Updated: 2026-10-08 15:41:06
Most recent Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Xiaomi and OPPO phones can use a Japan eSIM, as long as three conditions are met: the phone shows an EID when you dial *#06#, it is carrier-unlocked, and it runs a global (not mainland China) firmware version. If all three check out, installing a Japan eSIM takes about a minute from the phone's SIM or mobile network settings.
Run these three checks before you buy. Any Android phone that passes all three can install a Japan eSIM.
| Brand | eSIM-capable models (examples) | Watch out for | Where to add the eSIM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy | S20 and later, Z Fold / Z Flip series, some A series (A54, A55) | Some regional variants lack eSIM | Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM → Scan QR code |
| Google Pixel | Pixel 3 and later | Rarely an issue on unlocked units | Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → + → Download a SIM instead → Scan |
| Xiaomi / Redmi / POCO | Xiaomi 12T Pro, 13/13T, 14/14T, 15, 17 series; Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G; POCO F6 | China ROM disables eSIM; eSIM and SIM 2 cannot run at the same time | Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → Use eSIM → Manage eSIM → Add mobile plan |
| OPPO | Find X3, Find X5, Find X8 series; Find N foldables; select Reno models | Support varies by sales region | Settings → Mobile network → eSIM (or Add eSIM) → Scan QR code |
Menu labels vary slightly by OS version. If you cannot find the option, type "eSIM" into the search bar at the top of Settings.
There are usually two causes. First, the phone may be a China-market unit: Xiaomi and OPPO devices on mainland China firmware generally have eSIM switched off. Second, on Xiaomi phones the eSIM shares resources with the second physical SIM slot. Xiaomi's own support page states that eSIM and SIM 2 cannot be used at the same time, so remove or disable SIM 2 first, then turn on "Use eSIM."
If your phone fails these checks, a physical SIM card or pocket WiFi is the better choice for your Japan trip.
Note that CDJapan Rental's eSIM is data-only: it does not include a phone number, voice calls or SMS. It is also tied to the phone it is installed on and cannot be moved to another device, though it can be reinstalled on the same phone if deleted.
Phone passed all three checks?
Get a Japan eSIM on docomo's local network and receive your QR code instantly after purchase.
See Japan eSIM plansAndroid ready? Get connected in Japan in minutes
docomo local network, instant QR code delivery 24/7. eSIMs activated on or after July 1, 2026 support docomo 5G (actual coverage depends on docomo's 5G network).
