iPhone 16 eSIM Not Activating in Vietnam – Complete Fix Guide 2025

Many travelers upgrading to the new iPhone 16 have reported issues with eSIM not activating in Vietnam. While Apple’s latest device supports multiple eSIMs, setup can fail due to local carrier settings, region restrictions, or user mistakes. This guide provides a practical, step-by-step approach to fix activation problems, using real experiences from travelers in Vietnam during 2024–2025.

👉 This article is part of our Device eSIM Setup Vietnam 2025 , covering iPhone, Samsung, Pixel, and other brands.

⚠️ Common Symptoms of iPhone 16 eSIM Not Activating

• No “Add eSIM” option in Settings → Mobile Data.
• Activation stuck at “Activating…” for more than 5 minutes.
• Message: Unable to Activate – This eSIM is not supported.
• Network shows “No Service” even after scanning QR code.

🔑 Why eSIM Fails to Activate on iPhone 16 in Vietnam

Based on reports from users and Apple support data, these are the top causes:

1. Carrier lock: If your iPhone 16 was purchased under a contract, it may reject Vietnam eSIMs.
2. Region mismatch: Some QR codes are region-specific; if you purchased from a reseller abroad, it may not match Vietnam carriers.
3. Outdated iOS: iPhone 16 requires iOS 18.1 or later for stable eSIM handling in Asia-Pacific.
4. Incorrect APN: Mobile data won’t start until the APN matches the carrier’s settings.

🛠️ Step-by-Step Fix for iPhone 16 eSIM Not Activating

1. Check device lock: Go to Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock. If it shows “No SIM restrictions”, you’re good. If not, contact your home carrier.
2. Update iOS: Go to Settings → General → Software Update and install the latest version.
3. Delete failed eSIM: If an attempt failed, remove it via Settings → Mobile Data → eSIM → Remove.
4. Re-scan QR code: Go to Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM → Use QR Code. Make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection.
5. Manually input details if prompted: Some carriers require manual entry of SM-DP+ address and activation code provided in your order email.
6. Set correct APN:
   • Viettel: v-internet
   • MobiFone: m-wap
   • Vinaphone: m3-world
7. Restart your device: Many activations complete only after a reboot.

💡 Case Studies from Travelers in 2024–2025

Case 1 – Linda from Taiwan: She bought a Viettel eSIM for her 2-week trip. Her iPhone 16 Pro Max showed “Unable to Activate.” After updating iOS to 18.1.2 and manually setting APN to v-internet, the eSIM worked within minutes.

Case 2 – Thomas from Germany: He used a MobiFone eSIM 30-day plan with a local VN number. Activation failed initially because his iPhone was locked to Vodafone DE. Once unlocked by his carrier, the eSIM activated immediately at Noi Bai Airport.

Case 3 – Priya from India: While using a Vinaphone plan, activation froze. She deleted the failed profile, rescanned the QR code, and restarted her iPhone 16. The line activated in under 2 minutes.

📊 Vietnam eSIM Plans Tested on iPhone 16

For official Apple documentation, check: Apple’s eSIM Activation Guide.

📋 Preventing Activation Issues

• Buy your eSIM before departure, but only activate upon arrival in Vietnam.
• Keep a copy of your QR code email offline in case of no Wi-Fi.
• Have a backup hotspot or physical SIM if you rely on mobile internet for work.
• Check coverage: Viettel offers the strongest signal in rural/mountain areas, while MobiFone and Vinaphone dominate urban and coastal regions.

✅ Quick Checklist

1. Is your iPhone 16 unlocked?
2. Have you updated to the latest iOS?
3. Did you remove failed eSIM profiles before retrying?
4. Did you set the correct APN for your carrier?
5. Have you restarted the phone after scanning QR?

If your iPhone 16 eSIM is not activating in Vietnam, don’t panic. Follow the steps above or request a quick re-issue from your provider. Buying from a trusted eSIM vendor ensures you’ll always have backup QR codes and real-time support.

👉 Browse Vietnam eSIM plans:
Viettel eSIM (best for mountains) or MobiFone eSIM 30 Days (with VN number for city use). Stay connected and avoid costly roaming.

Contact: WhatsApp: +84 98 307 49 15 | LINE ID: anyaxiaoying | Email: info@govnsim.com