Last updated: August 2026
Activating a new contract SIM involves three things: registering it under RICA, inserting it, and — if you are keeping your existing number — waiting for the port to complete. Most activation problems are actually porting problems, and they are avoidable.
The sequence
- RICA registration. Required by law for every SIM. Done at delivery, collection or in store with proof of identity and address. See RICA requirements for a contract SIM.
- Insert the SIM and restart the phone.
- Network registration, usually within minutes.
- Porting, if you are bringing an existing number across.
- Configure mobile data, which most phones do automatically.
The porting mistake to avoid
Do not cancel your existing service before the port completes. If the old account is closed first, the number can be lost, and recovering it is considerably harder than porting it in the first place.
Ports typically complete within a short window, though timing varies. Keep the old SIM until you have confirmed the new one is receiving calls on your number.
Common problems
| Problem | Usual cause |
|---|---|
| No signal after inserting | SIM not yet activated, or the phone needs a restart |
| Calls work, data does not | APN settings not applied — the provider can send them |
| Number not ported | Port still in progress, or details mismatched on the request |
| SIM not recognised | Wrong SIM size, or the phone is network-locked |
| RICA not completed | Documents outstanding — the line will not work until done |
A network-locked phone is the one that surprises people. Handsets bought on a previous contract are sometimes locked to that provider until the term completes.
eSIM instead of a physical SIM
Recent phones support eSIM, activated by scanning a code rather than inserting a card. RICA still applies. Activation processes differ between providers, so follow the instructions they supply rather than assuming.
Before you start
- Identity and proof of address ready for RICA.
- Your existing account still open, if porting.
- Confirmation that your phone is unlocked.
- The old SIM kept until the port completes.
See cellphone contract requirements, apply online and SIM only deals.
Frequently asked questions
How long does activation take?
Usually minutes once RICA is complete. Porting a number takes longer and varies by provider.
Can I keep my number?
Yes. Do not cancel your existing service until the port has completed.
Why do calls work but data does not?
Usually APN settings. Your provider can send the correct configuration.
Do I need RICA for a replacement SIM?
A SIM swap generally requires re-registration. Confirm with your provider.
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Activation and porting processes are set by each provider and change from time to time. Confirm current steps directly with the network.