Before you activate your Sim!

You can set up after registration by typing the Make and Model of your phone in the search bar in the HELP SECTION, or you can Ask the community to help you.

It's a good idea ( for various reasons) to turn off your phone now until registration and top-up, and the purchase of any goody/gigabags that you may want have been completed, and payment successful. Always check your payment history for all your transactions.

In case you happen to lose your phone/sim, make a note of the sim serial number (the 19 digits on the back of the sim) keep the SIM activation code (this can recover your SIM serial number) and note the IMEI number. This could save time if the worst happened.

If you're registering with a Debit/Credit card then you can both top up and buy a goodybag in one transaction if you wish, or just top-up to have credit to use on the pay as you go tariff, or buy a goodybag or gigabag on its own (take care to choose the right one). Remember that once you buy a goodybag, it's active for one month and cannot be removed until its expiry date, or replaced until the g/bag balances fall below 5 minutes or 5 MB of data so make sure you choose the right one.

Important! What you get just for topping up with airtime credit.

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What you get when topping up your credit:

When you top up with credit only either by voucher, Credit/Debit card or auto topup, you will be on the standard pay as you go tariff as set out in Pricing , plus, you will also qualify for free unlimited giffgaff to giffgaff calls, video calls, call forwarding (up to 60 minutes per call and then re-dial, or standard charges will apply) and texts to other giffgaff mobiles (even when the gg phone you call is outside the UK) for a period of 3 months (or until you next top up, at which time the 3 month period will be reset again).
Note: Providing your free gg to gg allowance is valid then you can call a roaming gg number from the UK for free, but the roaming phone will be charged for making and receiving calls, and sending texts etc at roaming rates (even if their free gg to gg allowance is valid). If both phones are roaming of course then you both pay roaming charges accordingly.

Receiving all calls within the UK is free.

All of the above is what you get just for topping up your credit!

Free phone number 0800, 0808 and 0500 are free!

Twitter and facebook text updates are free!

Your credit will remain on your account until you use it up, providing you use your phone (e.g. make a call, receive at least 4 x 10 second calls, send text, or connect to the internet, generally just pick up use your phone normally) at least once in six months of being idle, at which time your SIM Card will be disconnected and you will lose any remaining credits balance on your Account. If you wish to be re-connected after this time you will need to activate a new sim as the account status will be as new.

What you get when topping up your credit:When you top up with credit only either by voucher, Credit/Debit card or auto topup, you will be on the standard pay as you go tariff as set out in Pricing , plus, you will also qualify for free unlimited giffgaff to giffgaff calls, video calls, call forwarding (up to 60 minutes per call and then re-dial, or standard charges will apply) and texts to other giffgaff mobiles (even when the gg phone you call is outside the UK) for a period of 3 months (or until you next top up, at which time the 3 month period will be reset again).Note: Providing your free gg to gg allowance is valid then you can call a roaming gg number from the UK for free, but the roaming phone will be charged for making and receiving calls, and sending texts etc at roaming rates (even if their free gg to gg allowance is valid). If both phones are roaming of course then you both pay roaming charges accordingly.Receiving all calls within the UK is free.All of the above is what you get just for topping up your credit!Free phone number 0800, 0808 and 0500 are free!Twitter and facebook text updates are free!Your credit will remain on your account until you use it up, providing you use your phone (e.g. make a call, receive at least 4 x 10 second calls, send text, or connect to the internet, generally just pick up use your phone normally) at least once in six months of being idle, at which time your SIM Card will be disconnected and you will lose any remaining credits balance on your Account. If you wish to be re-connected after this time you will need to activate a new sim as the account status will be as new.

Where to buy vouchers

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Where can I buy top up vouchers?

Eventually you'll be able to purchase a giffgaff top-up voucher from your favourite store - however it'll take a little time to rollout across the whole country.

Payzone: Most shops that display the 'Payzone' logo will be able to sell you a giffgaff top-up voucher. To find the nearest payzone store please follow the following link.

Epay: Most shops that display the 'E-pay' logo will be able to sell you a giffgaff top-up voucher. To find your nearest epay store please follow the following link.

Paypoint: Most shops that display the 'Paypoint' logo will be able to sell you a giffgaff top-up voucher. To find your nearest PayPoint store please follow the following link.

NOTE: You will also be able to use an O2 voucher to top up your giffgaff account. However please note you won't be able to call the O2 top-up number printed on it. Instead, you will need to call the giffgaff top-up number: 43430, or head online to My giffgaff instead to top-up your giffgaff account.

