Want to use a Vietnam eSIM for your trip to the country? Make sure that you have an unlocked eSIM-compatible device.

But which models they are, and how to make sure your device is unlocked and eSIM-supported?

>>No need to look around. We will show you all in this post, which covers:

1. List of eSIM-compatible devices

The list of compatible eSIM devices is getting longer and longer. It now includes 80 models of mobile phones, wearables, tablets, and laptops.

Let’s discover.

1.1 eSIM phones

We have the following phones with eSIM for Vietnam and many other countries in the world:

1.1.1 Apple eSIM phones

>>Important:

• *iPhones from Mainland China DO NOT support eSIM.
• *iPhones from Hong Kong and Macao (except for iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone SE 2020, and iPhone XS) DO NOT support eSIM.

1.1.2 Samsung eSIM phones*

• Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S22 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S20
• Samsung Galaxy S20+
• Samsung Galaxy Note 20+
• Samsung Galaxy Note 20
• Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy Fold
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2

>>Important:

• The following Samsung phones DO NOT support eSIM:
  • *Samsung S20/S21 FE Series;
  • Samsung Note 20 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 originated from Hong Kong
  • Samsung devices originating from the USA and Canada.
• For Samsung S21 series (with the exemption of FE models) for Canada and the USA, if you already have the One UI 4, this update may add the eSIM capability to your device.

1.1.3 Google Pixel eSIM phones

• Google Pixel 3 & 3 XL*
• Google Pixel 3a & 3a XL*
• Google Pixel 4, 4a & 4 XL
• Google Pixel 5*
• Google Pixel 6
• Google Pixel 6 Pro

>>Important: The following Pixel phones DO NOT support eSIM technology:

• Pixel 3 phones manufactured in Australia, Taiwan, and Japan;
• Pixel 3 phones purchased with the service from US or Canadian carriers other than Sprint and Google Fi;
• Pixel 3a phones purchased in South East Asia and with Verizon service. Pixel 3 from Australia, Taiwan, and Japan.

1.1.4 Other phones with eSIM

HAMMER

• HAMMER Explorer PRO
• HAMMER Blade 3
• HAMMER Blade 5G

Motorola

• Motorola Razr 2019
• Motorola Razr 5G

Huawei

• Huawei P40
• Huawei P40 Pro*
• Huawei Mate 40 Pro

>>Important:

• *Huawei P40 Pro+ DO NOT support eSIM.

Others

• Nuu Mobile X5
• Gemini PDA 4G+Wi-Fi
• OPPO Find X3 Pro*
• OPPO Find X5 Pro*
• OPPO Find X5*
• Sony Xperia 10 III Lite

>>Important:

• *Regions that do not support dual SIM cards on Oppo phones: Australia (Telstra and Optus), and Japan (KDDI).

1.2 eSIM smartwatches

Apple Watches

• Apple Watch S3, S4, S5
• Apple Watch Nike, Apple Watch Nike+
• Apple Watch Hermes
• Apple Watch Edition

Samsung Smartwatches

• Samsung Gear S2 Classic 3G,
• Samsung Gear S3 Frontier LTE,
• Samsung Galaxy Watch LTE

1.3 eSIM laptops

Currently, only Windows eSIM laptops are available, Apple is yet to release a MacBook with an eSIM.

Take a look at the list of laptops with eSIM capacity.

Acer eSIM Laptops

• Acer Swift 3
• Acer Swift 7
• Acer TravelMate P2
• Acer TravelMate Spin P4
• Acer TravelMate P6

ASUS eSIM Laptops

• ASUS Mini Transformer T103HAF
• ASUS NovaGo TP370QL
• ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 TP401NA

Dell eSIM Laptops

• Dell Latitude 7210 2-in-1
• Dell Latitude 9410
• Dell Latitude 7310
• Dell Latitude 7410
• Dell Latitude 9510
• Dell Latitude 5410
• Dell Latitude 5411
• Dell Latitude 5511

HP eSIM Laptops

• HP Elitebook G5
• HP Probook G5
• HP Zbook G5
• HP Spectre Folio 13

Lenovo eSIM Laptops

• ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga 2 in 1
• ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9
• ThinkPad X1 Fold
• ThinkPad X1 Nano
• ThinkPad X12 Detachable
• Lenovo Flex 5G
• Lenovo Yoga C630
• Lenovo Miix 630
• Lenovo Yoga 520
• Lenovo Yoga 720 (2-in-1 models)

1.4 eSIM tablets

We have the following tablets which support an eSIM for Vietnam, and many other countries:

• Microsoft Surface Pro (5th and 7th Gen onwards)
• Microsoft Surface Pro X (5th Gen onwards)

>>Is your device eSIM compatible and you are about to have a trip to Vietnam!

