How to Activate Japan eSIM｜日本 eSIM 安裝與啟用教學

How to Activate Japan eSIM｜Step-by-Step Japan eSIM Setup Guide

How to Activate Japan eSIM

How to Activate Japan eSIM｜Step-by-Step Japan eSIM Setup Guide

First time using a Japan eSIM and feeling nervous about the activation? This guide will walk you through the entire Japan eSIM setup flow: checking if your phone supports eSIM, placing an order, installing the eSIM profile with a QR code on iPhone / Android, turning it on in Japan, and fixing the most common Japan eSIM activation errors.

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Browse Japan eSIM Plans →
Pro tip: install your Japan eSIM 1–3 days before departure. You can complete the setup at home on Wi-Fi, then simply switch data on when you land in Japan.
Quick overview

If you only want the quick “how to activate Japan eSIM” answer

  • Step 1 – Check eSIM compatibility: make sure your phone supports eSIM by checking our Japan eSIM compatible devices list.
  • Step 2 – Buy your Japan eSIM online: choose days + data, complete checkout, and wait for the email with your Japan eSIM QR code.
  • Step 3 – Install & activate: on iPhone / Android, scan the QR code, add the new “Japan” data plan, and switch mobile data to Japan eSIM when you arrive.
You can follow this Japan eSIM setup guide like a checklist: just go from Step 0 to Step 6 in order. If something doesn’t work, jump to the Troubleshooting & FAQ section at the end.
Step 0 · Before you buy

Check if your phone supports Japan eSIM

Before thinking about how to activate Japan eSIM, you need to confirm that your phone actually supports eSIM. Not every device and not every country / carrier supports it.

How to check if your phone supports eSIM
You can quickly confirm if your device supports eSIM before purchasing your Japan eSIM.

Use the eSIMKitStore compatibility page

We maintain an up-to-date list of eSIM compatible phones and tablets. Open this page on the device you plan to use in Japan:

🔗 /pages/esim-compatible-devices

  • Look for your exact model (for example: iPhone 12, Galaxy S23).
  • If you’re using a dual-SIM model, eSIM is usually supported – but country and carrier restrictions can apply.
  • If your phone is not on the list, you can send us a message and we can double-check for you.
If your device does not support eSIM, you can still use Japan internet with a physical SIM or pocket Wi-Fi. See our comparison: Japan eSIM vs Physical SIM.
Step 1 · Place your order

How to buy a Japan eSIM online

Once you know that your phone is compatible, it’s time to choose a Japan eSIM plan. On eSIMKitStore, the checkout flow looks like this:

Japan eSIM online purchase flow
Choose your Japan eSIM days and data, then complete checkout – everything is 100% digital.
  1. Go to the Japan eSIM collection page.
  2. Decide how long you will stay (for example: 5–7 days, 10–15 days, 30 days).
  3. Choose how much data you need (light, standard, or heavy use / unlimited style).
  4. Add the plan to your cart and complete payment with your preferred method.

After the payment goes through, you will receive an email with your Japan eSIM QR code and detailed Japan eSIM activation instructions. Keep this email safe – you will need it in Step 3.

Not sure which plan to pick? You can compare prices here: Japan eSIM Price Comparison or check the Japan Unlimited Data eSIM guide if you are a heavy user.

Step 2 · Read the eSIM email

Understand the information in your Japan eSIM activation email

Your confirmation email is the heart of your Japan eSIM setup. It usually contains:

Important Japan eSIM information to read before activation
Your email will include QR code, manual activation details, activation window and usage notes.
  • QR code – used to install the eSIM with your phone’s camera.
  • SM-DP+ address & activation code – for manual setup if you can’t scan.
  • Activation window – by when you must install or start using the eSIM.
  • Coverage / partner network – which Japan carrier your eSIM connects to.
  • Fair usage / speed policy – what happens after you use all high-speed data.
Take a screenshot of your QR code and save the email in a folder named “Japan eSIM”. This makes it easier to find while you are at the airport or on the plane.
Step 3 · Watch & follow

Japan eSIM activation video (English) + iPhone setup steps

Prefer to follow a video while doing your Japan eSIM activation? You can watch this English tutorial and follow the on-screen steps:

Example activation video – you can replace this with your own official Japan eSIM setup video later.

How to activate Japan eSIM on iPhone (QR code method)

On iOS 17 / iOS 18 the wording may differ slightly, but the flow is the same:

  1. Connect your iPhone to a stable Wi-Fi network.
  2. Open the eSIM email on another device (laptop / tablet) or print the QR code.
  3. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Mobile Data (or Cellular).
  4. Tap Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan.
  5. Select Use QR Code and point the camera at your Japan eSIM QR code.
  6. Wait while your iPhone downloads the new eSIM profile.
  7. When asked, label the new plan as “Japan eSIM” so you can easily recognize it later.
  8. Keep your current plan as the default for calls and SMS for now. We will only switch Mobile Data to Japan eSIM when you land.
Do not turn on data roaming or switch mobile data to Japan eSIM while you are still in your home country, unless your instructions say otherwise. You’ll do the final activation in Step 5 when you arrive in Japan.
Step 4 · Android setup

