EE SIM Card Not Working? – (Expert Solutions!)

Are you having trouble with the EE SIM card not working? We’ve got you!

Many EE customers encounter the same issue due to a faulty SIM card, incompatible or outdated device, and network outages. It’s frustrating, especially when you want to make urgent calls quickly.  

To fix this, check if your SIM card is inserted properly and has no damage. If the issue persists, update your phone’s carrier settings and manually select EE as your network.

Okay, let’s discuss all the proven solutions to this problem.

EE SIM Card Not Working – Proven Solutions That Work

If you have trouble making or receiving texts and calls or accessing mobile data or WiFi calling, do not panic! We know eight simple but effective solutions to help fix your EE SIM problem. 

#1: Check That Your SIM Card is Inserted Properly

Sometimes, the SIM card gets loose or dislodged due to physical impact, dust, or moisture.

Consequently, your device fails to recognise your SIM card and connect to the EE network. 

To check if your SIM is inserted properly, here’s how to do it:

1. Switch your phone off.
2. Locate the SIM card slot.
3. Gently eject the SIM tray using a pin or ejecter tool. 
4. Take out your SIM and inspect it for signs of damage.
5. Clean the SIM card and the tray with a soft cloth or an alcohol wipe.
6. Align the SIM with the tray and insert it back into the slot.
7. Reinsert the battery if removed and turn on your device.

Note: Check if your phone recognises your SIM card and connects to the EE network. 

#2: Ensure You Have Enough Balance to Make Calls

If your SIM card functions properly, check whether you have sufficient balance to make calls or use mobile data.

For pay-as-you-go plans, it’s possible to run out of credit without noticing, which then disrupts your access to EE services. 

To ensure you have enough balance to make calls, follow these steps:

1. Go to the EE website: https://ee.co.uk/. 
2. Click on the Login button in the upper right corner.
3. Enter your EE username and password.
4. Once logged in, you will see your balance on the dashboard.
5. Recharge your balance by clicking the Top up button.  
6. Select the amount you want to top up.
7. Choose a payment method.
8. Follow the instructions to complete the top-up. 

Note: Check your balance by texting BALANCE to 150. Top it up by phone by calling the same number. 

#3: Get a PUK Code to Unlock Your SIM

If your SIM card has a PIN lock, you’ll see the error message “SIM not provisioned” or Enter PUK code” on the screen.

The PUK code is a personal unlocking key that helps you reset your SIM card PIN if you forget it or enter it incorrectly multiple times. 

To get a PUK code, follow these steps:

1. Go to the EE website.
2. Click on the Login button in the upper right corner.
3. Enter your EE username and password.
4. Once logged in, you will see your account dashboard.
5. Click on the Manage Device tab.
6. Scroll down to the Unlock SIM (PUK code) section.
7. Your PUK will be displayed there. 

Tip: If your PUK code is unavailable on your online account, contact EE customer service for assistance. 

To unlock your SIM using the PUK code, follow these steps:

1. Turn off your phone.
2. Enter the wrong PIN code for your SIM card three times.
3. You will be prompted to enter the PUK code.
4. Enter the PUK code and press Enter.
5. You will be prompted to enter a new PIN code.
6. Enter a new PIN code and press Enter.
7. Your SIM card will now be unlocked.

Note: You have 10 attempts to enter the correct PUK code. If you enter the wrong PUK code 10 times, your SIM will be blocked, and you will need to contact EE to get a new one.  

#4: Order a New SIM If Your Current One is Damaged

If your SIM card is damaged or you have a new SIM card not working EE problem, you must order a replacement.

Here’s how to do this:

1. Go to the EE website.
2. Click on the Shop button. 
3. Scroll down to the SIM cards section. 
4. Select the type of SIM card you need.
5. Enter your details and click on the Continue button. 
6. Choose a delivery method and click Continue again. 
7. Review your order and click on Place Order.
8. You will receive your new SIM card within a few days. 

Another way to order your new SIM card is by calling EE customer service or visiting an EE store. 

Note: You must provide proof of identity if you order a new SIM card because your old one is damaged.  

#5: Confirm That Your Device is Unlocked

If you purchased your device from a different network or carrier, it’s possible that it’s restricted to that network. This means you need to unlock it before it will work with EE. 

To confirm that your device is unlocked, follow these steps:

1. Go to your phone’ Settings.
2. Look for the SIM card or Network settings.
3. See if there is an option to Unlock SIM card or Network Unlock.
4. If there is, your phone is likely unlocked. 

If it is locked, here’s how to unlock it:

1. Contact your previous carrier.
2. Request for an unlock code.
3. Provide the required information.
4. Wait for the unlock code and enter it into your phone.
5. Restart your phone. 

#6: Update Your Phone’s Carrier Settings

Carrier settings contain information about your network and carrier. Sometimes, they become outdated or incorrect, which causes problems with your EE SIM card services.

To update your phone’s carrier settings, follow these steps:

iPhone

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap General.
3. Choose About.
4. Go to Carrier to see the current version. 
5. If a new version is available, you will see a prompt to update.
6. Tap Update to download and install the new carrier settings.

Android

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap System.
3. Choose System Updates.
4. Go to Carrier Settings to see the current version.
5. If a new version is available, you will see a prompt to update. 
6. Tap Update to download and install the new carrier settings.

Tip: Regularly check for updates, especially after a system or OS update. 

#7: Manually Select EE as Your Network

Another possible answer to why is my EE SIM card not working is an incorrect network. Your device must have automatically selected a different network or carrier.

This usually happens when you’re in an area where the EE signal is weak or if you are abroad. 

To manually select EE as your network, follow these steps:

iPhone

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap on Cellular.
3. Go to Network Selection.
4. Make sure that Automatic is turned off. 
5. Tap on the name of the network you want to select, or in this case, EE.
6. If prompted, enter your SIM PIN.

Note: If you use an iPhone, you must restart your phone after selecting EE as your network. 

Android

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap on Network & Internet. 
3. Choose Mobile Network.
4. Go to Network Operators.
5.  Tap Manual.
6. Select the EE network from the list.
7. If prompted, enter your SIM PIN.

Note: If you use an Android phone, you must turn on Airplane mode and turn it off again after selecting EE as your network.

#8: Reset Your Device’s Network Settings

As a last resort, reset your device’s network settings to fix network-related issues with the EE SIM card.

Remember that this will erase all your saved WiFi passwords, Bluetooth connections, and VPN settings. 

Pro Tip: Back up your data before proceeding. 

Here’s how to reset your device’s network settings:

iPhone

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap on General. 
3. Select Reset.
4. Tap Reset Network Settings.
5. Tap it again to confirm.

Android

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap on System.
3. Select Advanced.
4. Tap Reset Options.
5. Tap Reset WiFi, Mobile & Bluetooth.
6. Tap Reset Settings.
7. Tap it again to confirm. 

Once you’ve reset your device’s network settings, you must re-enter them. If you still experience issues with your SIM card, we recommend that you contact EE Support directly for more assistance.

Quick Recap

Now you know that the main cause of EE SIM card not working is a faulty SIM card, outdated device, or network outage. To fix this, first, make sure your SIM is inserted correctly. Then, update your phone’s carrier settings. 

Other solutions, like resetting your device to factory settings, also help in resolving this error. For more information about your EE SIM card, visit our blog! 

Source: Spectrum SIM Card Not Working? (Quick Fix Guide!)