Pixel 9 / 9 Pro Vietnam eSIM: Install in 90 Seconds

Both the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro fully support eSIM. By scanning a QR code, you can install a Vietnam eSIM in under 90 seconds. No need to hunt for a local SIM card or visit a store in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi.

You can install the eSIM before departure or upon arrival. The initial activation requires an internet connection (Wi-Fi or another data SIM). Our Viettel and Vinaphone eSIMs activate instantly; once you scan the QR code, the plan is ready in roughly 60 seconds. Just wait for the carrier name to appear and you are online.

Make sure you have a Pixel 9 or Pixel 9 Pro. All global variants (US, EU, JP, etc.) come with eSIM built-in. You do not need a physical SIM slot for this guide. The phone should be carrier-unlocked – if it is locked to a specific provider, a foreign eSIM may not work.

You need the QR code that is emailed to you after purchase. Save it to your phone or print a screenshot. Decide which carrier suits your trip: Viettel has stronger rural coverage (publishes ~99% population coverage), while Vinaphone is slightly better in cities. Both work well on Pixel 9. The installation steps are identical regardless of which you choose.

Step 1: Open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add eSIM. Step 2: Choose ‘Scan QR code’ and point your camera at the QR code from your purchase email. Step 3: Name the eSIM (e.g. ‘Vietnam Data’) and tap Done. The phone will download and activate the profile automatically.

Step 4: Go back to the SIMs menu and switch mobile data to the new eSIM. If your phone prompts you to enable ‘Roaming’, do so – this is a local eSIM, so no roaming fees apply (the data stays within Vietnam). Step 5: Wait 30–60 seconds. You should see the carrier name (Viettel or Vinaphone) and a 4G or 5G icon. Total elapsed time: well under 90 seconds. No reboot needed.

Pixel 9 series supports dual SIM operation. You can keep your home eSIM active for calls and SMS while using the Vietnam eSIM strictly for data. In Settings > Network & internet > SIMs, set ‘Preferred SIM for mobile data’ to the Vietnam eSIM.

If you want to receive calls on your home number, keep that eSIM enabled. Be aware that your home carrier may charge international roaming for incoming calls or SMS. If you only need data, you can temporarily disable your home eSIM to save battery. This is a useful trick if you are traveling with a second phone or prefer all communications over VoIP.

No signal after scanning: Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs, tap the Vietnam eSIM, then ‘Network operators’ and manually select Viettel or Vinaphone (whichever matches your plan). Usually the phone picks the right network, but a manual selection can help in fringe areas.

eSIM profile not downloading: Ensure you have a stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or another data SIM). Retry scanning or restart the phone. If you get a ‘Cellular plan can’t be added’ error, confirm that your Pixel 9 is carrier-unlocked and running Android 14 or later (Pixel 9 ships with Android 14+). Data slow or not working: Check APN settings. Most eSIMs auto-configure, but if not, set the APN to ‘internet’ (common for both Viettel and Vinaphone). Finally, note that Pixel 9 models from mainland China are not sold officially by Google; if you have a Chinese variant (rare), eSIM may be disabled – verify with your seller.