How to activate Japan eSIM on Android (Samsung, Google Pixel, others)

The exact menus can change slightly by brand, but this is the typical Japan eSIM setup flow on Android:

  1. Connect your phone to Wi-Fi.
  2. Open Settings and go to Connections > SIM manager or Network & Internet > SIMs.
  3. Tap Add eSIM or Add mobile plan.
  4. Choose Scan QR code and scan the Japan eSIM QR code.
  5. Confirm to download and install the eSIM profile.
  6. Give the new SIM a label such as Japan eSIM.
  7. Keep your current SIM as the default for calls and SMS for now. We will switch Mobile data to Japan eSIM after landing.

If your Android phone doesn’t show “Add eSIM”, it might not support eSIM or your carrier may have disabled it. Double-check with the device compatibility list.

Step 5 · Turn it on in Japan

How to switch data to your Japan eSIM when you land

After installing the profile, the last part of your Japan eSIM activation happens when you arrive in Japan:

On iPhone

  1. After landing, keep Airplane Mode on until you are ready.
  2. Go to Settings > Mobile Data.
  3. Set Mobile Data to Japan eSIM.
  4. Turn on Data Roaming for the Japan eSIM (only if your instructions say so – most Japan eSIMs require it).
  5. Turn off Airplane Mode and wait 1–3 minutes. Your phone should connect to the partner network in Japan.

On Android

  1. Turn on Airplane Mode, then turn it off again once you’re ready.
  2. Go to Settings > SIMs or SIM manager, and make sure Japan eSIM is enabled.
  3. Set Mobile data to Japan eSIM and enable Data roaming for that SIM.
  4. Wait a few minutes for the network to register.
If the network doesn’t appear, try these in order: turn Airplane Mode on/off again, restart the phone, then change “Network selection” from Automatic to manually select one of the recommended Japanese carriers listed in your email.
Step 6 · Troubleshooting & FAQ

Japan eSIM activation not working? Common issues and fixes

Q1 · I scanned the QR code but got an error or “No service”. What should I do?
First, make sure you are connected to Wi-Fi during installation. If the profile failed to download, restart your phone and try scanning again. If you already installed the eSIM but see “No service”, check that mobile data and data roaming are enabled for the Japan eSIM, and try toggling Airplane Mode.
Q2 · I activated too early at home. Will my Japan eSIM expire?
Each plan has its own activation rules. Some start counting when you first connect in Japan, others start from the moment of installation. Always read the “Activation window” and “Validity” sections in your email. If you are not sure, contact eSIMKitStore support with your order number.
Q3 · My phone shows signal, but I can’t use data.
Check that Mobile data is set to Japan eSIM, not your home SIM. Then confirm APN / access point name if your instructions include it. In many cases, simply rebooting the phone after switching data is enough to start browsing.
Q4 · Can I move my Japan eSIM to another phone after activation?
Most travel eSIMs are one-device only and cannot be transferred once installed. Only activate the QR code on the phone you plan to bring to Japan. If you change phones last minute, contact support before installation.
Q5 · Is Japan eSIM safe compared to a physical SIM card?
Yes. eSIMs are issued by legitimate carriers and use the same encryption as physical SIM cards. In some ways they are safer because there is no physical card to steal or clone. For more details, see: Is Japan eSIM Safe?.
eSIMKitStore logo
eSIMKitStore
Travel Lighter. Connect Smarter.

eSIMKitStore is an online store dedicated to travel eSIMs, currently covering more than 190 destinations worldwide, including Japan, Korea, Europe, the US and more. We carefully explain each plan’s days, data, hotspot support, speed policy and activation rules so you don’t have to read confusing fine print.

All of our products are 100% digital eSIMs – no shipping, no need to wait for a physical SIM, and no extra app required. Simply purchase online, scan the QR code and follow this Japan eSIM setup guide to get connected.

Our goal is simple: make it easy for you to stay online while you focus on enjoying Japan – whether that means sightseeing, business meetings or long-term stays.

View All Japan eSIM Plans →
Choose your days and data, complete checkout, then come back to this How to Activate Japan eSIM article and follow the steps one by one.

Final recap: Japan eSIM activation in one minute

To summarise, a smooth Japan eSIM activation looks like this:

  1. Check your device on the compatibility list.
  2. Buy a suitable plan from the Japan eSIM collection.
  3. Read your email carefully and save your QR code.
  4. Install the eSIM over Wi-Fi on iPhone or Android using the QR code.
  5. When you land in Japan, switch Mobile data to Japan eSIM and enable roaming.
  6. If something doesn’t work, go through the troubleshooting checklist above.

Once you’ve done this once, future trips to Japan (or other countries) will feel much easier. Your phone can store multiple eSIMs, so you can add new destinations without changing your physical SIM ever again.

Get Your Japan eSIM Now →
Install it at home today, and your Japan eSIM will be ready to go the moment your plane lands.
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