Still not sure if your device supports eSIM? Contact our support via email/live chat or contact your vendor/carrier directly.

2. How many eSIMs can be used on one eSIM-compatible device

The maximum number of eSIMs which can be installed on the device depends on your device model. This number ranges from 1 to 20. However, you are advised to have 3 at maximum in your device only, and only one eSIM can be active at one time.

3. How to check my phone supports esim and is carrier-unlocked

It’s not difficult to figure out whether your phone is carrier-unlocked and supports eSIM or not, as all are shown in your phone’s settings. While your phone’s unlock status is well indicated through the SIM restriction/Network section, your phone’s eSIM capacity is well displayed via your phone’s IME (International Mobile Equipment Identity).

In the section below, we will guide you to check the unlock status and eSIM-capacity of your iOS and Android phones.

3.1 How to check if my iOS device is eSIM compatible and carrier unlocked?

In order to determine whether your iOS device is carrier unlocked and eSIM compatible or not, you will need to:

• Check its unlock by
  • going to Settings> General> About.
  • scrolling down to view the “Carrier lock” section.
  • It should say “NO SIM restrictions”, which means that the device is unlocked.
• And then check its eSIM capacity by scrolling down to view the “AVAILABLE SIM” (iOS 15 and newer) or “DIGITAL SIM”(older iOS versions) section. It should contain an IMEI under AVAILABLE SIM or DIGITAL SIM, which means that the device is eSIM compatible.

If you have more than one SIM card on your device, you might need to temporarily disable or remove one of them before attempting to download the eSIM, depending on the capabilities of your device.

3.2 How to check if my Android phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked?

In order to confirm that your Android device is carrier unlocked and supports eSIM, you will need to check its unlock status first and then find the “eSIM IMEI” number. Please follow the steps below:

For Samsung devices

• Check its unlock status by:
  • Going to Settings > Connections (or Network & Internet, or other variations depending on brand and model)
  • Selecting Mobile network (or Cellular network, or other variation depending on brand and model)
  • Tapping Advanced (if needed) and selecting Choose Network (or Automatically select network, or another variant to open the list of carriers).
  • If several carriers appear, the chances are that your phone is unlocked and just needs the appropriate SIM card. For further confirmation, continue to the step below.
  • Removing the old SIM card from your phone and insert the newly activated one from the other carrier. Trying using mobile data to browse the internet but ensuring that Wi-Fi is disabled.
  • >> If you successfully browsed the internet, your phone is definitely unlocked.
• Now, check your phone’s eSIM-compatibility by:
  • Going to Settings
  • If in Settings you see a search bar, typing in “IMEI”, and the option “IMEI information” (or similar) should show up (otherwise, you will need to go to About phone> Status).
  • Tap “IMEI information”
  • If the “IMEI (eSIM)” is available, it should mean that your device supports eSIM.

Other Android devices

• Check the unlock status in the same way as you do with the Samsung phones
• Then, dial *#06# to check the eSIM capacity.
• In case your device is eSIM-compatible, you should be able to view your device’s eSIM unique identification number (EID)

4. FAQs

How to check if my phone is carrier unlocked?

To check your phone’s unlock status, you can do as guided above. Alternatively, you can power down your phone, place a new SIM card (for your new carrier) into the SIM tray on the side of the iPhone, then power the device back on, and make a call to see it’s carrier-unlocked or not.
If you’re unsure about your device being locked or unlocked, you can contact your cellular provider about the status of your mobile phone. If, for example, you are still paying off your phone through a mobile contract, it is likely that your phone is locked.

How do I know if my Samsung S20/21 is FE or not?

To check ì your Samsung S20/21 is FE or not, please go to Settings >> About phone, and then check your phone model name. If it’s FE version, you will see the letters “FE” there. For example, the photo below shows you: “Galaxy S21 FE 5G“.

What should I do if my phone is not compatible with eSIM? How can I connect to the internet on my travel to Vietnam?

