“With Rakuten Link, domestic calls are free.” You heard that and started using it, but a call charge showed up on your bill. This happens.
- Calls are free only when you call from the Rakuten Link app. If you call from the default phone app, it costs 22 yen per 30 seconds
- Third-party connection services that start with “0570” and some special numbers (188) are not free, even from the app
Using the default phone app gets you charged
This is the biggest trap. When you call from your contacts, the default phone app may open. In that case, the call is not free.
To use Rakuten Link, you need a “Rakuten Saikyo Plan” or “Rakuten Saikyo U-NEXT” contract, and Android 10 or later, or iOS 16 or later. iPad and iPod touch are not supported.
Numbers that are not free
- Third-party connection services that start with “0180”, “0570”, and so on
- Some special numbers (188)
0570 is a number you often see at call centers. Be careful when you have a long phone call with customer support.
SMS fees
A domestic SMS sent without Rakuten Link costs 3.3 yen per 70 characters (full-width). An international SMS costs 100 yen per 70 characters (not subject to consumption tax). You can send up to 200 messages per day.
Between Rakuten Link users, both calls and messages are free.
What to watch out for with SMS on iPhone
On iPhone, Rakuten Link cannot send or receive SMS with people who don’t use Rakuten Link. You use the standard iOS Messages app instead. If an SMS verification code doesn’t arrive, check the standard Messages app. For details, see the article on when SMS doesn’t arrive.
Uses that are not covered by the operation guarantee
According to the official page, Rakuten Link’s operation is not guaranteed in the following cases.
- When you operate or make calls linked with another device, such as through Bluetooth
- When you are using a VPN
- When you operate or make calls without being connected to Rakuten Mobile
- Problems that occur while connected to Wi-Fi
- On a dual-SIM device, when you set a SIM other than Rakuten Mobile for data or calls
If Rakuten Mobile decides that a long, continuous call is affecting its equipment, the call may be cut off. For the order in which to check when calls drop, see the article on dropped calls.
Finally
If you want free calls, always call from the Rakuten Link app. 0570 and 188 are not free, even from the app.
For calling family abroad, see this article. For new Rakuten Link features, such as following shops, see the article on the official account.
Conditions may change. This article is based on the official Rakuten Mobile page, checked on October 27, 2026.
Source: Rakuten Mobile “Rakuten Link” https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/service/rakuten-link/
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This article contains machine translation. For official terms, please refer to the multilingual pages on the official Rakuten Mobile website.
If you have concerns about Rakuten Mobile's coverage area or signal conditions, you can inquire through the official signal improvement survey request form .
