A comprehensive guide to Rakuten Mobile’s smartphone trade-in service for foreigners (zairyu card holders and special permanent residents). Covers how to check estimated appraisal amounts, the 4-step process from application to receiving Rakuten Points, and important notes on cracked screens, devices purchased from other carriers, and more.

Have you been leaving your unused smartphone sitting in a drawer at home?
With Rakuten Mobile’s “Smartphone Trade-In Service,” you can easily dispose of unwanted smartphones with a high appraisal value and earn Rakuten Points in return.

In this article, we explain in easy-to-understand terms the appeal, eligibility requirements, application steps, and tips for maximizing your appraisal value for Rakuten Mobile’s official “Smartphone Trade-In Service” — aimed at foreigners staying in Japan (including those with a zairyu card).

---

1. High Appraisals Are Possible! Three Attractions of Rakuten Mobile’s “Smartphone Trade-In Service”

Rakuten Mobile’s trade-in service combines convenience and great value in an attractive system.

• Chance for a High Appraisal & Earn Back with Rakuten Points
  Especially for popular iPhones and high-end Android devices, there are many examples of high appraisal values! The “Rakuten Points” you receive can be used directly toward your monthly smartphone bill or for shopping on Rakuten Ichiba.
• Fully Online & Free Shipping — Send from Home
  No need to visit a store. When you apply online, a return kit will be sent to your home, so you can ship your device easily with free shipping.
• Devices Purchased from Other Carriers, Cracked Screens & Broken Devices Also Accepted
  Not only devices purchased from Rakuten Mobile, but also smartphones bought from docomo, au, SoftBank, or other stores — even devices with cracked screens — are eligible for trade-in.

---

2. Eligibility Requirements and What You Need for the Trade-In Service

Here are the basic requirements and materials you should check in advance when using the trade-in service as a foreigner.

Application Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must have a Rakuten member account
• Must be residing in Japan with a delivery address (for receiving the return kit)

Required Documents (Identity Verification Documents)

When applying for the trade-in, you will photograph your documents with your smartphone camera and upload the images. Please make sure that your name matches your current address.

• Zairyu Card (or Special Zairyu Card / Second-Generation Zairyu Card)
• Special Permanent Resident Certificate
• My Number Card
• Passport (※ Must show your current address in Japan)

⚠️ Important Note (Health Insurance Cards and Qualification Confirmation Documents Are Not Accepted)
Under the Second-Hand Goods Business Act, health insurance cards and qualification confirmation documents cannot be used as identity verification documents for the trade-in service. Please be sure to prepare your zairyu card, My Number Card, or equivalent document.

---

3. 4 Steps from Trade-In Application to Completion

All procedures are completed entirely online.

STEP 1: Apply for Trade-In Online & Check Estimated Appraisal Amount

1. Access the “Smartphone Trade-In Service” on the official Rakuten Mobile page.
2. Select the “Manufacturer,” “Product Name,” and “Condition (Good / Cracked Screen / Damaged)” of the device you want to trade in, and check the estimated appraisal amount.
3. Photograph your identity verification document (zairyu card, etc.) and upload it.

STEP 2: Initialize and Prepare Your Smartphone (Most Important!)

Before shipping, be sure to complete the following steps. Devices that have not been initialized will not be accepted for trade-in (and will be returned).

• Sign out of your account
• iPhone: Sign out of iCloud (turn off “Find My iPhone”)
• Android: Sign out of your Google account
• Initialize the device (reset to factory settings)
• Remove the SIM card and SD card (※ You do not need to include the box, charger, or other accessories)

STEP 3: Receive the Return Kit & Ship Your Device

A few days after applying, a “shipping kit” will arrive at your home. Place the initialized smartphone in the kit and ship it from a post box or post office using the included shipping label (shipping is free).

STEP 4: Final Appraisal & Receive Points

After your device arrives, an official appraisal will be conducted. Once you review the appraisal result and accept it, Rakuten Points will be awarded to you at a later date.

---

4. Important Notes for Foreigners

• Devices Still Under Installment Plan (Outstanding Balance)
  Even if the device still has an outstanding installment balance with its original carrier, it can still be traded in, but you will need to continue making payments on the remaining balance. If payments fall behind and a “Network Usage Restriction (aka-romu)” is applied, the device will no longer be eligible for trade-in.
• Be Careful About Applying Just Before Returning to Your Home Country
  From application through receiving the return kit, appraisal completion, and points being awarded, the process takes several days. If you are planning to return home soon, please allow plenty of time in your schedule to complete the process.

---

Summary: Make the Most of High Appraisals to Upgrade Your Smartphone at a Great Price!

It would be a shame to let an unused smartphone sit collecting dust. If you have a zairyu card, you can use Rakuten Mobile’s “Smartphone Trade-In Service” to smartly convert it into points.

If you’re looking to upgrade to a new smartphone at a great price, start by checking the official website to see how much your current device can be traded in for!

Related Articles