How to activate a Virgin Mobile SIM card

If your household is with both Virgin Media and O2 and you have Volt benefits, you can get help with activating your SIM here.

Next, wait for the SIM to connect to the Virgin Mobile network. This can take up to 24 hours, but usually happens a lot quicker.

You can see when your device has connected to the network by checking the signal bar at the top of the screen.

Is it taking a while to activate your network? Why not connect your device to WiFi. Find out how to connect your mobile to the internet.

The Standard SIM is the original and the largest of the SIM cards at 25mm x 15mm. Despite the name it’s not actually the most common SIM card size you’ll find today. In fact, phones rarely use it now.

It was introduced way back in 1996, so it’s a bit of a dinosaur. While it was once used in the majority of handsets, now only some feature phones and very basic handsets use the old Standard SIM.

The Micro SIM is one size down from the Standard SIM at 12mm x 15mm. It was introduced back in 2003, and so is also starting to show its age. You won’t find it in many of the most modern phones, but if your handset is a few years old, like a Samsung Galaxy S5, it’ll use a Micro SIM.

The Nano SIM is the smallest and most up to date of the SIMs, coming in at 8.8mm x 12.3mm. These are by far the most widely used of the three SIMs, and it’s most likely that you’ll be putting this in your new Virgin Mobile phone.

Every Virgin Mobile SIM comes with the PIN already set. You’ll be asked to enter the PIN after inserting your new SIM and turning on your phone.

When prompted, simply enter 7890. This will activate your SIM and give you access to all the great Virgin Mobile services.

When you need to enter your SIM card’s PIN depends on what type of device you have:

• If you’ve got a new iPhone, you’ll need to enter the PIN as soon as you switch on your phone.
• If you’ve inserted a new SIM into your existing iPhone, you’ll need to enter the PIN after you’ve entered your passcode or fingerprint.
• If you’ve got an Android phone, you’ll enter the SIM unlock PIN as soon as you switch on your phone.

You’ll have three chances to enter the SIM unlock Pin. If you enter the wrong PIN code into your Virgin Mobile three times, your SIM card will automatically lock. If this happens, you’ll be asked to enter your PUK code. You can find your PUK on the SIM card holder that came in your starter pack.

Not sure how to enter your PUK code? We’re here to help.

You can find your PUK in Your Account. To do this:

1. Sign into Your Account
2. Select Plan and device
3. Select the Summary tab

If you enter your PUK incorrectly 10 times, you'll need to get a replacement SIM.

If this has happened, text us for free on 07533 016 422* during our opening hours (7am and 11pm Monday to Friday, 8am and 8pm Saturday to Sunday) and one of our team will be happy to help.

*The text is free for Virgin Mobile customers or will be charged at your mobile provider’s standard rates.

To change the SIM PIN on iPhone:

1. Go to Settings
2. Select Phone
3. Tap SIM PIN
4. Select Change PIN
5. Create a new PIN
   
   

To turn off SIM PIN on iPhone:

1. Go to Settings
2. Select Phone
3. Tap SIM PIN
4. Update your settings

To change the SIM PIN on Android:

1. Go to Settings
2. Select Security
3. Tap Change PIN
4. Create a new PIN
   
   

To turn off SIM PIN on an Android:

1. Go to Settings
2. Select Security
3. Update your settings

Don’t worry, we have plenty of help available online. Find out how to unlock your mobile.

If your screen shows any of the following when you first put your Virgin Mobile SIM into your phone, then your mobile may be locked to another network:

• Blocked
• Barred
• Incorrect SIM
• SP lock