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How to activate EE SIM card

Q: How long does EE SIM activation take?

EE says it can take up to 24 hours , though it’s often much faster than this; usually, it only takes a few minutes.

If you’ve just got a new EE SIM, this guide shows the quickest way to activate a physical SIM card or a EE eSIM, plus what to do if you’re swapping SIMs or replacing one.

Summary

Most EE SIMs activate in three steps: insert (or install), activate online, then wait for the EE signal. It often takes minutes, but EE says it can take up to 24 hours.

What you’ll learn

Activate a new EE physical SIM after an upgrade
Swapping to a replacement EE SIM
Activate an EE eSIM (digital SIM)
Fix “No service” problems if your SIM won’t connect

1) Before you start

Keep your new SIM or eSIM details nearby. For physical SIMs, you may need the serial number.
If you’re doing a replacement SIM swap, keep your old SIM in the phone until EE tells you to switch.
If you can, connect to Wi-Fi, as this may make activating your new EE SIM faster

2) Choose your SIM type

EE activation depends on what you’re setting up:

A Physical SIM card is a plastic SIM you insert into your phone
An eSIM is a digital SIM you install by scanning a QR code or manually entering details

If you’re not sure which you have, check your EE pack. eSIM packs usually include a QR code.

3) Activate an EE physical SIM (new SIM after an upgrade or device change)

Use this if you’ve upgraded your phone, changed SIM size, or you’ve got a new EE SIM.

Put the SIM in your phone and turn the phone on.
Open EE’s Activate and set up a new EE SIM page on a browser (on your phone or another device).
Follow the on-screen steps to activate your SIM.
Wait for the EE signal to appear. EE says it can take up to 24 hours, but it’s usually much quicker.

Once your EE SIM is active, the next step is making sure you’ve got the right plan or credit to use it. If you’re on Pay As You Go, here’s a simple breakdown of EE prepaid plans and how they work.

4) Swap to a replacement EE physical SIM (keep your number)

Use this if EE sent you a replacement SIM and you’re keeping your number and plan.

Leave your old SIM in the phone and start the activation process online.
EE will send a One-Time PIN and then ask for your new SIM’s serial number.
When EE prompts you, swap the old SIM for the new one.
Wait for the EE signal to return (again, up to 24 hours, usually quicker).

5) Lost, stolen, or damaged SIM

EE says replacement SIMs are often already activated and ready to use.

Insert the replacement SIM into your phone and check for a signal.
If it doesn’t connect, contact EE support (they may need to activate it manually).

6) How to activate an EE eSIM (digital SIM)

An EE eSIM installs onto your device rather than going into the SIM tray. You’ll normally use a QR code from EE.

Activate your EE eSIM using a QR code

Connect your phone to Wi-Fi.
Open Settings.
Go to Mobile Data / Connections / SIM Manager (the name varies by device).
Tap Add eSIM or Add mobile plan.
Scan the QR code from your EE eSIM pack.
Follow the prompts to finish setup.

If scanning your eSIM doesn’t work

Most phones give you a manual option.

Choose Enter details manually.
Use the activation details from your EE eSIM pack (often starts with LPA:1$)

After installation

Once the eSIM is installed, wait for the EE signal. It can be quick, but EE says it can take up to 24 hours.

7) Quick fixes if your new EE SIM is not working

If you’ve activated the SIM (or installed the eSIM) and you still have no signal, run through these in order:

Restart your phone.
For physical SIMs: reseat the SIM in the tray and make sure it sits flat.
For physical SIMs: wipe the SIM gently with a lint-free cloth.
If you’re seeing PIN/PUK prompts, follow the PUK route if you’ve locked the SIM.
If you put the SIM into a different phone and see an unlock message, the phone may be network locked to a different provider.
If the above steps don’t work contact EE customer support on +44 7953 966150

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does EE SIM activation take?

EE says it can take up to 24 hours, though it’s often much faster than this; usually, it only takes a few minutes.

Do I need my old SIM to activate a replacement SIM?

Often, yes. EE’s replacement SIM process commonly starts with the old SIM in your phone so they can send a One Time PIN.

What if my EE SIM still says “No service”?

Restart your phone, reseat and clean the SIM (if it’s physical), and check whether the handset is locked to another network. If the problem continues, contact EE customer support on +44 7953 966150.

Can I activate an EE eSIM without the QR code?

Usually, yes, many devices let you enter the activation details manually. EE may also show the QR code in your account so you can scan it from another screen.

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