Setting up a Japanese SIM as a foreigner can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating unfamiliar menus and language barriers. Rakuten Mobile offers one of the most affordable plans in Japan, and their eSIM option makes getting connected faster than ever — no physical SIM card required. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to get Rakuten Mobile eSIM running on your Android device.
How to Check If Your Android Supports eSIM
Before purchasing a Rakuten Mobile plan, confirm your device supports eSIM. Not all Android phones sold outside Japan are eSIM-compatible, and some carrier-locked models may have eSIM functionality disabled.
To check on Samsung Galaxy: Go to Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM. If the option appears, your device supports eSIM. If it’s greyed out or missing, your model may be locked or incompatible.
To check on Google Pixel: Go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add a SIM. Look for an option to download a SIM instead of inserting one physically.
You can also dial *#06# on your device. If an EID number appears alongside your IMEI, eSIM is supported. Popular compatible models include Samsung Galaxy S21 and later, Google Pixel 4 and later, and many recent Sony Xperia and Oppo devices. Keep in mind that devices purchased in China or some Southeast Asian markets sometimes lack eSIM hardware entirely.
Step-by-Step: Downloading and Activating Your Rakuten Mobile eSIM Profile
Once you’ve confirmed compatibility and completed your Rakuten Mobile application online, you’ll receive a QR code via email. Here’s how to activate it:
For Samsung Galaxy devices:
- Open Settings → Connections → SIM Manager
- Tap Add eSIM then Scan QR code
- Scan the QR code from your Rakuten confirmation email
- Follow the prompts to confirm the download
- Once installed, go back to SIM Manager and enable the Rakuten eSIM
- Set it as your default SIM for calls, texts, and mobile data
- Restart your device to ensure the profile activates correctly
For Google Pixel devices:
- Open Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs
- Tap Add a SIM → Download a SIM instead
- Tap Next and scan the QR code
- Confirm the download and wait for the profile to install
- Once complete, tap Activate and set Rakuten as your preferred SIM
- Restart your phone to finalize the setup
After activation, open your browser and test your connection. You should see the Rakuten signal in your status bar. If data isn’t working immediately, go to Settings → Mobile Network → Access Point Names (APN) and verify that the Rakuten APN (rakuten.jp) is selected or manually add it.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
Even with the right device, a few hiccups can occur. Here are the most frequent issues and how to fix them:
QR code won’t scan: Make sure your screen brightness is at maximum and hold the camera steady about 20–30 cm from the code. Try downloading the QR code image and zooming in on a second device to scan it.
eSIM downloaded but no signal: Confirm you’re in a Rakuten coverage area. Check APN settings manually and ensure Rakuten is set as the default data SIM. Toggling airplane mode on and off can help refresh the network connection.
“SIM not provisioned” error: This usually means the profile hasn’t fully activated on Rakuten’s backend. Wait 10–15 minutes and restart your phone. If the issue persists beyond 30 minutes, contact support.
Dual SIM conflicts: If you have a physical SIM inserted alongside your eSIM, ensure data roaming and default data are correctly assigned to Rakuten to avoid unexpected charges from your home carrier.
Device language barrier: Rakuten’s app and settings menus are primarily in Japanese. If you’re struggling to navigate them, don’t hesitate to reach out for help in English.
If you’re still stuck or just want step-by-step guidance in your language, free multilingual support is available via Facebook DM at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593429368166. Whether you need help choosing a plan, setting up your eSIM, or troubleshooting a connection issue, friendly support is just a message away.
Ready to sign up? Use this referral link to get started with Rakuten Mobile and enjoy reliable, affordable connectivity across Japan: https://r10.to/hkncya
This article contains affiliate advertising. If you apply for a product or service through links on this site, we may receive compensation from partner companies. Additionally, the operator is an employee of Rakuten Group and may receive compensation through an employee referral program. Article content and evaluations are based on the operator's actual experience and research, regardless of advertising. For details, see the Disclaimer & Affiliate Disclosure. Disclaimer & Affiliate Disclosure
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 .