You dont have javascript enabled! Please enable it!
Skip to content
xtrium logo main
  • Home
  • Broadband
  • Router
  • Mobile
  • WiFi
  • Streaming
  • About Us
xtrium logo main
Xtrium - Tech Solutions
Xtrium is user supported. We may earn a small commission when you buy through our links. Learn More

Giffgaff Activated SIM Not Working? – Complete Fix!

ByKevin Wood Updated on17 January 2023
giffgaff activated sim not working

If your Giffgaff activated SIM not working we’ve got you covered!

Due to high traffic in the Giffgaff network, some SIM card activations may take more time than expected.

This problem is rarely on the user’s side, but we will go over the best solutions you could try from your home right now!

Let’s check them out!

To fix when a Giffgaff-activated SIM isn’t working, reboot your mobile every 30 minutes and reseat the SIM card. Then, perform the activation process again and move out of cellular dead zones. Finally, update the carrier’s settings!

Let’s learn more about the problem before jumping into the solution!

Giffgaff SIM Activated But Not Working – Explained!

It’s important to remember that activated Giffgaff SIM cards take up to 24 hours!

This only applies if you’ve completed the activation process on your end.

When a full day has expired but the SIM card is still not working, we need to check whether it’s activated.

We will now check what’s the correct activation method for Giffgaff SIM cards!

Giffgaff SIM Activation Process:

  1. Go to Giffgaff.com/activate on your mobile.
  2. Look up the 6 Digit Code printed on the SIM pack.
  3. Insert code in the empty field at the Giffgaff site.
  4. Press “Activate your SIM”
  5. Enter your email on the next page.
  6. Confirm your Giffgaff credentials.
  7. Press “Register” and follow the steps.

This issue is often caused by high traffic in the Giffgaff network and the occupation of agents that are responsible for activating your SIM.

In a case where you’ve done everything on your end, your only option is to await the remote activation of the SIM by Giffgaff employees!

6 Ways To Fix When Activated Giffgaff SIM Card Not Working!

fix giffgaff activated sim not working

Now that you’re certain that the activation of the Giffgaff SIM has been done correctly on your end, you should await the remote activation.

However, there are some easy things you could attempt in the meantime, that might solve the problem for you!

Solution #1 Reboot Your Mobile Periodically

Giffgaff support agents have suggested rebooting your device every 30 minutes with the SIM card chip inserted inside.

Their insight is that rebooting your mobile helps refresh the connectivity with the cellular, hence, connect as soon as possible.

  • Reboot your mobile by holding the Power Button and selecting “Restart”.

Once a restart is triggered, your device may take up to 60 seconds to shut down its software and then reboot.

In case you’ve already tried this and didn’t help, proceed.

Solution #2 Re-Insert the SIM Card Chip

Chances are that your new Giffgaff SIM is seated incorrectly within the cardholder.

reinsert sim

This will prevent your device from recognizing the chip and therefore connecting with a cellular tower.

What’s most audible to do right now, is reinsert your new SIM card and test.

Here’s how to reinstall the Giffgaff SIM card into the tray:

  1. Grab the SIM ejector tool.
  2. Insert the object into the SIM pinhole of your device.
  3. Pull out the cardholder.
  4. Take the tray all the way out.
  5. Remove the SIM from the compartment.
  6. Reinsert the SIM into the cardholder.
Alert: The printed insertion graphics on the SIM will guide you on how to place the chip!

Solution #3 Move Out of Dead Zones

Dead Cellular Zones are places and compartments that will ultimately block all cellular coverage.

This is not a place where you will be wanting to stay while activating your Giffgaff SIM or awaiting its activation.

To put it simply, dead zones are the places that are the farthest from a cellular tower that transmits signals. This could interrupt your Giffgaff activation!

Here are cellular dead zones that you should avoid:

  • Underground tunnels or Basements
  • Forests or plains in the countryside, away from cellular towers
  • Solid structures, with thick wooden/cement walls that block signal
  • Nearby interference caused by another cellular unit

To have the best cellular connection in the UK, you should be in a city. You need at least 2 bars of signal strength for the Giffgaff SIM to be activated.

Tip: The cellular bars on the top part of your mobile’s display show your coverage strength!

Solution #4 Validate the Activation Code

validate activation code

A blunder you could have let slip by during the setup is inserting an incorrect 6-digit code.

  • You could also use the 13-digit code on the package for activation purposes!

When you visit the Giffgaff website’s activation page, you will have to type down the 6-digit code printed on the SIM card’s package.

If not written down correctly, your SIM card will not be activated until further notice. In that regard, let’s validate the code you should enter!

The 13-digit and 6-digit codes are printed on the front of the Giffgaff SIM package. You could find the 6-digit in the middle and the 13-digit at the top right.

