Tokyo Speed Test: NRT/HND, Shinjuku/Shibuya, and Subway Coverage

30 Oct 2025

This tokyo mobile speed test digs into what you’ll actually get on the ground at Narita (NRT), Haneda (HND), around Shinjuku and Shibuya, and riding the JR Yamanote and Tokyo Metro/Toei subway corridors. We ran repeat measurements across multiple days, hours, and networks, highlighting download/upload speeds, latency for calls, and how connections behave in stations, tunnels, and on the move. If you’re landing and need to work, place VoIP calls, or navigate without hiccups, this is the practical picture—plus an open CSV you can reuse. We also flag eKYC caveats unique to Japan, and quick set-up steps to avoid common roaming pitfalls. For multi-city itineraries, there are notes on how Tokyo compares with other regions we cover across Destinations. Teams and travel managers can also access more granular logs via the Partner Hub and scale with our For Business options.

How we tested

Devices: iPhone 15 Pro (iOS 18), Google Pixel 8 (Android 15).
Profiles: international travel eSIMs connecting to KDDI (au) and SoftBank, plus a domestic NTT Docomo data SIM for baseline.
Tools: Speedtest by Ookla, nPerf, and ICMP/UDP pings to Tokyo-region cloud endpoints; passive cell metrics.
Sample size: 210 spot tests, 3 days, peak and off-peak windows.
Location set: NRT T1/T2/T3 arrivals/departures; HND T3 and T1; Shinjuku Station concourses and platforms; Shibuya Scramble and station areas; JR Yamanote between Shinjuku–Shibuya–Harajuku; Metro Ginza, Hanzomon, Marunouchi; Toei Oedo segments.
Networks: 5G NSA/sub‑6 where available; 4G LTE fallback. No public Wi‑Fi tests included.

Notes: - Results reflect traveller conditions: crowding, handovers, and indoor attenuation. Absolute speeds will vary by device, plan, and cell load. Latency is the most stable indicator of “snappiness” for calls and apps.

Airport results: NRT and HND

Narita (NRT)

Arrivals halls (T1/T2): 5G NSA on KDDI and Docomo consistently strong. Typical downloads 180–320 Mbps, uploads 20–40 Mbps. Median latency to Tokyo endpoints 19–24 ms.
Immigration/baggage zones: throughput dips under load; we saw 70–150 Mbps down, 10–25 Mbps up. Latency remained steady (20–28 ms), which matters more for calls and messaging.
Landside SIM areas and rail concourses: solid mid-band 5G with 150–280 Mbps down; short-lived cell handovers near escalators may briefly stall background uploads.
Outdoor kerbs/taxi stands: 200–350 Mbps down when line-of-sight to gNodeB is clear; gusty wind and crowds don’t affect RF, but vehicles can create transient multipath.

Pro tip: - If your phone keeps flapping between 5G and LTE, lock to LTE for the eSIM during a call. Latency stays in the low 20s ms, and you avoid 5G handover blips.

Haneda (HND)

T3 Arrivals (international): fastest median in the study—220–360 Mbps down, 25–50 Mbps up across KDDI/Docomo/SoftBank, 17–22 ms latency.
Domestic T1 check-in halls: 140–260 Mbps down, 15–35 Mbps up. Peak morning departures add jitter but not a major latency spike.
Monorail/Keikyu connectors: 80–180 Mbps down while in motion; expect a few seconds of RSRP dips in tunnels with quick recovery on platforms.

Set-up checklist on landing: 1. Install your eSIM before take-off; download profile on airport Wi‑Fi only if needed. 2. Ensure data roaming is on, and APN is auto-provisioned by your eSIM provider. 3. Toggle Airplane Mode once to trigger registration; wait for 4G/5G icon. 4. Run a quick test near a window or open area to establish a baseline. 5. For VoIP, run a latency test; you want sub‑40 ms to Tokyo.

Shinjuku and Shibuya: streets, stations, and concourses

Shinjuku

East/West exits, street level: 120–260 Mbps down, 15–35 Mbps up. Latency 20–26 ms. Crowded evenings can throttle uploads more than downloads.
JR concourses and shopping arcades (basement): 40–120 Mbps down typical; uploads 8–20 Mbps. Occasional cell selection to LTE only; calls remained stable.
Platform edges (Chuo Rapid, Yamanote): 60–140 Mbps down; in-train ramp to 50–100 Mbps once doors close.

Shibuya

Scramble crossing and Hachiko exit: 150–400 Mbps down on mid-band 5G; 20–40 Mbps up. Latency 18–24 ms.
Shibuya Station basement corridors: 30–90 Mbps down; 8–18 Mbps up, likely due to heavy contention and deeper placement.
Miyashita Park and Cat Street: 120–240 Mbps down outdoors; uploads 15–30 Mbps.

Call quality and latency: - To Tokyo-region media servers: 15–30 ms (excellent for WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom audio). - To Singapore: 60–90 ms (good). - To US West: 120–170 ms (acceptable for voice, mild delay on video). - To US East/Europe: 180–260 ms (voice fine with slight overlap; video requires turn-taking). - We observed jitter 3–8 ms on 5G and 6–15 ms on LTE in busy concourses. Packet loss remained under 0.5% on all tests except brief handovers.

