How to Use Japan eSIM | Setup Steps and Precautions
For using smartphones during trips to Japan or temporary returns, Japan eSIM is increasingly being chosen as an option. Japan eSIM allows you to add a communication plan to your compatible smartphone without swapping out a physical SIM card.
By purchasing and setting it up before departure, you can easily access maps, transit guides, translation apps, and social media as soon as you arrive in Japan.
On the other hand, many may feel anxious about questions like, "When should I scan the QR code?", "Should I turn on data roaming?", and "Are the setup steps different for iPhone and Android?".
This article clearly explains what to check before purchasing Japan eSIM, the process after purchase, setup steps, how to start using it after arriving in Japan, precautions, and how to troubleshoot if you can't connect.
Plans for travel to Japan or temporary returns can be found here
→ View Japan eSIM Products and Pricing Plans
What is Japan eSIM?
Japan eSIM is a service that allows you to add a communication plan that can be used within Japan to the SIM functionality built into your smartphone.
Unlike traditional physical SIM cards, there is no need to remove or swap out the SIM card from the device.
Typically, you purchase Japan eSIM online and scan the QR code that arrives via email or other means from the smartphone's settings screen to add it.
After arriving in Japan, you can turn on the relevant eSIM line and set up mobile data communication and data roaming to connect to the compatible network.
Who Should Use Japan eSIM?
- People who want to use the internet immediately after arriving in Japan
- People who do not want to purchase a SIM card at the airport
- People who do not want to carry a Wi-Fi router
- People who do not want to remove their regular SIM card
- People who frequently use maps and transit guides during their trip to Japan
- People planning a temporary return or short stay
- People who want to prepare their communication environment before departure
Things to Check Before Purchasing Japan eSIM
Before purchasing Japan eSIM, please check the following items.
- Is your smartphone compatible with eSIM?
- Is the SIM lock removed?
- Is Japan included in the supported countries for the plan?
- Do the travel days match the available usage days?
- Is the required data capacity included?
- Have you confirmed the timing for starting usage?
- Is data roaming or APN setup required?
- Is tethering supported?
- Do you need a phone number or SMS?
Check if Your Device is eSIM Compatible
Not all iPhone or Android devices are compatible with eSIM.
Even with the same model name, eSIM may not be available depending on the country of sale, carrier, and model number.
Before purchasing, please check the list of eSIM compatible devices for your intended smartphone.
Check the SIM Lock Status
Devices with SIM locks may not be able to use travel eSIM.
Check the SIM lock status from your smartphone's settings screen or the My Page of your carrier.
Check Travel Days and Usage Period
Japan eSIM has set usage days for each plan, such as 3, 5, 7, or 10 days.
Make sure to check the necessary days, including travel days, to ensure you can communicate from your arrival date in Japan until your return date.
Especially for temporary returns, the stay period may be longer, so consider plans that allow for longer usage or larger data capacity instead of short-term plans.
Check the Timing for Starting Usage
The timing for when the eSIM becomes active varies by product.
- Plans that start from the moment the eSIM is installed
- Plans that start when connected to the local network in Japan
- Plans that become active from a specified start date
If you set it up too early, the usage period may start before your trip. Be sure to check the instructions after purchase.
Process After Purchasing Japan eSIM
After purchasing Japan eSIM, you will typically receive a QR code and setup information at the registered email address.
Since there is no need to wait for delivery like with physical SIM cards, it is easy to purchase even just before your trip.
After purchase, please check the following items.
- Order number
- QR code
- Conditions for starting usage
- APN information
- Data roaming settings
- Supported networks
- How to contact support
Do not delete the QR code immediately after completing the setup; it is advisable to keep it until your trip is over.
How to Set Up Japan eSIM
Japan eSIM is generally set up in the following steps.
- Purchase Japan eSIM Plan
- Check the QR code received via email
- Connect to a stable Wi-Fi environment
- Open the settings screen on your smartphone
- Open the eSIM addition screen
- Scan the QR code
- Follow the on-screen instructions to add the eSIM
- Name the added eSIM for easy identification
- Turn on the Japan eSIM line after arriving in Japan
- Select Japan eSIM for mobile data communication
- Turn on data roaming for Japan eSIM if necessary
- Turn off Wi-Fi and check the connection
For detailed basic settings, please refer to the eSIM Setup Guide.
How to Scan the QR Code
The eSIM QR code should be scanned from the eSIM addition screen on your smartphone, not from the regular camera app.
Display the QR Code on a Different Screen
If the QR code is displayed on the same smartphone, the camera on that device will not be able to scan it.
Please display the QR code using one of the following methods.
