When using an Android smartphone for travel in Japan, many people may wonder, "Is my device compatible with Japan eSIM?" "Where do I scan the QR code?" "What settings should I change after arriving in Japan?"
If you have an Android smartphone that supports eSIM, you can add a communication plan for Japan without swapping out a physical SIM card. If you install the eSIM before departure, you can simply activate the line after arriving in Japan to use the internet.
However, the names and procedures for the settings may vary depending on the manufacturer and model of the Android device. In this article, we will clearly explain how to check compatible devices for Japan eSIM, the setup procedures, settings after arriving in Japan, APN settings, and troubleshooting steps if you cannot connect.
Can I use Japan eSIM on Android?
If you have an Android smartphone with eSIM functionality, you can use Japan eSIM.
eSIM is a digital SIM embedded in the smartphone itself. There is no need to remove and replace a card like a traditional SIM card.
You can add a communication plan for Japan using the QR code or activation code issued after purchase.
You can check the plans for travel in Japan from Japan eSIM products and pricing plans.
Main Android Models Compatible with Japan eSIM
Android smartphones that support eSIM include Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, Xperia, AQUOS, Motorola, and Xiaomi.
The representative compatible series are as follows.
- Google Pixel series
- Samsung Galaxy S series
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series
- Some Sony Xperia series
- Some SHARP AQUOS series
- Some Motorola razr and edge series
- Some Xiaomi and OPPO series
However, even with the same model name, there may be cases where eSIM is not supported depending on the country of sale, carrier, and model number.
For example, even if the overseas version supports eSIM, the model for a specific region may have the eSIM function disabled. Please check not only the model name but also the model number and sales region.
For the device you plan to use, please refer to the list of eSIM compatible devices.
How to Check if Android Supports eSIM
If you are unsure whether your Android device supports eSIM, you can check from the settings screen.
Check if "Add eSIM" is displayed
Typically, the eSIM addition menu can be found in the following locations.
- Settings → Network & Internet → SIM
- Settings → Connections → SIM Manager
- Settings → Mobile Networks → eSIM
If you see options like "Add eSIM," "Download SIM," or "Add Mobile Plan," it is likely that your device supports eSIM.
Check EID
EID is an identification number assigned to devices equipped with eSIM functionality.
You can check by entering "*#06#" in the phone app or by opening the device information screen to see if EID is displayed.
However, even if EID is displayed on the device, you may not be able to add eSIM due to restrictions from the carrier you purchased from or the sales region.
Things to Check Before Setting Up Japan eSIM on Android
Before setting up Japan eSIM, please prepare and check the following items.
- eSIM compatible Android smartphone
- Unlocked device
- Stable Wi-Fi environment
- QR code issued after purchase
- SM-DP+ address and activation code if necessary
- Device's OS is updated
- Available storage space to add eSIM
Check SIM Lock
If your device is SIM locked, you may not be able to use eSIM provided by carriers other than the one you purchased from.
Please check the SIM lock status with the carrier from which you purchased the device.
Connect to Wi-Fi
An internet connection is required to download the eSIM profile.
It is recommended to install it in a stable Wi-Fi environment at home or in a hotel before departure, rather than using unstable free Wi-Fi at the airport.
Basic Steps to Add Japan eSIM on Android
The settings screen for Android may vary by manufacturer, but the basic flow is as follows.
- Connect the smartphone to Wi-Fi
- Open "Settings"
- Select "Network & Internet" or "Connections"
- Select "SIM," "SIM Manager," or "Mobile Networks"
- Select "Add eSIM" or "Download SIM"
- Select "Use QR Code"
- Scan the QR code issued after purchase
- Follow the on-screen instructions to download the eSIM
- Change the line name to "Japan eSIM" or similar
It is common to complete only the installation of the eSIM before departure, and to activate the line and enable data roaming after arriving in Japan.
However, some products may start the usage period from the time of installation. Please check the instructions after purchase before setting it up.
How to Set Up Japan eSIM on Google Pixel
On Google Pixel, you generally add eSIM with the following steps.
- Open "Settings"
- Select "Network & Internet"
- Select "SIM"
- Tap "Add SIM"
- Select "Set up new eSIM"
- Scan the QR code issued after purchase
- Select "Download"
The names of the settings may vary depending on the version of Android.
How to Set Up Japan eSIM on Samsung Galaxy
On Samsung Galaxy, you generally set it up with the following steps.
- Open "Settings"
- Select "Connections"
- Select "SIM Manager"
- Tap "Add eSIM"
- Select "Scan service provider's QR code"
- Scan the QR code issued after purchase
- Follow the on-screen instructions to add it
On Galaxy devices, the eSIM menu may not be displayed depending on the sales region and model.