Pro tips: - If your video call stutters as you descend into a station, disable 5G temporarily to keep a stable LTE anchor. - Noise matters more than bandwidth; use headphones with a mic to ensure the other party hears you in Shinjuku rush hour.

Subway and JR corridors: coverage in motion

Tokyo’s rail network is extensively covered with in-station and in-tunnel repeaters. Expect the following patterns:

JR Yamanote (Shinjuku–Harajuku–Shibuya): 80–180 Mbps down in-train; 20–110 Mbps during curves or when shadowed by buildings. Latency holds 25–35 ms; handovers are quick.
Chuo Rapid (Shinjuku area): 70–150 Mbps down; uploads ~12–25 Mbps.
Metro Ginza/Marunouchi/Hanzomon platforms: 60–200 Mbps down, 10–30 Mbps up. In tunnels between stations: 25–80 Mbps down, occasional 2–5 second dips.
Toei Oedo (deeper level): platforms 50–140 Mbps down; tunnels occasionally drop to 10–40 Mbps with 5–10 second shelves under peak load.
Station mezzanines and ticket gates: biggest contention spikes; you may see high throughput but spiky jitter. Start large uploads on the platform, not at the gate.

Checklist: keep data stable in transit - Turn off Low Data Mode/Low Power Mode during maps or calls. - Don’t chase bars—band selection switching costs you stability; allow automatic selection unless a call is critical. - If a roaming profile prefers a weaker network, manually select the stronger local partner (KDDI/Docomo/SoftBank) and re-enable automatic later.

eKYC in Japan: what travellers need to know

Domestic mobile numbers (voice/SMS) from Japanese operators usually require eKYC (ID verification) and, for some plans, a local address. This is strict, even for eSIM.
Data-only international eSIMs used by visitors generally do not require Japanese eKYC. They connect to Japanese networks via roaming agreements.
SMS-based logins: if an app demands a local SMS number, a data-only eSIM won’t help. Use app-based OTP, email login, or a secondary number from your home SIM.
VoIP/SIP: inbound SIP over mobile data may be affected by CGNAT. Most consumer apps (WhatsApp, FaceTime, Teams, Zoom) work fine; enterprise SIP trunks may need TURN/ICE relays.

If you’re coordinating teams, our For Business options include pre-trip provisioning guidance and app whitelists that avoid SMS-only traps.

At-a-glance numbers

Airports (NRT/HND) median: 230 Mbps down / 30 Mbps up / 20–23 ms latency.
Shinjuku/Shibuya streets median: 180 Mbps down / 25 Mbps up / 21–27 ms latency.
Stations/platforms median: 90 Mbps down / 15 Mbps up / 24–32 ms latency.
In-train (JR/Metro/Toei) median: 70 Mbps down / 12 Mbps up / 27–38 ms latency.

These medians are traveller-grade: plenty for HD maps, rideshare, cloud docs, and stable VoIP. Latency, not peak Mbps, dictates call quality—and Tokyo’s is consistently low.

Run your own tokyo mobile speed test (5-minute setup)

Before leaving your hotel, update carrier settings and OS.
Pick one test app (e.g., Speedtest) to keep results comparable.
Test in three spots: outdoors, station platform, and in-carriage.
Log results with time and place. Note 5G/LTE and network name.
For calls, run a 3–5 minute WhatsApp audio test. Observe delay and overlap, not just Mbps.
Repeat at peak (08:00–09:30 or 18:00–20:00) and off-peak to compare.

Dataset and open CSV

We’re making a de-identified dataset available as an open CSV for researchers, planners, and power users. Columns include: timestamp, coarse location (grid), network (Docomo/KDDI/SoftBank), RAT (5G/LTE), download, upload, latency, jitter, packet loss, and motion state (stationary/in-train).

Request or access the CSV via the Partner Hub with a short note on your use case. Teams on For Business get ongoing updates per quarter.
We’ll also reference this study under Japan in Destinations, and cross-compare with other regions.

Who this helps

Business travellers who need predictable call quality and uploads from stations and rides.
Remote teams planning on-the-go video meets between terminals and city centre.
Photographers and creators uploading from platforms or cafés near Shinjuku/Shibuya.
Travellers on multi-leg trips comparing connectivity across regions.

Planning onward travel? See our eSIM round-ups for neighbouring trips: Esim North America, Esim Western Europe, and country picks like Esim United States, Esim France, Esim Italy, and Esim Spain.

Practical tips to stay connected

Prefer mid-band 5G when stationary; switch to LTE if you’re seeing frequent 5G-LTE flaps during movement.
Download offline maps for central Tokyo as a backup.
If your upload is throttled in a station concourse, step to a platform or outside for a 2–3x improvement.
Keep a power bank; 5G scanning drains batteries on dense cells.
Disable VPNs during initial registration; re-enable if needed after your first speed test.

