Learn how to activate eSIM in Vietnam for iPhone, Samsung, and Google Pixel devices. You just need to prepare a QR code or activation code sent from your eSIM provider and things will be done in 3-5 minutes.

After buying your eSIM, you will receive an email from your eSIM provider which includes eSIM profile information: a QR code, SM-DP+ Address and Activation code and some extra notes for eSIM using.

Now, let’s learn how to install and activate eSIM with us. This guide applies to not only eSIM provided by Vietnamesim.com (a member of Gigago.com), but also eSIM in other countries, from all over the world.

Here you will know:

What to prepare before eSIM installation
Steps to install an eSIM
Steps to activate the eSIM to use in Vietnam

Good to know before starting:

The setup process typically takes about 2-3 minutes.
If you are using a 5G-capable phone and plan to use a data-only eSIM for travel in Vietnam, you may need to disable 5G on the eSIM and switch to 4G/LTE.

Table of Contents

I. What to prepare before eSIM installation?

An eSIM compatible and carrier-unlocked device. Check our updated list of eSIM compatible devices.
Stable WiFi connection
eSIM information sent from the eSIM provider (QR code and SM-DP+ Address & Activation Code)

II. How many ways to install eSIM?

There are two common ways to install an eSIM, no matter which brand and model of phone you use:

Way 1: Use a QR code
Way 2: Enter eSIM information manually

Usually, using a QR code to scan is the easiest and fastest method, which is the default. Only if you cannot scan the QR code, you have to enter information manually.

While the general eSIM installation process is similar across different device brands, the specific wording, order and placement of steps may vary depending on the model and operating system version.

This guide outlines the eSIM installation process for iOS devices (like iPhones) and Android devices (like Samsung and Google Pixel phones). If you have a different brand of phone, you can follow a similar process.

Now let’s learn how to install eSIM by device.

Tips before eSIM installation:

If your iPhone running on iOS versions older than iOS 16, you should print the QR code or have it readily available on another device. You will need to scan it during the installation process.
If your iPhone running on iOS 17, you just need to download the QR code photo and upload it for scanning.
Make note of the SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code in advance. This information is essential for manual setup if you have trouble scanning the QR code.

III. How to install and activate eSIM on iPhone

First, you need to make sure your iPhone is enabled with eSIM. Learn how to find the model number of your iPhone. This guide is implemented on iPhone running on iOS 16.

1. Steps to install and activate eSIM on iPhone:

Go to Settings > Cellular or Mobile (depending on your phone model and iOS)
Choose Add Cellular Plan / Add eSIM (varies by iOS version)
Scan the prepared QR code > Tap button Add Cellular Plan to confirm the installation
If you cannot scan the QR code, select Enter details manually, and enter the SM-DP+ address and Activation code

Now, you can take further steps to configure your eSIM, such as labeling your eSIM, setting up default line.

Label your eSIM:

Go to Settings > Cellular or Mobile > select the available label (such as Secondary, Business, Travel, etc.)
Select Cellular Plan Label > name the eSIM with the label you want (like Vietnam eSIM) > Done

Set default lines: mobile data, iMessage, Facetime

If your phone has two lines (either one physical SIM and one eSIM, or 2 eSIMs), you can set up which one is for calls/texts and which one is for mobile data 3G/4G/5G:

Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular data
Select the line you want to use for mobile data
Back to Settings > Cellular > select the line you want to use for iMessage or Facetime > Continue

Now you have successfully installed the eSIM on iPhone.

2. Steps to activate eSIM on iPhone for data access

If you use a travel eSIM to Vietnam, you need to activate it after arriving in Vietnam in order to get mobile data throughout your trip.

Go to Settings > Cellular
Select the eSIM you want to use for mobile data > switch on Turn On This Line and Data Roaming
Now you are ready to use mobile data in Vietnam
Specifically action for Vietnam eSIM – Gigago eSIM activation: Go to Messages > switch your phone number to your eSIM line, and text as instructed to activate the data plan.

