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Swapping your SIM


So, it’s time to change your SIM.
It’s easy – just follow the steps
below to get started.
Got an eSIM? Check out
the instructions further down.

Mobile/Desktop only wrapper - from Small breakpoint - to Large breakpoint

Swapping your SIM

So, it’s time to change your SIM.
It’s easy – just follow the steps
below to get started.

Got an eSIM? Check out
the instructions further down.
 

Mobile/Desktop only wrapper - from Extra small breakpoint - to Small breakpoint

Swapping your SIM

So, it’s time to change your SIM. It’s easy – just follow the steps below to get started. Got an eSIM? Check out the instructions further down.


How to swap your SIM
 

So, it’s time to change your SIM. Follow the steps below and you’ll be up and running in no time.

Before you get started, it’s a good idea to back up your phone – just in case something goes wrong. If you’re not sure how to do this, head to devicesupport.virginmedia.com or give us a call on 789 or 0345 6000 789.


Ready? Ok, follow these steps to get your SIM up and running.

  1. With your old SIM in your phone, text READY to 789678
  2. Wait for a text telling you to switch your SIM over 
  3. Turn off your phone and remove your old SIM. Show me how
  4. Once you’ve popped out the right size SIM, slide it into your phone. Show me how
  5. Turn your phone back on. Enter 7890 if you’re asked for a PIN
  6. Look out for a text confirming that you’re up and running
  7. Try restarting your mobile if you don’t get this text. It might take up to 10 minutes for the new SIM to register on the network

Don’t have your old SIM? Follow the steps below instead.

  1. Once you’ve popped out the right size SIM, slide it into your phone. Show me how
  2. Enter 7890 if you’re asked for a PIN
  3. Look out for a text confirming that you’re up and running
  4. If this hasn’t worked, give us a call on 789 or 0345 6000 789.
     

Received a letter or a text from us about swapping your SIM over?

We’ve made changes so our network’s even better than before. We’ve sent you a new SIM so that you can keep using our services and make the most of any new features.
 

It’s important you swap your SIM to keep your phone service running.

It already comes with your mobile number, and all your services will work as normal, which means you won’t need to set anything up again.

Get started by following the simple steps above or in the letter we sent you.
 

Been contacted about an eSIM? Follow these steps.

An eSIM is an ‘embedded SIM’, which saves on space and allows you to download your own Virgin Mobile SIM profile direct to the eSIM on your device – even if you upgrade, swap, or lose it.

If you need to swap your eSIM to a new eSIM profile, it couldn’t be easier. We’ll send you an email with a QR code to download your new eSIM profile. 

It’ll show you the steps to follow, too. Just remember to save your contacts and messages to your phone before starting. 

Questions about eSIMs? Head to virginmedia.com/esim


FAQs

In the future, we’ll be deactivating old SIMs, meaning you won’t be able to use your phone to make any calls, texts or use any data until you’ve swapped SIMs. Please swap over to keep your service up and running.

No, your mobile number stays the same. Your current plan and the amount you pay will also stay the same.

Head to devicesupport.virginmedia.com for help transferring anything from your SIM to your phone, or backing up to a cloud service.

Your SIM is usually in a slot in the side – alternatively, you might need to remove the back. Not sure where to find it? Head to devicesupport.virginmedia.com.

Dispose of it safely. Once you activate the new SIM the old one won’t work anymore.

If you have your old SIM, carefully push out the same-sized one from the card holder. If you don’t have your old SIM, look at your phone’s SIM slot or tray to work out the right size.

Enter 7890 if you’re asked for a PIN. If you enter it wrong too many times, you might lock your SIM and you may be asked for a PUK code. If that happens, you can easily get your PUK code by registering or signing in to virginmobile.co.uk/youraccount and heading to Plan and Device.

No, your recorded greeting will stay the same.

Try turning your phone off and on again. If it’s still not working, check the SIM is in properly and facing the right way up. If you are still experiencing issues give us a call on 789 from your Virgin Mobile phone or 0345 6000 789.