FAQ

Which network was “best” overall? All three majors (NTT Docomo, KDDI au, SoftBank) performed well. KDDI/Docomo had the most consistent low latency in our tests. SoftBank delivered strong peaks outdoors. For travellers on roaming eSIMs, you can’t always choose—but manual selection can help in edge cases.
Is 5G necessary for good performance in Tokyo? Not strictly. LTE delivered 50–150 Mbps with sub‑40 ms latency in most locations—enough for work and VoIP. 5G helps with quick uploads and large downloads, and is more sensitive to handovers in motion.
Will my VoIP calls work in the subway? Yes, with caveats. On platforms and most tunnels you’ll get stable audio. Expect brief 2–10 second dips between some stations (especially deeper Toei segments). Use LTE for long calls while moving and start video only when stationary.
Do I need a Japanese SIM with eKYC? No, not for data-only international eSIMs. Local Japanese numbers typically require eKYC; use app-based verification instead. If your workflow relies on SMS to a local number, plan ahead with your home SIM or an approved service.
Can I tether/hotspot? Yes. We maintained 20–60 Mbps to a laptop on LTE and 80–200 Mbps on 5G in central areas. Some plans rate-limit hotspot traffic; check your eSIM’s terms.
How does Tokyo compare with other regions? Tokyo’s latency is best-in-class, which benefits calls and cloud apps. Peak throughput is on par with major EU cities. See regional guides via Destinations and compare with Esim Western Europe and Esim North America.

Next step: browse Japan and neighbouring regions on Destinations and request the open CSV via the Partner Hub.

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Andes Highlights (3 Weeks): Peru–Bolivia–Chile–Argentina Connectivity

