How to insert a SIM and get online in Japan (iPhone, Android)
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This page shows you how to insert an HD Telecom SIM, install the APN configuration profile for a data SIM on iPhone (Android needs no setup), and what to do if your phone cannot get online.
Inserting the SIM
Turn off your phone.Turning off the phone before inserting the SIMImage coming soon
Open the SIM tray with a SIM eject tool.Using a SIM eject tool to open the SIM trayImage coming soon
Place the SIM in the tray facing the right way, then push the tray back in.Placing the SIM in the tray facing the right wayImage coming soon
Turn your phone back on.Turning the phone back on after inserting the SIMImage coming soon
SoftBank data SIM on iPhone: install the APN configuration profile
The HD Telecom SoftBank data SIM, including the 12-month prepaid data SIM, needs the HD TELECOM SoftBank APN configuration profile installed on your iPhone. You only need to do this once, and it takes about 1 minute. To download the profile, tap HDTELECOM, or scan the QR code below with the Camera app.
Insert the SoftBank SIM, connect to Wi-Fi, then open the Safari browser. Don't use Chrome, Zalo or any other browser.
Tap HDTELECOM above to open it in Safari, or scan the QR code with the Camera app.
When Safari asks whether to allow the configuration profile download, tap "Allow".
When your iPhone says "Profile Downloaded", tap "Close".
Exit Safari and open the Settings app.
Tap "Profile Downloaded" just below your account name. If you don't see it, go to General → VPN & Device Management.
When the HD TELECOM SoftBank APN profile appears, tap "Install" in the top-right corner.
Enter the passcode you use to unlock your iPhone, then tap "Install" to confirm (your iPhone may ask twice).
4G/5G appears at the top of the screen. Turn off Wi-Fi and open a website: if it loads, your SIM is working.
Rakuten data SIM on iPhone: install the APN configuration profile
The HD Telecom Rakuten data SIM needs Rakuten's Rcom-cellular APN configuration profile installed on your iPhone. You only need to do this once, and it takes about 1 minute. To download the profile (Rakuten's website), tap RAKUTEN, or scan the QR code below with the Camera app.
Insert the Rakuten SIM, connect to Wi-Fi, then open the Safari browser. Don't use Chrome, Zalo or any other browser.
Tap RAKUTEN above to open it in Safari, or scan the QR code with the Camera app.
When Safari asks whether to allow the configuration profile download, tap "Allow".
When your iPhone says "Profile Downloaded", tap "Close".
Exit Safari and open the Settings app.
Scroll down and tap "General".
Scroll down and tap "VPN & Device Management".
Under "DOWNLOADED PROFILE", tap the Rcom-cellular profile.
Tap "Install" in the top-right corner, enter your iPhone passcode, then tap "Install" again to confirm.
4G/5G appears at the top of the screen (some iPhone models also show Rakuten). Turn off Wi-Fi and open a website: if it loads, your SIM is working.
SIM on Android: no configuration needed
HD Telecom SIMs don't need a configuration profile or any APN settings on Android phones: just insert the SIM and it's ready to use.
Insert the SIM following Inserting the SIM above, then turn your phone on.
Open Settings and turn on Mobile data. Menu names vary by phone maker, but it's usually under Network & internet, Connections or SIMs.
If your phone has two SIMs, set the HD Telecom SIM as your SIM for mobile data.
Turn off Wi-Fi and open a website: if it loads, your SIM is working.
Phone cannot get online after inserting the SIM
Restart your phone.
Turn Airplane Mode on, then off again.
iPhone: check that you've installed the APN configuration profile following the steps above.
Android: check that Mobile data is turned on and the right SIM is selected for data.
