ZTE Rakuten Big Zr01 eSIM

Does the ZTE Rakuten Big Zr01 support eSIM?

Yes, the ZTE Rakuten Big Zr01 supports eSIM. This phone was released exclusively for the Japanese market through Rakuten Mobile in 2021 as a 5G device, and it's actually eSIM-only—there is no physical SIM card slot at all. Every ZTE Rakuten Big Zr01 model (model number ZR01) relies entirely on embedded SIM technology for cellular connectivity.

ZTE Rakuten Big Zr01 eSIM compatibility

The device supports dual eSIM functionality, meaning you can store multiple eSIM profiles and have two active lines simultaneously. You can use one eSIM for your primary Rakuten Mobile plan and a second eSIM for travel data, a work line, or another carrier. Because there's no physical SIM tray, all your connectivity must come through downloaded eSIM profiles.

This model was designed specifically for the Japanese market and is typically sold unlocked or through Rakuten Mobile. If you purchased your ZR01 outside Japan or from a third-party seller, confirm the device is carrier-unlocked before attempting to install an eSIM from a different provider.

How to set up an eSIM on the ZTE Rakuten Big Zr01

Setting up an eSIM on the ZTE Rakuten Big Zr01 takes about 60 seconds once you have your QR code from your carrier or travel eSIM provider. Make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi before you begin, because the phone needs internet access to download and activate the eSIM profile.

Set up an eSIM in Settings

Open Settings and tap Network & internet.
Tap Mobile network (or SIMs, depending on your Android version).
Select Add mobile plan or the + icon to add a new eSIM.
Choose Scan a QR code and point your camera at the QR code provided by your carrier or eSIM vendor.
Wait while the phone downloads the profile—this usually takes 30–60 seconds.
Once installed, give your eSIM a label (like "Travel" or "Rakuten") so you can identify it easily.
Enable the eSIM line and set your preferences for calls, SMS, and mobile data.

If your eSIM provider sent an activation code (SM-DP+ address) instead of a QR code, choose Enter activation code manually in step 4 and type in the details.

Managing dual eSIM lines

After you've installed a second eSIM, go back to Network & internet > Mobile network to choose which line handles mobile data, calls, and text messages by default. You can switch your data line on the fly without removing either profile.

Using a travel eSIM on the ZTE Rakuten Big Zr01

The ZTE Rakuten Big Zr01 is well-suited for international travel because you can install a travel eSIM and avoid expensive roaming charges from your home carrier. A travel eSIM gives you local data rates in your destination country without swapping physical SIM cards—convenient when your phone has no SIM slot at all.

Install before you fly

Purchase and install your travel eSIM while you're still at home and connected to Wi-Fi. Most travel eSIMs activate automatically when you land and connect to a local network, so you'll have data the moment you switch on your phone at your destination. You can browse eSIM plans for hundreds of countries and regions, compare data allowances, and install the profile in minutes.

Keep your primary Rakuten Mobile eSIM active as your second line if you need to receive calls or SMS messages (like two-factor authentication codes) on your original number. You'll use the travel eSIM exclusively for data, avoiding roaming fees while staying reachable on your home number.

Tips & troubleshooting

Setting up an eSIM is usually straightforward on the ZTE Rakuten Big Zr01, but a few settings and common issues can trip you up.

Turn on data roaming for the eSIM line

Even though you're using a local or regional travel eSIM, Android still treats any eSIM as "roaming" if it's not your default line. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network, select your travel eSIM, and toggle Roaming on. Without this setting enabled, your eSIM won't connect to mobile data.

Keep the home SIM for calls and 2FA

If you're traveling with two eSIM profiles active, set your travel eSIM as the default for mobile data and leave your Rakuten Mobile line active for calls and SMS. This way, you can receive verification codes and phone calls without paying roaming data charges. Check your mobile network settings to assign each function to the correct line.

Fix an eSIM that won't activate

If the QR code won't scan, try increasing your screen brightness if you're scanning from another device, or ask your eSIM provider for the manual activation code (SM-DP+ address and activation code string). If the eSIM downloads but won't connect, restart your phone, confirm the eSIM line is enabled in settings, and double-check that data roaming is on. For persistent issues, you can find more eSIM setup help or contact your eSIM provider's support team.

Because the ZTE Rakuten Big Zr01 has no physical SIM slot, you can't fall back to a nano-SIM if an eSIM fails to install. Make sure you have a working eSIM profile before you travel, and consider keeping a backup eSIM from a different provider if you rely on connectivity for work or navigation. You can also check another device's eSIM compatibility if you're comparing phones or planning an upgrade.

Rakuten Big Zr01 eSIM FAQ

Everything travellers ask about using an eSIM on the Rakuten Big Zr01.

Does Rakuten mobile have eSIM?

Yes, Rakuten Mobile offers eSIM support for compatible devices in Japan. The ZTE Rakuten Big Zr01 was designed exclusively for Rakuten Mobile and ships as an eSIM-only phone with no physical SIM slot. Rakuten Mobile customers can download an eSIM profile directly from the carrier's app or website, and the service supports dual eSIM configurations for users who want a second line.

What are the specs of Rakuten Big ZR01?

The ZTE Rakuten Big Zr01 features a 6.8-inch OLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor, 6 GB RAM, and 128 GB internal storage. It supports 5G connectivity (sub-6 GHz), has a 4,000 mAh battery, and includes a quad-camera setup. The phone runs Android and is eSIM-only with dual eSIM capability. It was released in Japan in 2021 exclusively through Rakuten Mobile.

What are the specs of Rakuten Big 5G?

The "Rakuten Big 5G" and "Rakuten Big ZR01" refer to the same device—ZR01 is the model number. Specs include a Snapdragon 765G chipset, 6.8-inch OLED screen, 6 GB RAM, 128 GB storage, and a 48 MP main camera. The phone supports 5G networks in Japan, has dual eSIM slots, and runs on Android with Rakuten Mobile customizations. No physical SIM slot is present.

Can I use the ZTE Rakuten Big Zr01 outside Japan?

Technically yes, but with limitations. The ZTE Rakuten Big Zr01 was designed for Japanese 5G and 4G bands, so network compatibility may be limited in other countries, especially for 5G. You can install an international travel eSIM, but check that the phone supports the frequency bands used by carriers in your destination. Ensure the device is carrier-unlocked if you purchased it through Rakuten Mobile originally.

How many eSIMs can the ZTE Rakuten Big Zr01 hold?

The ZTE Rakuten Big Zr01 can store multiple eSIM profiles in its memory, but only two can be active at the same time. This dual eSIM functionality lets you keep a primary line (such as Rakuten Mobile) and a secondary line (such as a travel eSIM or work number) running simultaneously. You can switch between stored profiles in settings without deleting and reinstalling them each time.

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