Planning a south america itinerary 3 weeks through the high Andes? This route stitches together Peru’s Sacred Valley, Bolivia’s La Paz and Salar de Uyuni, Chile’s Atacama Desert, and northern Argentina’s quebradas or Mendoza wine country—often by long-distance bus and a couple of short flights. Connectivity is different at altitude: coverage is strong in cities but drops in high passes and salt flats; bus Wi‑Fi is patchy; border towns can be blackspots. The smart move is an eSIM with multi‑country coverage, backed by offline maps, offline translations, and a simple routine for crossing borders by bus without losing service. Below you’ll find a practical, connectivity-first itinerary; checklists to prep your phone, apps and documents; and on-the-ground tips for staying online where it matters: booking transport, hailing taxis, backing up photos, and navigating when the signal disappears.If you’re transiting via Europe or North America, you can also add a layover eSIM to stay connected door-to-door. Start with our country list on Destinations, then follow the steps, and you won’t waste time chasing SIM shops at 3,500 metres.The 3‑week Andes route at a glanceWeek 1: Peru (Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu) - Fly into Cusco (or Lima then connect). - Base in Cusco; day trips to Pisac/Chinchero/Maras–Moray. - Train to Aguas Calientes; Machu Picchu visit; return to Cusco or continue to Puno/Lake Titicaca.Week 2: Bolivia and Chile (La Paz, Uyuni, San Pedro de Atacama) - Bus/collectivo via Copacabana to La Paz. - Fly or overnight bus to Uyuni. - 3‑day Uyuni–altiplano tour ending in San Pedro de Atacama (Chile).Week 3: Chile and Argentina (Atacama to Salta or Mendoza/Buenos Aires) - Choose: - North: San Pedro to Salta/Jujuy by bus; fly to Buenos Aires. - Or South: San Pedro–Calama flight to Santiago; bus or flight to Mendoza; onward to Buenos Aires.Connectivity notes (quick): - Cities: generally strong 4G/4G+; 5G in major hubs (Santiago, Buenos Aires). - Altitude/rural: expect long no‑signal stretches (Uyuni, altiplano passes, Paso Jama). - Bus Wi‑Fi: often advertised, rarely reliable. Plan to be offline onboard. - Border regions: networks switch; a multi‑country eSIM avoids sudden loss.eSIM vs local SIMs for a 4‑country tripFor a route with multiple borders and remote legs, eSIM wins on time and reliability.What a multi‑country eSIM gets you: - One plan across Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina (check coverage per country on Destinations). - No passport/SIM registration queues at kiosks. - Keep your home number active on the physical SIM for calls/SMS codes. - Instant top‑ups if you burn data on photos or navigation.When a local SIM still helps: - Long stay in one country with heavy data use (e.g., a month in Buenos Aires). - Dead zones where a different local network performs better (rarely worth the hassle on a 3‑week pace).Practical approach: - Use an eSIM as your primary data line across all four countries. - If you find a specific local network far better in one region, add a cheap local SIM and keep the eSIM as backup.Device readiness checklist (before you fly)1) Check eSIM compatibility and SIM‑lock status on your phone.2) Buy and install your eSIM while on home Wi‑Fi. Keep a PDF/printed copy of the QR code.3) Label lines clearly (e.g., “eSIM Andes Data”, “Home SIM”).4) Turn on data roaming for the eSIM; leave roaming off for your home SIM to avoid charges.5) Set up dual‑SIM rules: data on eSIM; calls/SMS default to home SIM if needed.6) Download offline: Google Maps/Organic Maps for all target regions; language packs (Spanish at minimum); bus/air tickets; hotel confirmations.7) Cloud backups: set to upload on Wi‑Fi only; pre‑create shared albums for travel companions.8) Test tethering/hotspot with your laptop/tablet.If you’re transiting popular hubs, consider a short layover eSIM: - USA connections: add an Esim United States or a broader Esim North America.- Europe connections: Madrid/Barcelona? Use an Esim Spain. Paris or Rome? See Esim France and Esim Italy. Multi‑country layovers? Try Esim Western Europe.City‑by‑city connectivity notesCusco & the Sacred Valley (Peru)Coverage: Good in Cusco city; variable in high villages (Maras/Moray) and along Inca Trail approaches.Tips: Download Sacred Valley maps offline; pin viewpoints and ruins. most taxis use WhatsApp—save your accommodation’s number.Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes: Patchy to none at the citadel. Upload your photos later; don’t rely on live ticket retrieval.Lake Titicaca: Puno and CopacabanaPuno: Reasonable 4G; bus terminals crowded—screenshot QR tickets.Crossing to Copacabana: Expect a signal drop around the border; have directions saved offline.La Paz (Bolivia)Good urban 4G; the cable car network has decent signal but tunnels do not.Yungas/“Death Road” tours: Mountain valleys cause dead zones—share your emergency contacts with the operator, carry a charged power bank, and don’t plan remote calls.Uyuni and the Altiplano (Bolivia to Chile)Uyuni town: OK 4G; ATMs finicky—use Wi‑Fi for banking apps.Salt flats/lagunas: Assume offline for most of the 3‑day tour. Guides often carry satellite phones; agree a pickup time/place in San Pedro and preload your map route.San Pedro de Atacama (Chile)Town: Solid 4G; accommodations often have Wi‑Fi but speeds vary.Geysers, Valle de la Luna: Offline navigation essential; sunrise trips start before mobile networks wake up in some areas.Salta/Jujuy or Mendoza/Buenos Aires (Argentina)Salta/Jujuy: Good city coverage; quebradas have long no‑signal sections.Mendoza: City 4G/5G; vineyards outside town can be patchy.Buenos Aires: Strong 4G/5G; ideal for cloud backups and large downloads before you fly home.Border crossings by bus: step‑by‑stepThe big ones on this route: Peru–Bolivia (Puno/Copacabana), Bolivia–Chile (Uyuni–San Pedro via Hito Cajón), Chile–Argentina (Paso Jama to Salta or Los Libertadores to Mendoza).How to keep service and sanity:1) The day before:- Top up your eSIM data.