Setup time: 3–5 minutes.

What you need to get started:

  • Stable WiFi
  • The QR code or activation code from your eSIM provider.

Once you have purchased a Vietnam eSIM, your provider will email you an eSIM profile that includes a QR code and a SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code.

The actual installation and activation is the same whether you’re heading to Hanoi, Da Nang, or Phu Quoc. Also, it works for eSIMs from any provider worldwide, not just Vietnam-specific ones.

This guide shows you how to activate an eSIM in Vietnam on iPhone, Samsung, and Google Pixel  —  including setup, activation, and how to fix the ‘no internet’ problem.”

💡 This guide is part of our Vietnam eSIM Complete Guide, covering setup, troubleshooting, and FAQs for travelers.

Before you start: 3 Things to check

1. Your device is eSIM-compatible and carrier-unlocked.

Most flagship phones released after 2018 support eSIM. Check the full list of eSIM-compatible devices to confirm your model.

A locked phone will reject eSIM profiles from foreign networks. If you bought your phone directly from a carrier (AT&T, Verizon, O2, etc.), check whether it’s been unlocked before you travel.

2. You have a stable WiFi connection

You need Internet connection to download the eSIM profile. Airport or hotel WiFi works fine -just make sure it’s available before you need data.

3. Your QR code hasn’t been used yet.

Each QR code is one-time use only.

Key distinction to understand: Installation and activation are two separate steps. Installation downloads the eSIM profile onto your device — you can do this at home before you fly. Activation starts the data plan — this usually happens once you arrive in Vietnam and connect to a local network.

Two Ways to Install an eSIM

No matter which phone you use, there are two methods:

  1. QR code scan: fastest and most common. Use this by default.
  2. Manual entry: use this option if you can’t scan the QR code (e.g., if you’re using the same device and can’t photograph the QR code on your screen).

For manual entry, you’ll need the SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code from your provider’s email. Copy these somewhere accessible before you begin.

How to Activate an eSIM on iPhone

These steps work for iPhone XS and later models. Tested on iOS 16.

iOS version note:

  • iOS 15 and older: You’ll need to print the QR code or display it on a second device to scan.
  • iOS 17 and later: You can save the QR code image and upload it directly from your camera roll — no second device needed.

Step 1: Install the eSIM Profile

  1. Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data, depending on your region)
  2. Tap Add Cellular Plan or Add eSIM
  3. Scan the QR code > Tap Add Cellular Plan to confirm
  4. If you can’t scan, select Enter Details Manually and input your SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code
steps to install esim on iPhone iOS 16 using QR code

Step 2: Label Your eSIM (Optional but Useful)

If you travel frequently, labeling keeps things organized:

  1. Go to Settings > Cellular > tap the new plan
  2. Tap Cellular Plan Label > rename it (e.g., “Vietnam eSIM”) > tap Done
Steps to label eSIM on iPhone

Step 3: Activate for Data Access (Do This When You Arrive in Vietnam)

  1. Go to Settings > Cellular
  2. Tap the eSIM line > toggle Turn On This Line to ON
  3. Tap Cellular Data > select your Vietnam eSIM as the active data line
  4. Enable Data Roaming on that line
  5. Now you are ready to use mobile data in Vietnam
Steps to activate eSIM to access data for eSIM on iPhone

If You Have No Internet After Setup

The issue is almost always the APN (Access Point Name). Fix it here:

  1. Settings > Cellular > tap your eSIM line
  2. Tap Cellular Data Network (or Mobile Data Network)
  3. Enter the APN provided by your eSIM provider (e.g., v-connect) in the Cellular Data and Personal Hotspot fields. Leave other fields blank.

→ If you still can’t fix your issues, check our comprehensive guide on most common Vietnam eSIM errors.

How to Activate an eSIM on Samsung

These steps are compatible with Samsung Galaxy S20 and later (most Samsung models with eSIM support). Menu labels vary by model and One UI version.

Steps to install eSIM on Samsung phones using QR code

Step 1: Install the eSIM Profile

  1. Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Card Manager
  2. Tap Add Mobile Plan > wait while the device searches
  3. When “No Plans Found” appears, tap OK > select Scan Carrier QR Code
  4. Point your camera at the QR code to scan
  5. If you can’t scan, tap **Enter Code** at the bottom and type in your SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code. The format looks like: `LPA:1RtP−0026.OBARTHAR.NETRtP-0026.OBARTHAR.NET RtP−0026.OBARTHAR.NETPJ2HV-UABNN-SPKQE-GHKFZ`
  6. After detection, tap Confirm or Add
  7. Tap OK to turn the plan on immediately (if you’re already in Vietnam) or Cancel to activate later

Note: On some Samsung models, after selecting “Add using QR code,” an Activation Code field appears on the scanning screen. If this happens, tap that field and enter the code — don’t try to scan again.

