Rakuten Mobile eSIM Compatibility Guide

Rakuten Mobile has disrupted the Japanese market by focusing heavily on modern, digital-first technologies. Their own line of smartphones—the Mini, Big, and Hand series—reflects this philosophy, often opting for eSIM-only designs. This makes them some of the most specialized eSIM devices available today.

Key Takeaways

• Digital First: Most Rakuten devices are built specifically for eSIM use.
• eSIM-Only Models: The Rakuten Mini and Hand models do not have physical SIM slots.
• Compact Convenience: The Rakuten Mini is one of the smallest eSIM-capable phones in the world.
• Roamix Ready: Any unlocked Rakuten device supports the addition of international travel plans.

Rakuten Mini and Hand: Tiny but Powerful

The Rakuten Mini and Rakuten Hand (including 5G) are designed for portability and ease of use. Because they lack a physical SIM tray, adding a Roamix plan for your next international trip is entirely digital. This makes them ideal secondary phones for travelers who want to keep their main device offline while navigating new cities.

Rakuten Big and Big-S

The Rakuten Big and Big-S are larger, more traditional smartphones that include eSIM support alongside a physical SIM slot in some variants. These models provide the flexibility of keeping a local Japanese SIM active while using a Roamix data plan for travel abroad.

How to Activate eSIM on a Rakuten Device

1. Connect to a Wi-Fi network.
2. Open Settings.
3. Tap Network & internet.
4. Select Mobile network.
5. Tap Add SIM or the '+' icon.
6. Follow the instructions to Scan QR code.
7. Scan the Roamix QR code from your confirmation email.
8. Once downloaded, activate the plan.
9. Ensure Data roaming is turned ON for the Roamix eSIM to allow connection abroad.

Critical Warning: eSIM-Only Rakuten Devices

The Rakuten Mini, Hand, and Hand 5G have no physical SIM slot. If you delete the active eSIM, the phone loses all cellular connectivity with no fallback. Before switching to Roamix:

1. Ensure your Rakuten Mobile eSIM is still active.
2. Install and confirm the Roamix eSIM is working.
3. Only then disable (not delete) the Rakuten Mobile eSIM.

Keep the Rakuten Mobile eSIM stored on device as backup — you can re-enable it if needed.

Troubleshooting Rakuten eSIM

"Add SIM" option missing: Device is still Rakuten Mobile locked. Apply for SIM unlock at My Rakuten → SIM unlock. Unlock is typically instant for outright purchases; installment-plan devices may have waiting periods.

eSIM-only phone has no signal after eSIM change: You have deleted the active eSIM with no replacement. Reconnect to Wi-Fi, then reinstall an eSIM profile from Roamix or restore Rakuten Mobile eSIM via My Rakuten app.

QR code scan fails: Must be on Wi-Fi. QR code is single-use — contact Roamix support for replacement. Use manual activation code (SM-DP+ entry) as fallback.

eSIM installed but no data abroad: Settings → Network & internet → select Roamix eSIM → set as preferred data SIM → enable Data Roaming. Toggle Airplane Mode on/off.