How to Fix Vodafone SIM Swap Not Working?

In case the Vodafone SIM Swap not working for you, you’ve come to the right place!

Properly understanding the Vodafone SIM swap process is essential during troubleshooting.

Switching to a new chip requires a particular setup that may not be known to you.

That’s why we will first go over the potential causes for this issue and then troubleshoot.

Let’s jump in!

To fix when the Vodafone SIM swap isn’t working, reboot your mobile and reseat the SIM card. Next, network-unlock your mobile device and move out of any dead zones. In case the issue is still there, perform a Factory Reset process on your mobile device!

To understand this problem better, let’s learn what’s causing it first!

Vodafone SIM Swap Not Working – Reasons & Causes!

It’s important to know that if the old SIM still fits, you don’t have to insert the new one!

This applies if you have upgraded to a new device.

There’s no need to use a new SIM card chip if your old one fits perfectly with the new mobile device.

In case the SIM card is bigger you can take parts of it out and make the card smaller. In case it’s smaller, you’ll need a SIM Swap!

Here are the reasons why a Vodafone SIM Swap is not working:

• The new SIM is Not Activated
• The SIM card is Incorrectly Inserted
• Your Mobile has more than 1 SIM card.
• There’s a problem with Plan Renewal

This is why your Vodafone SIM Swap wouldn’t work. However, we’ve found a solution for any possibility so if you’re still experiencing problems, keep reading.

Vodafone Online SIM Swap Not Working – Fixed In Minutes!

It’s quite important to know that if switching from another network, your mobile device may remain locked to the old provider.

Thus, you will have to break the connection with your old carrier and unlock your mobile device to new SIM cards and networks!

Let’s do that first!

Solution #1 Unlock Your Mobile’s Network

When purchasing new devices from your current carrier, they will remain Network-Locked until you’re using the merchant’s services.

After switching to a new provider (and paying the full price for the mobile), you will be able to unlock your device for new networks!

• If you were already on Vodafone before the swap, skip this solution!

Network-unlock on Android:

1. Navigate to Settings.
2. Press “About Phone”.
3. Copy the IMEI number.
4. Navigate to the Vodafone site.
5. Go to Vodafone’s unlock page.
6. Insert the IMEI there.
7. Wait for activation.

Network-unlock an iPhone:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Press General.
3. Choose “About”.
4. Copy the IMEI.
5. Go to Vodafone’s unlock page.
6. Paste it there.
7. Wait for the iPhone’s activation.

Keep in mind that the mobile device will remain network-locked only when on leasing along with your carrier’s plan.

Once fully paid, you will be able to perform the steps above!

Note: The network unlocking may take an hour or so on Vodafone’s end so be patient.

Solution #2 Online-Activate Vodafone SIM

The new SIM card must be activated through an Online Vodafone Page.

If the SIM isn’t activated, your mobile won’t detect it and therefore you’ll be unable to hook up to the cellular network.

Don’t get worried, since the online activation is made simple by Vodafone and only takes a couple of minutes to be performed. Let’s learn how!

Online activation for Vodafone SIM:

1. Go to the Vodafone Website.
2. Login using the provided credentials.
3. Scroll down and press “My Device & SIM”.
4. Click on “My SIM”.
5. Navigate to “Activate your new SIM”.
6. Fill up the code that came with your new SIM (6 or 13 digits).
7. Press “Activate”.

Sometimes, there are high traffic hours in the Vodafone services.

Your activation may take a while (up to 24 hours) and after that, your mobile will connect with the cellular network at once!

Note: If experiencing any online activation issues, contact Vodafone’s support team!

Solution #3 Reboot your Mobile Phone

Perhaps, the problem could be with your mobile device rather than the new Vodafone SIM!

A simple reboot could cause your mobile to scan the new SIM card and get connected with cellular eventually.

There are two ways to reboot your mobile and during the restart, it’s best to have your device connected to a charger. No device functions well on low charge!

Here’s how to reboot your mobile device!

1. Press the Power Button on your mobile.
2. Hold it for 5-7 seconds.
3. Press “Restart” on the prompt.
4. Wait…

Your device will be rebooting for around 30-60 seconds. Once the unit starts up, look at the cellular indicator and determine if the SIM card is now detected.

You should be prompted to insert your PIN Code, which means that your device recognises the Vodafone SIM card.

(Optional) On Androids, physical SIM nests’ occupations will be displayed upon startup!

You could go to Settings > Mobile Data > Cellular > SIM/SIM slots to check the detection.

Solution #4 Re-Insert the New SIM

There is a possibility that your Vodafone SIM is seated incorrectly in your SIM tray!

The best way to resolve this is to have the new Vodafone SIM reseated in your mobile device.

This will verify that the SIM chip is measured correctly into the tray and is making good-quality contact with your chip.

Let’s reset your Vodafone SIM card!

How to reseat/reinsert Vodafone SIM:

1. Get a SIM ejector tool.
2. Insert the tool into the pinhole of your device.
3. Take out the SIM tray.
4. Eject the SIM card from out of the slot.
5. Wait for 3-4 minutes.
6. Reinsert the SIM card back into the holder.
7. Place the cardholder into the slot.
8. Test your mobile’s cellular.

It may take your device 10-15 seconds to hook up to a cellular tower. Look at the signal indicator at the top left of your device to know how the connection is going.

Note: If your card is too big or small, adjust the removable pieces to make it fit.

Solution #5 Move Out of Dead Zones

Dead zones are the worst. Those are places that will block the signal from nearby cellular towers and kill the signal of your mobile device.

There are even cities in the UK that lessen the signal you receive or completely block it when standing in particular places.

To get your new Vodafone SIM to work, you must move into a zone of coverage!

Here are some dead zones you should avoid:

• Underground compartments or tunnels
• Large fields, forests or high-mountain areas
• Standing in-between thick concrete or wooden walls

There are many checker software for zones in the UK that you could use online.

They will let you know whether your location is covered by a cellular tower or not and give you directions to move into.

Otherwise, make sure the signal is not blocked by anything.

Note: The signal indicator in your phone’s overlay will let you know the strength of your signal.

Solution #6 Factory Reset your Mobile

In case Vodafone has done everything on their end, then the issue is most likely with your mobile.

The best you could try at this point is to perform a Factory Reset on the device.

• A Factory Reset will erase all contents, media and apps from the device!

By factory resetting your device, you will be able to resolve any corrupted or glitches data that’s causing cellular issues.

Let’s learn how to reset both Androids and iPhones!

How to Factory Reset an Android:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Choose General & Backup.
3. Press Factory Data Reset.
4. Tap Reset Device.
5. Finalise by pressing Delete All.
6. Wait…

How to Factory reset an iPhone:

1. Navigate to Settings.
2. Scroll down.
3. Choose “Reset”.
4. Press “Erase Everything”.
5. Confirm with your device’s PIN.
6. Wait…

A factory reset would take 3-5 minutes on average, based on the device’s performance.

Do not interact with the device in any way to avoid accidentally cancelling the process.

Let’s now recap what we’ve learned so far:

Quick Recap:

Thus, the best fix to Vodafone SIM swap problems is to reseat the SIM card and perform a restart on your mobile phone. Next, validate the activation process and move into a zone with better reception. In case nothing works, perform a Factory Reset on your mobile!

Wrapping Up:

In this guide, we’ve learned all about the Vodafone SIM swap not working issue.

It is common for users to experience particular problems with their new Vodafone SIM card.

However, with the appropriate guidance and solutions, this problem is easy to resolve, as we now know.

Read Next: Can You Gift Data on Vodafone?