Rakuten Mobile AU MNP to Rakuten Mobile Steps: Complete Guide for Foreigners in Japan [2026 Guide]

Are you currently on au and wondering whether switching to Rakuten Mobile is worth it? You’re not alone. Thousands of foreign residents in Japan are making the move every month — and for good reason. With unlimited data for just ¥3,278/month (tax included) and generous point campaigns for new switchers, the timing has never been better.

This guide walks you through every step of the au MNP to Rakuten Mobile process, specifically written for foreigners in Japan who want clear, straightforward instructions without the confusion of dense Japanese bureaucracy.

Why Switch from AU to Rakuten Mobile in 2026?

Before jumping into the steps, let’s quickly cover why so many people are making this switch.

AU is a reliable carrier, no doubt. But it comes at a cost — most users are paying ¥5,000–¥8,000/month or more depending on their plan. Rakuten Mobile’s flat unlimited plan at ¥3,278/month (tax included) is a serious alternative, especially if you use data heavily or want to simplify your monthly expenses.

Beyond the price, the current MNP point campaign is a major draw:

Via employee referral link: 14,000 Rakuten Points for MNP transfers
Normal campaign (no referral): 13,000 Rakuten Points for MNP transfers
New signup via referral (no MNP): 11,000 Rakuten Points

Using a referral link gives you 1,000 extra points compared to the standard campaign. These points can be used across Rakuten’s ecosystem — for shopping, travel, food delivery, and more.

📌 Points are paid in 3 installments, starting 4 months after the month you used the referral link. Keep this timeline in mind when planning your budget.

If you’re interested in how Rakuten Points integrate with the broader Rakuten ecosystem, check out our detailed breakdown: Rakuten Mobile Rakuten Ecosystem 2026 Smartphone Complete Guide for Foreigners in Japan.

What You Need Before Starting the MNP Switch

Preparation is key. Gather the following items before you begin the process:

Required Documents

Residence Card (在留カード, Zairyu Card) — valid and with your current address
Passport — for identity verification purposes
Japanese bank account or credit card — for monthly payment setup
Current AU phone number — obviously
Email address — a non-carrier email (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.) is strongly recommended

Important Checklist

Confirm your current AU contract has no active installment lock or early termination restrictions
Make sure your device is SIM-unlocked (most au phones sold after 2021 are unlocked by default, but double-check)
Create a Rakuten ID in advance if you don’t already have one
Check that your current address matches your Residence Card

Step 1: Get Your MNP Reservation Number from AU

The first thing you need to do is request your MNP Reservation Number (MNP予約番号) from AU. This is the number that allows you to transfer your phone number to a new carrier.

How to Get It

Option A: Online (Recommended)

Log in to My AU (マイau)
Navigate to “Contract Procedures” (お手続き)
Select “MNP Reservation Number Issuance” (MNP予約番号の発行)
Follow the prompts — it takes about 5–10 minutes

Option B: By Phone Call AU Customer Support: 0077-7-111 (free, available 9:00–20:00 daily) They will ask you to confirm your identity, then issue the number verbally or via SMS.

Option C: In-Store Visit an AU shop with your Residence Card and phone. Staff will process it on the spot.

⚠️ The MNP Reservation Number is valid for 15 days. Make sure you complete the Rakuten Mobile application within this window.

⚠️ AU may ask why you’re leaving. You can simply say “料金プランを見直したい” (I want to review my rate plan). You are not required to give a detailed reason.

Step 2: Apply for Rakuten Mobile via Referral Link

Once you have your MNP Reservation Number, you’re ready to apply to Rakuten Mobile.

To receive the bonus 14,000 points (instead of the standard 13,000), use an employee referral link.

👉 Apply via Employee Referral Link (14,000 Points for MNP)

Application Process

Click the referral link above to access the Rakuten Mobile sign-up page
Log in with your Rakuten ID (or create one if you haven’t already)
Select “MNP transfer” (MNP乗り換え) when prompted
Enter your MNP Reservation Number, current phone number, and expiry date
Choose your plan — there is only one plan: ¥3,278/month unlimited
Select your preferred SIM type: physical SIM or eSIM
Upload identity verification documents: Residence Card (front and back) + one additional document
Enter your payment method (credit card or bank transfer)
Review and submit your application

Most applications are processed within 1–3 business days. You’ll receive email confirmation at each stage.

Step 3: SIM Activation and Setup

Once your application is approved, Rakuten Mobile will ship your SIM card (or, if you chose eSIM, send you a QR code).