When you’ve inserted the code correctly, then you can wait for the activation.

Tip: You could activate your SIM using both of the code values on the package!

Solution #5 Resolve Voucher Activation Issues

The only way to subscribe to Giffgaff and activate your SIM isn’t through direct payment.

You could also benefit from a Giffgaff voucher that has the funds to cover the expenses of the desired subscription.

However, certain voucher activation problems could occur.

Here are voucher activation issues to look out for:

  • Double-check if you’re inserting the correct value of the Voucher Code
  • Identify if the voucher has expired or is no longer supported
  • Determine if the voucher has enough funds to cover the Giffgaff purchase

The most frequent occurrences are where the voucher has fewer funds than the ones required for the Giffgaff purchase. You could check the voucher’s value on the back side.

Note: Validate if the voucher’s expiry date is yet to come or has already passed away.

Solution #6 Reset your Giffgaff Mobile

In caseGiffgaff activated SIM not working, then resetting your mobile is the best way to approach the problem.

reset mobile

It is an end-solution that has the best functionality for software problems on mobile.

Do not use a backup, since the goal of this is to flush all settings and features of your phone!

  • A Factory Reset is going to erase all stored content and settings on your mobile!

Here’s how to factory reset most mobile devices easily:

  1. Open the device’s Settings.
  2. Navigate to General.
  3. Scroll down and enter “Reset”.
  4. Press “Factory Reset Everything”.
  5. Confirm the process by entering your mobile’s PIN.
  6. Press “Next”.
  7. Wait for the factory reset to begin.

Once the factory reset has begun, it may take up to 5 minutes for your device to complete it.

For the time being, stop interacting with the mobile to prevent the reset from being cancelled!

Alert: Plug the mobile into a charger if it was running low on battery before starting the reset!

Solution #7 Adjust Giffgaff APN Settings

In case your Giffgaff SIM card has been activated before 24 hours but you can’t access the cellular data, make calls or surf online, we’re here to help.

Sometimes we need to manually adjust the APN setting of our mobile device to connect to the closest mast.

  • On your device, go to Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Network > APN.
giffgaff apn settings

Then tap on “Create a New APN” and adjust accordingly:

  • APN – Giffgaff.com
  • MCC – 234
  • MNC – 10
  • APN Protocol – IPv4v6
  • Authentication Type – PAP
  • Name – GG
  • Password – P

You can leave the other fields empty or as default. When you’re ready Save the changes, exit the menu and restart your mobile device.

The Giffgaff SIM card should now start working!

Solution #8 Contact Giffgaff Support

In case your Giffgaff SIM has been activated but still, your card is not working, perhaps you might use some assistance.

contact giffgaff support

Feel free to contact Giffgaff Customer Support or raise a complaint about your issue. With a bit of luck, they will help solve the SIM activation issue!

Let’s have a recap of what we’ve learned in this guide so far!

Quick Recap:

Thus, the solution to problems with an activated Giffgaff SIM is to reboot your device every 30 minutes. Next, resolve any voucher activation issues and validate the 6 or 13-digit activation code. Lastly, move out of dead zones and reset your mobile device!

Wrapping Up:

We hope that you’ve learned why the Giffgaff activated SIM not working and what’s the best solution to this problem.

Many users are also experiencing problems with their activated Giffgaff SIM so you’re not alone. Good Luck!

Read Next: How to Cancel Giffgaff Goodybag?

kevin wood
Kevin Wood

Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites.

Previous Previous
Virgin Media WiFi Weak Security? – Here’s the Fix
NextContinue
How To Turn Off AP Isolation In Easy Steps? – (Netgear & Spectrum)
Trending Now 🔥
  • can wifi provider see your history on phoneCan WiFi Provider See Your History on Phone?
  • how to keep snow off your satellite dishHow to Keep Snow off your Satellite Dish Easily?
  • can someone hack into my phone through wifiCan Someone Hack into My Phone Through Wifi?
  • is it bad to turn off your modem every nightIs it Bad to Turn Off Your Modem Every Night? (Top Facts!)
  • best place to put router in 2 story houseThe Best Place to Put Router in 2 Story House
Disclaimer

While we try to deliver the best information, we don’t guarantee the correctness & freshness of the information provided here. We will not be responsible for any errors, omissions or inaccurate information.

DMCA.com Protection Status
Website
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Advertisement
Resources
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Do Not Sell
Get Connected
Facebook Twitter

© 2023 Xtrium - Tech Solutions All Rights Reserved.

Warning: Copying of Content Is Prohibited & Strictly Monitored.

Scroll to top
error: Alert: Content is protected !! @DMCA
  • Home
  • Broadband
  • Router
  • Mobile
  • WiFi
  • Streaming
  • About Us