Communications technology is forever changing, and our phones with it! Most of us tend to get a new phone every few years or so. Have you recently bought a new phone? Well then, lucky you 🍀
The SIM card is the heart of our modern phone but it is often overlooked. Let’s celebrate the SIM card and go through everything that you need to know about why you might need a new one to go with your new phone, how you can activate it, and some other wonderful tips. It doesn't matter why you need a replacement SIM card, they are free of charge, and you can order an eSIM online by clicking here or pick up a physical SIM card in any Three store. Just remember to bring ID!
Did you know that you can get your new SIM set up even faster if you opt for an eSIM card? eSIM is better for the environment too. Learn more about eSIM, by clicking here or if you're already happy to choose an eSIM, click here to learn about how to easily install an eSIM.
Reasons to get a new SIM
- Sometimes it’s just because they get old. Like any microchip, the circuits become run down and over-used. The plastic material may warp due to the normal heating of the phone, or even the heat from the phone being in your hand. We recommend getting a new SIM every 18 to 24 months, regardless of whether you have chosen a physical or eSIM card.
- If you have recently received a new phone as a present or as an upgrade, then it is more than likely time for a new SIM as well. Most new smartphones require a Nano SIM, and you might have one in your old phone, but it's still a good idea to get a new one. Maybe you have a standard or Micro SIM card and your new phone is Nano – in this case, you will definitely need to change the SIM. If you have recently gotten a new phone, it is likely to be eSIM compatible, and in this case, you can save yourself a lot of time and hassle by opting for an eSIM replacement!
- Unfortunately, you will need to replace your SIM if you have lost your phone or it was stolen. Before you replace your SIM though, you should contact us ASAP, so we can temporarily bar your number to avoid any unauthorised usage. At this point, we should also stress how important it is to insure your phone!
Keeping your contacts, videos and photos
Contacts: First off, do you have an Android phone? Then you should remove your contacts from your old SIM, as this is going to be deactivated. Android smartphones allow for both importing and exporting contacts from your SIM, however with iPhones, you can only import from your old SIM.
- Click here to learn about keeping your contacts on an Android phone.
- Click here to learn about keeping your contracts on an iPhone.
Back up: There are a few ways to do this and it is all down to a matter of preference. I’m an Android user and find that syncing and backing up my phone with my Google account works like a charm. For iPhone users, it’s as easy as syncing to the iCloud. Even moving from Samsung to iPhone, or any type of phone is a simple task, as all of the instructions come with your new phone on start-up.
Another handy tip here is to connect your old phone to your PC/laptop and transfer all of your photos and videos over there.
You are almost there!
Activating your new SIM card on Three couldn’t be simpler, just go online and activate your new SIM card by clicking here. (If you are a Three Business customer, you will need to contact our Web Messaging team by clicking here, who are available from 9AM - 7PM Monday - Friday, and 9AM to 6:30PM on Saturday.)
There are three straightforward steps to activating your SIM. You will need to set up your account type, security questions, and contact details. To do this, you will need the long serial number from the SIM card packaging, and this will begin with 89 353.
SIM card replacement normally takes 2-4 hours to fully process, and if you request the SIM replacement after 8PM, it will not be processed until the following morning. You will have service on your old SIM until the new SIM is active. In some cases, when the service on your old SIM drops, you will need to restart the phone with the new SIM in it.
Why hasn’t my new SIM activated?
Sometimes you might have a typo in your details and this will create an error, meaning that your SIM card activation won’t go through. You will receive a notification of this, and you will need to submit the online form again.
Other times, especially around Christmas and new phone launches, there might be a delay due to the number of SIM activation requests that we get. The length of time can vary between 24-48 hours. But remember, you will have service on your old SIM until the new one kicks in 👌
Have a different question? Why not search the 3Community, or start a new topic with your query? Remember, the 3Community never sleeps 😊
3 Comments