I. Legal basis

• Circular No. 08/2026/TT-BKHCN

II. From 15 June 2026, users who transfer a SIM card to a different mobile device must complete biometric authentication; otherwise, the SIM service may be suspended.

Pursuant to Article 8 of Circular No. 08/2026/TT-BKHCN, immediately upon a user transferring a SIM card for use in a mobile device other than the device previously registered, the telecommunications service provider’s system shall initiate a monitoring process.

Within the first 2 hours, telecommunications service providers are required to review and detect such changes and must immediately suspend outgoing services, including blocking outgoing calls and the sending of SMS messages to other subscriber numbers. At the same time, the telecommunications service provider must send a notification requiring the subscriber to re-complete facial biometric authentication.

Within the subsequent 30-day period, the user is required to complete the update of their facial biometric data on the system. If, upon the expiry of this period, the subscriber continues to use a SIM card subject to one-way service suspension and fails to complete the required identity verification, the telecommunications service provider shall proceed to impose a two-way service suspension (blocking both outgoing and incoming calls). At that stage, the service provider shall issue a notice warning of the termination of telecommunications services.

After 05 days from the date on which the two-way service suspension is imposed, if the subscriber continues to take no action and fails to complete the required re-authentication in accordance with the regulations, the telecommunications service provider shall be required to terminate the service contract and permanently discontinue the provision of telecommunications services.

The requirement for biometric authentication when a SIM card is transferred to a different device is regarded as a technical measure aimed at preventing the trading and use of pre-activated SIM cards, curbing the use of SIM cards registered under another person’s identity, and enhancing the level of security in subscriber management.

Accordingly, from 15 June 2026, when a user transfers a SIM card to a different mobile device, the SIM card will automatically be subject to a one-way service suspension. The user will then be required to re-complete biometric authentication in accordance with the telecommunications service provider’s requirements in order to continue using the service normally. The service provider must issue a notification within 02 hours from the time the device change is detected. Failure to complete the required authentication may result in a two-way service suspension after 30 days or, ultimately, termination of the subscriber service contract.

III. What should be done when changing mobile devices to avoid SIM suspension?

When changing a terminal device (i.e., replacing a mobile phone with a new one), mobile subscribers are required to complete biometric authentication in order to maintain uninterrupted telecommunications services and avoid the risk of service suspension in accordance with the applicable regulations. Accordingly, subscribers may choose one of the following two authentication methods:

• Method 1: Complete authentication online through the VNeID application by matching the live-captured facial image against the National Database (including databases on population, identity cards, and immigration records) or against the encrypted data stored on the citizen identity card.
• Method 2: Verify and compare a live-captured facial image of the subscriber to ensure that it matches the biometric information lawfully stored in the telecommunications service provider’s subscriber information database.

IV. Conclusion

According to the Circular, for H2H (Human-to-Human) mobile subscribers, users are required to complete facial biometric authentication within 30 days from the date on which the subscriber number is subject to a one-way service suspension. If the authentication is not completed within this 30-day period, the telecommunications service provider shall suspend two-way telecommunications services. At the same time, the provider must notify the subscriber that the service contract will be terminated and the telecommunications service discontinued if the authentication requirement continues to be unmet. If, after 05 days from the date of the two-way service suspension, the individual or organization still fails to complete the required authentication, the telecommunications service provider shall be obligated to terminate the service contract and discontinue the provision of telecommunications services. To avoid disruption of communications, users should proactively complete biometric authentication immediately after changing their device. In addition, subscribers should ensure that their subscriber information is kept accurate and up to date and should regularly monitor notifications issued by telecommunications service providers in order to promptly comply with authentication requirements prescribed by law.

V. About Us, Hankuk Law Firm

■ Hankuk Law Firm – Introduction

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To protect the legitimate rights and interests of our clients and achieve the best results, we provide legal advice and participate in civil lawsuits related to business, labor, marriage, family, and inheritance.

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For reliable and effective legal advice, please contact HANKUK LAW FIRM now. We are committed to providing you with the best possible answers and our team of experienced lawyers has extensive knowledge in many legal fields. We are always here to provide the most competent and dedicated support, whether you are dealing with contractual issues, commercial disputes or need guidance on foreign investment. HANKUK LAW FIRM is honored to have assisted hundreds of domestic and international clients in skillfully resolving complex legal issues as their trusted legal partner. Do not let legal issues hinder your success. Let us accompany you towards legal achievement and comfort. For prompt guidance and support to ensure your rights are always maintained at the highest standards, contact HANKUK LAW FIRM now.

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