How to Check if your iPhone Works with SIM Cards in Japan

Not all SIM-free, unlocked iPhones work with SIM cards sold in Japan. It will be very disappointing if you buy a SIM card and it doesn’t work with your iPhone.

In this post, we will explain how to find out if your Android device works with SIM cards sold in Japan. If your phone is android, please check the following post: How to Check if your Android Phone Works with SIM Cards in Japan

1. Find out the model number

On the back cover of an iPhone, there is the iPhone logo and some information about the device below that. Find out what your iPhone model is.

For example, this iPhone 5’s model is A1429.

 

2. Look up the model number

Look up the model number and your iPhone product name (Ex. “iPhone 5s A1429 spec”) on the internet, preferably on the apple’s official website. Find out its network specification.

3. Check the iPhone model’s network specification

Check out the section that says “Network”, “Frequency” or “Cellular and Wireless”. There, you will find the necessary information. What networks is your device capable of functioning on?

4. These are the networks/frequency most prepaid SIM cards work on.

Please check the SIM card’s spec you are planning to buy, if may be different from this.

4G(LTE): Band 1 (2100MHz), Band 19 (800MHz), Band 21 (1500MHz)
3G(W-CDMA/HSDPA/HSUPA): Band 1 (2100MHz), Band 19 (800MHz)

Ideally, your device can connect to all above bands; Band 1, 19, and 21.

– If your device can connect to Band 1, your device will catch signal in most cities.
–Band 19 covers suburb areas. If you are going to be in mountains or suburbs, your device may lose signal if it can’t connect to this band.
–Band 21 provides extra speed in cities.

5. You also have an option to rent a mobile wi-fi.

If your device is not compatible or if you are not sure about your device, or if you want a stable connection in Japan, we recommend you book a mobile wi-fi.

Check out CDJapan Rental!

CDJapan Rental (SIM Card and Mobile Wi-fi Rental in Japan)