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Setting up your phone and SIM

Learn how to set up your SIM and start texting, streaming, and calling.

Setting up your SIM on a phone from Three

If you’ve bought a Three Pay As You Go phone with a SIM, it'll be ready to use when you turn it on. You’ll then need to follow the steps below to activate your SIM. It'll come with a preloaded Top-up or Add-on. You can also easily move your old number to your new SIM.

Setting up your SIM on a phone not from Three

Bought your phone from a different network? It may need to be unlocked to work with a Three SIM. Find out more about unlocking your device to work with a Three SIM.

Activating your SIM

Follow these steps to activate your SIM:

  1. Insert your SIM into your phone and switch it on.
  2. We'll text you to let you know we've begun activating your SIM. This should only take about 30 minutes but during busy periods it may take longer. Keep your phone switched on while we get you connected.
  3. We’ll then send you a second text telling you to turn your phone off and on again.
  4. Your SIM will be activated when you restart your phone. We’ll confirm this with another text.

If you're having any problems activating your SIM, get in touch so we can help.

Topping up and buying Add-ons

Now your phone and SIM are ready to go, you can top up your credit to start using our network. Find out more about how to top up.

You can also use your credit to buy Add-ons. Add-ons are great way of getting more texts, minutes, and data for your money. Find out more about how Add-ons work.

More Pay As You Go support

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