What to do if your SIM card is blocked after April 15th?

Circular 08/2026, issued on March 31st, is tightening the standardization of subscriber information. In cases where information is inaccurate or violates authentication regulations, the user's phone number will be processed through a three-step process: one-way blocking, two-way blocking, and finally, number revocation.

At each stage, the complexity of the process increases, and the solutions also differ. Understanding the status of your SIM card information will help users quickly take corrective action, avoiding communication disruptions or losing a phone number linked to many important accounts.

Starting April 15th, subscribers whose SIM cards may be revoked will receive notifications from their network providers via SMS. Typically, subscribers have 30-60 days to complete the data synchronization and update their information.

Verification process for SIM cards that have been blocked after April 15th. Photo: Xuan Sang.

If this period is exceeded, the network provider will send the mildest warning by blocking the SIM card for outgoing calls. The subscriber will not be able to make outgoing calls or send messages, but can still receive incoming calls and receive OTP codes normally.

Upon discovering this issue, users can resolve it themselves at home through the network provider's customer service app (My Viettel, My VNPT, My Mobifone ) or by accessing the VNeID app. The system requires information verification and facial biometric scanning. Those unfamiliar with online procedures can bring their identification documents to a telecommunications company's store to receive assistance from staff in updating their information.

If the warnings in the first stage are ignored, the subscriber will enter a two-way blocked state. At this point, the phone will be cut off from all communication, unable to connect to the mobile network or receive OTP codes.

At this level, users face difficulties in handling online issues when all SIM card functions are completely stopped. In such cases, customers are required to bring their chip-embedded Citizen Identity Card (or passport) to a network provider's service point. At the counter, staff will verify their identity, cross-check data, and only then will the service be reactivated.

Users have approximately 5 days from the time their SIM card is blocked to recover it; otherwise, they will lose their number permanently.

Additionally, authentication when removing the SIM card and inserting it into another phone is mandatory. If facial recognition verification is not performed within 2 hours of the procedure, the SIM card will be locked.

Customers who own multiple mobile numbers will have to enter the OTP code sent to the first number verified. Foreign customers who have been issued electronic identification in Vietnam can complete the verification process online via VNeID. Otherwise, they can use their passports for direct verification at mobile network stores.

To avoid being caught off guard, customers need to proactively check if their SIM card information has been standardized. People can look up their personal phone number via VNeID or send a text message with the syntax “TTTB Citizen ID/Identity Card” to the hotline 1414.