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:
- Go to Giffgaff.com/activate on your mobile.
- Look up the 6 Digit Code printed on the SIM pack.
- Insert code in the empty field at the Giffgaff site.
- Press “Activate your SIM”
- Enter your email on the next page.
- Confirm your Giffgaff credentials.
- 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!
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.
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:
- Grab the SIM ejector tool.
- Insert the object into the SIM pinhole of your device.
- Pull out the cardholder.
- Take the tray all the way out.
- Remove the SIM from the compartment.
- 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
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.
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:
- Open the device’s Settings.
- Navigate to General.
- Scroll down and enter “Reset”.
- Press “Factory Reset Everything”.
- Confirm the process by entering your mobile’s PIN.
- Press “Next”.
- 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.
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.
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!
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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.