If your phone does not support eSIM technology, you can buy a physical Vietnam SIM Card at Vietnam airport upon arrival or within the country when you are there.

How to activate eSIM in Vietnam

How to activate eSIM on iPhone, Samsung, and Google Pixel phones, etc. is easy. Everything starts with an eSIM QR Code, a compatible device, and a Wifi Connection, and then 2 – 3 minutes of setup. Let’s figure out with us now.

After placing an order for an eSIM, you will receive a QR Code, SM-DP+ Address & Activation Code. The thing you need to do now is to set up it on your device and activate it for usage.

Don’t know how to start? 👉 We are here to help.

In this post, we will guide you through steps to set up and activate a data eSIM (including the eSIM for Vietnam provided by Vietnamsimcard) on your device, including:

• What to prepare before start,
• How to set up and activate your eSIM
• FAQs

Good to know:

• Basically, an eSIM can be installed automatically by scanning the QR Code or manually. Although we guide you through both, the former is highly recommended.
• For a travel eSIM, you should install the eSIM on your device before departure and activate it upon landing in your destination.
• The setup will take you around 2 or 3 minutes only.
• If you are using a data eSIM for Vietnam, and you use a 5G smartphone, please disable 5G on the eSIM and switch to 4G / LTE.
• Turn off your Cellular Data Switch to avoid the roaming fee.

1. What to prepare before starting eSIM installation and activation?

 To get started with the eSIM installation on your device, please make sure that the following items are ready:

• An eSIM compatible and carrier-unlocked device.
• A stable Wi-Fi connection (not mobile data of another phone), and
• An eSIM QR code for scanning

Tips

• Print your QR code, or borrow someone’s device to keep your eSIM QR code if you have no second device (another phone, desktop, laptop, etc.) to keep it).
• Take note of your SM-DP + Address & Activation code somewhere on your device for easy manual setup by copying and pasting if you cannot print your QR code or have no second device to keep it, or just in case your scanning fails and you need to set up your eSIM manually.

 2. How to activate eSIM

Every data eSIM will go through 2 steps to be ready in your device and data usage.

In this section, we will guide you through:

• How to activate eSIM on iPhone
• How to activate eSIM on Samsung phone, and
• How to activate eSIM on Google phone.

The wording may be slightly different depending on your device. So, in case you have difficulty installing your eSIM, please contact your eSIM provider.

2.1 How to activate eSIM on iPhone

 If you are using iPhone, check the eSIM iPhone list to make sure you can use the eSIM on it, and follow the instructions below for its use.

2.1.1. Installation

1. Turn on Wifi-Connection of your iPhone
2. One your device, go to Settings. If it isn’t available on your Home screen, swipe left to access the App Library, and search for it on the search bar.

3. Tap Cellular or Mobile (depending on your phone)
4. Tap Add Cellular Plan or Add Mobile Data Plan (depending on your phone)

5. Scan your printed QR code or the QR code you keep on another device. In case you cannot scan the QR code, you can select Enter Details Manually at bottom of your iPhone screen, and enter the following information:
   • SM-DP+ Address which looks like RAP-0126.OBARTHOR.NET
   • Activation Code which looks like FA9F0-MWFO-M4HOC-BUBGX
   • Confirmation Code(optional)
6. Tab Add Cellular Plan or Add Mobile Data Plan to confirm the installation.

7. On the Cellular or Mobile data plan labels screen, choose the available label (such as Secondary, Business, Travel, etc.) or customize label for your eSIM (such as Vietnam eSIM), and then tap Continue
8. On the Default line page, select your Primary number if your data eSIM does not come with a phone number for calling or you do not intend to use this number to make calls or send SMS to people who are not in your contacts.

9.  

   2.1.2 Steps to install your eSIM manually on iPhone

   Check your email	Scan the QR code	Take installation steps on your iPhone
   Check the email we sent you with both the “SM-DP + address” code and the “Activation Code”. If you have not received your code, contact us.	Next, go to “Mobile Data ”, click on “Add eSIM” or “Add Data Plan” and select “Use QR Code”	Scan the QR code to start the installation process. Use our guide below for step-by-step configuration.

