The time for a SIM card's activation can vary massively, depending on what the reason for the change is – most activations take between 15 minutes and four hours. If it's still not working after this time, try to turn your phone off and on again. If it's still not activated after that, try to re-insert the SIM.
Yes, you can switch SIM cards between phones as long as they are compatible with the same carrier network. Your SIM card should also be compatible with the new phone in terms of size (micro, nano, and standard size).
The best way to see if the SIM is active would be to insert it into a device which has a compatible SIM card slot. The good news is inserting any older SIM card into a phone will not harm the phone in any way or change any of the settings.
To fix the error, turn off your phone and remove the SIM card tray from your device, then wipe the SIM card down with a dry, clean cloth. If there's dust and debris inside the SIM card slot, gently blowing some air into it can dislodge any dust and debris that's getting in the way.
Your SIM card should auto-activate. Allow 4 hours for the SIM card to be activated once delivery is confirmed. Insert your new SIM card into your device. If your SIM card doesn't activate within 4 hours, restart your phone.
The first thing you should try when you receive this error is to check if your SIM card is placed correctly. Sometimes, it might get loose or fall out of its slot, so ensure it's in place properly. If that doesn't work, try replacing your SIM card with another one from a different carrier.
The time for a SIM card's activation can vary massively, depending on what the reason for the change is – most activations take between 15 minutes and four hours. If it's still not working after this time, try to turn your phone off and on again. If it's still not activated after that, try to re-insert the SIM.
Go to Settings > Wi-Fi & Network > SIM & Network > SIM Setting > Network Operators > Choose Automatically to auto choose the network operator. This should hopefully resolve the “No SIM card detected” error message on Android phones.
To check if your service is activated, insert it into your device. Turn the device off and back on again. If you see 'Telstra' next to the coverage bars, your new service is active. You can restart your device regularly to check if your service is active.
Make sure that the SIM tray closes completely and isn't loose. If you use a SIM tray from a different model iPhone, iPad, or from another phone manufacturer, it might not fit properly. Try using another SIM card. If you don't have one, go to your carrier's retail store and ask them to test with another SIM card.
Nothing special will happen. After putting in the SIM card, you can use mobile data or transfer the contacts on it to your new iPhone.
Usually, you'll have to enter the phone number or SIM card number. After that, you may get a message with further instructions. And some SIM's take up to 24 hours to activate, though this is rare. Typically, to activate your SIM card you just need to insert the correct sized SIM into your phone.
If the cell phone is locked, it means that it will only work on one specific network. Consequently, if you insert a SIM card that is from a different carrier, it will simply not work.
All SIMs, including those used for mobile phones, prepaid Wi-Fi kits, and other devices, whether they are in card or electronic form, must be registered. A SIM won't be activated and users won't be able to use it if they are not registered by April 26.
This process may take 2-3 minutes. If the activation fails, view this support info.
Reasons you may need to activate a SIM card
If your phone is locked to your previous network, you will need to ensure they unlock it before changing to a new SIM from a new network. In this case you will likely need to activate your new SIM to get it working.
Even a SIM card is properly inserted and shows "no service", which might be due to the broken SIM card. The SIM card might be physically damaged, and your device makes it difficult to recognize it. You may fix it by visiting the nearest carrier shop and talking to replace your SIM card.
If you've got a Pre-Paid service and you purchased a SIM only, in most cases you can activate an eSIM on a compatible device in minutes using the following steps: Check your device is eSIM compatible. You can check with your device manufacturer or view eSIM compatible devices.
If you purchase online, or over the phone, your SIM should auto-activate within 4 hours of delivery. Periodically turn your device off and on until your SIM has activated. You will see Optus next to the coverage bars once the SIM is active.
You do not need the old SIM card installed in the new iPhone to transfer data. This can be done over a Wi-Fi Network. Eventually you will need the old SIM card installed in the new iPhone to setup the Messages and FaceTime apps that use your phone number.
Your contacts, messages, apps, wallpaper and pretty much anything else that isn't your phone number will stay on your phone – even if you take the SIM card out. No need to worry about losing your email settings or your entire contact list (we get it, nobody knows anyone's phone number anymore).
Transfer a physical SIM or eSIM on your previous iPhone to an eSIM on your new iPhone after setup. On your new iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan. Choose a cellular plan to transfer from another iPhone. If you don't see a list of numbers, tap Transfer From Another iPhone.
You need to send an SMS to USSD code 121. The syntax or format of the SMS will look like this: SIM<20 digit new SIM card number of your new SIM> The message should be sent from existing mobile number. Post that, you will receive an SMS for confirmation. Respond by 1.