"I always mess up my phone settings by accident—what if I install the eSIM wrong?" "I'm not tech-savvy, and just hearing about scanning QR codes makes me nervous..."
Don't worry—these concerns are really common on Reddit travel forums. But here's the good news: installing an eSIM is half done if you know how to scan a QR code. Just avoid these few common pitfalls, and you'll easily enjoy Japan's high-speed 5G network.
This is the most searched question on Google and most discussed topic on Dcard. The answer: It depends on whether you bought a "local carrier" or "international roaming" eSIM!
As long as you've selected the correct "Mobile Data" source, turning on roaming won't cause your original carrier to charge you excessive fees—feel free to enable the connection.
💡 Pro Tip: Roaming-type eSIMs need to route data back to third-party country/region servers (like Hong Kong or Singapore), which creates physical distance "latency." If you want smooth Google Maps navigation and high-quality video streaming, a native connection directly to Japan's docomo local infrastructure is the best solution.
After installing your eSIM, remember to check your iPhone or Android's "Mobile Service" settings.
While your phone supports dual SIM dual standby, to avoid interference or the system accidentally switching back to your original data plan, we strongly recommend turning off your original physical SIM card.
This not only ensures 100% of your data comes from the eSIM, but also eliminates the risk of accidental international roaming charges.
Most eSIMs start counting their validity period from the moment you "scan and activate."
If you're buying a Japan local eSIM like CDJapan Rental, please scan it after arriving in Japan or right before departure to avoid wasting valuable usage days.
Installing an eSIM requires a stable internet connection.
It's recommended to use your home's stable network before departure to download and set up the eSIM, or after arriving in Japan, connect to the airport's free WiFi first before setting up. This significantly reduces the chance of installation failure.
Go to "Settings → Mobile Service" and set your newly installed eSIM as the "Primary Mobile Data." Many users report "having signal but can't access the internet"—this is usually because the primary data source is still set to their original number.
You don't need to be a tech expert—just know how to scan a QR code and follow the steps to confirm "Data Roaming" and "Data Source," and you'll definitely get it set up successfully.
Once you've done it successfully once, next time you go to Japan you'll realize: this is so much more convenient than swapping physical SIM cards! 😉
“I'm always messing up my phone settings—what if I install the eSIM wrong?” “I'm not tech-savvy. Just hearing the words ‘scan a QR code’ makes me a bit nervous…”
Don’t worry—these thoughts are completely normal. But the good news is: installing an eSIM isn’t as hard as you think. If you know how to scan a QR code, you’re already halfway there ✅ And honestly, the things people mess up are just a few common mistakes. As long as you follow the steps, you can avoid the headaches.
Some people get too excited and scan their QR code right after receiving it—even before their trip begins. But for most eSIMs, the validity period starts from the moment you activate it.
If you’re using a Japan-based eSIM like the ones from CDJapan Rental, be sure to wait until you arrive in Japan before scanning the code. That way, you won’t waste your data period.
Pro Tip: Print out the eSIM instructions or save them on your phone before you leave. When you land in Japan, just follow the steps one by one.
Some users assume “data roaming” means high charges, so they avoid turning it on.
But that’s not quite right. If you’ve installed an eSIM and your original physical SIM doesn’t have mobile data turned on, you won’t incur roaming charges.
Turning on data roaming is necessary for the eSIM to connect properly—especially for international eSIM brands like Ubigi or Airalo.
However, if you’re using a Japan-local eSIM from a domestic provider—like CDJapan Rental, which uses docomo’s network—then you don’t need to enable data roaming. Just start using your eSIM normally in Japan. Local eSIMs connect directly to domestic networks, making setup easier and signals more stable than those using international carriers that piggyback on Japanese networks.
After installing your eSIM, don’t forget to go into your settings and check which line is set as your mobile data source.
On iPhones, go to Settings → Cellular, and make sure your newly installed eSIM is selected as your default data line. If you still have your physical SIM inserted, your phone may automatically switch back to it, so it’s best to turn off your physical SIM to avoid any confusion.
Still feeling a little nervous? These tips might help:
You really don’t need any advanced tech skills. If you can use LINE and know how to scan a QR code, you’re totally capable of installing an eSIM.
You might feel nervous the first time, but once you’ve done it successfully, you’ll think, “That was way easier than I expected” 😉