This is THE question to settle before ordering your Japan eSIM — and the good news is the answer takes 30 seconds, with nothing to download. Most recent models (iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel and so on) are compatible, but there are two traps. We'll show you the two checks to run, then the pitfalls to avoid.
The 30-second method, straight from your phone
Open Settings → Cellular (or "Mobile Data"). If you see "Add eSIM" or "Add Cellular Plan", your iPhone is compatible. Simple rule of thumb: every iPhone since 2018 (XS / XR and newer) is.
Go to Settings → Connections → SIM manager (Samsung) or Settings → Network & internet → SIMs (Pixel, Xiaomi). An "Add eSIM" option = eSIM-compatible phone.
Type *#06# on the dialler, like a phone number. If an "EID" line appears on screen among the identifiers, your phone supports eSIM. No EID = no eSIM.
| Brand | Quick rule of thumb | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone | XS / XR and newer (since 2018) | Settings → Cellular |
| Samsung Galaxy | Most recent models | Settings → Connections → SIM manager |
| Google Pixel | Most recent models | Settings → Network & internet → SIMs |
| Other brands | Varies by model | Dial *#06# → EID line |
Even simpler: the PlanJapan checker
Don't fancy digging through settings? Just type your model into our checker: instant verdict, drawn from a database of 650+ compatible devices, updated every week.
Compatibility checkeriPhone 15, Galaxy S24, Pixel 8… search for your model and get the answer in seconds.
Check my phone →The two pitfalls to know about
A phone bought through a carrier may be "SIM-locked": it refuses any other SIM, eSIMs included. Your phone must be unlocked — if in doubt, ask your carrier, it's free. We explain it all in our guide to a locked phone: what to do →
And if you get it wrong? We refund you.
You checked, you ordered… and the eSIM won't install? No panic: if your phone turns out not to be compatible after purchase, we refund you in full. That's our compatibility guarantee — you can order with peace of mind, even if you're not certain.
Compatibility guarantee: refunded in fullIf your phone turns out to be incompatible after purchase, we refund you 100% — like Romain C., refunded within days (verified review).
Compatibility confirmed? All that's left is to choose your Japan eSIM plan — unlimited 10-30 days or 10/20/50 GB, QR code by email in 2 minutes. And there's no need to wait until you leave: you can order up to 180 days before activation.