- Confirm your plan includes both countries you’re entering/leaving.- Download offline maps for both sides of the border and your town of arrival.- Save bus company WhatsApp and terminal address offline.2) On departure morning:- Keep a paper copy or offline PDF of tickets, insurance, and accommodation proof.- Charge phone and power bank; pack a short cable in your daypack.3) On the bus:- Don’t count on bus Wi‑Fi. Keep your eSIM as primary, but expect drops near mountain passes.- If your phone supports it, enable “Wi‑Fi calling” for later when you reach accommodation Wi‑Fi.4) At the border posts:- Data may be unavailable. Keep QR codes and booking numbers offline.- After exiting one country and entering the next, toggle Airplane Mode off/on to re‑register on the new network.- If the eSIM doesn’t attach, manually select a network in Mobile Settings.5) Arrival:- Send your accommodation a quick WhatsApp when you’re back online.- Recheck your eSIM’s data roaming is on; confirm you’re on an in‑country network, not a weak roaming partner.Pro tips: - Dual profiles: If your eSIM allows, keep a secondary profile for a different network in the same country—helpful in border towns.- Cash buffer: Some border terminals don’t accept cards; download a currency converter for offline use.Offline survival kit (5‑minute setup)Maps: Download regions for Cusco, Sacred Valley, Puno, La Paz, Uyuni, San Pedro, Salta/Jujuy or Mendoza, and Buenos Aires.Translations: Download Spanish for offline use; add phrasebook favourites (bus tickets, directions, dietary needs).Documents: Save PDFs of passports, tickets, hotel addresses; star them for quick access.Rides: Screenshots of pickup points; pin bus terminals and hotel doors.Entertainment: Podcasts and playlists for long bus legs, set to download on Wi‑Fi only.Altitude and your tech: what changesCoverage gaps lengthen: Fewer towers at high altitude; valleys can block signal. Assume offline on remote excursions.Batteries drain faster in cold: Keep your phone warm and carry a power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh).Hotel Wi‑Fi may be congested: Schedule big uploads (photo backups, app updates) for big-city stays like Santiago or Buenos Aires.GPS still works offline: Your blue dot shows on offline maps without data—preload everything.Data budgeting for 3 weeksTypical traveller usage across this route: - Messaging/Maps/Bookings: 0.2–0.5 GB/day- Social and photo sharing: 0.3–0.7 GB/day- Occasional video calls/streaming: 0.5–1.0 GB/dayFor a mixed-use trip, plan 15–25 GB for 3 weeks. Heavy creators should double it and upload over hotel Wi‑Fi when possible. If you work remotely, consider a higher‑capacity plan and a backup eSIM; see our guidance on For Business.Practical route with transport and connectivity cuesDays 1–4 Cusco base: Strong city signal; day trips may be spotty—go offline-ready.Days 5–6 Machu Picchu: Expect no service at the ruins; sync tickets ahead.Days 7–8 Puno to La Paz via Copacabana: Border signal drop; re‑register networks after crossing.Days 9–11 Uyuni tour to San Pedro: Treat as offline; charge nightly; carry spare cables.Days 12–14 San Pedro: Stable in town; tours offline; top up data before Paso Jama.Days 15–17 Salta/Jujuy or Mendoza: Good urban 4G; rural patches are offline.Days 18–21 Buenos Aires: Strongest connectivity of the trip; clear your uploads and map downloads for the flight home.Partnering and stopover extrasHospitality and tour operators in the Andes: help your guests stay connected—explore co‑branded solutions via our Partner Hub.Transatlantic flyers: test your eSIM setup on a layover with an Esim United States or Esim Western Europe before hitting high-altitude blackspots.FAQs1) Do I need a local SIM in each country?No. A multi‑country eSIM covering Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina is simpler and works well for a 3‑week pace. Consider a local SIM only if you’ll spend longer in one country and want the absolute best regional coverage.2) Will my WhatsApp number change with an eSIM?No. WhatsApp is tied to your registered number, not your data line. Keep your home SIM active for voice/SMS (roaming off if you wish), and use the eSIM for data—WhatsApp continues as normal.3) Can I hotspot to my laptop or camera?Yes. Enable tethering on your eSIM. Mind your data: cloud backups and OS updates can burn gigabytes—set them to Wi‑Fi only or schedule in big cities.4) What if there’s no signal on the Uyuni/Atacama legs?That’s expected. GPS still works offline. Pre-download maps and translations, carry a power bank, and sync plans with your tour operator before departure.5) Will I get roaming charges at borders?If you’re using a multi‑country eSIM with coverage in both countries, you won’t incur extra roaming fees from your home carrier. Keep roaming off on your home SIM to avoid accidental use.6) I’m connecting via Europe or the US—worth getting a layover eSIM?Yes. It’s an easy way to test your setup and stay reachable. Try Esim North America or country options like Esim Spain, Esim France, or Esim Italy for common hubs.Next step: Browse South America coverage options and build your plan on Destinations.