What to do if you cannot get Internet access on iPhone:

If you cannot connect to the Internet, please adjust your phone’s APN (Access Point Name):

Go to Settings > Cellular or Mobile (depending on your phone)
Select the eSIM line which has enabled Turn On This Line and Data Roaming
Tap Cellular Data Network or Mobile Data Network (depending on your phone)
Enter the APN provided by your eSIM provider on all APN fields (Cellular/Mobile data, and Personal Hotspot for Gigago Vietnam eSIM) or a different value if you use eSIM from another provider, the other fields are left blank.

Now, enjoy your internet in Vietnam.

IV. How to install and activate eSIM on Samsung phones

This guide is carried out on Samsung Galaxy S20. The wording and placement can be different by model, but the general process is the same. Learn how to find the model and serial number of your Samsung product.

1. Steps to install eSIM on Samsung

Go to Settings > Connections > Sim Card Manager
Select Add Mobile Plan > wait for plan searching
When the No Plans page appears, select OK on the popup window > select Scan carrier QR code
Position the QR code within the phone’s camera to scan.
If you can’t scan, select Enter code at the bottom of the page
Enter the information noted in the email sent from your eSIM provider: SM-DP+ address and Activation code. The information looks like this: LPA:1$RtP-0026.OBARTHAR.NET$PJ2HV-UABNN-SPKQE-GHKFZ.

► Note: In some cases, you select the Add using QR code option, but you still see the Activation code line on your scanning screen, tab it and then enter the activation code.

After the eSIM plan has been detected, select Confirm or Add
Select OK to turn on the plan (if you want to use the eSIM right away when you are already in Vietnam) or Cancel (if you do not want to use the eSIM plan instantly or you are not in Vietnam then)

2. Steps to activate eSIM on Samsung for mobile data usage

When you need to use your travel eSIM, you need to activate it:

Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Card Manager

Select your eSIM line, turn it on, and select your eSIM as Mobile data.
Back to Connections > Mobile networks > to turn on Data roaming.
Specifically action for Vietnam eSIM activation: Go to the Messages, switch your phone number to your eSIM and text as guided to activate the data plan (only applicable to Gigago Vietnam travel eSIM)

What to do if you cannot get Internet access on Samsung:

In case you cannot access the internet, please set up your APN (access point name) by:

Going to Settings >> Connections >> Mobile networks
Tapping Access Point Names >> Tapping Add
Select the APN field and enter the mobile operator’s APN, such as m9-itelecom (for Vietnam eSIM by Vietnamesim.com)

That’s all you need for activating your travel eSIM on your Samsung phone.

V. How to install and activate eSIM on Google Pixel

eSIM is enabled on Pixel 3 and later. Learn how to find your Pixel phone model number. Besides, to make the eSIM installation process smooth, you are advised to update the latest Android version.

1. Steps to install eSIM on Google Pixel phones

Go to Settings > Tap Network & internet
Tap Add “+” icon next to “Mobile network” or “SIMs“
Select Download a SIM instead > Next
Scan the QR code

Note: If you want to rename your eSIM plan, please select the SIM and choose the pen icon on the right top to edit its information.

2. Steps to activate eSIM on Pixel for mobile data access

Go to Settings > Tap Network & internet
Tab SIMs to see list of the SIMs available on your phone
Select your eSIM which will be used and turn it on
Turn your eSIM’s Mobile Data and Roaming on
Specifically action for Vietnam eSIM activation: Go to Messages, switch to Gigago Vietnam eSIM phone number (if you have a physical SIM phone number on your phone), and text to activate your eSIM plan (only applicable to eSIM provided by Vietnamesim.com – Gigago).

What if you cannnot get Internet on Pixel phones in Vietnam:

If you cannot access the Internet, you need to configure your APN (Access Point Name).

Going to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs
Turn on your eSIM if it is turned off, scroll down, and select Access Points Names
Tap Add, and select the APN field and enter the provided APN. Other fields can be left blank.

We have introduced detailed guides on eSIM installation and activation on iPhone, Samsung and Google Pixel. If you have questions, feel free to contact us via chat or Hotline/Whatsapp: +1 657-571-1199 or email [email protected].

How to install eSIM on iPhone, Samsung, Pixel and activate for Vietnam travel