If the QR Code is Displayed on the Same Smartphone
If you are displaying the QR code issued after purchase on the Android smartphone you are setting up, you cannot scan it directly with the camera.
Please use one of the following methods.
- Display the QR code on a computer or tablet
- Display the QR code on another smartphone
- Print the QR code
- If the device supports it, scan the QR code from an image
- Manually enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code
The QR code may only be usable once. After scanning, please do not close the screen or disconnect the connection until the installation is complete.
Settings to Perform on Android After Arriving in Japan
After arriving in Japan, activate the Japan eSIM in the following order.
- Turn off airplane mode
- Turn on the Japan eSIM line
- Select Japan eSIM for mobile data
- Turn on data roaming for Japan eSIM
- Turn off data roaming for the main line
- Set the APN if necessary
- Wait a few minutes and check the connection
How to Turn On the Japan eSIM Line
Generally, you can enable the Japan eSIM from the following locations.
"Settings" → "Network & Internet" or "Connections" → "SIM" or "SIM Manager"
Select the purchased Japan eSIM and enable options like "Use SIM," "Activate," or "ON."
How to Change Mobile Data to Japan eSIM
Simply turning on the eSIM may not use Japan eSIM for data communication.
From the SIM settings screen, select "Mobile Data" or "Preferred SIM" and specify Japan eSIM.
For devices with automatic switching for mobile data, it is recommended to turn off automatic switching to prevent unnecessary international roaming charges.
How to Turn On Data Roaming
Many travel Japan eSIMs require data roaming to be turned on to connect to partner carriers in Japan.
You can set it up with the following steps.
- Open "Settings"
- Select "SIM" or "Mobile Networks"
- Select Japan eSIM
- Turn on "Roaming" or "Data Roaming"
Please turn off data roaming for your usual main line.
Is APN Setting Necessary on Android?
Depending on the Japan eSIM, manual APN settings may be required on Android.
APN refers to the connection information needed to connect the smartphone to the internet. Even if the eSIM is added and the signal is displayed, you may not be able to use data communication if the APN is not set correctly.
If the APN information is provided in the email or setup manual after purchase, please enter it accurately.
Basic Steps to Set APN on Android
- Open "Settings"
- Select "Network & Internet" or "Connections"
- Select "SIM" or "Mobile Networks"
- Select Japan eSIM
- Open "Access Point Names" or "APN"
- Add a new APN
- Enter the provided APN information
- Save the APN
- Select the created APN
Items not mentioned in the instructions generally do not need to be filled in. Please enter the APN name with the correct capitalization, symbols, and spaces.
For detailed setup methods for eSIM, you can also check the eSIM setup guide.
How to Use Japan eSIM Alongside Your Regular SIM
On dual SIM compatible Android devices, you can use Japan eSIM for data communication while receiving calls and SMS on your regular SIM.
The recommended settings are as follows.
- Mobile Data: Japan eSIM
- Data Roaming for Japan eSIM: ON
- Data Roaming for main line: OFF
- Voice Calls: main line or confirm each time
- SMS: main line
- Automatic Switching for Data Communication: OFF
If the main line is ON, there may be charges for calls and SMS while abroad. Please check the international roaming charges with your carrier in advance.
If you need a Japanese phone number or SMS functionality, please also check eSIM with phone number.
Can I Use Tethering on Android?
If the purchased Japan eSIM supports tethering, you can share the connection from your Android smartphone to a computer or tablet.
Generally, you can set it up with the following steps.
- Open "Settings"
- Select "Network & Internet" or "Connections"
- Select "Access Point and Tethering" or "Mobile Hotspot"
- Turn on Wi-Fi Tethering
- Select the SSID on the device you want to connect
- Enter the password you set
Using it on a computer or for video streaming may consume data quickly. For the necessary data volume, please refer to estimated data usage.
Troubleshooting When Japan eSIM Does Not Connect on Android
If you have set up Japan eSIM but cannot connect, please check the following items in order.
Is Japan eSIM ON?
Check in the SIM Manager or mobile network screen to see if Japan eSIM is enabled.
Is Mobile Data Set to Japan eSIM?
Even if the line is enabled, if mobile data is still set to the main line, you cannot connect using Japan eSIM.
Is Data Roaming ON?
Please turn on data roaming for Japan eSIM. Make sure you are changing the settings for Japan eSIM, not the main line.
Is APN Set Correctly?
Check if the APN provided after purchase matches what you entered on the device.
Sometimes, a new APN may be created but not selected. Please select the APN you created after saving it.
Check Network Selection
Typically, the network selection should be set to "Automatic."
If instructed to select a specific carrier from the seller, turn off automatic selection and choose the specified network.
