Does the BALMUDA Phone support eSIM?
BALMUDA Phone eSIM compatibility
Yes, the BALMUDA Phone does support eSIM, but with an important limitation. The device was designed for the Japanese market and eSIM functionality is available only on the SoftBank variant sold in Japan. If you purchased your BALMUDA Phone through SoftBank, you can use eSIM profiles compatible with Japanese carriers and certain international travel eSIM providers.
The BALMUDA Phone offers dual SIM capability: one physical nano-SIM slot and one eSIM. You can use both simultaneously, letting you keep your primary line on the physical SIM while adding a secondary eSIM for travel data or a separate number. However, you cannot use multiple eSIMs at once—the device supports only one active eSIM profile at a time, though you can store several and switch between them.
Regional and carrier restrictions
Because eSIM support is tied to the SoftBank model, international eSIM compatibility depends on the provider. Many global travel eSIM services work on the BALMUDA Phone when you're roaming outside Japan, but you should verify with your eSIM provider that they support this specific device before purchasing a plan. Some eSIM carriers explicitly list Japan-market devices in their compatibility databases.
How to set up an eSIM on the BALMUDA Phone
Installing your eSIM profile
Setting up an eSIM on the BALMUDA Phone typically takes about 60 seconds once you have your QR code from your eSIM provider. You'll need an active Wi-Fi connection during installation, so connect to a network before you begin. Here's how to activate your eSIM:
- Open Settings on your BALMUDA Phone and tap Network & internet.
- Tap the + icon next to Mobile network or select Add carrier.
- Choose Download a SIM instead? or Use QR code (the exact wording varies slightly by Android version).
- Point your camera at the QR code provided by your eSIM carrier. The phone will automatically scan and begin downloading the profile.
- Wait for the download and installation to complete—this usually takes 30–60 seconds.
- Once installed, give your eSIM a label (like "Travel Data" or "Work") to distinguish it from your physical SIM.
- Enable the eSIM line and select which SIM to use for mobile data, calls, and texts in the SIM settings menu.
Activating and managing your eSIM
After installation, you may need to restart your BALMUDA Phone for the eSIM to fully activate. Go back to Network & internet to toggle each SIM on or off, choose your default data line, and configure call preferences. You can switch your mobile data between the physical SIM and eSIM whenever needed without reinstalling anything.
Using a travel eSIM on the BALMUDA Phone
Stay connected abroad without roaming fees
A travel eSIM is the simplest way to get mobile data when you're outside Japan. Instead of paying international roaming charges on your SoftBank plan or hunting for a local SIM card at the airport, you can install a travel eSIM before you leave. Once you land, your BALMUDA Phone connects to a local network automatically, giving you data for maps, messaging, and travel apps at local rates.
Because the BALMUDA Phone supports dual SIM, you can keep your Japanese number active on the physical SIM for incoming calls and two-factor authentication texts while using the eSIM exclusively for data. This setup means you won't miss important messages, and you won't rack up data roaming fees. You can browse eSIM plans for your destination and install the profile as soon as you receive the QR code—no need to wait until you arrive.
Install your travel eSIM early
Add your travel eSIM while you're still connected to Wi-Fi at home or at the airport. The profile sits dormant on your device until you reach your destination and turn on that eSIM line. This way, you have connectivity the moment you switch off airplane mode, without scrambling to find Wi-Fi abroad.
Tips & troubleshooting
Enable data roaming for your eSIM line
After installing a travel eSIM, remember to turn on data roaming for that specific line in your settings. Go to Network & internet, tap your eSIM, and toggle Roaming on. Don't worry—roaming on an eSIM data plan won't trigger surprise charges; the plan's data allotment already covers roaming. Keep roaming off for your physical SIM if you want to avoid SoftBank roaming fees.
Keep your home SIM active for calls and verification codes
Leave your SoftBank physical SIM enabled for voice calls and SMS, even when you're using the eSIM for data. This ensures you can receive two-factor authentication codes and stay reachable on your usual number. In your SIM settings, assign mobile data to the eSIM and calls/SMS to the physical SIM.
What to do if the QR code won't scan
If your BALMUDA Phone has trouble scanning the eSIM QR code, check that your camera lens is clean and you're in good lighting. You can also try the manual entry method: instead of scanning, select Enter activation code manually and type in the SM-DP+ address and activation code your provider sent. If the eSIM still won't install, confirm that your device has the latest software update installed and that you're connected to Wi-Fi. For persistent issues, you can find more eSIM setup help or contact your eSIM provider's support team.
Verify eSIM compatibility before you buy
Because the BALMUDA Phone eSIM is specific to the Japan SoftBank variant, always confirm with your travel eSIM provider that they support this device. Most major providers list compatible phones, and you can check another device's eSIM compatibility if you're considering a different phone in the future.