- Display the QR code on a computer
- Display it on a tablet
- Display it on another smartphone
- Print it on paper
- If the device supports it, scan from an image
Scan in a Stable Wi-Fi Environment
An internet connection is required to download the eSIM.
If the connection drops during setup, the eSIM may not be added correctly. Set it up in a stable Wi-Fi environment, such as at home.
Do Not Accidentally Scan the QR Code on Another Device
The QR code may only be usable once.
Be careful not to scan it with a device other than the smartphone that will use Japan eSIM.
How to Set Up Japan eSIM on iPhone
- Open "Settings"
- Select "Cellular"
- Choose "Add Cellular Plan"
- Select "Use QR Code"
- Scan the QR code received after purchase
- Follow the on-screen instructions to add the eSIM
- Name the added line something like "Japan eSIM"
- Select Japan eSIM for mobile data communication
- Turn on data roaming for Japan eSIM
Be Cautious of Automatic Switching for Mobile Data
If "Allow Mobile Data Switching" is turned on on your iPhone, it may switch from Japan eSIM to your regular main line depending on the communication status.
To avoid unintended international roaming charges, please turn off automatic switching.
How to Set Up Japan eSIM on Android
On Android, the display may vary depending on the manufacturer and OS, such as Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, AQUOS, or Xperia.
The general setup steps are as follows.
- Open "Settings"
- Select "Network & Internet," "Connections," "SIM," etc.
- Select "Add SIM" or "Add eSIM"
- Scan the QR code
- Follow the on-screen instructions to add the eSIM
- Select Japan eSIM for mobile data communication
- Turn on data roaming for Japan eSIM
- Set up the APN if necessary
Check APN Settings
On Android devices, the APN may not be automatically set depending on the plan.
If the purchase instructions include APN information, please enter the specified content from the "Access Point Name" or "APN" settings screen.
How to Start Using eSIM After Arriving in Japan
If you installed Japan eSIM before departure, you will need to perform the following settings after arriving in Japan.
- Turn on the Japan eSIM line
- Select Japan eSIM for mobile data communication
- Turn on data roaming for Japan eSIM
- Set network selection to automatic
- Turn off Wi-Fi
- Open a browser or map app to check the connection
You May Be Out of Service Outside Japan
If you set up Japan eSIM before departure, it may display "Out of Service" or "No Service" outside Japan.
This is because it cannot connect to the Japanese supported network. Please check the line and roaming settings after arriving in Japan.
Using with Your Regular SIM
On dual SIM compatible devices, you may be able to register both your regular SIM and Japan eSIM simultaneously.
For example, you can set it up as follows.
- Mobile data communication: Japan eSIM
- Calls and SMS: Your regular main line
However, using your main line for international roaming may incur charges. Please turn off data roaming on the main line as needed.
How Much Data Capacity Do You Need for Your Trip to Japan?
The required data capacity varies depending on the length of your stay in Japan and how you use your smartphone.
| Main Usage | Data Consumption Trends | Considerations for Choosing a Plan |
|---|---|---|
| LINE & Email | Relatively low | If communication is the focus, consider a low-capacity plan |
| Google Maps & Transit Search | Low to moderate | If used daily, allow for extra capacity |
| Translation & Web Search | Relatively low | Generally not consumed much for typical travel use |
| SNS Browsing | Moderate | Images and short videos consume data |
| Posting Photos & Videos | Moderate to high | If posting frequently, consider a high-capacity plan |
| Video Streaming | High | If watching frequently, consider a high-capacity or unlimited plan |
| Online Meetings | High | Choose a plan with ample capacity for business trips |
| Tethering | Varies depending on usage | Consider a high-capacity plan when using a computer |
If your main activities are maps, transit guides, translation, and LINE, you may get by with relatively low capacity.
If you plan to post on SNS, watch videos, attend online meetings, or use tethering, consider high-capacity or unlimited plans.
For detailed estimates, please check the Estimated Data Usage.
If you want to compare plans, please refer to Japan eSIM Pricing and Plan Comparison.
Precautions When Using Japan eSIM
Do Not Delete eSIM During Your Trip
Once you have installed eSIM, you may not be able to reconfigure it with the same QR code if you delete it.
If you cannot connect, do not delete the eSIM immediately; check the settings for the line, data roaming, APN, etc.
eSIM May Not Be Easily Transferred to Another Device
Once set up, eSIM may not be easily moved to another smartphone.
If you plan to change devices, reset, or repair before your trip, please complete the device preparation before setting up eSIM.
Data-Only Plans Do Not Allow Regular Calls or SMS
Typical Japan travel eSIMs are data-only.
