We’ve broken down the steps for activating your new SIM card so you can see just how easy it is. Remember to cancel your old plan, too!
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Activating a SIM Card on any device
- Insert the SIM Card:
- Turn off your phone and follow the instructions on the SIM card package to insert the new SIM card.
- Turn your phone on.
- Get the information for activation:
- Find the activation key on the SIM card packaging.
- Have valid ID on standby (usually a driver’s license, passport, or Medicare card).
- Activate your SIM online or on the phone:
- Online: Visit the website of your service provider (it should be on the SIM packaging) and follow the activation instructions. You will need to enter the activation key and your personal details.
- Phone: Call the customer service number provided on the packaging and follow the prompts.
- During activation you’ll be asked if you want to keep your current number (called porting). If you say yes, it may take a few hours or up to 24 hours for your number to transition to your new provider.
- Wait for your new plan to activate:
- The activation process can take a few minutes to a few hours. You should receive a confirmation text when your new plan is ready to use.
Activating an eSIM (with iPhone, Android and Pixel instructions)
Make sure your device is compatible with eSIM before you buy. Only newer models of phones accept eSIM.
- Purchase the phone plan online:
- You won’t need to wait for a physical SIM card.
- Get an eSIM Activation Code:
- Contact your service provider to get an eSIM activation code (or it may be emailed or texted to you). This is usually provided as a QR code or web link.
- Activate the eSIM:
- iPhone:
- Go to Settings > Add eSIM.
- Scan the QR code provided..
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
- Android:
- Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager.
- Select Add SIM card and then Scan QR code from service provider.
- Scan the QR code provided.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
- Pixel:
- Go to Settings > Network and Internet > SIMs
- Select Add Sim > Set up an eSIM
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
- iPhone:
- Wait for Activation:
- Similar to a physical SIM, the activation process for an eSIM can take a few minutes to a few hours. You should receive a confirmation message once the eSIM is activated.
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What if there’s a problem activating my SIM?
If you get an error message, you might have to contact the plan provider directly so they can walk you through a resolution.
First, you can try:
- Restarting your phone
- Checking the SIM card is installed properly
- Making sure the whole activation was completed
How to activate your SIM card on Australia’s major carriers?
- Optus
On the Optus network, there are two types of SIM cards that can be activated: New SIMs and Replacement cards. Both SIM cards can either be prepaid or postpaid. For New prepaid SIM Cards, visit the Optus website and follow the onscreen prompts. You will be redirected to another page where you’ll be required to fill in information about your plan, as well as personal information including a valid identification and other details. Once these details have been filled, your SIM card can be activated. For New postpaid SIM Cards, it’s a slightly different process. If you are porting from an MVNO on the Optus network, you will be required to chat online with a representative to activate your SIM card. If you are not porting, you will be required to fill in your 6-18 digit order number and follow the onscreen prompts for activation.
For replacement SIM cards, whether prepaid or postpaid, you will have to put a call through to 133937 or visit your nearest Optus store.
- Telstra
On the Telstra network, just like with Optus, there are two types of SIM cards that can be activated: New SIMs and Replacement cards. Both SIM cards can either be prepaid or postpaid. For Prepaid SIM cards, you will need a serial number or service number. This can be found on the Prepaid SIM pack. You will also need a valid form of identification (an Australian Driver’s License or Learner’s Permit; a Medicare Card; an Australian Passport, or; an International Passport with a valid Australian Visa.To activate your SIM, simply visit the activation site and follow the on-screen prompts. This can be done on a smartphone, tablet, or desktop without an Internet connection.
For subscribers porting to the Telstra network who want to keep their numbers, simply select ‘I want to keep my existing number’ from the options provided on the screen prompts. Postpaid subscribers will need their Telstra SIM card and a compatible device, their mobile number, and their order number. Your order number is a 13 or 14 digit number seen at the top of your welcome letter when your SIM is delivered.With postpaid services, you only need to activate your SIM card following one of two occurrences: You upgraded your service and received a new SIM card, or you are transferring to Telstra from another provider. Once you have both requirements ready, you can activate your Telstra SIM. For SIM cards acquired from the contact centre or via Telstra 24×7 chat, activate your card here. For cards acquired online, activate your card here.
- Vodafone
On the Vodafone network, you only need to activate your prepaid or replacement SIM Cards. This can be done online or in store.To activate your SIM card online, insert it into the device and turn it on. Keep your activation key and a valid form of ID on hand. Your key is located on the back of your Prepaid Starter Pack. Once ready, visit the activation site and follow the onscreen prompts. Valid forms of identification include an Australian Driver’s License or Learner’s Permit; a Medicare Card; an Australian Passport; or an International Passport with a Valid Australian Visa. For nonresidents, the only acceptable form of identification is international passports.
For in store activation’s, visit your nearest Vodafone store with any of the following means of identifications:- Drivers license;
- Medicare card;
- Australian passport;
- International passport;
- Concession card;
- Proof of age card and;
- Student ID (University or TAFE).
If you do not have any of these, you can provide either of the following;
- Account form;
- Birth certificate or;
- Passbook.
For replacement SIM cards, activation can be done via the My Vodafone website or in store. To activate your SIM via My Vodafone, you’ll need the last 10 digits of your new SIM number. Your new SIM number can be found at the top of your new SIM pack. Once available, log in to My Vodafone, navigate to Current plan, and click on Swap my SIM. Follow the onscreen prompts and wait 15 minutes. Once your former SIM has stopped working, your new SIM will begin working.
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