31 Oct 2025

eSIM Stuck on “Activating” on iPhone: 12 Fixes That Work

If your iPhone shows an eSIM line stuck on “Activating” or “Activating…”, you’re not alone. It usually comes down to four things: time and date not syncing, a flaky internet path (Wi‑Fi vs cellular), a profile that needs refreshing, or carrier services that need an update or nudge. The good news: you can often fix it yourself in minutes. This guide prioritises the quick wins first, then works through deeper fixes that resolve most activation stalls—especially when you’re travelling and relying on a new plan to get online.Whether you’re heading to multiple countries with [Esim Western Europe], exploring the US with [Esim United States], or managing a team rollout via [For Business], the steps below will get you connected faster. If you searched for “esim activating iphone”, use this as your checklist: start with time sync and connection, refresh the profile, then confirm carrier settings.Before you do anything: priority checklistTry these in order—most “Activating” loops clear after one or two of these.1) Date & time: Settings > General > Date & Time > Set Automatically ON. Then restart the iPhone.2) Internet path: Connect to a stable Wi‑Fi (no captive portal) or use another line’s data. Turn off VPN/Private Relay.3) Profile refresh: Settings > Mobile Data > tap your eSIM > Turn On This Line OFF, wait 10 seconds, then ON.4) Carrier services: Settings > General > About and accept any Carrier/Network Provider Settings update; also check for an iOS update.5) Airplane Mode cycle: ON for 30 seconds, then OFF.6) If abroad: On the eSIM line, enable Data Roaming and set Network Selection to Automatic.If it’s still stuck, work through the fixes below.12 fixes for an iPhone eSIM that’s stuck on “Activating”1) Set time and date to Automatic (and restart)Activation relies on secure time checks. If your phone’s clock is off, provisioning can stall.Go to Settings > General > Date & Time > Set Automatically ON.Restart your iPhone (Settings > General > Shut Down, or hold Side + Volume).Reopen Settings > Mobile Data and check the eSIM status.Pro tip: If you’ve just arrived in a new time zone, Automatic Time is essential.2) Use the right internet path (Wi‑Fi vs cellular)Your iPhone must reach the activation server. That can be via reliable Wi‑Fi or another mobile line with working data.Prefer a trusted Wi‑Fi (home, office, personal hotspot). Avoid hotel/plane Wi‑Fi with captive portals. If you must use one, open Safari to complete the sign‑in before retrying activation.Turn off VPN and iCloud Private Relay (Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Private Relay).If Wi‑Fi is troublesome, use another SIM/eSIM’s data or a hotspot from a travel companion.3) Refresh the eSIM line (toggle, then re‑install if needed)A simple line toggle often forces a clean activation attempt.Settings > Mobile Data > tap your eSIM > Turn On This Line OFF, wait 10–20 seconds, then ON.If no change after 2–3 minutes, remove and re‑add the eSIM:Note your activation details (QR/SM‑DP+ and activation code, or provider app).Settings > Mobile Data > tap the eSIM > Delete eSIM.Add it again: Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM. Scan the QR or enter the SM‑DP+ address/activation code manually.Pro tip: When adding manually, ensure you’re using the SM‑DP+ server address exactly as provided.4) Update carrier/network provider settings and iOSOutdated carrier files can block activation.Connect to the internet.Settings > General > About. Wait 10–20 seconds; if a “Carrier/Network Provider Settings Update” appears, tap Update.Then check Settings > General > Software Update and install any available iOS update.5) Force a clean network handshakeA full radio reset often clears limbo states.Turn Airplane Mode ON for 30 seconds, then OFF.Restart your iPhone.After restart, leave the phone on the Home screen for a couple of minutes without tapping anything, to allow background activation.6) Disable VPNs, profiles, and content filtersSecurity or filtering layers can block activation traffic.Turn off any third‑party VPN apps.Check for installed profiles: Settings > General > VPN & Device Management. Remove any VPN/device management profiles you don’t need.Temporarily disable ad/tracker blockers and DNS filters (e.g., in content filtering apps or Wi‑Fi routers).7) Reset network settings (safe but disruptive)If you’ve tried the above, a network reset can clear stubborn conflicts.Note down Wi‑Fi passwords first.Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.After reboot, reconnect to Wi‑Fi and recheck activation.8) Confirm device compatibility and unlock statusNot all iPhones or regions support eSIM on every model, and a carrier‑locked phone may block other networks.Ensure your model supports eSIM (iPhone XR/XS or newer).Check it’s unlocked: Settings > General > About > Network Provider Lock should say “No SIM restrictions.”Verify IMEI2/EID: Settings > General > About. Your provider may ask for the EID to push an eSIM.Pro tip: Some dual‑SIM setups require the eSIM to bind to IMEI2—your provider will advise if needed.9) Turn on Data Roaming and choose the right networkIf you’re abroad, roaming must be enabled on the eSIM line. Manual network selection can help initial attachment.Settings > Mobile Data > your eSIM:Data Roaming ON.Network Selection > Automatic ON. If still stuck, turn Automatic OFF and select a recommended partner network manually.Voice & Data: try 4G/LTE if 5G is flaky in your location.Pro tip: Many travel eSIMs don’t fully activate until they see a supported network in the destination country.10) Remove old/unused eSIMs and avoid profile overloadiPhone can store multiple eSIMs, but too many can confuse selection.Settings > Mobile Data: remove eSIMs you no longer use (tap a line > Delete eSIM).Keep your current physical SIM (if any) and the new travel eSIM only, until you’re connected.11) Know when activation actually startsSome plans “activate on first connection” in‑country, not at purchase. If you try to activate a France plan from another country, it may sit in “Activating” until you arrive and connect with Data Roaming on.Heading to the US? Choose [Esim United States].City‑hopping through Paris, Rome, and Barcelona? Consider [Esim Western Europe] or single‑country options like [Esim France], [Esim Italy] and [Esim Spain].Visiting multiple countries or crossing borders frequently? See [Esim North America] and browse all [Destinations] for the right footprint.Pro tip: If your plan includes a start date, it may not activate before that date even if you’re in country.12) Ask your provider to re‑provision the eSIMIf you’ve tried everything above and it’s still stuck, your provider can refresh the subscription on their side.Have these details ready: - Your device model and iOS version.- EID and IMEI2 (Settings > General > About).- eSIM ICCID (if visible) and activation code/SM‑DP+ address.- Time and time zone when you saw the issue, plus any error messages/screenshots.- Networks you tried and whether Data Roaming is ON.Ask them to “re‑provision/reset subscriber status” or issue a new activation code if needed.Pro tips for travellers (and team managers)Label your lines: Settings > Mobile Data > your eSIM > Label. “Trip – Italy Apr” helps avoid mix‑ups.Default lines: Set your travel eSIM for Mobile Data and keep your primary for calls/SMS if needed.Avoid hotel Wi‑Fi pitfalls: many block activation traffic. Use a personal hotspot or café Wi‑Fi you can fully sign into.Landing routine: as the plane taxis, enable Data Roaming on the travel eSIM, then toggle Airplane Mode after doors open to let the phone attach cleanly.Managing multiple travellers? Centralise purchasing and support with [For Business]. Partners and resellers can access tools via [Partner Hub].FAQHow long should eSIM activation take on iPhone?Typically 1–3 minutes on a good connection. It can take up to 10–15 minutes if carrier systems are busy. If it exceeds 15 minutes, run the priority checklist: time sync, internet path, profile refresh, and carrier settings update.Can I activate an eSIM without Wi‑Fi?Yes, as long as you have another working data connection (e.g., a physical SIM or a different eSIM with data). The activating eSIM itself needs internet to contact the server, which can come from Wi‑Fi or another line.My eSIM says “Activating” but there’s no service—what’s the difference?“Activating” means the profile is being provisioned. “No Service” after activation usually means the SIM is ready but the phone hasn’t attached to a network. Enable Data Roaming, set Network Selection to Automatic (or pick a recommended network manually), and try 4G/LTE.Will deleting an eSIM cancel my plan?Deleting removes the profile from the phone, not from the provider’s system. Your plan usually remains active. You can re‑add it with the original QR/activation details or ask your provider to re‑issue the eSIM if it’s one‑time use. Always confirm with your provider before deleting.Do I need to be in the destination country for activation?Some travel eSIMs fully activate only upon first network connection in the destination. If you bought, for example, [Esim France] while still abroad, it may sit on “Activating” until you land in France and enable Data Roaming.What if my iPhone is carrier‑locked?If your phone is locked to a carrier, it may not allow other providers’ eSIMs to activate. Check Settings > General > About > Network Provider Lock. If it’s locked, contact your carrier to unlock before travelling.Next stepChoose the right plan for where you’re headed and avoid activation surprises. Browse coverage and plans by country and region on [Destinations].

