How do I activate and set up my new SIM?

     
    >
  • Go to section

Got a new SIM? Get texting, calling and browsing in a flash. Here’s how to get it up and running.

What do I need to do when I get a new SIM?

What do I need to do when I get a new SIM?

Here’s what to do when you get sent a new SIM:

  1. 1

    pop the SIM into your device

    you can confirm you have the correct SIM card here
  2. 2

    activate your new SIM

    you only need to do this if you’ve upgraded and been sent a new SIM, or ordered a new one because your old one no longer fitted your device
  3. 3

    wait for a signal and the EE symbol to appear on your screen

    this can take up to 24 hours but is usually much quicker

And you’re all set up! We won’t even send an activation text, just a few network updates.

Advice for Apple users

If you’re using an Apple device, you may also need to refresh iMessage so it connects with the right number. Just:

  1. 1

    go to Settings > Messages
  2. 2

    turn iMessage off, wait 10 seconds and turn iMessage on again
  3. 3

    go to Settings > Phone and make sure My Number shows your correct mobile number
  4. 4

    tap My Number and type in your correct number if the above steps don’t work

What information do I need if I have to activate my SIM?

What information do I need if I have to activate my SIM?

You’ll only need to activate your SIM if:

  1.  

    you’ve upgraded and been sent a new SIM
  2.  

    ordered a new SIM because your old one was the wrong size for your device

If that’s you, we’ll ask for three things:

  1. 1

    the reason you’ve got a new SIM
  2. 2

    your current phone number, so we can text you a security PIN
  3. 3

    the serial number of your new SIM - you can find this on the back of the SIM, or under the barcode on the letter we sent with your new SIM

And that’s it!

 
Let's chat
Let's chat

Mon to Sun 8am - 11pm

Give us a call
Give us a call
Call now
Call now
150
150
Free to pay monthly
25p per call on pay as you go
Open
Closed
Mon to Fri
Sat
Sun
Alternative phone numbers
Ask the Community
Ask the Community
Ask questions and share tips with other people 24 hours a day
Need more help
Last updated: 14/2/2019
Sharelle posted this article. Got a comment? Good or bad, we'd be pleased to hear from you.
Was this article helpful?
How can we improve this article?
    >
  • Select a reason
  • The article didn't answer my question
  • The article is too long
  • The article is missing important information
  • The article doesn't make any sense
  • Please let us know how we can make it better
0/600
Thank you.

Glad to hear it.

Thank you.

Glad to hear it.

You can find more help here
How do I find out my new number?
What size SIM do I need?
How do I swap my SIM or get a new SIM?
Previous
What size SIM do I need?
Next
How do I swap my SIM or get a new SIM?