When to activate your eSIM: before or after you fly?

Install, then activate: two stages.

Activating a travel eSIM happens in two stages: install before you leave, activate when you arrive. Installing means downloading the eSIM onto your phone, which needs an internet connection. Activating means putting it to work on the spot: it connects to the Japanese network and your plan starts.

Install it before you fly.

• You need internet to install it. At home, your Wi-Fi is reliable. When you land, you depend on public Wi-Fi.
• You have time. If something isn’t right, message our support team on WhatsApp: a real person replies, day and night.
• You don’t lose a day. Your plan only starts in Japan.
• You land connected. No shop or Wi-Fi to hunt for.

It takes 1 minute, from the Mobile Companion app or by scanning your QR code. Step-by-step guides: install it on iPhone before you fly, or install it on Android before you fly.

Switch it on when you land.

1. 1

   Turn off aeroplane mode

   Your eSIM connects by itself to NTT docomo’s network, in 5G where it’s available. That first connection starts your plan.

2. 2

   Check your data line

   The eSIM must be selected for mobile data. On iPhone: Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data. On Android: in your SIM settings (often called SIM manager or SIMs), under Mobile data.

3. 3

   Test it

   Open a web page or your maps app. If it loads, you’re online.

And your UK SIM? Keep it switched on so your number can still receive calls and texts, but turn off data roaming on that line so it doesn’t use data abroad. Depending on your UK plan, your network may charge for some services abroad, such as calls you receive: check before you go.

When does your plan start?

Your Mobile Companion plan starts at your first connection to the Japanese network. Not when you buy it, and not when you install it. So you can buy and install your eSIM several days before you fly without losing a single day in Japan.

How long it lasts depends on the plan you choose: it’s shown on each plan, so pick one that covers your whole stay.

Activating abroad: what you need.

Forgot to install it before you left? Don’t worry: you can install your eSIM once you’re in Japan. You just need Wi-Fi to download it.

1. 1

   Connect to Wi-Fi

   At the airport, your hotel or a café.

2. 2

   Install the eSIM

   From the Mobile Companion app, or by scanning your QR code shown on another screen.

3. 3

   Choose it for data

   Select the eSIM for mobile data: it takes over from the Wi-Fi.

Your pre-flight checklist.

• Check that your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked (the Mobile Companion app checks it for you before you buy).
• Buy your plan: your QR code arrives straight away.
• Install the eSIM at home, on Wi-Fi, and don’t delete it afterwards: a deleted eSIM can’t always be reinstalled.
• Before take-off, choose the eSIM for mobile data and turn off data roaming on your UK SIM.
• Keep the Mobile Companion app on your phone to track your data and top up.
• Save the support chat: a real person answers on WhatsApp, 24/7, in English and French.

Not sure which plan to pick? Here’s how much data to buy. And if you haven’t got yours yet: your Japan eSIM, from €1.20.

FAQ.