Travelling as a couple with a single eSIM? Planning to get the iPad out on the Shinkansen? The question comes up every week at support: can one eSIM serve several devices at once? Here's the clear answer — and the right solution for each situation.
Why an eSIM installs on one device only
When you scan your QR code, the eSIM profile installs into your phone's secure chip and stays tied to it. This is a standard protection of eSIM technology, identical at every carrier in the world: it prevents a profile from being copied or used on two devices at once. In practice: one QR code = one installation = one device. So the same eSIM cannot be installed on two phones — and there's no point scanning the QR a second time.
Don't worry: this is almost never a problem when travelling. Depending on your situation there's a simple solution — often already included in your plan.
| Your situation | The right solution | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| A second phone (partner, friend…) | One eSIM per phone — everyone gets their own QR code | −5% from 2 eSIMs |
| A tablet (iPad, Galaxy Tab…) | Tethering from your phone | Hotspot included |
| A laptop | Tethering from your phone | Hotspot included |
| Family or group | One eSIM per person + automatic discounts | −10% from 3 eSIMs |
One eSIM on two phones? Get one each
The rule is simple: one eSIM per phone. If two of you are travelling, just order two eSIMs — each of you scans your own QR code, each gets your own data on the NTT docomo 4G/5G network, and nobody depends on the other's phone to follow Google Maps. Good to know: −5% from 2 eSIMs and −10% from 3 or more, applied automatically at the cart on the order total — no code to enter.
On the product page, select as many eSIMs as you have phones. The discount applies automatically at the cart from the 2nd eSIM.
You receive the QR codes by email within 2 minutes. Each traveller installs theirs on their own phone — the installation guide shows every screen →
The eSIM activates automatically on arrival. And you have 180 days to activate your eSIM after purchase: install it calmly before you leave.
Everyone gets their own data, no compromiseWith one eSIM per person, no more staying glued to the same phone: everyone browses, posts and finds their way on their own data.
eSIM and tablet in Japan: the included hotspot does the job
There's no need to buy a dedicated eSIM for your tablet: tethering is included on all our plans. Your phone turns into a Wi-Fi hotspot and connects your iPad, your laptop — and even a travel companion's phone for an evening. One plan, all your screens connected, from Tokyo to Kyoto.
Hotspot includedTurn on Settings → Personal Hotspot on your phone, then connect your other devices as you would to any Wi-Fi. See the tethering guide →
New phone? It needs its own eSIM
Once installed, your eSIM stays tied to that phone: you can reinstall it there up to 10 times, but it never moves to another one, not even a new one. It is the classic trap for travelers who buy an iPhone in Japan: their eSIM stays on the old phone, and the new one needs its own eSIM. Until it is installed, though, it can go on any compatible phone, including a friend's or family member's.
In short: one eSIM = one device, the included hotspot covers tablet and laptop, and a second phone simply means a second eSIM. All that's left is to choose your Japan eSIM plan — unlimited for the duration of your choice or 10/20/50 GB, QR code by email in 2 minutes. Unsure about your phone? Check the list of 650+ compatible devices or browse the FAQ.
