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

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.

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.

Go to Settings → Connections → SIM Manager

On Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets, eSIM settings live under Connections, then SIM Manager. The exact path may vary slightly between One UI versions.

Tap 'Add mobile plan' or 'Add eSIM'

Select the option to add a new eSIM profile. Your device will prompt you to scan a QR code.

Scan the QR code

Select 'Scan QR code' and scan the code provided by your eSIM provider. Hold your camera up to the QR code on another device or printout.

Confirm the plan

Review the plan details and confirm the download. This takes 1–2 minutes.

Switch to the eSIM in Japan

Keep the profile off until you land. Then open SIM Manager and toggle to your Japan eSIM profile.

Go to Settings → Network & internet → SIMs

On Google Pixel phones and the Pixel Tablet, eSIM settings are found under Network & internet in the main Settings menu.

Tap '+' or 'Add eSIM'

Select 'Add eSIM' or 'Download a SIM instead?' at the top of the SIMs screen.

Scan your QR code

Point the camera at your eSIM provider's QR code and wait for the download to complete. The profile installs automatically.

Activate on arrival

In Japan, go to Settings → SIMs and activate your Japan eSIM profile. You should see network bars within a few seconds.

Go to Settings → Cellular

Open the Settings app on your iPad. If you see a 'Cellular' option in the left-hand menu, your iPad supports eSIM. If there is no Cellular option, your iPad is Wi-Fi only and cannot use an eSIM.

Tap 'Add eSIM'

Select 'Add eSIM' (or 'Add Cellular Plan' on older iPadOS versions). You'll be prompted to scan a QR code or enter details manually.

Tap 'Use QR Code'

Choose 'Use QR Code' from the options. Your iPad's camera will open, ready to scan the QR code from your eSIM provider.

Scan the QR code from your provider

Open the QR code from your eSIM provider — either in the provider's app, an email, or a downloaded PDF. Hold your iPad so the camera can read the code. It should scan within a few seconds.

Label it 'Japan' and activate on arrival

Give your new eSIM a label (e.g. 'Japan') so it's easy to identify. Keep it in 'Off' mode until you land in Japan — then switch it to 'On' and select it as your cellular plan.

Receive calls on your home SIM while using Japan data

In Settings → Cellular, set your home SIM as the "Default Voice Line" and your Japan eSIM as the "Default Data". Your phone will ring on your home number while all data routes through the Japan eSIM. On Android, set the Japan eSIM as the preferred SIM for mobile data under Settings → Network & internet → SIMs.

Switch data to your Japan eSIM on arrival

When you land, go to Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data and select your Japan eSIM. This routes all data through the local network. Your home SIM stays active for calls and SMS but won't use data (avoiding roaming charges).

Turn off data roaming on your home SIM

To be safe, go to Settings → Cellular → [Your Home SIM] and turn off "Data Roaming". This prevents accidental roaming charges if your home SIM tries to connect.

"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.

Open your eSIM provider app (Airalo, eSIM Go, Holafly, etc.)

Find your Japan plan in the app and check its activation status

Tap "Activate" if the plan shows as installed but not active

Toggle airplane mode off and on to force a network search

Wait 30–60 seconds for your device to connect to the network

Open Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data)

Tap "Cellular Data" at the top of the screen

Select your Japan eSIM line from the list

Make sure "Allow Cellular Data Switching" is enabled

Return to the home screen and test your connection

Open Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs

Select your Japan eSIM as the preferred data SIM

Toggle "Mobile data" on for that SIM if needed

Check "Preferred SIM for Mobile Data" is set correctly

Restart your phone if the change doesn't take effect