Where to Change eSIM? Online Replacement at Home & at the Counter

In the digital era, traditional physical SIMs are gradually giving way to modern eSIM technology, which is compact and deeply integrated into the device. However, for first-time users, the question “Where to change eSIM?” is always the biggest concern. This article SimPM will provide the most comprehensive guide to eSIM replacement locations and methods, helping you save time and avoid unnecessary hassles.

Why users should switch to eSIM

Before exploring in detail where to change eSIM quickly and conveniently, you need to understand the real value this technology brings. It is not simply about removing a plastic card; switching to eSIM (Embedded SIM) is an important hardware upgrade that helps optimize the smartphone’s operating capabilities. ESIM is deeply integrated into the motherboard, making it impossible for thieves to physically remove it and cut off network connectivity like a physical SIM when the phone is lost. This helps the device keep its location active longer, significantly increasing the chances of recovering the phone and protecting important personal data.

In addition to safety, switching to eSIM also helps optimize multi-directional connectivity, especially useful for users who travel frequently. When the primary SIM (used for calls, receiving bank OTPs) has been digitized inside the device, the physical SIM slot (or the second eSIM profile) is fully freed up. This is the ideal condition for you to easily activate additional data plans or use SimPM’s international travel eSIM whenever going abroad, without fiddly removal and installation, completely eliminating the worry of losing or damaging the primary SIM.

Where to change eSIM? Two main methods you need to know

Currently, users in Vietnam have two main channels to switch from a regular SIM to eSIM (or reissue an eSIM QR Code):

Online change (At home): Done through the mobile carrier’s management app on a smartphone. This is the fastest way, suitable for tech-savvy users with a stable internet connection.
Offline change (At the counter): Visit the carrier’s transaction points or authorized retail systems in person. This method is suitable when you encounter issues (lost phone, damaged SIM) or need direct technical support.

If you are looking for a travel eSIM to travel internationally (Thailand, Japan, Korea, Europe…) without cumbersome paperwork, you can refer to buy eSIM at SimPM to receive a high-speed data QR code within just a few minutes.

See more: 1 How many devices can an eSIM be used on? Experience buying travel eSIMs

How to change eSIM online at home (the most convenient solution)

The eSIM replacement process is not complicated but requires scientific logic: verify the registered owner first, activate later to avoid service interruption.

Start by checking your device (Settings > Cellular > Add data plan on iOS or Settings > Connections > SIM manager on Android) to ensure eSIM support – this step eliminates 30% of common errors.

With Viettel network (Through the My Viettel app)

Where should you change eSIM? Viettel is currently the carrier with the most stable online eSIM conversion support. You just need to open the My Viettel app, go to the “Utilities” section, and select “Switch to eSIM”.

A special feature in Viettel’s process is the use of eKYC (electronic identity verification).

You will need to take a photo of your Citizen Identity Card (CCCD) and perform facial verification directly in the app to prove you are the registered owner.
After the conversion fee is paid successfully, the system will send the QR code to your email or display it directly so you can scan and activate it immediately.

Where to change eSIM? With Viettel network (Through the My Viettel app)

With MobiFone network (Through the My MobiFone app)

Similar to Viettel, MobiFone allows users to complete the process in the My MobiFone app. The process is usually found under “Services” or “Change SIM”. After filling in all the information and confirming, the QR code will be sent to the device.

Note: Make sure your phone stays connected to stable WiFi throughout this process, because as soon as you tap “Confirm change”, the physical SIM in the device will be deactivated, and you need internet access to download the new eSIM profile to the device.

With VinaPhone network (Important note)

With Vinaphone SIM, where should users change eSIM?

VinaPhone offers eSIM replacement via the web at esim.vinaphone.com.vn or the My VNPT app. However, according to real-world feedback from many users, VinaPhone’s online conversion portal sometimes requires strict verification conditions or system maintenance. If you are unsuccessful on the app, the system will guide you to the nearest transaction point.

How 2: Change eSIM directly at the store (Safe solution)

Since 2026, digital transformation has helped 70% of customers change eSIM via the app. However, this method is only suitable for a properly registered SIM that is working normally; if the SIM is damaged or the information does not match, the system will reject it and you will have to go to the store. You can search Google Maps with keywords such as “Nearest Viettel store”, “VinaPhone transaction point”… There, staff will support you from A to Z, including scanning the QR code and checking the signal before you leave.

At Viettel, bring your original Citizen ID card and physical SIM to the store; staff will verify the subscriber information in2-3minutes, in the eSIM QR code (fee25.000-35.000d). Scan the code on the spot using your phone’s camera, confirm activation, and the whole process takes less than10minutes. If you prefer to do it online, the My Viettel app allows eKYC (face photo + documents), with the QR sent by email, but a store is recommended if the SIM is locked1afternoon.

Where to change eSIM? Change eSIM directly at the store (Safe solution)

MobiFone similarly: At the counter, request “switch to eSIM”, fee25.000VND (free for the first time), receive the QR code for immediate scanning. They prioritise supporting customers familiar with the My MobiFone app, but the store is still safer in cases where the SIM is registered under a family member’s name.

Vinaphone currently does not fully support the app, so visiting a VNPT service point is mandatory: fill out the request form, make payment25.000d, receive the QR code via email or print it out. It takes a little longer (10 – 15minutes) due to manual verification, but it ensures stability for large data packages. After activation, remove the old physical SIM to avoid profile conflicts.

See more: Is eSIM good? Benefits, comparisons, and choosing experience

Important notes when changing eSIM

No matter where you choose to change eSIM, make sure you understand the information below to avoid losing money or data unnecessarily:

Legal documents: You must bring the original CCCD/ID card, and the registration information must match the subscriber information (registered SIM). If the SIM is not under your name, you must go to the counter to transfer ownership before changing to eSIM.
Conversion fee: The standard fee set by carriers ranges from25.000to35.000d for each QR code issuance.
Back up contacts: This is a basic mistake many people make. Contacts saved on the physical SIM will NOT automatically transfer to eSIM. Before changing, copy your contacts from the SIM to the phone memory or sync them to Gmail/iCloud.
The rule “Each QR code can only be used 1 time(s)”: The issued eSIM QR code is only valid for 1 device at 1 time. If you change to a new phone or accidentally delete the eSIM, you will need to go through the procedure to reissue a new code (charged as a new conversion).

Why use eSIM at SimPM?

When your primary SIM has been converted to eSIM, your physical SIM slot will be freed up (for iPhone VN/A models with only 1 physical SIM tray + eSIM). This creates an excellent opportunity to use a travel SIM when going abroad without cumbersome swapping.

After you successfully switch your primary SIM to eSIM, your phone is ready to become a “global connectivity hub”.

If you have upcoming travel or business plans abroad, instead of paying for expensive international roaming or struggling to buy a SIM at the airport, you can use SimPM’s international travel eSIM. Contact the hotline now 0919.999.336 for the best support.

At SimPM, we provide travel eSIM solutions for more than 200 countries. You only need to:

Visit the Website and select your destination country.
Receive the QR code instantly by email.
Scan the code to add it to your device (alongside your primary eSIM).

SimPM provides a travel eSIM catalog covering more than 200 countries (Thailand eSIM, Japan, Korea eSIM, Europe, the US…) with high-speed connectivity and prices up to 40% cheaper than roaming. No need to remove your primary SIM, no cumbersome procedures, you only need to order online at SimPM and receive the activation QR code via email within 1 minutes. Visit SimPM to experience the convenience of this technology on every trip you take!