With data-only plans, you cannot make or receive calls or send/receive SMS using a regular phone number.
However, you can use internet calls and messages via LINE, WhatsApp, Messenger, etc.
If you need a phone number or SMS, please check the details of eSIM with Phone Number.
SMS Authentication May Not Be Available
Data-only eSIMs do not have a phone number, so regular SMS authentication cannot be used.
Also, even with eSIMs that have a phone number, SMS authentication may not be available for all banks, payment services, ride-hailing apps, etc.
Cancellation May Not Be Possible After Starting Usage
Once you install the eSIM or start communication, cancellation or refunds may not be possible.
Before purchasing, please check the compatible devices, countries of use, duration, capacity, and conditions for starting usage.
Tethering Availability Varies by Plan
Whether tethering is available with Japan eSIM depends on the plan and smartphone.
If you plan to connect a computer or tablet, please check the product page before purchasing.
What to Do If Japan eSIM Cannot Connect
If you cannot connect after arriving in Japan, please check the following items in order before deleting the eSIM.
- Check if the Japan eSIM line is turned on
- Check if Japan eSIM is selected for mobile data communication
- Turn on data roaming for Japan eSIM
- Turn off Wi-Fi and check the connection
- Turn on airplane mode and then turn it off
- Restart your smartphone
- Check if APN settings are needed
- Set network selection to automatic
- Check the start date and validity period
- Check if you have run out of data capacity
Check the Line and Mobile Data Communication
Simply adding the eSIM may leave the line turned off.
From the settings screen, turn on the Japan eSIM line and check if Japan eSIM is selected for mobile data communication.
Check Data Roaming
With travel eSIMs, you may not be able to connect unless data roaming is turned on.
Please turn on data roaming for Japan eSIM, not your regular main line.
Check APN Settings
If the purchase instructions include APN information, please check that the settings are correct.
Especially on Android devices, you may need to enter the APN manually.
Contact Support Without Deleting eSIM
If checking the settings does not resolve the issue, please contact support without deleting the eSIM.
When contacting support, it will be easier to explain the situation if you prepare the following information.
- Order number
- Name of the device you are using
- OS version
- Current location
- Settings screen for the eSIM line
- Settings screen for mobile data communication
- Settings screen for data roaming
- APN settings screen
- Error messages displayed
For detailed confirmation methods, please refer to Troubleshooting Japan eSIM Connection Issues.
For contact information, please check Japan eSIM Support.
Frequently Asked Questions About Japan eSIM
Can I Purchase Japan eSIM After Arriving at the Airport?
It may be possible to purchase online.
However, an internet connection is required for purchase, QR code confirmation, and eSIM download. Since you may not be able to connect to the airport Wi-Fi, it is recommended to purchase and set up before departure.
When Should I Set Up Japan eSIM?
It is advisable to complete the addition of eSIM before departure in a stable Wi-Fi environment.
However, some products may start the usage period from the moment of installation, so please check the conditions for starting usage before setting up.
Can I Use LINE with Japan eSIM?
If you can use data communication, you can use LINE for messaging, voice calls, and video calls.
However, please check LINE's conditions for phone number changes or new registrations.
Can Temporary Return eSIM Be Used for Long Stays?
You can use it if the plan's available days and data capacity match your stay duration.
For long stays, check not only the number of days but also the total data capacity, the possibility of additional purchases, and tethering support.
Does Japan eSIM Come with a Phone Number?
Typical Japan travel eSIMs are data-only and do not come with a regular phone number.
If you need a phone number or SMS, please check eSIM with Phone Number.
Can I Use Tethering with Japan eSIM?
Whether tethering is available depends on the plan and device.
If you plan to share communication with a computer or tablet, please check the product page before purchasing.
What Happens If I Accidentally Delete eSIM?
You may not be able to reinstall it with the same QR code.
If you accidentally delete it, please check with support to see if a new QR code can be issued.
Conclusion | Prepare eSIM Before Arriving in Japan
Japan eSIM is a convenient communication method that allows you to use data communication in Japan without swapping SIM cards.
By purchasing and setting it up before departure, you can easily access maps, transit information, translation, SNS, LINE, and more as soon as you arrive in Japan.
Before purchasing, please check the following items.
- Is the device compatible with eSIM?
- Is the SIM lock removed?
- Do the travel days match the available usage days?
- Is the required data capacity included?
- When does the usage period start?
- Is data roaming or APN setup required?
- Do you need a phone number or SMS?
- Is tethering supported?
Choose the Japan eSIM that suits your travel duration and smartphone usage during your trip to Japan or temporary return.
