Sky SIM Activation Not Working? – (Fix In Minutes!)

Are you having Sky SIM activation not working problems? We’re at your service!

If you’re stuck with a SIM not activated message on your phone, don’t worry. The error often indicates a damaged SIM card, an incorrect activation code, an expired PAC code, or a network glitch. 

To get your Sky SIM activation to work, you want to ensure there’s nothing wrong with your SIM card. You also want to check your account, and you have no outstanding balance.

Now, let’s shift our attention to the solutions!

Sky SIM Activation Not Working – 10 Easy Steps to Follow

The good news is this issue has straightforward solutions. This article will show you how to resolve your Sky SIM activation problem. 

#1: Check for Damage and Reinsert Your SIM

The first thing you should do is check your Sky SIM card for signs of damage. Scratches, bents, or breaks during delivery or handling prevent your SIM from being recognised by your phone or network.

To check your Sky SIM for damages, follow these steps:

1. Take out your SIM card from your phone and inspect it carefully.
2. Look for any cracks, chips, or tears.
3. If you see any, replace it. 

If your SIM looks fine, clean your SIM and reinsert it the right way. Sometimes, a misaligned SIM also causes activation issues.

To clean your Sky SIM, follow these steps:

1. Turn off your phone and remove the battery if applicable. 
2. Locate the SIM card slot.
3. Use a paperclip or SIM ejector tool to pop out the SIM tray.
4. Take out your SIM card and gently wipe it with a soft cloth.
5. Put your SIM back into the SIM tray, aligning it correctly. 
6. Push the tray back until it clicks.
7. Put the battery back in and turn on your phone.

Tip: If you have another compatible device, insert your SIM card into it and see if the issue lies on your SIM or device. 

#2: Make Sure You Entered the Correct Activation Code

The activation code is a 13-digit number that starts with 8944 and is found on the back of your SIM card or in the welcome email from Sky.

If you entered the wrong code, your SIM card won’t be activated. 

1. Go to the Sky Mobile website.
2. Sign in with your Sky ID.
3. Click on Activate First SIM or Activate Additional SIM.
4. Enter the 13-digit activation code in the box.
5. Click Next.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the activation process. 

Note: Double-check the activation code before entering it. Ensure you don’t confuse any digits or letters. 

#3: Confirm that Your Phone is Unlocked

Confirm that your phone is unlocked if you still can’t activate Sky SIM. Unlocking your phone gives you more freedom and flexibility to switch providers.

Contact your previous network provider and request an unlock code to do this. 

Info: Depending on the policy, your network provider might charge a fee and request phone details like IMEI, model, and brand.  

Once you have the unlock code, follow these steps:

1. Insert your Sky SIM card into your phone. 
2. Turn ON your phone.
3. Wait for it to ask for the unlock code. 
4. Enter the unlock code and press OK.
5. Your phone should now be unlocked and ready to use. 

Note: If you purchased your phone from Sky Mobile, it should already be unlocked. You don’t need to do anything else. 

#4: Check for Outstanding Bills from Your Previous Carrier

If you switch to Sky Mobile before paying off your final bill or early termination fees, your previous provider will only block your number from being ported once you settle your account.

To fix this, pay your outstanding bill immediately. 

Here’s how to check for outstanding bills from your previous carrier: 

1. Contact your prior carrier’s customer service department.
2. Provide them with your account details.
3. Request for your billing information.
4. Ask about available payment methods and options to settle your bill.
5. Confirm the payment amount and due date.
6. Pay your bill online, over the phone, or in-store. 
7. Keep records and verify the closure of your account. 

#5: Use the Confirmation Code to Activate Your Sky SIM

You must obtain a PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) from your previous carrier to transfer your old number to Sky Mobile.

They’ll send you a 4-digit confirmation code, which you must enter on their website within 24 hours to activate your Sky SIM card. 