Where can I buy top up vouchers? Eventually you'll be able to purchase a giffgaff top-up voucher from your favourite store - however it'll take a little time to rollout across the whole country.Payzone: Most shops that display the 'Payzone' logo will be able to sell you a giffgaff top-up voucher. To find the nearest payzone store please follow the following link.Epay: Most shops that display the 'E-pay' logo will be able to sell you a giffgaff top-up voucher. To find your nearest epay store please follow the following link. Paypoint: Most shops that display the 'Paypoint' logo will be able to sell you a giffgaff top-up voucher. To find your nearest PayPoint store please follow the following link.NOTE: You will also be able to use an O2 voucher to top up your giffgaff account. However please note you won't be able to call the O2 top-up number printed on it. Instead, you will need to call the giffgaff top-up number: 43430, or head online to My giffgaff instead to top-up your giffgaff account.

See the difference between credit and goodybags

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Credit & goodybag confusion:

Goodybags, with their inclusive content have to be purchased either from existing airtime balance or Credit/Debit card, and are not part of any free allowance just for topping up (like the giffgaff to giffgaff allowance is). Goodybags last for one month from the date of purchase, and will expire at 23.59 hrs. on the expiry date. Should you run out of inclusive minutes for instance before you reach the expiry date, then you would need available cash/credit to use services no longer covered by the goodybag at the standard tariff rate. Any unused minutes, text or data would be lost on on expiry.

Or, if your goodybag balances fall below either 5 minnutes, or 5 MB of data then you can buy a new g/bag right away of you wish up to 9.p.m. on the expiry date of the active goodybag.

If you wish to buy.queue a goody/gigbag for the following month using either your exisitng credit or a voucher, then you can do so from just after midnight of the expiry date of the previous goodybag (the system may sometimes require a few minutes to update).

So, if you top up by £10.00, and then you buy a £10.00 goody/gigabag, then your balance would be reduced to £00.00.

BUY GOODYBAG WITH EXISTING AIRTIME BALANCE:
Note: You can't buy g/bags with a voucher, you must add the voucher cash/credit to your account first, and then buy the g/bag from credit displayed in your balance box in My giffgaff.

Go to Mygiffgaff to make sure there's enough credit in your balance box to make your G/bag purchase. If you need to top up with a voucher, go to My giffgaff and select "Top up by voucher" and enter the voucher code:

To buy your goodybag log in to My giffgaff and click on the 'Top up' button

Choose plan
4G goodybags
or Tablet and ipad plan (gigabag)

Select required G/bag:

click on 'I only need a goodybag'
decide of you want to recur your goodybag every (if buying from existing airtime then leave unticked) If
check your order and EDIT if required, and if okay press "EXCHANGE AIRTIME CREDIT" on the upper left of the page, or pay by card just below

You'll see your goodybag, including the start and expiry dates as from the time of purchase.

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Cash/credit top-ups can be made at any time to cover calls, texts and MMS etc which are not included in any goodybag, and if unused, the credit will remain there until it's used up (providing the sim shows some activity, such as making a call or receiving at least 4, 10 second calls, or sending a text within 6 months, at which time your SIM Card will be disconnected and you will lose any remaining credits balance on your Account. If you wish to be re-connected after this time the account will be treated as NEW and you'd need to activate a new sim.

g/bags can buy purchased at any time, 24/7 providing you don't already have an active one. If you do have one, then you can buy another one which will automatically queue and commence once the current one has expired.

Any unused minutes remaining on your goodybag when it expires will be lost.

More on how goodybags work here: Credit and Goodybag confusion

The same conditions apply to the purchasing of gigabags as goodybags, you can have one active at any one time.

Note: All goodybags/Gigabags at present, are for use in the UK only and cannot be used abroad.

Goodybags with inclusive calls and texts:

These allow you make calls and send texts from within the UK to any UK registered mobile (wherever in the world the receiving phone may be), UK standard landline numbers starting 01, 02 and 03, and voicemail at 1 minute per call. Calls are charged by the second with a minimum charge of 1 minute per call.
Remember that if you call a UK registered mobile from the UK whilst it's roaming, that they will be charged roaming rates to make and receive all calls, and send texts etc.
If both phones are roaming of course then you both pay roaming charges accordingly.

Note: Free giffgaff to giffgaff calls and texts and not taken from any goodybags.

