Tens of millions of SIM users in Vietnam face number recall over unverified ownership

A significant number of SIM card users in Vietnam, estimated in the tens of millions, have yet to verify their ownership, putting their phone numbers at risk of being permanently revoked. This delay is already causing direct problems for individuals, with many experiencing one-way call blocking, impacting their access to essential services like banking and online transactions.

Mobile network operators have started implementing stricter measures since early May 2026, beginning with blocking outgoing calls and SMS for subscribers who have not completed identity verification. If the situation persists, carriers will proceed to a full two-way service suspension. The ultimate consequence for non-compliance will be the permanent recall of the phone number back into the operator's pool.

In today's digital age, a phone SIM card is intrinsically linked to most critical accounts, including banking, e-wallets, social media, and public services. Proper owner identification acts as a robust security measure, safeguarding digital assets and preventing malicious actors from exploiting vulnerabilities to hijack SIM cards and steal personal information.

Major mobile carriers are actively assisting customers with SIM verification through their dedicated applications, such as My Viettel, My VNPT, and My MobiFone. This allows subscribers to complete the process from home, avoiding the need to visit physical service centers. The apps guide users through capturing images of their ID cards, taking selfies for biometric comparison, and completing electronic contracts and OTP verification.

Furthermore, users can leverage Vietnam's national e-identification app, VNeID, for verification. By logging into VNeID and accessing the phone number information linked to their personal identification, users can confirm the correct SIMs and complete the cross-referencing and integration process. For elderly individuals, those living alone, or people with mobility issues, carriers offer in-home verification assistance upon request.