How do I activate and set up my new SIM?

Choose what's right for you, and we'll get you up and running in no time.

Activating your new or upgraded SIM?

Just joined Pay as you go

  1. Put your SIM in your device and switch it on – if you need help, find out how to insert a SIM

  2. You’ll be able to use your phone when it has signal and the Vodafone symbol – this can take up to 24 hours, but it's usually much faster.

  3. Top up your phone to start using it.

  4. Register for a My Vodafone account to top up faster next time, get VeryMe Rewards and more. Download our free My Vodafone app (for iOS, Android or Huawei) for control on the go.

  5. If you have a free SIM, simply top up to activate it

Just joined Pay monthly

  1. Put your SIM into your device and switch it on – if you need help, find out how to insert a SIM

  2. You’ll be able to use your phone when it has signal and the Vodafone symbol – this can take up to 24 hours, but it's usually much faster.

  3. If you're transferring your device from another network, you might need to get a Network Unlock Code (NUC) from your old provider to unlock it before you can use it with us.

  4. And finally, complete your registration for My Vodafone to get VeryMe Rewards, manage your extras and more. Download our free My Vodafone app (for iOS, Android or Huawei) for control on the go.

I want to start using eSIM

I want to use mobile data for my cellular smartwatch

Share your mobile plan with your smartwatch with our quick Get Connected guide.

Please note: your watch must be a cellular model (not a WiFi-only model) to share your plan.

If your smartwatch isn’t a model with cellular connectivity, you can still pair it with your phone. Head over to our Device Guides, choose your smartwatch, then search for activate. Once paired, you’ll be able to use your watch to do things like make and receive calls, but your watch must be near your phone and connected by Bluetooth.

If you currently have a non-cellular smartwatch, and want to use cellular features, you’ll have to replace your device with a cellular model.

I want to activate my data dongle or mobile WiFi

There are two different ways to activate your mobile broadband, depending on which device you have:

  1. Set up and activate your data dongle
  2. Set up and activate your mobile WiFi

I've just upgraded and got a new SIM

If your old SIM fits your new device, you can keep using it.

If it doesn't fit, you need to activate your new SIM:

  1. Log in to My Vodafone to quickly and easily swap your SIM. Or, if you can’t log in or get texts on your original phone number, head to our SIM activation form instead.

  2. Put your new SIM into your device and switch it on – if you need help, find out how to insert a SIM

  3. You’ll be able to use your phone when it has signal and the Vodafone symbol – this can take up to 24 hours, but it's usually much faster.

You can keep using your old SIM and device until you can't make calls, send texts or use data on it − at that point, you'll know your new SIM has been activated.

I’ve got a free Pay as you go SIM

It’s quick and easy to set up your free Pay as you go SIM. Choose your bundle and top it up to activate your SIM 

 

Activating your SIM after an issue?

My phone was lost or stolen

If you’re activating a new SIM after your phone was lost or stolen, head over to our SIM swap page  

You’ll also need to turn off any bars that were put on your account 

Found your device? See what to do next on our lost and stolen page

My SIM doesn't fit or was damaged

If you’re activating or ordering a new SIM, head over to our SIM swap page


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