How to activate my SIM card? (2024)

The SIM card on your mobile device is your access to Videotron's ultravast, high-performance network. Find out how to activate it.

How to activate my SIM card?

There are three options to activate your SIM card.

If you have a new phone number

Activate your SIM card in just one easy step: insert the SIM card into your mobile device and it will activate automatically.

If you’re keeping your current phone number

Call our toll-free automated activation service at: 1-833-657-5507.
Choose option 9, then option 1, and follow the instructions.

If you have transferred your mobile number from another provider

You can finalize your mobile activation by phone or online.

By automated call:

Dial 1-877-477-5757.
Choose option 1 and follow the instructions.

Online:

Log into your Customer Centre.
In the Mobile section, click Complete your Mobile activation.

How to install my SIM card?

To easily install the SIM card in your device, follow these steps:

Make sure your device is powered off.
Insert the SIM card ejector tool or the tip of a paper clip into the hole in the SIM card holder and press until the holder opens.
Remove the holder from the device and carefully place the SIM card inside. Line up the card’s tapered corner with the holder’s tapered corner.
Insert the holder back into the device and push firmly until it closes completely.

For more information on your phone, enter Support followed by your device model in the search bar at the top of the page to find its user guide.

If necessary, see detailed instructions on inserting a SIM card into a Samsung, Apple, Google or Motorola device.

What are the different SIM card formats?

Three card formats are compatible with Videotron mobile devices:

Mini SIM
Micro SIM
Nano SIM

The mini SIM card is considered the standard format. Not to be confused with the first-generation SIM card, which was the size of a credit card! The mini format is the second generation.

Today, all mobile phones sold by Videotron are compatible with the nano SIM card.

If you have doubts about which SIM card format is right for your device, before detaching it, enter Support followed by your device model in the search bar at the top of the page to find its technical data sheet and user guide, or contact Customer Service.

What is an eSIM card?

Attention : Videotron currently does not provide support for eSIM card usage.

The eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a tiny chip installed in a mobile device that performs the same functions as a standard SIM card.

The eSIM is 60 times smaller than the nano SIM card and can be welded into any mobile device, such as a smartphone, connected watch, connected computer, or tablet. It is standardized by recognized industry organizations.

Here are some benefits of using an eSIM card:

New ultra-flat and waterproof device designs due to the need for less physical space and the lack of a slot for a standard SIM card
Ability to connect new types of devices
Higher number of connected devices per user
Improved customer experience through the digitization of the mobile plan subscription process
Simplified logistics for mobile operators

Can I use a Dual SIM device with Videotron?

Attention : At this time, we don’t support the Dual SIM feature. Our support is limited to ensuring the proper functioning of Videotron’s SIM card. This situation is expected to change.

A Dual SIM mobile device can operate two SIM cards simultaneously, thus allowing for two numbers and services from two different providers to be used on the same device.

As a Videotron Mobile customer, you can test the Dual SIM feature if you have a compatible device. For example, you could try to add a standard SIM card or an eSIM card from a different provider to the one you already have with us. However, please note that we cannot guarantee the proper functioning of the second SIM card or provide support for it.

Do you have more questions about your new phone?

New cell phone: First steps

Make a number transfer from my current phone number to my new mobile phone

Complete the activation of my mobile phone

SIM card activation SIM card installation SIM card formats eSIM card Dual SIM device

Have more questions?

Ask the Community Any specific questions? Ask it on our forum and see how experts or other users have solved a similar problem.

Find a store Come see us in one of our 115 stores and enjoy a unique customer experience.

FAQs

How to activate my SIM card? ›

Quick steps: How to activate a new SIM

Insert the new SIM into your phone, and have the phone turned on. Activate your new SIM card by using its accompanying activation key (this will be included in the package). You may need valid ID. Use this key to activate the SIM card online.

Get More Info Here ›

Can you activate your SIM card yourself? ›

How do I make my SIM card active again? ›

- Once you receive the new SIM card, follow the instructions provided by your mobile service provider to activate it. - You may need to provide some personal information to verify your identity. - You may also need to restart your phone or wait for a few minutes to complete the activation process.

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Why will my SIM card not activate? ›

Ensure that your device is connected to a stable and active internet connection. This is necessary for the activation process to work. Check if the SIM card is inserted correctly into your device. You can follow the instructions that came with your device to make sure that the SIM card is inserted properly.

How do I know if my SIM card is activated or deactivated? ›

Try Making a Call or Sending a Text:This is the most straightforward method. Try to make a call or send a text message. If the call goes through or the message sends, then the SIM card is active. If not, it could be deactivated, or there could be another issue, like lack of signal or an issue with the device itself.

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How do I know if my SIM card is activated? ›

Check online account or app: Some carriers may offer the option to check the activation status of your SIM card by logging into your online account or using their mobile app.

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What makes a SIM card active? ›

Firstly, you can simply insert the SIM card into your device and power it on. If the SIM card is activated, you should be able to make calls, send messages, and access the internet without any issues.

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Why is my SIM card saying no service? ›

1 Your phone needs to be restarted. 2 You're in a place with bad cell service. 3 Your phone is in airplane mode. 4 Your phone isn't connecting to the best signal.

Can I just buy a new phone and put my SIM card in it? ›

The main requirement is that the new phone must be compatible with the existing SIM card, and not locked to a different carrier. Once inserted into the new device, the SIM card should enable immediate cellular service, including calls, texts, and data usage, under the user's existing number and plan.

What happens if I just put my SIM card in a new phone? ›

Your new phone will be able to access the mobile network using the SIM card, and you can choose not to transfer other data like apps and files. Keep in mind that some apps and settings may not automatically transfer with just the SIM card.

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Do I need to register my SIM to activate it? ›

The SIM Registration Act requires the registration of all SIMs, including those in card and electronic form, as a prerequisite to activation. Under the measure, users of all mobile devices, including prepaid broadband devices, must register their SIMs.

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What happens when you put a new SIM card in your phone? ›

Changing your SIM card doesn't mean you'll lose your data. Your contacts, app, music, photos, and other data not stored on the SIM card will remain accessible. The only data that will be deleted is your old SIM card account information.

Does activating a SIM card give you a phone number? ›

A sim card does not come with a pre-assigned number. That is done when the sim card is activated. If you are adding a new line, a number would get assigned then and then that number would be activated on the sim card.

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Will putting my SIM card in another phone transfer everything? ›

no. A SIM card is only used to identify and connect to a cellular network. That might include only your own phone number and a few other items. It will not bring over apps and your contacts list, photos or any other data typically associated with a smart phone or even a simple flip phone for that matter.

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