Follow these steps to enter the confirmation code:

1. Go to Sky Mobile and sign in with your Sky ID.
2. Scroll down to the Activate Your SIM section.
3. Click on Activate First SIM or Activate Additional SIM.
4. Enter the 13-digit activation code in the box and click Next.
5. Enter the 4-digit confirmation code in the box.
6. Click Confirm.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the activation process. 

Note: If you have an eSIM, scan a QR code instead of entering the activation code. 

To activate your eSIM, follow these steps:

1. Go to Sky Mobile and sign in with your Sky ID.
2. Scroll down to the Activate Your SIM section.
3. Click on Activate eSIM.
4. Scan the QR code displayed on the screen with your phone’s camera.
5. Follow the instructions to complete the activation process. 

#6: Verify and Make Sure Your PAC Code is Not Expired

If you’re still unable to activate Sky SIM, ensure your PAC code is still valid. A PAC code expires after 30 days of issuance, so use it in time and check the expiry date. 

Here’s what you should do if your PAC code has expired:

1. Contact your previous carrier and ask for a new PAC code.
2. Go to Sky Mobile and sign in with your Sky ID.
3. Scroll down to the Activate Your SIM section. 
4. Click on Activate First SIM or Activate Additional SIM.
5. Enter the 13-digit activation code in the box and click Next.
6. Enter the new PAC code and click Submit.
7. Wait for Sky Mobile to send you a new confirmation message via text.
8. Enter the new confirmation code and click Confirm.
9. Follow the instructions to complete the activation process.   

#7: Activate Your Sky SIM Using Your Sky ID Online

Another way to activate your Sky SIM without using your phone or the activation code is through your Sky ID online.

To do this, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Sky website and sign in to your account.
2. Click on the My Account tab. 
3. Go to the Mobile section.
4. Click on Activate SIM.
5. Enter the activation code from your SIM pack.
6. Click on the Activate SIM button.

Note: The activation code found on your SIM pack is a 10-digit number.  

#8: Update Your Phone’s Carrier Settings

Outdated or incompatible carrier settings are another reason for Sky SIM activation not working.

Updating these settings, however, will enable proper communication with the Sky network.

Here’s how to do this:

iPhone

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap General.
3. Tap on About.
4. If you see a prompt to update your carrier settings, tap Update.
5. Wait for the update to finish and restart your phone. 

Android

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap System.
3. Select Advanced.
4. Tap on System Update.
5. If you see a notification to update, tap Download and Install.
6. Wait for the update to finish and restart your phone.

#9: Reset Your Phone’s Network Settings Before Activating Your SIM

Another possible solution is to reset your phone’s network settings before activating your SIM card.

It will erase all network-related data and settings and resolve conflicts or errors.

To do this, follow these steps:

iPhone

1. Go to Settings. 
2. Tap on General.
3. Select Reset.
4. Tap Reset Network Settings.
5. Enter your passcode if prompted and confirm the action.

Android

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap on System.
3. Tap Advanced.
4. Select Reset Options.
5. Tap on Reset WiFi, Mobile & Bluetooth.
6. Tap Reset Settings and confirm the action. 

Once the reset is complete, restart your phone. Then, reconnect to WiFi networks, pair Bluetooth devices, and configure VPNs and APNs. 

#10: Wait Up to 24 Hours for SIM Activation to Complete

Lastly, wait up to 24 hours for your SIM activation, as it usually takes longer due to high demand or network congestion.

To check the status of your SIM activation, follow these steps:

1. Go to Sky Mobile and sign in with your Sky ID.
2. Scroll down to the Activate Your SIM section. 
3. Click on Check Activation Status.
4. You’ll see a message telling you whether your SIM is activated. 

Alternative: Call Sky customer service at 0333 7591 018 from another phone and ask about your activation status.  

Quick Recap

The common culprits for Sky SIM activation not working issues include damaged SIM cards and account-related problems. To fix this, inspect your SIM for signs of damage and make sure your account is current. 

To learn more about Sky Mobile, check out our blog!  

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