Home Guides eSIMHow to Set Up eSIM in Japan

📱 Updated April 2025

How to Set Up an eSIM in Japan
(Step-by-Step)

Takes under 5 minutes. Do it before you fly and you'll have 4G the moment your plane lands.

✓ Updated April 2025✓ iPhone & Android✓ Takes 5 Minutes

Checklist

Before You Start

Make sure you have all four of the following before you begin:

✓eSIM-compatible phone
✓Unlocked phone (not carrier-locked)
✓WiFi connection
✓QR code from your eSIM provider

iOS

How to Set Up eSIM on iPhone

Go to Settings → Cellular

Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap 'Cellular' (or 'Mobile Data' in some regions).

Tap "Add eSIM"

Scroll down and tap 'Add eSIM'. On newer iPhones you may see 'Add eSIM' directly at the top of the Cellular screen.

Tap "Use QR Code"

Select 'Use QR Code' when prompted. Your camera will open ready to scan.

Scan the QR code from your provider

Hold your phone's camera over the QR code sent by your eSIM provider. The code is usually in a confirmation email or inside the provider's app.

Label it "Japan eSIM"

When prompted to name the new plan, type 'Japan eSIM' so you can easily identify it later.

Keep it OFF until you land in Japan

Leave the Japan eSIM plan switched off for now. You'll switch it on when your plane lands to avoid unexpected data charges en route.

Android

How to Set Up eSIM on Android

Go to Settings → Network & Internet

Open Settings and tap 'Network & Internet'. On Samsung devices this may be listed as 'Connections'.

Tap "SIMs" or "Mobile Network"

Find the SIM or Mobile Network section. The exact label varies by manufacturer and Android version.

Tap "Add eSIM" or "Download a SIM"

Look for an option to add or download a new SIM. On Google Pixel it reads 'Download a SIM'; on Samsung it reads 'Add mobile plan'.

Scan the QR code

Select 'Scan QR code' and point your camera at the QR code from your provider. Confirm the details when prompted.

Label it "Japan eSIM"

Name the new profile 'Japan eSIM' so it's easy to identify when switching between plans.

Keep it OFF until you land

Toggle the Japan eSIM plan off for now. Switch it on after landing to start your data plan from day one.

Activation

When to Activate

The best time to activate your Japan eSIM is right after your plane lands — not before. As soon as the crew announces you can disable flight mode, switch it off and go to Settings → Cellular and enable your Japan eSIM profile.

Within a few seconds you'll see your carrier name (Docomo, SoftBank, or au) appear in the status bar and your data connection will be live. You'll have 4G before you reach baggage claim — no airport SIM vending machines required.

If you want to keep your home SIM active for calls and texts, leave it enabled alongside your Japan eSIM. Set your Japan eSIM as the default for “Cellular Data” so all internet traffic uses the Japan plan.

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Common Issues

"eSIM not working" after scanning

Restart your phone. A full reboot clears most provisioning errors and resolves the majority of eSIM setup problems.

"No signal" after activating

Check APN settings. Go to Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Network and enter the APN details from your provider's setup guide.

"QR code won't scan"

Enter the activation code manually. Most providers include a text-based code alongside the QR code — use that instead.

"Phone says locked"

Your device is carrier-locked. Contact your home carrier to request an unlock before you travel. This usually takes 24–48 hours.

Recommendations

Which eSIM Should I Get?

Once you know how to install an eSIM, the next question is which provider to use. Here are our top picks for Japan:

Best For	Provider	Details
Best overall	Airalo	From $4.50 / 7 days	Get deal →
Unlimited data	Holafly	From $19 / 5 days	Get deal →
Best value	eSIM Go	From $3.00 / 7 days	Get deal →
Long stay	Sakura Mobile	Voice + data plans	Get deal →

Not sure which to pick? Read our full comparison →

FAQ

Common Questions

1. Can I set up eSIM before arriving in Japan?

Yes — and you should. You can scan the QR code and install the eSIM profile at home over WiFi. Just leave the plan switched off until your plane lands in Japan. This way you have instant 4G without queuing at airport SIM machines.

2. Will setting up eSIM delete my current SIM?

No. Installing a Japan eSIM adds a second profile alongside your existing SIM. Your home SIM and number remain completely intact. You can switch between them at any time in Settings.

3. Can I use two eSIMs at once?

Most modern iPhones (XS and later) and many Android devices support Dual SIM, allowing one physical SIM and one eSIM active simultaneously. Dual eSIM (two eSIMs active at once) is supported on iPhone 13 and later and select Android models.

4. What if my QR code expires?

Most eSIM QR codes expire after 30–90 days if unused. If yours expires before you travel, contact your provider — they will usually reissue the QR code or activation code free of charge.

5. Does eSIM work on all iPhones?

eSIM is supported on iPhone XS (2018) and all later models. iPhones purchased in mainland China do not support eSIM. iPhones bought through certain carriers may be eSIM-locked — contact your carrier to unlock before travelling.

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