Have purchased a SIM card but can’t activate it, then in this guide, we will tell you the complete method to activate a SIM in the United Arab Emirates. Three telecom networks in the United Arab Emirates offer their services including call, SMS, internet, and add-on services.
Both Etisalat and DU are widely used and their prepaid SIM cards have a large number of users. Along with their local SIM card as well as tourist SIM card, the activation method is the same.
When you buy a new SIM card, you have to go to the office to activate it, after which they do some verifications and activate the SIM card. How to activate any SIM is on the back side of its packaging. You can activate the SIM with its help while any new SIM is also received by the company by inserting the mobile phone with an activation SMS.
In this SMS, the user is asked for his birthday, age, full name, ID number, or passport number. By responding correctly to this message, the SIM card is activated immediately, and the user receives a confirmation SMS. We will know all these methods step by step so let’s start.
How to Activate Etisalat SIM Card?
Switching on an Etisalat prepaid connection is very easy and simple which you can do by reading the guide below.
1. Get the SIM card:
You can buy a new Etisalat SIM from any nearby Etisalat retail store or online store. After purchasing the SIM, you will also get its activation guide which you can use to activate it yourself.
2. Insert the SIM into the phone:
After purchasing the SIM card you have to insert it into the mobile phone and then switch on the mobile. Once the phone is complete, it will automatically connect to the Etisalat network.
3. Dial Activation Code:
Whenever you buy a SIM card, the activation method and code are written on its packaging. Most of the codes involve dialing # or *122# after which it will take some personal information from you and activate the SIM.
Now whenever you buy a sim, it will be registered in your name, you just have to insert it into the mobile and it will be automatically activated by selecting the network.
Once the SIM is activated you will receive a confirmation SMS after which you will be able to use it.
Activating an e-SIM in a mobile phone is very easy. In UAE you can activate DU or Etisalat SIM in one way which is listed below.
How to Activate Du SIM Card
Du’s registration process is a very easy and simple task for all new and old customers of Du who will read this guideline. I will start by inserting a SIM card into your mobile phone so that, your time will be saved by reading all the extra tips and steps. So, follow the steps:
- Insert a SIM card into your phone and turn it ON
- Du’s best service is that you will receive an SMS with sim card activation instructions which you have to follow.
- If you have not received an SMS yet! open the dial pad and dial *122#
- A menu will be present on your phone, select the language Arabic or English
- On the next prompt enter your Passport number and tap the send button.
- On the next prompt, you will be asked “Country of Arrival” your country name where you came here. Enter its complete name like “India” or “Pakistan” without commas and tap the send button.
- Now, on the next screen, it will ask for your date of birth like this (dd/mm/yyyy).
- Once the verification is completed, your SIM will be activated in a few minutes.
- You will receive a confirmation SMS of Du SIM activation.
If you have an eSIM-supported mobile phone and you want to activate Du eSIM, below we have given the complete guide. Just follow the steps and enjoy your time. If you face any issues while activating the SIM card, call Du helpline 135.
Activating Virgin Mobile SIM in UAE
Activating a Virgin mobile SIM card in UAE is a very easy and quick task. You have to order the SIM card online from their official portal or app using your Emirates ID or Passport number. All residents and tourists can buy Virgin Mobile prepaid SIM cards and use the given methods to activate them.
- Order your SIM card online using the Virgin Mobile official portal or app.
- Open the app and sign up for a new account or log in if you already have one.
- Scan the QR code provided on SIM card
- Verify your identity by entering your Emirates ID number or passport number
- Once you have completed these steps, your SIM card will be activated and you will receive a confirmation SMS.
If you have Virgin Mobile eSIM, you can activate using the UAE Pass app. To activate the Virgin Mobile eSIM follow the instructions:
- Open the Virgin mobile app from your phone
- Connect it with UAE Pass and follow the instructions
- Scan the QR code into your mobile phone > Network settings > eSIM > Add network
- Once the scan is completed, your SIM card will be activated.
- If you face any issues you can contact the Virgin mobile help center online using the app or web portal.
You can buy new offers and packages using the Virgin mobile app when your package is ended. Virgin mobile plans are available for prepaid, postpaid, and visitor SIM cards at affordable prices.
How to Activate eSIM in UAE?
E-SIM is a new technology phone that does not require inserting a physical SIM. Companies such as iPhones, Samsung, and more are launching such phones and are also starting to make more use of them in the telecom industry. In the UAE, eSIM is widely used while physical SIM is becoming less popular.
When you are thinking of getting a new phone or SIM card, you need to make sure that your phone or SIM card is compatible with each other.
You can check your mobile phone online from different websites and search engines that is this eSIM is supported or not. If this is an eSIM-supported phone, you can continue buying an eSIM card in UAE.
Buy a SIM card:
You have to buy Etisalat or DU SIM and if you have bought that SIM then you must have got its QR code. Whenever you buy a new SIM card, the company asks you which type of card you want, physical or eSIM.
You have to tell them according to your mobile model. If you have an eSIM phone, you can choose Etisalat eSIM or Du eSIM. With this QR code, you can activate the SIM in your mobile phone which is very easy and quick.
How to Activate eSIM on Your iPhone
- Get the QR Code from your telecom operator
- Open iPhone Settings and find Cellular option
- Find “Add Cellular Plan” and open it
- It will ask you to show the QR code that you received on your SIM or email. Scan it and wait for some time.
- In a few seconds, your iPhone will be connected to the mobile network
- If you are facing some signal or network problem then you can restart your phone.
How to Activate eSIM on Your Samsung Phone
- Get the QR code from the company (If have skip this step)
- Go to the Samsung mobile “Settings”
- Search for “SIM Card Manager” and tap on it, mostly it is available at the top in settings.
- Select eSIM from the list
- Tap on Add Mobile plan
- Scan the QR code and wait for activation
- In a while, eSIM will be activated and now, you can use it.
If you are visiting the UAE for the first time or are a resident there, you can easily activate SIM cards by following these steps. Tourists who visit the UAE from other countries need some important information like passport number, date of birth, country, date of arrival in UAE, etc. to activate the SIM. Residents only need information like their identity card number, date of birth, etc. If your Etisalat, DU or Virgin Mobile SIM is not getting activated, you can call their helpline for assistance.
