Can I get 5G with an eSIM?

Yes. The Rakuten Hand 5g supports 5G connectivity on both eSIM profiles. Whether you get 5G speeds depends on your carrier's network coverage and whether your eSIM plan includes 5G access. Many travel eSIM providers offer 5G where the local network supports it, so you'll see the 5G icon in your status bar when available.

What is the downside of eSIM?

The main downside is that you can't quickly swap a physical card between devices. If your Rakuten Hand 5g breaks, you'll need to contact your carrier to transfer your eSIM profile to a new phone, which can take longer than popping out a nano-SIM. Some older networks and budget carriers also don't yet support eSIM activation.

Which 5G phone supports eSIM?

Many recent 5G phones support eSIM, including recent iPhone models (iPhone XS and newer), Samsung Galaxy S21 and later, Google Pixel 4 onward, and the Rakuten Hand 5g. Check the manufacturer's specifications or verify eSIM compatibility for the specific model you're considering, as support varies by region and carrier agreements.

Does Bell Mobility support eSIM?

Yes, Bell Mobility in Canada supports eSIM activation for compatible devices on postpaid plans. You can request an eSIM QR code through the MyBell app or by visiting a Bell store. Prepaid customers should confirm eSIM availability, as support varies. The Rakuten Hand 5g is Japan-market only, so verify network band compatibility before using it on Bell's network.

Can I use a Docomo eSIM for tourists on the Rakuten Hand 5g?

Yes, if you purchase a Docomo eSIM tourist plan or a reseller's Japan travel eSIM that uses Docomo's network, you can install it on the Rakuten Hand 5g. The device will connect to Docomo's network just like any other eSIM profile. Make sure you buy the eSIM version, not a physical SIM card, since the Rakuten Hand 5g has no SIM slot.

Rakuten Hand 5g eSIM — Compatibility & Setup

Does the Rakuten Hand 5g support eSIM?

Yes, the Rakuten Hand 5g supports eSIM. In fact, this device is eSIM-only: it has no physical SIM card slot. Rakuten Mobile released the Rakuten Hand 5g exclusively for the Japanese market, and it relies entirely on embedded SIM technology for network connectivity.

Rakuten Hand 5g eSIM compatibility

The Rakuten Hand 5g supports dual eSIM functionality. You can install multiple eSIM profiles on the device and have two active at once, though only one can use data at a time. This makes it straightforward to keep your primary Rakuten Mobile line active while adding a travel eSIM profile for international trips. Because there is no physical SIM slot, you cannot combine a traditional nano-SIM with an eSIM on this model.

Regional availability and variants

This device was built for Rakuten Mobile's network in Japan. If you purchased the Rakuten Hand 5g through Rakuten Mobile, your device will accept eSIM profiles from other carriers that offer eSIM service, including international travel eSIM providers like Sakura Mobile eSIM, Japan Wireless eSIM, and others. Confirm that your carrier supports eSIM activation before you attempt to install a profile.

How to set up an eSIM on the Rakuten Hand 5g

Setting up an eSIM on the Rakuten Hand 5g takes about 60 seconds once you have your QR code or activation details from your carrier. Make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection before you begin, because the device will download the eSIM profile during installation.

Step-by-step eSIM setup

Open Settings on your Rakuten Hand 5g.
Tap Network & internet, then select Mobile network.
Choose Download a SIM instead? or Add mobile plan (wording may vary slightly).
Tap Next, then hold your device steady to scan the QR code provided by your carrier or travel eSIM provider.
If you don't have a QR code, tap Enter it manually and type the SM-DP+ address and activation code.
Wait while the profile downloads—this usually takes 30–60 seconds.
Once installed, you'll see a prompt to label the new line (e.g., "Travel" or "Rakuten"). Tap Done.
Go back to Mobile network and select which line you want to use for mobile data. Toggle the data switch to your new eSIM if you want it active immediately.

Label your lines clearly

Because the Rakuten Hand 5g supports dual eSIM, you'll see both profiles listed under mobile network settings. Give each a clear name—like "Home" for your Rakuten Mobile line and "Travel" for your international eSIM—so you can switch data usage quickly without confusion.

Using a travel eSIM on the Rakuten Hand 5g

A travel eSIM lets you get mobile data abroad without paying roaming fees on your primary Rakuten Mobile line. You can browse eSIM plans that cover hundreds of countries, install the profile before you board your flight, and activate it the moment you land. Your Rakuten Hand 5g will connect to a local network automatically, and you'll have data for maps, messaging, and ride-sharing without hunting for a physical SIM card shop.

Install before you fly

Download your travel eSIM profile while you're still at home on Wi-Fi. The profile will sit dormant until you enable it and turn on data roaming for that line. This way, you arrive with connectivity ready to go—no airport SIM kiosk lines, no fumbling with a SIM ejector tool (which you don't need anyway, since the Rakuten Hand 5g has no physical slot).

Keep your home line for calls and texts

Leave your Rakuten Mobile eSIM active but switch mobile data to your travel eSIM. You'll still receive calls and SMS on your home number (useful for two-factor authentication codes), and you'll use the travel eSIM's data allowance for everything else. Check your Rakuten Mobile plan details to confirm whether incoming calls while roaming incur charges; many plans allow incoming calls at no extra cost even when data roaming is off.

Tips & troubleshooting

Most eSIM installations on the Rakuten Hand 5g work on the first try, but a few settings tweaks can save you trouble if something doesn't connect as expected.

Turn on data roaming for the eSIM line

After you install a travel eSIM, go to Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network, select your travel eSIM, and toggle Roaming on. Many users forget this step and wonder why their new eSIM shows no signal. Data roaming must be enabled for the eSIM to connect to a local network abroad. Your home Rakuten Mobile line can have roaming turned off to avoid accidental charges.

What to do if the QR code won't scan

If your camera won't focus or the QR code is damaged, tap Enter it manually during setup. Your eSIM provider will give you an SM-DP+ address and an activation code—type both carefully, including dashes and capital letters exactly as shown. Alternatively, take a screenshot of the QR code on another device, open it full-screen, and scan it with your Rakuten Hand 5g's camera from a distance of about 15 centimeters.

Check compatibility for other devices

If you're helping a friend or family member with their phone, you can check another device's eSIM compatibility to confirm support before they purchase a travel eSIM. Not all Android phones sold in Japan support eSIM, so it's worth verifying the exact model.

Restart if a profile won't activate

Occasionally an eSIM profile will download but show "No service." Restart your Rakuten Hand 5g to force the modem to re-register with the network. If the issue persists, check that your eSIM provider's network is available in your current location and that you haven't exhausted your data allowance. For persistent problems, visit eSIM setup help for carrier-specific troubleshooting steps.

Rakuten Hand 5g eSIM