How to set up your Japan eSIM
About two minutes. Install it at home on Wi‑Fi the day before you fly — nothing is used until you land.
Step by step
Menu names differ between device models and software versions. If yours don’t match exactly, look for the closest option, or message us with your device model and we’ll walk you through it.
AT HOME, BEFORE YOU FLY
- Connect to Wi‑Fi.
- On iOS 17.4 or later, tap the install link in your email. Or go to Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Service) → Add eSIM → Use QR Code, and scan the code.
- Can’t scan? Choose Enter Details Manually, paste the SM‑DP+ address and activation code, and leave Confirmation Code blank.
- Name the new line “Travel” so it’s easy to spot. Keep your usual line as the default for calls and texts.
- Leave your travel line switched off until you land.
WHEN YOU LAND IN JAPAN
- Settings → Cellular → Travel → turn on Turn On This Line.
- On the same screen, turn on Data Roaming.
- Go back to Cellular Data, choose Travel, and turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching.
- Tap your home line and turn its Data Roaming off. Keep the line on for calls and texts.
AT HOME, BEFORE YOU FLY
- Connect to Wi‑Fi.
- Go to Settings → Connections (or Network & internet) → SIM manager (or SIMs) → Add eSIM.
- Scan the QR code from your email. Can’t scan? Choose Enter activation code and paste the full code — it starts with LPA:1$.
- Name the new eSIM “Travel” so it’s easy to spot. Keep your usual SIM for calls and texts.
- Leave your travel line switched off until you land.
WHEN YOU LAND IN JAPAN
- Settings → Connections → SIM manager → turn on Travel.
- Set Travel as your mobile data SIM.
- Go to Mobile networks → turn on Data roaming for Pakyo.
- Turn off data roaming for your home SIM. Keep it on for calls and texts.
If something’s not working
It says connected, but nothing loads
Usually it’s the APN or data roaming. Check Data Roaming is on for your travel line, then open its APN settings and make sure it matches your plan’s APN in the technical details below (for example uad5gn.au-net.ne.jp · username au@uad5gn.au-net.ne.jp · password au · CHAP, vmobile.jp, plus.4g, …). Restart the device after changing it.
No signal after landing
Toggle airplane mode on and off. If that doesn’t work, turn off automatic network selection and pick one manually — in Japan that’s KDDI, NTT Docomo, SoftBank.
It’s slow
First check you haven’t used your full-speed allowance — My eSIMs shows what’s left. If you have data left, switch between 5G and 4G/LTE in the line’s settings; in crowded areas 4G is often faster.
ChatGPT, Gemini, TikTok or my bank app won’t work
Apps see your IP address, not where you are. Your plan’s IP country is on its product page and in the technical details below. If an app blocks that country, a plan with a different IP country will fix it.
I deleted the eSIM by mistake
Try not to. Travel eSIMs can be reinstalled on the same device, but not moved to another one. Local lines vary, and some can only be installed once. If it happens, message us before buying a new one.
Still stuck? Message us with your device model and plan.
Technical details for every Japan plan
You won’t normally need these. The APN is set automatically, and each plan’s APN is listed below. They’re here so you can check anything yourself.
| Plan | Network in Japan | APN | IP address in |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDDILocal | KDDI · 5G | uad5gn.au-net.ne.jp · username au@uad5gn.au-net.ne.jp · password au · CHAP |
Japan |
| KDDI · 10 MbpsLocal | KDDI · 5G | uad5gn.au-net.ne.jp · username au@uad5gn.au-net.ne.jp · password au · CHAP |
Japan |
| NTT DocomoLocal | NTT Docomo · 5G | vmobile.jp |
Japan |
| SoftBankLocal | SoftBank · 5G | plus.4g |
Japan |
| Japan · KDDI & SoftBank | KDDI, SoftBank · 5G | smartone |
Hong Kong (Singapore for ChatGPT & TikTok) |
| Japan · KDDI & SoftBank | KDDI, SoftBank · 5G | e-ideas |
Singapore |
| Japan · NTT Docomo | NTT Docomo · 5G | mobile.three.com.hk |
Hong Kong (Singapore for ChatGPT & TikTok) |
| Japan + South Korea | KDDI, SoftBank · 5G | e-ideas |
Singapore |
| Japan, China + South Korea | KDDI, SoftBank · 5G | e-ideas |
Singapore |
| East & Southeast Asia · 12 destinations | KDDI · 5G | cmhk |
Hong Kong (Singapore for ChatGPT & TikTok) |
| Asia & India · 15 destinations | KDDI, SoftBank · 5G | e-ideas |
Singapore |
| Asia-Pacific · 28 destinations | KDDI, SoftBank · 5G | e-ideas |
Singapore |
| Asia & Europe · 54 destinations | KDDI, SoftBank · 5G | cmhk |
Hong Kong (Singapore for ChatGPT & TikTok) |
| Global Saver · 66 destinations | KDDI, SoftBank · 5G | cmhk |
Hong Kong (Singapore for ChatGPT & TikTok) |
| Global · 105 destinations | NTT Docomo, SoftBank · 5G | plus |
Poland or UK |