Credit & goodybag confusion: Goodybags, with their inclusive content have to be purchased either from existing airtime balance or Credit/Debit card, and are not part of any free allowance just for topping up (like the giffgaff to giffgaff allowance is). Goodybags last for one month from the date of purchase, and will expire at 23.59 hrs. on the expiry date. Should you run out of inclusive minutes for instance before you reach the expiry date, then you would need available cash/credit to use services no longer covered by the goodybag at the standard tariff rate. Any unused minutes, text or data would be lost on on expiry.Or, if your goodybag balances fall below either 5 minnutes, or 5 MB of data then you can buy a new g/bag right away of you wish up to 9.p.m. on the expiry date of the active goodybag.If you wish to buy.queue a goody/gigbag for the following month using either your exisitng credit or a voucher, then you can do so from just after midnight of the expiry date of the previous goodybag (the system may sometimes require a few minutes to update).So, if you top up by £10.00, and then you buy a £10.00 goody/gigabag, then your balance would be reduced to £00.00.BUY GOODYBAG WITH EXISTING AIRTIME BALANCE:Note: You can't buy g/bags with a voucher, you must add the voucher cash/credit to your account first, and then buy the g/bag from credit displayed in your balance box in My giffgaff.Go to Mygiffgaff to make sure there's enough credit in your balance box to make your G/bag purchase. If you need to top up with a voucher, go to My giffgaff and select "Top up by voucher" and enter the voucher code:To buy your goodybag log in to My giffgaff and click on the 'Top up' buttonChoose plan4G goodybagsor Tablet and ipad plan (gigabag)Select required G/bag:click on 'I only need a goodybag'decide of you want to recur your goodybag every (if buying from existing airtime then leave unticked) If check your order and EDIT if required, and if okay press "EXCHANGE AIRTIME CREDIT" on the upper left of the page, or pay by card just belowYou'll see your goodybag, including the start and expiry dates as from the time of purchase.__________________________________________________________________________________Cash/credit top-ups can be made at any time to cover calls, texts and MMS etc which are not included in any goodybag, and if unused, the credit will remain there until it's used up (providing the sim shows some activity, such as making a call or receiving at least 4, 10 second calls, or sending a text within 6 months, at which time your SIM Card will be disconnected and you will lose any remaining credits balance on your Account. If you wish to be re-connected after this time the account will be treated as NEW and you'd need to activate a new sim. g/bags can buy purchased at any time, 24/7 providing you don't already have an active one. If you do have one, then you can buy another one which will automatically queue and commence once the current one has expired. Any unused minutes remaining on your goodybag when it expires will be lost. More on how goodybags work here: Credit and Goodybag confusion The same conditions apply to the purchasing of gigabags as goodybags, you can have one active at any one time.Note: All goodybags/Gigabags at present, are for use in the UK only and cannot be used abroad.Goodybags with inclusive calls and texts:These allow you make calls and send texts from within the UK to any UK registered mobile (wherever in the world the receiving phone may be), UK standard landline numbers starting 01, 02 and 03, and voicemail at 1 minute per call. Calls are charged by the second with a minimum charge of 1 minute per call.Remember that if you call a UK registered mobile from the UK whilst it's roaming, that they will be charged roaming rates to make and receive all calls, and send texts etc.If both phones are roaming of course then you both pay roaming charges accordingly. Note: Free giffgaff to giffgaff calls and texts and not taken from any goodybags.

The above will help you decide how you want to set up your account, and may save you time and money.
Once you've read the above, return here to register, top up and activate your sim.

Registration

Click on this link when you've read the following: Activate your SIM

Enter your 6 digit Activation Code in CAPITALS. Ensure all letters and numbers are correctly entered as it is case sensitive (you'll find the Activation Code on the card that the sim was attached to). If the code fails, then you can register using the the serial number on the back of your simcard.
Redeem your top-up voucher number (a minimum of £10.00, unless you ordered your sim directly from the website and not by referral, in which case you can top up with a £5.00 or above goodybag, or gigabag but with a Debit/Credit card only), or fill in your bank details (UK registered Debit/Credit card only) exactly as they appear on the card (including MR or MRS etc and leave out any punctuation in address). You can use a giffgaff, or an O2 voucher using the Redeem a voucher box at the bottom of the page.(If you get a message saying "Voucher already used", or "Invalid Voucher" then just try a little later as the system hasn't yet updated to recognise your voucher number).
You now have successfully registered your new giffgaff SIM card.