Toggle Airplane Mode ON and OFF
Turning airplane mode ON for about 10 to 30 seconds and then turning it OFF may help reconnect to the network.
Restart the Device
After adding eSIM or setting APN, please restart your Android device.
After restarting, turn OFF Wi-Fi and check if you can open websites using only mobile data.
Check in a Different Location
Signal strength may be weak in basements, tunnels, mountainous areas, or deep inside buildings. Please move near a window or outside the building to check.
For more detailed troubleshooting methods, please refer to troubleshooting when Japan eSIM does not connect.
Is it Okay to Delete and Reconfigure Japan eSIM?
Even if Japan eSIM does not connect, do not delete it from the device immediately.
The QR code for travel eSIM may only be usable once. If you delete the eSIM after installing it once, you may not be able to reinstall it with the same QR code.
Before deleting, please try the following operations.
- Turn Japan eSIM OFF and then ON again
- Select the mobile data line again
- Check data roaming
- Check APN
- Toggle airplane mode ON and OFF
- Restart the device
- Contact support from the seller
If the issue persists, please check Japan eSIM setup and support information before deleting the eSIM.
Benefits of Using Japan eSIM on Android
- No need to swap physical SIM cards
- Prepare the communication plan before departure
- Use the internet immediately upon arrival in Japan
- Use both your regular SIM and Japan eSIM
- Reduce the risk of losing a SIM card
- Depending on the plan, tethering may be available
- Reduce the hassle of purchasing a SIM card in stores
You can check plans that suit your travel duration and data needs from comparison of Japan eSIM pricing and plans.
Points to Note When Using Japan eSIM on Android
Settings Screens Vary by Manufacturer
The menu names and settings locations differ among Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, Xperia, AQUOS, etc.
If you cannot find the settings, please use the search function at the top of the settings screen to search for "eSIM," "SIM," "Roaming," or "APN."
Same Model May Not Support eSIM
The eSIM compatibility may vary depending on the country of sale, model number, and carrier specifications. Please check the exact model number before purchasing.
Do Not Scan the QR Code Multiple Times
The QR code may be deemed used, so please avoid scanning it multiple times if an error is displayed.
Check Installation Timing
While many products can be installed before arriving in Japan, some products may start the usage period from the time of installation.
Please check the usage start conditions mentioned in the instructions after purchase.
Do Not Factory Reset the Device
If you delete the eSIM during a factory reset, you may not be able to reinstall it. Please avoid factory resetting before travel or during the usage period.
Frequently Asked Questions About Using Japan eSIM on Android
Can all Android devices use Japan eSIM?
No. Only devices equipped with eSIM functionality can be used. Even within the same series, compatibility may vary by model.
Do I need to remove the physical SIM card?
Generally, it is not necessary. If you have a dual SIM compatible device, you can add Japan eSIM while keeping the physical SIM.
Can I set up Japan eSIM before departure?
Many products can be installed before departure. However, some products may start the validity period from the time of installation, so please check the instructions after purchase.
Is it okay to set it up after arriving in Japan?
You can set it up, but downloading the eSIM requires Wi-Fi. Since airport Wi-Fi may be unstable, it is recommended to prepare before departure.
Why is the signal displayed but I cannot connect?
There may be issues with data roaming, mobile data line, or APN settings.
Is APN setting always necessary?
It is not always necessary. Some products automatically set the APN. Please only set it if the APN information is provided in the instructions after purchase.
Will deleting the eSIM allow me to connect?
Deleting it does not guarantee improvement. Since you may not be able to reuse the same QR code, please do not delete it before checking with support.
Can I use calls and SMS on Android?
With a data-only eSIM, regular voice calls and SMS cannot be used. However, you can use internet-based calling apps like LINE or WhatsApp.
For other questions, please check frequently asked questions about eSIM.
Summary | Check Compatible Devices and APN Settings on Android
If you have an eSIM compatible Android smartphone, you can add Japan eSIM by scanning the QR code.
Since the settings screens vary by manufacturer and model, please check the following points in order.
- Check if the device and model number are compatible with eSIM
- Check if the SIM lock is removed
- Scan the QR code in a stable Wi-Fi environment
- Turn ON Japan eSIM after arriving in Japan
- Select Japan eSIM for mobile data
- Turn ON data roaming for Japan eSIM
- Set the APN correctly if necessary
- Do not delete the eSIM immediately if you cannot connect
For detailed information on purchasing, setting up, and using Japan eSIM, please refer to the complete guide to Japan eSIM.
If you are preparing a communication plan for your trip to Japan, you can check plans that match your travel duration and required data volume from Japan eSIM products and pricing plans.
