We enjoy demonstrating the activation of SIM cards from carriers worldwide. We firmly believe the information we compile saves times a lot of time. Although methods are usually similar, every mobile network provider seems to put its twist. For example, some are lawfully required to collect some type of data such as IDs in countries where SIM card abuse is rampant. Others require you to do nothing but wait. Verifying how far along the activation procedure has gotten is no different. So, let’s dive into how to check SIM card activation status.
Although that’s subjective, we sorted the methods from the least to the most effort required.
1. Make or receive a phone call
The idea sounds rudimentary, but it only takes a few seconds and provides a telltale sign. You can repeat it every once in a while, and it’s worth trying even if the network signal icon is crossed or faded. Simply try to call any active number from the smart device after you insert the SIM card. Alternatively, check your SIM card phone number and have someone else call you.
2. Examine your SIM card package
Whether you picked up the SIM package at the store or had it delivered to your doorstep, it may come with an “owner’s manual” paper. If it arrived, more often than not, the duration before the SIM card becomes active is printed on it. You can’t exactly check the status per se but you’ll know if the process is taking longer than usual.
3. Check SIM card activation status via USSD code
We mention USSD codes as a way to activate SIM cards from time to time. Well, you can also utilize them to perform an activation status check for a SIM card. Here are 2 examples to give you the idea:
- Vodafone Idea: Dial *199*2*1#, which is a USSD code for checking balance. You’ll learn f your SIM card is active based on the feedback.
- Digicel: Dial *122#, and if everything is in order, you’ll receive a feedback message: “Your account is active”.
4. Learn activation status of a SIM card via SMS
Plenty of mobile network providers allow you to send a free SMS as a way of checking your account details. One such example is a carrier we reviewed, BSNL, and even taught you to activate. To jog your memory, you can text “BAL” and send it to 121. You’ll either get feedback your SIM card is inactive, or the SIM won’t go through. Either way, you have your answer.
5. Log in to the carrier’s official website
If calling doesn’t produce results, and your carrier doesn’t support USSD or SMS, you should turn to their website. If you can get in, it’s a surefire way to check the activation status of your SIM card. To clarify, you must access the Dashboard of your user account. To get there, sign in with the username/e-mail address, and password you chose when ordering your SIM card. The information should be visible on the home page. Select a phone number from the list if your account contains multiple phone lines.
Note. If you ordered the SIM card in the store and never created an account, or the carrier uses OTP (one-time-password) sent to your phone number to sign you in, skip to method 6.
6. Check SIM card activation status using their mobile app
The vast majority of carriers nowadays offer a mobile app for Android, HarmonyOS, and iOS. Some of them keep the activation procedure (and anything related to it) exclusive to mobile. The reason lies in convenience and ease of use. After all, the app can detect and auto-fill the information regarding the phone and the SIM card. With that said, it’s merely an alternative if you can’t find the information using method 4. Logging in should be no different, and the suggestion in the note applies.
7. Contact your carrier’s Customer Support
This method doesn’t require logging in or account creation. You solely need to provide a phone number and wait. But therein lies the problem – you must wait for a response, then a brief investigation by a representative. Therefore, we suggest doing it only when you’ve exhausted all other options. Here are 4 ways to get in touch through their website:
- E-mail. From the “Contact Us” page or scroll to the bottom to find an e-mail address.
- Live chat. Visit the “Contact Us” page or click a floating message icon.
- Social media. Find their social media account links at the bottom of the home page.
- Calling. Head over to the “Contact Us” page again to check numbers and working hours.
8. Visit the carrier’s physical store
Does your mobile network provider have a store nearby? If so, swinging by and providing the phone number to the clerk should be enough. They’ll verify the SIM card activation status, tell you what the hang-up is, and how and when they can resolve it.
Quick SIM card activation troubleshooting
Here are 3 common situations that can impact the SIM card activation negatively:
1. Are you porting your number?
When you switch carriers and decide to keep your number, you must obtain PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) from your old carrier. Then, you must provide it to the new one, wait for the old one to disable your services, then for the new SIM to become active. All in all, you can expect the procedure to take between 2 and 7 days. This is a stark contrast to a few minutes and a day for a brand new SIM.
2. Did you pay for the plan?
We’re not judging. But it’s common for the carrier to provide a SIM card, then halt activation until the money gets transferred, especially with postpaid SIM. If you purchased a prepaid SIM or pay-as-you-go SIM, you may have to perform the first top-up.
3. Is your smart device unlocked?
If you read our guide on unlocking SIM cards, you know all about this practice. Long story short, if you bought a smart device from a carrier who locked it to their network, you can’t use a SIM card from another carrier, even when it’s fully activated.