What is eSIM? Can Vietnam use it? How to switch to eSIM

Currently, eSIM is one of the technology applications that brings a lot of convenience to users. What is eSIM? Can Vietnam use it? How to switch to eSIM? Follow the article to learn more about eSIM.

1. What is eSIM?

- Define

eSIM is an electronic SIM that replaces conventional plastic SIMs today. eSIM has functions that can replace a regular SIM but with a smaller size (about 6mm tall, 5mm long, 0.67mm thick).

These SIMs are soldered directly to the circuit board of the device during production. eSIM will be suitable for use in small electronic devices, there is not enough space to accommodate a physical SIM card like Smartwatch .

- Benefits of using eSIM

+ Small size, integrated in the device.

+ Avoid dropping or damaged SIM when changing SIM cards.

+ Reduce dust and impurities creeping through the SIM slot to access the phone 's hardware .

Easily switch carriers and packages through the software.

+ Use 2 SIMs on phones with only 1 physical SIM slot like the iPhone series .

2. Products in Vietnam can use eSIM

Currently, there are many lines of phones and electronic devices that can use eSIM.

- iPhone phones that support eSIM : iPhone XS , iPhone XS Max , iPhone XR , iPhone 11 , iPhone 11 Pro , iPhone 11 Pro Max (iOS version 12.1 beta or higher).

- Android phones that support eSIM : Nuu Mobile X5, Google Pixel 2XL, Google Pixel 2, Google Pixel 3, Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6, Samsung Galaxy S20 , Samsung Galaxy S20 + (Plus), Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra , Samsung Galaxy Z Flip , Moto G6, Moto X4, LG G7 ThinQ, LG v35 ThinQ, Mi Max 3 (Chinese version), Mi Note 3 (Chinese version).

- The Smart Watch supports eSIM : Apple Watch series 3 LTE , Apple Watch series 4, Apple Watch series 5 , Samsung Gear S2, Samsung Gear S3, Samsung Galaxy Watch LTE, Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2.

- Tablets that support eSIM : Apple iPad Pro.

In Vietnam, eSIM can be used. Viettel, Vinaphone and MobiFone have provided eSIM and supported users to convert from physical SIM to eSIM.

If you want to switch from SIM to eSIM, please go to the stores of these carriers right away for support to switch.

3. Notes on switching from SIM to eSIM of carriers in Vietnam

- Viettel operator

Documents to prepare when converting SIM to eSIM:

- Identity card (original).

- The normal Viettel SIM that you want to switch to eSIM.

The fee for transferring regular sim to Viettel's eSIM is 25,000 / SIM (The price is recorded on 20/2/2020 at Viettel website).

ESIM conversion support locations: All Viettel stores or transaction centers nationwide.

Note :

- You should install at the trading center to get support from tellers to avoid technical problems.

- Viettel supports transferring all Viettel prepaid, postpaid or Dcom SIM subscribers to eSIM.

- Vinaphone operator

You can switch eSIM Vianaphone at home or at a Vinaphone transaction counter. Documents to prepare when converting SIM to eSIM:

- Identity card (original).

- Regular Vinaphone sim that you want to switch to eSIM.

Places for eSIM conversion support: All Vinaphone stores or transaction centers nationwide.

Note :

The staff at the transaction counter will receive the conversion request from the current SIM via eSIM when confirming that the personal information matches the subscriber information.

- MobiFone operator

Documents to prepare when converting SIM to eSIM:

- Identity card (original).

- The normal MobiFone SIM that you want to switch to eSIM.

Fee for transferring regular sim to eSIM of MobiFone is 25,000 / SIM (The price is recorded on September 27, 2020 at MobiFone website).

Places for eSIM conversion support: All MobiFone transaction stores nationwide.

Note:

- When changing SIM is still your old phone number but will be on a new SIM frame. You need to back up your SIM contacts so you don't lose saved contacts.

- Need the owner to change SIM to eSIM MobiFone. If working instead, a power of attorney is required.

- Transaction time will depend on the store from 20-30 minutes.

4. How to switch from normal SIM to eSIM

- How to convert normal SIM to eSIM on mobile phone

• Method 1: Switch to the phone's Settings

Note when converting SIM to eSIM :

- Phone must have physical SIM installed to switch to eSIM into SIM slot.

- The phone is updated to the latest software version.

- The phone requires a WiFi connection.

Step 1 : Go to Settings > Go to Mobile .

Step 2 : Select Add mobile package > Scan QR code received from the store.

Step 3 : Select Add Mobile Plan > Select a label for your mobile plan> Click Continue .

Step 4 : Power off the phone for about 15 seconds> Turn it on again for eSIM to work as shown (2).

• Method 2: Convert USSD

Step 1 : Dial * 091 # > Answer " 7 "> Select Answer .

Step 2 : Press " 1 "> Click Reply > Receive the message as shown in figure 3.

Step 3 : Turn on airplane mode for about 15 seconds so that the SIM has time to switch> Turn off airplane mode, the phone will appear like (2).

Step 4 : After completing, you will receive a message from the operator as shown.

- How to connect eSIM on smartwatch

Step 1 : Bring your phone and watch together or go to the Watch app in your phone> Select Start Pairing .

Step 2 : Put the Watch in the phone's photo frame.

Step 3 : Select Install All > After successful pairing, the screen will appear as shown (2).

Step 4 : Select Cellular > Select Set Up Cellular .

Step 5 : Enter Identification Card, Passport Card or Citizen Card> Select Login / login > Select Agree / Accept .

Step 6 : Select Agree / Accept > Select Close / Close .

Once successful, your Watch screen will appear in green under the Mobile icon.

See also :

>>> What is eSIM on smartwatch? What is the benefit?

>>> Distinguish the types of SIM commonly used on phones, smartwatches

>>> Instructions on how to register to buy eSIM Vinaphone

Hopefully, after following the article, you will have more knowledge about this new technology platform and successfully convert SIM to eSIM. Thank you for viewing the article. See you in the next articles.