When it comes to activating your new SIM card, there can be a few different steps to take, depending on the contract and the provider. This quick guide covers the most common steps involved in activating your new SIM card.
1. Put the SIM into the phone
Whatever contract and provider you have, if you have a physical SIM card, you’ll have to manually put it in the phone. The only time you don’t need to do this is if you have an eSIM (covered later). Simply find the SIM tray and use the SIM ejector tool (which would have been sent with your phone or SIM) to open it. Pop it in the right way up and then push the tray closed.
2. Set up account online
Some providers, such as O2, send SIMs already activated, so once you put it in the phone, it’ll be ready to go. Sky Mobile customers will have to set up their SIM using their online account. EE also requires customers to activate the SIM online. With some online processes, you’ll be given a code, which you will need to enter on your phone. The time it takes to be fully activated depends on the provider.
3. Activating an eSIM
An eSIM is already embedded into your device, so there’s no need to open the SIM tray to pop it in. With an eSIM, you will need to scan a QR code or go online to activate it.
4. Activating a multi network SIM card
Multi network SIM cards are a great option for people who never want to be without coverage. The good thing is that they’re activated automatically, so you won’t need to go online and activate it separately for each network. Your account is with the multi network SIM provider, not with each individual network. Just pop it in your phone and you’re ready to go. You’ll find a range of options for multi network SIMs at www.lister-communications.co.uk/business-mobiles/multi-network-data-sim-cards.
Activating a SIM is usually a quick and pain-free process. Whilst some providers have SIMs already activated, others simply require online activation.
