Just pop over to Activate my SIM and we'll get that swiftly switched on for you. Simple.
Note: It can take up to 24 hours for your SIM to activate but it's usually much quicker. To check this, try switching your phone OFF/ON at different times throughout the day.
Lost activation code?
No problem. There’s a 13 digit code on the SIM itself that you can use instead:
I can’t activate my SIM
There’s a few reasons that might be causing problems for you. Keep in mind that in some situations it can take up to 24 hours.
If you’re a new member
If you’re a new member
Activating your SIM for the first time and running into any issues? Here are some handy steps to try out:
Check you’ve got the activation code right. It’s easy to misread it or type in the wrong thing
If the activation code isn’t working, or you cannot see it properly, you can activate the SIM using the ‘SIM serial number’ (SSN) located on the back of the SIM
Check for any service/network issues in your area by using your post code.
Perhaps there’s a glitch between the browser and website. Clear the browser ‘Cookies and Cache’ and try activating the SIM again
If that doesn’t resolve the issue, try using a different browser. Also trying with a different device can help
Note: If you're trying to activate your SIM using the app, give toggling ‘Flight mode’ ‘ON’ and then ‘OFF’ a go. Still having trouble? Try turning your device ‘OFF’ and then back ‘ON’.
If you’re already a giffgaff member
If you’re already a giffgaff member
Already member and having issues trying to activate a new SIM? Here are some useful tips:
If you reported your original SIM as ‘Lost/Stolen’ and are now trying to activate a replacement SIM sent by giffgaff, just make sure to activate it on your original account, don’t activate it on a new one. The replacement SIM can only be activated there and is the only SIM that can be activated on the original account in this situation
Check you’ve got the activation code right. It can be easy to misread it or type the wrong thing
If you’re trying to activate a second SIM under your account it won’t work. It will just try to swap your number to the new SIM. You’ll need to create a separate account for each SIM
Make sure that if you’re trying to activate with a voucher, that the voucher has enough credit for the plan you’re trying to buy
FAQs
Can I set up a SIM PIN?
Can I set up a SIM PIN?
Setting a SIM PIN adds an extra layer of security to your mobile device, helping to keep your personal data safe. It ensures that even if someone gets hold of your SIM, they won’t be able to use it without the correct PIN. It's a simple step to take that can make a big difference in protecting your information.
Can I use a 4G SIM in a 5G-ready phone?
Can I use a 4G SIM in a 5G-ready phone?
All of our giffgaff SIMs will work on 4G and 5G networks. So you can use any giffgaff SIM in your phone.
What’s my giffgaff number?
What’s my giffgaff number?
Once your SIM’s up and running, we’ll send you your giffgaff number. You’ll also find it in your dashboard or on the home screen in the app.
Or just text Number to 43430 – easy as pie.
Can I activate multiple SIMs onto the same account?
Can I activate multiple SIMs onto the same account?
Unfortunately, NO. Members cannot activate multiple SIMs onto the same account. There can only be one SIM active on your giffgaff account at a time. You’ll need to create a separate account for each SIM.
You can activate multiple SIMs on new accounts using the same email address and payment details, so managing them is easy.
The giffgaff app allows you to manage multiple accounts so that you can easily switch between, and manage them in one place.
It's important to know that if you try to activate another SIM on an already active account, it performs a 'SIM swap', moving your number and plan/credit to the new SIM and deactivating the old one.
Note: When activating a new SIM, ensure you are logged out of any giffgaff account and then activate each new SIM on a new giffgaff account.
Did this solve your problem? If not, pop over to our friendly community or chat with our giffgaff HelpBot for a quick answer. Alternatively, ask one of our helpful agents for an answer within 24 hours.