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IC cards like Suica and PASMO have made traveling in Japan seamless. With smartphones and smartwatches, you can now store these cards digitally for even more convenience—without needing a physical card. This guide explains how to set up and use Mobile Suica and PASMO on your Apple or Android device, top up your balance, and use it on public transportation and in stores. If you're also looking for a phone case, there are many different types of smartphone cases available, and you can browse and buy a variety of them on Amazon.

Note: Your phone's region must be set to Japan to use Mobile Suica or PASMO. This is often a requirement for local travel SIMs when visiting Japan.

iPhone: How to Add a Mobile Suica or PASMO (Apple Wallet)

Apple Wallet makes it simple to add your Suica or PASMO card:

1. Open the Wallet app and tap the “+” Add button.

2. Choose “Transit Card” and select either Suica or PASMO.

3. Follow the prompts to set your desired balance and complete the process.

Note for PASMO Users:

・You may need to download the PASMO app depending on your region or Apple ID settings.

・Suica can be added directly via Wallet (no extra app needed).

・If you're a tourist, you can also use the new Welcome Suica iOS app. This app supports English, foreign credit cards, and doesn't require a Japanese Apple ID. Welcome Suica is valid for 180 days.

Once set up, you can enable Express Mode to tap and go without unlocking your device.

Please refer to this as well: Use PASMO with Apple Pay.

Android: How to Add a Mobile Suica or PASMO Card (Google Wallet)

Before you start:

・Your Android phone must support Osaifu-Keitai (おサイフケータイ).

・As of April 2025, Google Wallet is the primary app for adding cards—not Google Pay.

Steps:

1. Enable NFC and contactless payments in your device settings.

2. Install the Suica* or PASMO app.

3. Follow the in-app instructions to create or transfer your card.

＊Suica can now be added directly via Google Wallet on many devices. PASMO still requires using its dedicated app.

Adding Money to Your Mobile IC Card

One of the most convenient aspects of having your IC card on your phone is the ability to instantly charge it rather than waiting in line at the train station.

Topping Up Your iPhone

Once Suica or PASMO have been added to Apple Wallet, you can easily add money by opening the app, selecting the IC Card, tap "Add Money", choose the amount, select the payment method, and confirm. The procedure is basically the same when using an Apple Watch.

Topping Up Your Android

Once Suica or PASMO have been added to Google Pay, you can easily add money by opening the app, selecting the IC Card, and choosing “Add Money”. Add the amount you would like, select the method of payment, and confirm the transaction.

Charging Your Mobile IC Card with Cash

・At train stations: Use ticket machines that support mobile IC cards.

・At convenience stores: Many major chains like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson allow cash top-ups at the register.​ To charge your Mobile Suica or Mobile PASMO at a convenience store, simply ask the cashier to add money to your Suica. They will guide you to select the amount using a small screen at the register, and you can then pay in cash.

・At Seven Bank ATMs: Add cash to your Mobile Suica or PASMO using the ATM touch screen.

Tip: The maximum balance for Mobile Suica and PASMO is ¥20,000. Some buses also support in-vehicle top-ups (cash only, ¥1,000 units).

How to Use Mobile Suica and PASMO

At the Train Station (Ticket Gates)

Mobile PASMO and Mobile Suica can be used as long as your device is powered on, even if you're outside of network coverage.

For iPhone Users:

・After adding Suica or PASMO to your Apple Wallet and completing the setup, Express Mode is automatically enabled.

・If you have both Suica and PASMO, you can only set one as your Express Transit card at a time.

・With Express Mode, simply hold your iPhone over the ticket gate reader. There's no need to wake up the screen, unlock your device, or open any apps.

For Android Users:

・After adding Suica or PASMO to Google Wallet, ensure the card is activated. If it appears grayed out, it’s inactive.

・Only the active card can be used for transit.

・Using Your Phone at Ticket Gates:

・Hold your phone over the IC card reader at the gate, just like you would with a physical Suica or PASMO card.

Your phone must be turned on, but it doesn’t need to be connected to mobile data or Wi-Fi, and you don’t need to unlock it or open any apps.

Tip: A thick phone case may interfere with the connection. If the gate doesn’t respond, try another gate or ask station staff for help—it may be a gate issue, not a problem with your phone.

For Shopping

Using Your Phone to Pay at Stores:

To make store purchases using your Mobile Suica or PASMO, simply look for the payment logo at the checkout counter.

Inform the cashier of your preferred payment method, then tap your phone on the payment reader as prompted by the cashier.

Take Advantage of Japan’s New Mobile IC Card Tech

This system is even more convenient than using a physical IC card, making navigating Japan's trains way less stressful. We hope this guide has helped you set up your mobile IC card on your phone. Luckily, both Apple and Android make it super easy to set up a Mobile Suica or PASMO through their wallet apps.

For more tips and insights on traveling around Japan, check out our in-depth articles, covering everything from English-speaking travel agents to the best hiking, skiing, and camping spots.