Steps to activate eSIM on Samsung for mobile data usage in Vietnam

Step 2: Activate for Mobile Data

  1. Settings > Connections > SIM Card Manager
  2. Tap your eSIM line > toggle it ON > set it as Mobile Data
  3. Go back to Connections > Mobile Networks > enable Data Roaming

For Vietnamesim.com eSIMs: Switch to the eSIM phone number in Messages and send the activation SMS as instructed.

If You Have No Internet After Setup

  1. Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names
  2. Tap Add
  3. In the APN field, enter the APN from your provider (e.g., m-wap). Leave other fields blank.

How to Activate an eSIM on Google Pixel

These step applies to Pixel 3 and later. Keep your Android version updated for the smoothest experience.

Step 1: Install the eSIM Profile

  1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet
  2. Tap the + icon next to “Mobile Network” or “SIMs”
  3. Select Download a SIM > tap Next
  4. Scan the QR code

To rename your plan: Select the SIM after installation > tap the pencil icon (top right) to edit the label.

Steps to install eSIM on Google Pixel using QR code

Step 2: Activate for Mobile Data

  1. Settings > Network & Internet → SIMs
  2. Tap your eSIM > toggle it ON
  3. Enable Mobile Data and Roaming
Steps to activate eSIM to access data for eSIM on Google Pixel

For Vietnamesim.com eSIMs: Go to Messages, switch to the eSIM phone number, and send the activation SMS as instructed.

If You Have No Internet After Setup

  1. Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs
  2. Turn on your eSIM if it’s off, then scroll down > Access Point Names
  3. Tap Add > enter the APN from your provider in the APN field (e.g v-connect). Leave other fields blank.

Quick Reference: Install vs. Activate

StepWhenRequires WiFi?
Install eSIM profileAnytime before travel, but no more than 30 days after purchase (based on the QR code’s expiration policy veried by eSIM provider.)Yes
Activate data planOn arrival in VietnamNo (uses local network)

 ⚠️ A note for Vietnamesim.com customers: For most eSIM plans by us, follow the standard steps below. However, if you purchased a MobiFone Official eSIM or Local eSIM (MobiFone MVNO), you will need to complete a few extra steps before your connection works in Vietnam. We will sent you a separate quick guide in your email – it takes only 30 seconds to complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install my eSIM before I fly to Vietnam?

Yes — and you should. Installing at home means one less thing to sort out at the airport. Just don’t activate the data plan until you land.

Do I need WiFi to install my eSIM?

Yes, you need an internet connection to install your eSIM, being it WiFi or mobile data from your current SIM card. Once installed, you can activate the eSIM when you arrive in Vietnam. We recommend setting up your Vietnam eSIM one day before departure while your device gets connected to your home WiFi.

Can I keep my regular SIM and use the Vietnam eSIM at the same time?

Yes. Dual SIM (physical SIM + eSIM) works on most modern phones. You can keep your home number for calls/texts and route all data through the Vietnam eSIM.

My QR code won’t scan. What now?

Make sure there’s enough light and the QR code isn’t blurry or obscured. If it still fails, use the manual entry method (SM-DP+ Address + Activation Code). If the code has already been used once, contact your eSIM provider.

Do I need to disable 5G?

If you have a 5G-capable phone and your Vietnam eSIM is a data-only plan, you may need to manually switch to 4G/LTE. Go to your network settings and change the preferred network type if you experience connectivity issues.

Can I use my eSIM for tethering?

Yes, most eSIM plans support hotspot/tethering features. For Vietnamesim.com’s plan, all of them support tethering (except for the Unlimited plans covered by Wintel).

What if my eSIM doesn’t work?

If your eSIM does not work, take these steps: restart your device, ensure data roaming is turned on, check if your eSIM line is turned on or not, and verify that you are in an area with network signals. Also make sure that your plan is valid / hasn’t expired. If the issue persist, contact your eSIM provider’s customer support.

Can I delete and reinstall the eSIM?

Most eSIM profiles can only be installed once. Deleting the profile means you lose it permanently. Only delete if your provider has confirmed they can reissue the same eSIM or a replacement.

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].
After learning this guide, you can visit our eSIM store to buy Vietnam eSIM with instant QR code delivery.