How to Activate a New SIM Card

There are plenty of reasons why you could need to activate a new SIM card. It could be coupled to a new phone on a plan; it could be a smaller SIM to fit into a new phone; you could have moved to another provider; or you could be replacing a broken SIM. However, whatever the reason for your new SIM card, you’ll need to activate it.

While the process can seem overwhelming, as long as you stay on top of the activation process, you can get it done in no time. Read on with Canstar Blue to uncover how to activate a SIM card.

On this page we cover:

• Quick steps: activating a new SIM
• What does a SIM card do?
• Choosing the right SIM card plan
• Is my phone unlocked?
• How to activate a SIM card
• How long does it take for a SIM card to activate?

Quick steps: activating a new SIM

1. Insert the new SIM into your phone and turn on the phone.
2. Activate your new SIM card by using its accompanying activation key (this will be included in the package). You may need valid ID.
3. Use the key to activate the SIM card online. You’ll need an internet connection for this, and to use a computer or your phone’s wi-fi connection.
4. Be patient. Your SIM card should activate shortly.

Make sure you read the instructions accompanying your new SIM carefully, in case extra steps are necessary.

What does a new SIM card do?

Your new SIM card connects you to your new plan, and your new carrier if you’ve switched to a different provider. The SIM card lets you send and receive text messages and make phone calls.

SIM cards do not affect your phone’s stored data, for example photos, and adding a new SIM card will not reset your phone. However, if you’ve only ever saved your contacts on your SIM, and not on your phone’s internal memory or in the cloud, you’ll need to download your contact list to your phone or online account before changing your SIM, otherwise you could lose them.

Choosing the right SIM card plan

If you haven’t yet chosen a new SIM card, there are plenty of SIM-only phone plans to choose from. Whether you’re after a cheap phone plan or one with lots of data, it always helps to compare a range of plans and providers to ensure you’re getting the best plan for your needs.

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Is my phone locked to a plan and SIM?

If your phone is locked (meaning it’s coupled to your current plan and will only work with your current mobile network) you can’t change to another SIM. In this case, you’ll run into trouble when trying to sign up to a new prepaid plan.

Nowadays, most phones are sold network unlocked, even when bought on a plan. However, some cheaper prepaid phones may still be locked to a provider. You can check with the telco you purchased your phone from if you’re unsure.

How to activate a SIM card

We’ve put together some more detailed steps you can take before activating a new SIM card:

Take down the numbers

When you get your new SIM card, it will come with detailed instructions of how to get it up and running. On the packaging you’ll also find the SIM’s code number and the phone number associated with the new SIM.

If you’re not having your new SIM installed in-store by a professional, you’ll need these two numbers to activate your new SIM card.

Registering your SIM online

Log in to your SIM provider’s online service.

Make sure you know your relevant log-in details, and have the numbers of your SIM ready. An option should appear to activate the SIM card. Enter the numbers and you should be prompted to activate the card.

If you don’t have access to the internet, or prefer to activate your SIM card over the phone, insert your SIM card into your phone, more on this below.

Putting the SIM in your phone

SIM cards need to be inserted into a phone to work. It’s typically a hassle-free process and, if you buy your new SIM at a telco provider’s store, a staff member will be able to do the job for you.

If not, all you need to do is grab the SIM key packaged with your phone, or just straighten a paper clip, and poke it into the pinhole on the side of the phone where the SIM card slots in. This will open up the phone’s SIM tray, letting you insert the card. Make sure it’s the right way up!

Once’s the card’s in your phone, all you have to do is activate it!

Activate your SIM by calling

Some NZ phone providers allow you to register your SIM by making a call once your SIM is inside your phone. Below are a list of numbers to call to activate your SIM depending on your provider:

• 2degrees – 200
• One NZ – 777
• Skinny – 456
• Spark – *333
• Warehouse Mobile – 800

Telling people about a new phone number

After you install your new SIM, if you have a new phone number, you should let your contacts know.

This will be easy if you’ve a physical phone book. Or if you’ve just changed the SIM in an old phone that has your contacts saved on its internal memory.

But if, as mentioned above, your contacts were saved in the memory of your old SIM card, you’ll need to download your contacts from the cloud.

This is quite easy for iPhones users: just make sure you have your Apple ID handy. If you’re using an Android phone, you should find all of your contacts in your Google address book, which saves to your account.

How long does it take for a SIM card to activate?

The time it takes for a SIM card to activate varies, from between 15 minutes to four hours. If it fails to activate, try turning your phone off and on again.

If the SIM still does not activate, re-insert it. If this fails to work, contact your SIM provider. They’ll have an online access portal, through which you can speak to someone over the internet if you can’t reach them using a different phone.

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About the reviewer of this page

This report was reviewed by Canstar Content Producer, Caitlin Bingham. Caitlin is an experienced writer whose passion for creativity led her to study communication and journalism. She began her career freelancing as a content writer, before joining the Canstar team.