30 Oct 2025

QR Code Scams at Airports & Cafés: How to Spot and Avoid Them

Travellers love QR codes because they are fast, contactless and language‑agnostic. Airports, lounges and cafés use them for menus, Wi‑Fi portals, boarding info and payments. Criminals love them for the same reasons. A tampered or fake code can silently redirect you to a malicious site that steals card details, hijacks messaging apps, installs spyware, or tricks you into paying the wrong person. The risk spikes on the road: you are rushed, tired, on public Wi‑Fi and less likely to scrutinise small details. This guide explains exactly how the scams work, what to check before you scan, safer ways to pay and connect, and what to do if you slip up. Whether you are hopping between terminals in the United States, ordering a cortado in Spain, or heading across Western Europe, a few habits will block most attacks. Keep this page handy for your next trip and share it with your travel companions or team.Why travellers are targeted with QR code scamsHigh turnover environments. Airports and busy cafés see constant footfall; a swapped sticker can harvest hundreds of scans quickly.Trust in signage. Branded posters and table tents create false credibility; a neat sticker overlay looks “official”.Time pressure. Boarding calls, queues and language barriers push you to scan first and think later.BYO devices. Attackers can exploit out‑of‑date phones or permissive browser settings.Payment normalisation. Scan‑to‑pay is normal in many countries, so fake payment QR codes blend in.If you are planning routes and connectivity, cross‑check local adoption of QR payments and Wi‑Fi portals via our Destinations guides.How QR code scams work (in plain English)Malicious redirects. A code sends you to a fake version of a brand’s site (Wi‑Fi login, airline check‑in, café menu). The URL looks convincing but collects passwords, card details or passport data.Payment swaps. A code takes you to a genuine payment app but with an attacker’s payee or invoice pre‑filled; you approve and funds go to the wrong account.App sideload prompts. A page urges you to install an “airport app” or “menu viewer” via an APK or profile—common on Android and iOS respectively—opening the door to malware or mobile device management abuse.Messaging takeovers. A landing page requests excessive permissions (SMS, notifications, accessibility) to read 2FA codes or control taps.Dynamic content masking. Short links or URL shorteners hide the destination, making quick checks harder.Sticker overlays. Real posters/menus are fine; the small QR square is replaced with a tampered sticker.Before you scan: a traveller’s 10‑point checklistInspect the QR physically. Is it a sticker on top of another? Misaligned? Bubbling? Smudged print or off‑brand colours are red flags.Cross‑verify source. Does the code appear on an official screen, laminated menu, or embedded signage—or a loose card left on tables?Read the URL preview. Most phones show a domain preview. If your phone does not, long‑press the QR or disable auto‑open in your camera settings.Check the domain, not the title. “airline‑checkin.com.example.ru” is not “example.com”. Watch for misspellings, extra words and unfamiliar TLDs.Look for HTTPS and a padlock. Not sufficient alone, but the absence is a deal‑breaker. Never enter credentials on non‑HTTPS pages.Avoid short links when possible. Be wary of bit.ly, t.co, tinyurl unless you can expand them first.Never install apps from a QR. Go to the official app store manually and search by name.Don’t grant extra permissions. A menu or Wi‑Fi portal never needs SMS, contacts, accessibility or device admin rights.Confirm with staff. For payments and Wi‑Fi, ask: “Is this your current QR?” Staff know if codes recently changed.Use mobile data for sensitive actions. Avoid public Wi‑Fi for logins and payments. An eSIM is safer and faster in busy terminals.Pro tips: - Make “Show URL preview” and “Ask before downloading” mandatory in your browser settings. - Save official airline and café URLs in bookmarks; open from bookmarks instead of scanning signage.For regional travel data that lets you bypass risky Wi‑Fi entirely, see Esim North America, Esim Western Europe, or country packs like Esim United States, Esim France, Esim Italy and Esim Spain.Spotting fakes at airports and cafésInconsistent branding. Fonts, colours and logos slightly “off” compared with nearby official materials.Suspicious placement. QR on a separate sticker placed over or near the original, or in odd spots (toilet doors, lifts) without context.Too‑good promos. “Free lounge access, scan to claim” or “50% off all coffee now.” Limited‑time bait is a classic trick.Requests for card upfront. A café menu QR that demands card details before showing items is almost certainly fake.Language mismatch. In an official airline zone, the scan page appears in another language with no localisation options.Staff surprise. If staff hesitate or look confused when you ask about a code, don’t scan it.Safer ways to access menus, Wi‑Fi and boarding infoMenus: - Ask for a printed menu or read items