[The Strongest] I tried setting up dual SIM with Rakuten Mobile and LinksMate on iPhone

2022-02-24 2022-05-13

Addendum: May 13, 2022

Rakuten Mobile announced the end of its "0-yen plan".

Please note that the Rakuten Mobile prices in this article are outdated.

Rakuten Mobile, the mobile carrier with growing momentum.

Since I hardly use mobile data, I'm very grateful for the 1GB free plan.

The downside, however, is that there are times when it doesn't connect, especially indoors.

My wife, on the other hand, hovers around 1GB to 2GB.

We decided to supplement the usage exceeding 1GB with dual SIM.

So, this is about trying to set up dual SIM by adding a LinksMate physical SIM to the Rakuten Mobile eSIM I'm currently using.

What is dual SIM?
About LinksMate
Setup Procedure
Activation

What is dual SIM?

Dual SIM means operating one smartphone with two SIM cards, switching between them in the settings to decide which SIM to use for communication.

It's no longer "one smartphone, one carrier"!

Currently, there are no iPhones that can hold two SIM cards, but you can achieve a dual SIM setup by combining a traditional SIM card (physical SIM) with a method called "eSIM," which allows you to use a SIM by simply installing a profile without physically inserting a SIM.

There can be compatibility issues, so don't forget to do your research beforehand.

Also, be aware that some devices do not support eSIM.

For iPhone, XS/XR and later, 11-13 series, and SE2 are supported.

Here, I'll summarize what I personally consider to be the pros and cons of Rakuten Mobile.

Rakuten Mobile Pros

Free up to 1GB 1078 yen up to 3GB
Free calls with Rakuten Link

Rakuten Mobile Cons

Unreliable signal strength, especially indoors
3GB for 1078 yen is slightly expensive

So, by combining it with a low-cost SIM for data-only communication using dual SIM, you can use Rakuten Link's free calls, keep the cost down when exceeding 1GB, and be freed from concerns about signal strength, right?

About LinksMate

So, I decided to look for a cheap data-only SIM with around 1GB, and after a bit of searching, I chose
LinksMate.

Its features include a wide variety of plans, and it seems there are also some game benefits. (Not relevant to us, though)

(As of February 2022) Plans and Fees | リンクスメイト -LinksMate-

Just as I was thinking of applying for this for my wife, I discovered that data sharing is available.

This option allows you to add a SIM card for 110 yen/month per card, using the plan capacity (e.g., 1GB) across a total of two cards.

In my case, in other words, "I was thinking of applying for it for my wife, but I'll also put it in my own smartphone in case Rakuten is out of range."

So, with 1GB for 385 yen/month + an additional SIM for 110 yen/month, the total for our couple's smartphone bill comes to 495 yen/month.

By the way, LinksMate charges 1100 yen for SIM shipping at the time of application and 3300 yen upon cancellation. (As of February 2022)

Setup Procedure

Three days after applying for LinksMate, it arrived via Yamato Transport. It wasn't Nekoposu; the doorbell was rung.

Inside were the SIM card and a simplified instruction manual. (2 sets, including the additional card)

It seems there was a QR code, so it's implied to follow the instructions on the web.

I struggled with only one part, but it's generally easy, so I'll explain it briefly.

① Insert SIM card into iPhone

Then the screen will change, and you'll proceed with SIM settings.

You can name it, choose which to prioritize for data communication, etc. These can be changed later.

② From LinksMate My Page, "Download APN Configuration Profile"

Tap "Allow"

Then it will look like this.

③ 【IMPORTANT】Switch mobile data communication

Before installing the profile,
select "LinksMate" from "Settings" > "Mobile Communication" > "Mobile Data Communication"

If you install it without realizing that Rakuten is still selected, you'll end up with LinksMate connected but Rakuten out of range.

However, the official Rakuten Mobile website had the following statement.

【Caution】

・Do not install the MVNO profile while the Rakuten line is selected for "Mobile Data Communication" in step 2.

[iPhone] I want to know the precautions for using dual SIM on iPhone

Therefore, be sure to follow the steps above.

If you've already made a mistake, uninstall the LinksMate profile and start over from step ② above.

④ Install profile

This should appear in Settings, so tap it.

Install this

Setup is now complete.

Once connected, let's check the dual SIM settings with the next steps.

Activation

So, dual SIM operation with Rakuten Mobile and LinksMate was confirmed on iPhone SE2 and iPhone12.

Default Voice Line

This setting determines which SIM is prioritized for calls.

Go to "Settings > Mobile Communication" and check "Default Voice Line".

This time, since the main phone number is Rakuten Mobile, confirm that it is set to Rakuten.

Even when "Mobile Data Communication" is set to LinksMate, you can receive calls with Rakuten Link.

Scroll to the bottom and you'll find "Wi-Fi Assist." I had it off originally, but it somehow (accidentally?) turned on. Turn it off if you prefer.