Vietnam eSIM for Xiaomi: Install & Dual-SIM Guide

Xiaomi introduced eSIM support globally with the Mi 11 series in 2021. Since then, the Mi 12, Mi 13, Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Redmi Note 13 Pro+, and Xiaomi 14 series all include eSIM functionality. POCO F4 GT and POCO X5 Pro 5G (global versions) also support eSIM. However, POCO M series and budget Redmi models (like the Redmi Note 12 base or Redmi 13C) generally do not support eSIM.

An important note: only 'global' or 'international' Xiaomi models come with eSIM enabled. Chinese variants, even if you flash a global ROM, usually have the eSIM chip physically present but disabled in firmware due to local regulations. To check, look at your model number — if it ends with 'G' (e.g., 2107113SG), it's global; 'C' indicates China. All our eSIMs (Viettel, Vinaphone, Mobifone) are carrier-unlocked and work on any compatible Xiaomi phone; there is no carrier lock to worry about.

Installing an eSIM on a Xiaomi is straightforward if your phone is compatible. Go to Settings > SIM cards & mobile networks > Add SIM. You'll see an option to 'Download SIM' or 'Scan QR code'. If your plan came as a QR code, simply open the camera app and point it at the code — MIUI automatically detects the eSIM and guides you through setup.

If the 'Add SIM' option doesn't appear, check your phone's eSIM status by going to Settings > About phone > SIM status. If it shows 'eSIM ready', the feature is available. After scanning the QR, give the eSIM a name like 'Vietnam Viettel', then tap OK. Activation typically takes 1–5 minutes. We recommend installing the eSIM before you leave, but only enable it once you land in Vietnam to avoid triggering the plan early.

Xiaomi phones that support eSIM also support dual-SIM operation with one physical nano-SIM and one eSIM. Both can be active simultaneously, so you can keep your home SIM in slot 1 for SMS and calls, and use the eSIM for Vietnam data. This is the most practical setup for travelers.

To configure it, go to Settings > SIM cards & mobile networks > Data, and select the eSIM (Vietnam plan) as the default data SIM. You'll still receive calls on your home SIM if your carrier supports international roaming (check their rates first). This dual-SIM mode works reliably on MIUI 13 and later. If you're on an older MIUI version, update your phone before travel — earlier builds had eSIM bugs that caused connectivity drops.

For short trips (up to a week), our Viettel 7-day plan at $10 (5GB/day) is a solid choice. If you need a few more days, Vinaphone 10-day ($12) and Mobifone 7-day ($8) are also good options. Xiaomi users often stream video, use maps, and browse heavily — the 5GB/day from Viettel or Vinaphone is usually enough for most activities. After the daily cap, data drops to unlimited 128kbps, which still works for WhatsApp, maps, and messaging.

For two-week vacations, we recommend the 15-day plans: Viettel 15-day at $11, Vinaphone 15-day at $13, or Mobifone 15-day at $10. All plans are pre-paid and come with a Vietnamese local number. You can compare them on the product pages to see which duration and carrier fits your itinerary best.

If the eSIM option is missing entirely, first confirm you have a global/international variant. Check the model number — it should end with 'G'. If it ends with 'C', eSIM is likely disabled at the firmware level and cannot be activated. For QR code scanning failures, you can manually enter the activation code: go to Settings > SIM cards > Add SIM > Enter details.

If you have no data after activation, the APN may need to be set. Go to Settings > SIM cards > Access Point Names and add an APN. For Viettel use 'v-internet', for Vinaphone use 'm-world', and for Mobifone use 'mobifone' (the APN is usually set automatically on Mobifone plans). Another common issue: when using both SIMs, the eSIM may disconnect. Try setting the preferred network to LTE/4G only — 5G handoff problems have been reported on some Xiaomi models. If all else fails, restart the phone and double-check that the eSIM is toggled on in SIM cards & mobile networks.

Before your trip, make sure MIUI is updated to the latest version. This ensures the best eSIM stability and fixes known bugs. If you're using a Chinese-variant Xiaomi with a global ROM, be aware that the eSIM may be disabled at the hardware level — we suggest testing with a free eSIM trial before purchasing a plan.

Avoid using Xiaomi's 'Second Space' feature while the eSIM is active, as it can cause profile confusion and connection issues. When running dual-SIM, name each SIM clearly (e.g., 'Home' and 'Vietnam Data') so you don't accidentally use your home SIM for roaming data. Finally, note that eSIM on some Xiaomi phones can consume slightly more battery. Lower screen brightness and close unnecessary background apps when you don't need them.