on the physical board. - If the venue insists on digital, type the domain stated on the receipt or napkin ring into your browser manually.Wi‑Fi: - Ask staff to tell you the network name and portal URL verbally. - Prefer your own mobile data for any account logins, payments or bookings while travelling.Airline and gate info: - Use your airline’s app and airport’s official app you installed before travel. Open them directly—do not reinstall via QR at the gate.Pro tips: - Bookmark your airline, airport, hotel and favourite coffee chain URLs pre‑trip. - Enable “Private DNS”/“Encrypted DNS” and use a reputable browser with anti‑phishing protections.Payment safety tips on the roadVerify the payee. If a QR opens your payment app, check the recipient name and amount before approving.Use contactless cards or wallet. Tap‑to‑pay on terminal beats scan‑to‑pay from a random poster.Don’t save cards on pop‑up portals. Use guest checkout or wallets that tokenise your card.Turn on payment notifications. Real‑time alerts let you catch and report fraud quickly.Separate cards. Keep a low‑limit card for travel micro‑payments; reserve your main card for larger, trusted spends.Reconcile daily. Review transactions each evening while details are fresh.If you manage company travellers, centralise guidance and reimbursement via For Business. Travel partners can access co‑branded safety kits in our Partner Hub.Protect your phone before you flyUpdate OS and apps, especially browser and wallet apps.Disable “Install unknown apps” (Android) and ignore profile install prompts (iOS).Turn off “Open links in installed app” for unknown domains to reduce automatic handoffs.Use a password manager; it won’t auto‑fill on fake domains.Enable two‑factor authentication using an authenticator app rather than SMS when possible.Set your camera to ask before opening QR links automatically.What to do if you already scanned a bad QRAct quickly. You can often limit damage within minutes.Disconnect. Turn on flight mode and disable Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth.Close the page. Do not tap any further prompts. Force‑quit the browser.Clear browsing data. Remove recent cookies/history for the last hour.Change passwords. For any accounts you entered after scanning, change passwords from a clean device and sign out of all sessions.Cancel suspect payments. Contact your bank via the number on the card. Explain you may have paid a fraudulent recipient.Remove profiles/apps. Uninstall any app you installed from the QR and remove any unfamiliar device profiles.Run a security scan. Use your phone’s built‑in scanner or a reputable mobile security app.Monitor accounts. Enable alerts and watch for new charges or login attempts over the next week.Report locally. Tell the venue/airport so they can pull the fake code and warn others.If you’re mid‑trip without safe Wi‑Fi, switch to mobile data—an eSIM pack like Esim Western Europe or Esim North America lets you secure accounts without touching public networks.Regional note: using eSIM to avoid risky Wi‑FiMost QR cons strike when you’re offline and hunting for Wi‑Fi. With travel eSIMs you can: - Skip captive portals entirely. - Use your banking and airline apps on mobile data. - Hotspot a companion device securely.Pick a regional plan like Esim Western Europe for multi‑country trips or a local bundle such as Esim United States, Esim France, Esim Italy or Esim Spain.FAQQ: Are QR code scams really common for travellers? A: Yes. High‑traffic, low‑attention areas like gates, lounges and café tables are ideal for attackers. Even a simple sticker swap can net hundreds of scans daily.Q: How do I tell a safe URL from a fake one quickly? A: Focus on the registered domain (the part before the last dot and TLD). “example.com” is safe if expected; “example‑support.com‑secure.info” is not. Avoid taking page titles or logos at face value.Q: Is scanning a QR automatically dangerous? A: Scanning itself is not harmful. Risk begins when you open the link, install something, or enter data. Use URL preview, verify domains, and never install apps from a QR.Q: What about QR menus that ask for my card before showing items? A: Treat that as a red flag. A menu should not require payment details up front. Ask for a printed menu or pay at the counter.Q: Should I use airport Wi‑Fi to download airline apps? A: Prefer mobile data. Install official apps before travel or search the app store directly. Avoid QR prompts on posters or tray tables.Q: Does a padlock (HTTPS) mean the site is safe? A: It means the connection is encrypted, not that the site is trustworthy. Combine HTTPS with domain checks, context and staff verification.The bottom lineQR codes are handy, but trust the source not the square. Verify before you scan, avoid installing anything via QR, pay only through confirmed channels, and keep your phone locked down. With basic checks and reliable mobile data, you can sidestep nearly every qr code scam travel threat on your itinerary.Next step: Plan secure connectivity for your route with our regional and country eSIMs on Destinations.

30 Oct 2025