Physical SIM Activation

Insert the new Rakuten Mobile SIM into your phone
Download the my Rakuten Mobile app
Open the app and follow the activation instructions
Once activated, your AU number will officially transfer to Rakuten Mobile

eSIM Activation

Open the my Rakuten Mobile app
Tap “Start using Rakuten Mobile” and follow the eSIM setup steps
Scan the QR code provided in your email or app
Complete the profile installation on your device

📱 eSIM is faster and ideal if your device supports it. The switch typically happens within minutes once the QR code is scanned.

APN Settings

Rakuten Mobile’s network usually auto-configures, but if your data isn’t working:

APN: rakuten.jp
Username and password: (leave blank)
IPv4/IPv6: preferred

Step 4: Confirm MNP Transfer is Complete

After activation, check the following:

Make a test call from your Rakuten Mobile number
Confirm 4G/5G data is working (check the signal indicator in the status bar)
Log in to the my Rakuten Mobile app and verify your phone number is shown correctly

If everything looks good, your MNP transfer is complete. Your AU service will automatically be cancelled when Rakuten Mobile activates — you don’t need to contact AU again.

💡 If you have an AU auto-payment or any service tied to your AU email address, update those before the switch.

Understanding the 14,000 Point Reward

Let’s break down what you’re getting with the referral campaign:

Condition	Points
MNP via referral link	14,000 points
MNP without referral	13,000 points
New number via referral	11,000 points

When Will You Receive the Points?

Points are distributed in 3 installments, starting 4 months after the month you used the referral link.

For example, if you apply in June 2026, your points will begin arriving from October 2026 onward.

This staggered schedule is standard for Rakuten campaign points. The points are added to your Rakuten Point Club account and can be used across the entire Rakuten ecosystem.

How to Use Rakuten Points

Rakuten Ichiba (online shopping)
Rakuten Travel (hotel and flight bookings)
Rakuten Pay (in-store and online payments)
Rakuten Delivery / Food services
Offset future Rakuten Mobile bills

Tips Specifically for Foreign Residents

Switching carriers in Japan can be slightly more complex for foreign nationals. Here are a few practical notes:

Identity Verification

Rakuten Mobile accepts Residence Cards as the primary ID. Make sure:

Your address on the card matches your current registered address
The card is not expired
You submit both front and back clearly

If your name on your Rakuten ID or bank account doesn’t exactly match your Residence Card, it may cause delays. Double-check for consistency.

Language Support

Rakuten Mobile’s app and website are primarily in Japanese. However, the my Rakuten Mobile app is functional with basic English navigation, and many UI elements are intuitive with icons. For customer service, English support is limited — consider using translation apps if needed.

Multiple Lines

You can register up to 5 lines per person under one Rakuten account. If you’re planning to add family members, you can refer them too — making the referral system even more valuable. For a strategic approach to maximizing points across your household, see: Rakuten Mobile Family Switch + Employee Referral 2-Step Strategy: Maximize Your Points.

Common Questions from Foreigners Switching from AU

Q: Do I need to visit a store? No. The entire process can be done online, including identity verification via document upload.

Q: What if my au contract has a remaining installment? The MNP transfer itself is not blocked, but you’ll still owe the remaining device installments to AU. These are separate from your service contract.

Q: Is Rakuten Mobile’s coverage reliable? Rakuten Mobile has expanded its network significantly. In major cities and urban areas, coverage is excellent. Rural areas can vary — if you travel frequently to rural regions, it’s worth checking the coverage map first.

Q: Can I keep my current phone? Yes, as long as it’s SIM-unlocked and compatible with Rakuten Mobile’s bands. Most flagship iPhones and Android devices (released after 2020) are compatible.

Q: What happens to my AU email (@ezweb.ne.jp or @au.com)? Carrier email addresses are discontinued after switching. Back up any important emails and update contacts beforehand.

Ready to Make the Switch?

Switching from AU to Rakuten Mobile is genuinely one of the more straightforward carrier changes you can make in Japan. With proper preparation — especially getting your MNP Reservation Number first — the entire process can be completed in a single afternoon.

The standard campaign already offers 13,000 points for MNP switchers, but using an employee referral link bumps that up to 14,000 Rakuten Points — an easy way to get a little extra value from a switch you were likely going to make anyway.

If you’d like to take advantage of the employee referral bonus, you can apply through this link:

👉 Apply Here via Employee Referral — 14,000 Points for MNP (au to Rakuten Mobile)

There’s no obligation, and the link simply ensures you’re credited the maximum available points for your switch. Take your time reviewing the plan and campaign details before applying — and good luck with your move to Rakuten Mobile.