   Steps to install your eSIM manually

   • Step 1: On your iOS device, go to Settings > Cellular.
   • Step 2: Select Add Data/Cellular Plan.
   • Step 3: If you cannot scan the QR code sent by your eSIM provider due to a certain reason, you can still activate your eSIM manually by selecting Enter Details Manually.
   • Step 4: Enter the required information including
     • SM-DP+ Address
     • Activation Code
     • Confirmation Code (if required)
     • Then, select Next.
   • Step 5: On the screen named Cellular/Mobile Data Plan Labels, select the available label (like Secondary, Business, Travel,… ) or Label your eSIM profile as you want (i.e. Vietnam eSIM), and tap Continue.
   • Step 6: Set your eSIM profile as the Default Line (if your data eSIM comes with a phone number) or select your Primary number if your data eSIM does not come with a phone number), then choose Continue.
   • Step 7: Set your eSIM profile as the default Cellular Data > select Done. Switch off the Allow Cellular Data Switching to avoid roaming charges.
   • Step 8: Turn on Data Roaming to start using your eSIM.

    

   2.2 How to Install eSIM on Samsung

   Steps to take:

   1. Install your eSIM the day before you leave for travel and activate it during your flight or when you arrive at your destination.
   2. Select the type of device on which you are going to install an eSIM on (iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel)
   3. Follow the QR code installation if you have the code on another device to scan
   4. Follow the Manual Installation if you are unable to scan the QR code.

   There are 02 ways of installing an eSIM on Samsung: Installation with QR code and Manual Installation. See each one step-by-step below:

   Need to know before installation and activation:

   • Ensure your device is eSIM-compatible and carrier-unlocked. Check out if your phone works with eSIM or not.
   • You must have the QR Code on another screen or device or printed paper to scan it with your phone camera.
   • Ensure that your internet connection remains stable throughout the entire process
   • The QR code or manual installation can only be done once.
   • DO NOT remove the eSIM from your device because it cannot be used again.

    

   2.2.1 Installation eSIM on Samsung (Android)

   1. GO to Settings.
   2. TAP Connections.
   3. TAP SIM Manager.
   4. TAP Add eSIM.
   5. TAP Scan QR code from service
   6. TAP Scan QR code from service provider.

   

   

   

    2.2.2 Steps to install eSIM manually on Samsung

   1. GO to Settings.
   2. TAP Connections.
   3. TAP SIM Manager.
   4. TAP Add eSIM.

   

   5. TAP Scan QR code from service provider.
   6. TAP Enter activation code.
   7. ENTER the activation code found in the eSIM details in the Airalo app.
   8. TAP Connect.

   

   9. TAP Add.
   10. Once the eSIM is installed, you will be brought to the Settings page.
   11. SCROLL down and TAP Mobile data.
   12. SELECT the eSIM you installed.

   

   2.3 How to Install eSIM on Google Pixel?

   Once you have purchased your virtual SIM card with a local or international provider you can start with the configuration. We recommend you to do it through a QR code, which when scanned will automatically perform the configuration of your eSIM in the phone.

   1. Choose the “QR Code” tab at the top
   2. Go to Settings on your device
   3. Tap on Network & Internet
   4. Tap the Add or + icon next to Mobile Network
   5. Tap Next when asked, “Don’t have a SIM card?”
   6. Scan your QR code and add the confirmation code if prompted
   7. Go back to your “Install eSIM/Access Data” screen.
   8. Turn on eSIM under Mobile Network
   9. Enable Mobile Data
   10. Enable Data Roaming (Please turn off your primary line to avoid roaming charges from your carrier provider when overseas)
   11. Go to Network & Internet and tap on the Mobile network to set the correct network preferences listed in the Additional Info which is at the bottom-right of the selected data package page.
   12. Set up an APN(access point name) on your device if required.

    

   How to install esim manually on Google Pixel

   1. In Settings, TAP Network & Internet.
   2. TAP the + icon next to SIMs.
   3. TAP Download a SIM Instead?
   4. TAP Next, and TAP Need help?
   5. TAP Enter it manually and ENTER or PASTE the code found in the eSIM details in the Airalo app.
   6. TAP Continue to install the eSIM.

   

   7. Once the eSIM is installed, TAP Settings.

   8. Turn ON the toggle button to ensure the eSIM is Active.
   9. Turn ON the toggle buttons for Mobile Data and Roaming.

   

   Your eSIM profile should now be installed on your Google Pixel device.