Rakuten Mobile Complete eSIM Guide! Explains switching procedures and reissuing methods

What is Rakuten Mobile’s eSIM?

Rakuten Mobile’s eSIM is a SIM that is built into the smartphone, unlike conventional physical SIM cards. The number of users has been rapidly increasing in recent years because there is no need to replace SIM cards and everything from application to start of use can be completed online.

eSIMs are becoming increasingly popular worldwide, and most major new models support them. Rakuten Mobile also offers eSIM as a standard feature with the “Rakuten Saikyo Plan,” which is a popular option chosen by many subscribers.

Why Rakuten Mobile’s eSIM is popular

No need to go to a store, everything is completed online

With conventional SIM cards, it was necessary to contract at a store or wait for delivery. However, with Rakuten Mobile’s eSIM, everything from application to activation is completed online.
This is a great advantage, especially for those who do not have time to go to a store during weekday daytime hours or who want to start using the service immediately. With just a smartphone and identification documents, you can complete everything from application to start of use at home.

Connect in as little as 3 minutes

The most appealing feature of eSIM is its speed. If you complete the application with AI identity verification (eKYC), you can activate it in as little as 3 minutes.

Can be used immediately as is, even overseas

Rakuten Mobile’s eSIM can be used as is even overseas. Free use up to 2GB in 91 countries and regions overseas (as of September 2025), so there is no need to purchase a local SIM when traveling or on business trips. If you want to use more than 2GB, you can add charge for 500 yen per 1GB.

Low risk of loss or damage

Physical SIMs were at risk of being lost or damaged when removed. nanoSIMs in particular are very small, so some people may have lost them before.
On the other hand, eSIMs are built into the smartphone itself, so there is no need to worry about loss or damage. This reduces the hassle of management and allows you to use the service with greater peace of mind.

Rakuten Mobile eSIM application / switching procedure

Applying for or switching to eSIM with Rakuten Mobile is very simple. Anyone can start using the service smoothly by following these 3 steps.

STEP1: Check for eSIM compatible products

First, check whether your smartphone is an eSIM-compatible device. For reference, many of the latest Android models, such as Google Pixel and Galaxy, are compatible.

Android

• Google Pixel 10
• Google Pixel 10 Pro
• Phone (3)
• CMF Phone 2 Pro
• Google Pixel 9a
• AQUOS wish5
• OPPO Reno13 A
• arrows We2
• OPPO A3 5G
• Phone (3a)
• arrows We2 Plus
• AQUOS sense9
• OPPO Reno11 A
• Xperia 10 VI
• Galaxy Z Flip4
• Galaxy A23 5G
• Galaxy S23
• OPPO A73
• OPPO Reno5 A
• OPPO A55s 5G
• OPPO Reno7 A
• OPPO Reno9 A
• OPPO A79 5G
• Rakuten BIG
• Rakuten BIG s
• Rakuten Hand
• Rakuten Hand 5G
• Rakuten Mini
• AQUOS sense4 lite
• AQUOS R8
• AQUOS sense6
• AQUOS wish
• AQUOS wish3
• AQUOS wish4
• AQUOS zero6
• AQUOS sense6s
• AQUOS sense7
• AQUOS sense8
• Xperia 5 IV
• Xperia 10 III Lite
• Xperia 10 IV
• Xperia 10 V
• Xperia 5 V
• Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G

Check if SIM lock is unlocked

If you are using a smartphone purchased from another company, please check whether the SIM lock has been unlocked.
SIM lock can be easily unlocked on the original carrier’s My Page or at a store.

STEP2: Apply for Rakuten Saikyo Plan with “AI Easy Identity Verification (eKYC)”

Rakuten Mobile supports AI Easy Identity Verification (eKYC) using a smartphone camera. You can complete the application on the same day by taking a photo of your driver’s license or My Number card to verify your identity.
(If you apply from the link below, you will receive 14,000 points for switching from another company!)

Please proceed from the “New/Switch (MNP) Application” button and select “eSIM” in the SIM type section.

STEP3: Activate eSIM from the app

After completing the contract, open the “my Rakuten Mobile” app to start the eSIM activation process. You can activate it immediately by simply following the instructions on the screen.

With eSIM, dual SIM that allows you to use two lines on one smartphone is also convenient

By using eSIM, you can also insert an eSIM and a physical SIM into one smartphone at the same time to operate dual SIM. You can also use it in a way that suits you, such as a spare line in the event of a communication failure or to separate work and private use.

How to reissue eSIM with Rakuten Mobile

When changing models or changing from physical SIM to eSIM

You can easily reissue your eSIM from the my Rakuten Mobile app if you want to reissue your eSIM to change models or if you want to change from a physical SIM to an eSIM. Please check this page for more details.

Rakuten Mobile does not charge a fee for reissuing or changing eSIMs

Some other companies charge a fee for reissuing, but Rakuten Mobile offers free eSIM reissuing and changes. The ease of switching is also a popular reason.

Campaign information that you want to use together with Rakuten Mobile’s eSIM contract

Rakuten Mobile is running special campaigns that you can use in conjunction with your eSIM contract.

Rakuten Mobile Employee Referral Campaign (14,000 points for switching from another company)

The Rakuten Employee Referral Campaign is perfect for those who are considering signing up for Rakuten Mobile.

In this campaign, you can receive a very generous 14,000 points for switching with your phone number (MNP), and 11,000 points even for new contracts.

Another great thing is the wide range of eligibility. Not only first-time Rakuten Mobile subscribers, but also those who are re-subscribing and those who are applying for a second line are eligible to earn points.

Many general campaigns are “limited to first-time subscribers,” but with this employee referral campaign, more people have the chance to receive more points.

The procedure is very simple, just log in with your Rakuten ID from the entry button below to complete the entry.

We recommend that you enter as soon as possible so that you don’t miss out on the 14,000 points you should be getting.

The entry is valid from the date of login until the end of the month after next. In other words, it is valid for about two months, so you can prepare with plenty of time.

Conclusion: Rakuten Mobile’s eSIM is easy to apply for and very convenient!

Rakuten Mobile’s eSIM

• Completed online without going to a store

• Can be activated in as little as 3 minutes

• Convenient for overseas use

• Low risk of loss or damage

has many advantages and is the perfect choice for modern smartphone use. In addition, new contracts can be combined with campaigns to make them very cost-effective.

If you are going to sign up for Rakuten Mobile or want to switch from a physical SIM, please experience the convenience of eSIM.