive verification codes after your trip.
For important accounts, it is safer to use a long-term phone number or another authentication method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a data-only eSIM receive SMS?
Usually not. To receive SMS, you need an eSIM plan that specifically supports SMS reception.
Does every eSIM with a phone number support SMS?
No. Some plans include a phone number but do not support SMS. Check the plan details before purchasing.
If the eSIM can receive SMS, will verification codes always work?
No. The service itself may reject temporary or prepaid phone numbers.
Can I receive SMS if I am connected to Wi-Fi?
Your eSIM line still needs to be active and connected to a mobile network to receive standard SMS messages.
Should I delete and reinstall the eSIM?
Do not delete it immediately. The QR code may not be reusable.
Summary
If you cannot receive SMS, first confirm that your eSIM plan supports SMS reception.
If it does, check the eSIM line, mobile signal, validity period, phone number format, and spam settings.
If normal SMS works but verification codes from a specific service do not arrive, the service may not accept that phone number.
Avoid repeatedly requesting verification codes or deleting the eSIM immediately. Check the settings first and contact support if necessary.
