SMS (Short Message Service)

SMS (Short Message Service) is a service that allows you to send and receive messages addressed to the recipient's mobile phone number. If you are in a country or region where voice calls are available, messages can be exchanged even when outside the i-mode service area.

noticeExcludes some countries and regions.

Sending SMS (Short Message Service) Messages

Simply enter the recipient's mobile phone number as the address. You can send up to 70 kana characters (full size) or 160 alphanumeric characters (half size).

International Settings

If you have enabled the Reject SMS option in Japan, incoming SMS (International SMS) will also be rejected while overseas. You need to disable the Reject SMS option to receive SMS messages.

How to disable the Reject SMS option. When using your phone in Japan(Free): Dial *20184 and then 7 to allow incoming SMS messages. (To set the rejection of all SMS, select 1 拒否設定 [Rejection settings].) Change settings in Japan or overseas(Free (in Japan), Charges apply (overseas)): iMenu > English > Options > Mail Settings > Spam Mail Prevention > SMS Rejection Settings > Cancel Setting > Select Change settings in Japan or overseas (FOMA only)(Free): #141# Start key - If you have disabled rejection settings or have not activated any rejection settings, [141*6#] will be displayed. - There are cases where settings cannot be made depending on the overseas operator. Furthermore, some models are not compatible with this service.

How to send SMS messages

Compose SMS > Enter recipient's mobile phone number > Compose message > Send

Depending on the other party, the content which can be sent and received using SMS (Short Message Service) differs.

Other party Content that can be sent and received
1. DOCOMO WORLD WING compatible handset users roaming overseas FOMA/Xi users in Japan Kana characters or alphanumeric charactersnotice
2. Users of an overseas operator Half-size alphanumeric characters

noticeWhen using an overseas compatible mobile phone other than a DOCOMO WORLD WING compatible handset, only alphanumeric characters can be exchanged.

1. From DOCOMO to DOCOMO

When sending a message from a DOCOMO Roaming mobile phone users in Japan in your country of stay to another WORLD WING user in your country of stay or in another country, or to a FOMA, Xi*1 users in Japan. Recipient's address: mobile phone number (as is). Content (text) that can be sent and received: kana characters and alphanumeric characters*2

  • notice1 It is necessary to use an SMS compatible handset.
  • notice2 Only half-size alphanumeric characters can be sent and received when you or the Other party uses WORLD WING with a local overseas mobile phone.
  • noticeThe method above can be used to send from Japan to an overseas WORLD WING compatible handset.

2. From DOCOMO to an overseas operator

When sending a message from a DOCOMO WORLD WING compatible mobile phone in your country of stay to a user of an overseas operator. Recipient's address: [+]-[country code]-[other party's mobile phone number*]. *Exclude the first "0" if the other party's phone number begins with a "0". Service not supported for some countries and regions where the first "0" of the area code is required. Content (text) that can be sent and received: half-size alphanumeric characters

Receiving SMS (Short Message Service) Messages

SMS messages are automatically downloaded. When a message is received, an icon appears on your standby screen and the message can be viewed in your Inbox.

  • noticeScreen display and operations differ depending on the mobile phone model. See the user's manual for details.
  • noticeReject International SMS is a function that rejects all SMS sent from users of overseas operators. It does not apply to SMS sent from other WORLD WING users.
  • noticeEven when the SMS Rejection Settings (Reject All SMS, Reject Unidentified Caller ID SMS) are configured, you will continue to receive SMS notices from DOCOMO and missed call notification SMS for roaming (no charges apply for reception). However, if you choose the "Reject all incoming calls" option for the incoming calls restriction function, you will not be able to receive such messages.

SMS messages are received and resent when...

  • a new message arrives at the SMS center.
  • the mobile phone is switched on.
  • the phone makes or receives a call.
  • you enter an accessible service area.

If you were unable to answer a call because you were outside the service area or you missed a call while at your destination, you are notified of the date and time of the call and the phone number of the caller by SMS.

  • Receiving these messages is free of charge.
  • The default setting for notification is 開始 (Start).
  • Missed call notification SMS for roaming applies to voice calls, Videophone, and PushTalk communications.
  • PushTalk is eligible for Missed call notification, but cannot be used overseas.
  • Missed call notification SMS for roaming also applies if Voice Mail Service and Call Forwarding Service are activated.
  • Missed call notification SMS for roaming takes priority even if the Missed Call Notification function setting of Voice Mail Service is configured.
  • With some overseas operators, Missed call notification SMS for roaming may not be sent properly. Also, the phone number of the calling party may not be displayed properly, and a notice that Caller ID is not available or is blocked may be shown.
  • Missed call notification SMS for roaming can be suspended.

How to suspend service

●When using your mobile phone (FOMA only) in Japan (free): 1817 > call button > announcement will play > "0" (suspend service). /●When using WORLD WING overseas (charges apply): display "+"-81-90310-1817-0 > call button > announcement will play , or enter your mobile phone number (11 digits) > announcement will play > network PIN > announcement will play > "0" (suspend service).

  • noticeWhen Missed call notification SMS for roaming messages remain accumulated at the SMS center when you return to Japan due to your phone being switched off or outside the service area, they will be delivered as Missed call notification SMS for roaming after your return to Japan.
  • noticeFor some models such as SIMPURE L1, messages will be sent with the subject 留守番着信通知. If the message contains 海外着信通知(日本時間)in the first line of the text, it is a Missed call notification SMS for roaming.

SMS Communications Charges

Sending Receiving
¥100/message Free
  • noticeThe billing system of use within Japan will apply when sending SMS messages to an overseas WORLD WING compatible handset from Japan.
  • noticeThe above charges will apply regardless of your billing plan.
  • noticeThe above charges will also apply when you use the Delivery Notification function.
  • noticeVarious discounts will not apply.
  • noticeCharges are non-taxable.
  • noticeEven when you are within the service area, you may not be able to use Japanese depending on your mobile phone. Also depending on the overseas operator, SMS messages may not be displayed properly or may fail to be delivered at all.
  • noticeWelcome messages may be sent from overseas operators. No charges will apply for receiving such messages.
  • noticeWhile you are overseas, you may at times receive SMS notices from DOCOMO. These notices will be received regardless of settings such as Reject SMS option, however, there are cases where the notice will not be received or displayed properly depending on the function on your mobile phone or conditions of the overseas operator.
    Receiving these notices is free. However, if you reply to the messages, charges will apply whether or not the message is successfully sent. Please be sure not to reply to these messages.

Go to the top of the page

Footer Navigation