Viettel requires biometric verification when transferring a SIM to a new device within two hours starting June 15, 2026

Viettel Telecom said it will strengthen protection for mobile subscribers against SIM swapping, impersonation, and fraud involving misuse of phone numbers. Starting from June 15, 2026, any subscriber who removes a SIM and inserts it into another device must complete biometric facial verification within a maximum of two hours.

Verification requirements and methods

Viettel said biometric facial verification is mandatory to confirm the rightful account holder. Subscribers can complete verification using one of two methods:

• Direct face image verification by matching the face with data in the National Population Database or Identity Database, or the National Immigration Database, or with data encoded on an identity card that has been verified as issued by the police.
• Direct face image verification that matches biometric data stored legally in the carrier’s subscriber information database.

What happens if verification is not completed

Viettel stated that if subscribers do not complete verification after changing devices, the company will apply measures defined by law:

• After 2 hours from inserting the SIM into a new device: the subscriber will be suspended in one direction (unable to make calls or send SMS).
• After 30 days from the one-way suspension: the subscriber will be suspended in two directions.
• After 5 days from the two-way suspension: Viettel will terminate the contract and reclaim the number.

Subscriber guidance

Viettel recommended that customers using Viettel service download and install the My Viettel app. The company said face verification via My Viettel is fast, highly secure, and free of charge.