For those traveling to Japan, having a reliable way to communicate is very important. Many people likely buy SIM cards or eSIMs, or rent Pocket Wi-Fi.
Recently, many people are also purchasing eSIMs. It would be convenient if the SIM card or eSIM you use for communication in Japan could be utilized for tethering (hotspot). If you can use your smartphone as a hotspot, you can connect not only your own smartphone but also laptops, tablets, and even the smartphones of people you’re with to the internet.
Many of you are probably wondering if eSIMs for communication in Japan can be used for tethering (hotspot). I’ve done some research on this.
Can eSIMs for Communication in Japan Be Used for Tethering (Hotspot)?
Whether or not you can use the tethering (hotspot) feature depends on the service providing the eSIM. Most Japanese local services that offer SIM cards and eSIMs generally allow tethering (hotspot).
Tethering (Hotspot) May Be Unavailable or Restricted
Some eSIM platforms (types that can be used worldwide) may not support tethering from the start. Additionally, there might be restrictions on the data capacity available for tethering (hotspot) that are separate from your regular smartphone data usage. Even if you have an unlimited data plan, there might be a daily limit of 1GB, for example, when using tethering.
Solutions When Your iPhone Can’t Tether
Travel Mobile, which provides eSIMs to travelers visiting Japan, shares an example.
Travel Mobile
They reported that a situation where an iPhone had an eSIM set up and could connect to the internet, but couldn’t tether, was resolved.
“To enable personal hotspot, contact your carrier.” This error is often influenced by iOS specifications, regardless of the eSIM provider. The following methods can often resolve it:
Method ①: Manually Enter APN Settings
While you can often get an internet connection just by installing an eSIM, you should manually enter the APN settings to use tethering (HOTSPOT) on your smartphone. This APN setting is especially essential for iPhones.
Method ②: Disable Other SIM Cards or eSIMs
If your smartphone contains SIM cards or eSIMs other than the one you’re using for communication in Japan, your smartphone might prioritize those, preventing you from using the hotspot. Go to “Cellular (Mobile Data)” in the Settings app, turn off any unused SIMs or eSIMs, and leave only your Japanese eSIM enabled.
Method ③: Update iOS
There are cases where the hotspot function doesn’t work correctly due to an iOS bug. Many reports of this can be found in Apple’s support communities. Try restarting your device or updating iOS.
Is Tethering (Hotspot) Possible with eSIMs?
Not all eSIMs allow tethering.
Some eSIM providers may not permit tethering (hotspot).
Some eSIM providers may have restrictions on tethering (hotspot).
If you plan to use your smartphone as a hotspot with a Japanese eSIM, be sure to confirm this before purchasing.
The eSIMs handled by Travel Mobile allow tethering (hotspot) and have no data restrictions.
Travel Mobile eSIM
I am Japanese and my nickname is Momo.
I have been working in the mobile telecommunications industry for about 7 years and am familiar with Japanese telecommunications services. Although my English is not very good, I would like to provide useful telecommunication-related information to those who stay in Japan as accurately as possible.
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