eSIM not working Vietnam

Traveler in Vietnam checking phone with eSIM signal but no internet

Why Is My eSIM Not Working in Vietnam? (Quick Fix Guide)

If your eSIM isn’t working in Vietnam, don’t worry — this is a common situation travelers may experience after arrival.

You might notice:

  • Signal but no internet
  • Slow connection
  • No network

and ask: Why is my eSIM not working in Vietnam?

  • 👉 In most cases, the problem is caused by network selection, roaming settings, or device compatibility.

Most issues can be fixed within minutes.

Most common reason: wrong network selected

Vietnam has several mobile carriers:

  • Viettel
  • Vinaphone
  • Mobifone

Your phone may automatically connect to a weaker network.

Fix

  • 1. Go to Network Selection
  • 2. Turn off automatic mode
  • 3. Choose another carrier manually
  • 4. Test connection

Switching networks often resolves the issue immediately.

Roaming is turned off

Travel eSIM profiles require roaming enabled abroad.

  • Fix: Settings → Mobile Data → eSIM → Data Roaming → ON

Guide: 👉 https://novesim.com/do-you-need-roaming-for-esim/

eSIM installed but not activated yet

  • If you installed your eSIM before departure, activation may occur only after it detects a supported Vietnamese network.

This is normal behavior. Activation guide: 👉 https://novesim.com/does-esim-work-immediately-after-landing/

Wrong SIM selected for data

Your phone might still be using your physical SIM for mobile data.

  • Check: Settings → Mobile Data → Data Line → select eSIM

Switching guide: 👉 https://novesim.com/how-to-switch-between-esim-and-physical-sim-while-traveling/ 

Device compatibility issue

Some phones support eSIM but not all Vietnamese network bands.

Compatibility guide: 👉 https://novesim.com/which-phones-support-esim-in-2026/

More common with:

  • Older devices
  • Imported phones
  • Region-locked models

APN settings didn’t load

Rare but possible.

Symptoms:

  • Signal bars visible
  • Internet not working

Fix:

  • Restart device
  • Toggle airplane mode
  • Reinstall eSIM profile
  • Ask for APN settings

Data plan expired or used up

Your phone may still show signal even if your plan has finished.

Check alerts:

  • Activation notification
  • 50% usage
  • 80% usage
  • Data exhausted
  • Expiry reminder

Guide: 👉 https://novesim.com/what-happens-when-your-esim-data-runs-out/ 

Quick fix checklist

Try these steps:

  • Enable roaming
  • Restart phone
  • Toggle airplane mode
  • Switch network manually
  • Confirm eSIM is data line
  • Check remaining data

Most users resolve the issue quickly.

Vietnam-specific tip

In Vietnam:

  • Viettel usually provides the strongest nationwide coverage
  • Vinaphone works well in cities
  • Mobifone may be weaker in rural areas

If connection is unstable, manually switching networks often helps.

When to contact support

Contact support if:

  • No networks appear
  • Installation fails
  • Profile missing
  • activation error

These are rare cases and usually require reprovisioning.

Biggest misconception

  • Myth -> eSIM doesn’t work in Vietnam.
  • Reality -> eSIM works in Vietnam — most issues are settings or network selection related.

Real traveler scenario

  • Traveler lands in Hanoi.
  • Phone shows signal but no internet.
  • They switch network from Mobifone → Viettel.
  • Connection works instantly.

Final verdict

If your eSIM isn’t working in Vietnam, it’s usually caused by:

  • Wrong network selection
  • Roaming disabled
  • Incorrect data SIM
  • Compatibility issue

Most problems can be fixed quickly from settings.

Check compatible plans for Vietnam: 👉 https://novesim.com/destinations/

Frequently asked questions

Why is my eSIM not working in Vietnam?

Usually because of wrong network selection, roaming disabled, or compatibility issues.

Yes. Most travel eSIM plans support Vietnamese networks.

Viettel often provides the strongest nationwide coverage.

This usually means your device connected to a weak or unsupported network.

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