[For beginners] How to switch to Rakuten Mobile (applying at a store)

We will explain the procedure for switching to Rakuten Mobile (applying at a shop) in simple steps. For new applications, please proceed from step 2.

Steps for switching to Rakuten Mobile : Step 1: Obtain an MNP reservation number from another carrier

✅What is an MNP reservation number?

The MNP reservation number is a 10-digit number that allows you to keep your phone number and switch mobile phone companies, and is necessary in order to use the same phone number with Rakuten Mobile (it is valid for 15 days, and there must be more than 10 days remaining when you apply for Rakuten Mobile ).

How to get an MNP reservation number

You can obtain an MNP reservation number from each mobile phone company's MNP reservation number issuing hotline or member page. Follow the voice guidance to proceed to the MNP reservation number issuing procedure, and tell the operator that you would like the number issued to complete the procedure. After logging in to the member page, proceed to the MNP reservation number issuing page and proceed with the procedure.

NTT Docomo　

・Proceed through My docomo

・NTT DoCoMo mobile phone: "151" without area code

・General telephone: 0120-800-000

au　

・Procedure via My au

・Mobile phone and regular phone number: 0077-75470

SoftBank　

・Proceed through My SoftBank

・From a SoftBank mobile phone: *5533

・From a regular phone number: 0800-100-5533

Y!Mobile　

・Proceed through My Y!mobile

・Common number for mobile phones and regular phones: 0800-222-8449

UQ Mobile　

・Proceed through My UQ mobile

・For both mobile phones and regular phones: 0120-001-659

❌ Issuing an MNP reservation number alone does not mean you have canceled your contract with your original mobile phone company.

Simply issuing an MNP reservation number does not mean that you have canceled your current contract with the mobile phone company you are using. When the activation procedure with the mobile phone company you are switching to is completed, your contract with the mobile phone company you are currently using will be automatically canceled.

❌MNP reservation numbers have an expiration date

The MNP reservation number is valid for 15 days from the date of issue. Once you have obtained the number, proceed with the application for switching carriers as soon as possible. Note that the number of days remaining before the validity period may be specified by the mobile phone company you are switching to, so please be careful. For example, if you are applying to Rakuten Mobile via their web page, you will need an MNP reservation number with at least 7 days remaining on the MNP validity period.

Costs incurred when signing a new contract, including MNP

The costs incurred when signing a new contract, including MNP, are as follows.

・MNP transfer fee : Free in principle

・Contract cancellation fee (penalty fee) : The "contract cancellation fee (penalty fee)" is a fee that is incurred when you cancel your current contract plan with your mobile phone company during the contract period. NTT Docomo, au, and Softbank previously set a contract cancellation fee of 9,500 yen (10,450 yen including tax), but they are now all free of charge. Please see the websites of each company for details.

・Contract administration fee : This is the administrative fee paid to make a new contract (including switching) with the mobile phone company you are switching to. The amount is around 3,000 to 4,000 yen for most mobile phone companies.

📝Steps for switching to Rakuten Mobile STEP 2: Make an appointment to visit a Rakuten Mobile shop

①You can easily make a reservation through the Rakuten Mobile official website.

Store search page : https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/shop/

Simply "Find a nearby store" → "Make an appointment" → "Select your desired date and time" to complete the process.

②Enter the points campaign that you will receive when you apply .

*Clicking will take you to the Rakuten ID screen. After logging in, your entry will be complete and the introduction page will be displayed. If you log in within 7 days including the day of application, you will be eligible even if you log in after applying. If you switch carriers (MNP), you will earn 14,000 points, and if you do not switch carriers, you will earn 7,000 points. Those who are renewing their contracts can also apply.

📝Steps for switching to Rakuten Mobile STEP 3: Apply at a Rakuten Mobile Shop

● Packing list:

・Identification documents (driver's license, My Number card, etc.)

・MNP reservation number (if switching carriers)

・Credit card or bank account information (for payment registration)

・Rakuten member ID and password (if you don't have it, it's okay)

● Flow of the day

① Visit the store and tell the staff

② Receive explanations about the plan and smartphone　

・Monthly fee

・Campaign information

-Whether or not you purchased a device

・Information on communication areas, etc.

③ Contract procedures

・Enter data together with staff using a tablet or PC

・Present your ID and payment information

④ Receiving your SIM card

·setting　

Receive the SIM card and insert it into the device .

・For eSIM, scan the QR code on the spot

⑤ Check smartphone operation and initial settings

・Check if you can use the internet and make calls

・If you wish, we can also support basic settings for LINE etc.

⑥ Done! You can start using Rakuten Mobile from that day

Additional advice: Smartphones purchased from mobile phone companies may be SIM-locked. A SIM lock is when a mobile phone company restricts (locks) the use of only their own SIM cards, preventing the use of SIM cards from other companies. As of October 1, 2021, SIM locks have been prohibited in principle, and most smartphones currently sold by mobile phone companies are sold in a SIM-free state. Make sure the SIM is unlocked.

How to cancel NTT Docomo

How to cancel KDDI

How to cancel SoftBank

* For information on SIM unlocking, please click here.

For iPhones with iOS 14 or later, you can check if the SIM is unlocked by going to "Settings" > "General" > "About" on the device and looking under "SIM Lock." If it says "No SIM Lock," the SIM is unlocked.

For Android™, please contact your mobile carrier to find out if your SIM is unlocked.

・If you're unsure, take your current smartphone to the shop and ask the staff to check it for you.

The current Rakuten Mobile referral campaign will earn you 14,000 points if you switch carriers (MNP), and 7,000 points if you don't. Customers who are renewing their contracts can also apply. Make the most of this offer when switching carriers or signing up for a new smartphone.