Activating a new sim

[beeeeerlin]

Hello, I am visiting the UK for just a week adn wanted to buy a prepaid sim card to use the internet on the go while I'm here. I bought a 20GB for £15 sim card from a small store on the street.

For some reason, I can't send any messages or use the internet even though I've inserted the sim card already. When I googled the issue, everybody was talking about "topping up" the sim card with a minimum of £10. But I don't want to add an extra £10 to the card, I already paid £15 for the 20GB, why can't I just use that? What did I pay the £15 for, then? I'm sorry, I'm very new to this so I have no idea what I'm doing. Is there a way to activate the card without throwing away another £10. I just want the 20GB I paid £15 for at the shop already.

Thanks.

[MI5]

@beeeeerlin 

Your phone may need the correct apn settings.

Check them as listed here 

https://community.o2.co.uk/t5/Android-Devices-Samsung-HTC-Sony/Connecting-Android-Phone-to-Data-Serv...

or for iPhone https://community.o2.co.uk/t5/Apple-iOS-Devices-iPhone-iPad/Connecting-iPhone-to-Data-Services/m-p/5... 

Texts and calls should work fine for any standard UK numbers, but you'll need extra credit to call or message abroad.

Guide: Your Allowances - what is and isn't included 

[Breanna]

Hi @beeeeerlin any luck getting your SIM working with the advice above?

[beeeeerlin]

Nope, didn't really help. It's still not working. I can't do anything - even text messages to service numbers won't go through. Really bummed out, I wish there was a way to get a refund but I don't think that's possible 😞 £15 is quite a bit of money for me.

[MI5]

@beeeeerlin 

What is the activate by date on the sim pack?

If it's out of date you will have to go back to shop for a refund or check the packaging for any specific activation details.

[beeeeerlin]

Nope, the activate by date is later this year. I checked the packaging for any activation instructions but there are none 😞

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

@beeeeerlin 

Looks like to shop you bought it from didn't activate it properly so you need to go back to the store and get them to do it.