If you don't intend buying a goodybag right now, then to double check that your registration is going ahead smoothly, go to My giffgaff, look in My payment details to see if your payment was accepted. If OK, then switch your phone on and wait for your sim to become live (you'll see your phone number in my giffgaff).
Whilst the sim is activating you'll see the message "Sim activation in progress" on your dashboard.

If you do want to buy a goodybag now then leave your phone turned off and continue.

It can take from within 30 minutes up to 24 hrs. for the sim to become active. When the sim is fully activated, you will find your number, and your balance etc. in My giffgaff
Once fully activated, you will receive free giffgaff to giffgaff calls, texts, video calling and call forwarding for 3 months, or until you next top up (at which time your 3 month period will be reset). Dial *100*1# and you'll see the expiry date of your free giffgaff to giffgaff allowance

Note: Remember that goodybags are totally separate from topping up and are not a free allowance just for topping (as is giffgaff to giffgaff allowance). Goodybags can be purchased from your airtime cash/credit if you wish, or you make can make an additional purchase with your Debit/Credit card, and keep your original existing credit for MMS and calls not included in the goodybag

How to buy a goodybag, gigabag

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Note: You can't buy g/bags with a voucher, you must add the voucher cash/credit to your account first, and then buy the G/bag from credit displayed in your balance box.

log in to My giffgaff to make sure there's enough credit in your balance box to make your g/bag purchase
if you need to top up with a voucher, go to My giffgaff and select Buy a goodybag or top-up and then Redeem a voucher and enter the voucher code
to buy your goodybag ckick on the 'Top-up by credit/debit card button' button

Choose plan:

4G goodybags (Blackbery services is free with any goodybag and can enabled/disabled in My Profile & Settings )
Tablet and ipad plan (gigabag)

select required G/bag
click on 'I only need a goodybag'
if ask if you would like to recur your goodybag then just leave the checkbox unticked and click on 'Continue'
check your order and EDIT if required, and if okay press "EXCHANGE AIRTIME CREDIT" on the upper left of the page and that's it

You'll see your goodybag, including the start and expiry dates as from the time of purchase.

Press 'Continue'

You can have one active goodybag at a time, and one queued to start on the expiry date of your active goodybag if you wish, or once the current goodybag balance falls below 5 minutes, or 5MBs of data.

Note: You can't buy g/bags with a voucher, you must add the voucher cash/credit to your account first, and then buy the G/bag from credit displayed in your balance box. log in to My giffgaff to make sure there's enough credit in your balance box to make your g/bag purchaseif you need to top up with a voucher, go to My giffgaff and select Buy a goodybag or top-up and then Redeem a voucher and enter the voucher codeto buy your goodybag ckick on the 'Top-up by credit/debit card button' button Choose plan:4G goodybags (Blackbery services is free with any goodybag and can enabled/disabled in My Profile & Settings )Tablet and ipad plan (gigabag)select required G/bagclick on 'I only need a goodybag'if ask if you would like to recur your goodybag then just leave the checkbox unticked and click on 'Continue'check your order and EDIT if required, and if okay press "EXCHANGE AIRTIME CREDIT" on the upper left of the page and that's it You'll see your goodybag, including the start and expiry dates as from the time of purchase.Press 'Continue' You can have one active goodybag at a time, and one queued to start on the expiry date of your active goodybag if you wish, or once the current goodybag balance falls below 5 minutes, or 5MBs of data.

Problems activating!

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Problem activating your SIM

Many problems are caused by browser incompatibilities and cache build up, so it is worth clearing your browser cache, restarting the browser and re-trying the activation process - if this fails, try the procedure in a completely different browser or PC.

Activation code problems

"Sorry, that isn't a valid activation code." - if you get this message even after double checking the code you are entering is 100% correct, then email the team on Contact an agent with the subject "Activation Code problem" and in the email include the SIM Serial Number (the long number on the SIM itself)

Lost activation code? - If you have lost the activation code (which is located on the credit card-sized plastic which originally held the SIM card) you will can use the SIM Serial Number on the back of the SIM itself.

Activation didn't complete.

Didn't see the "Congratulations, you made it" screenshot and the "My giffgaff "Activation in progress" box" not appeared? This indicates that your activation hasn't been successful, check here in your payment history.
- If you tried activating by voucher it says transaction failed, just retry the activation process. Check your order after any attempt to make a payment to see its status.
- If problems reoccur, then first check below for suggestions.
Voucher problems

"Sorry, that voucher code has already been used" - worry not! This is a common error message relating to top up vouchers, just try the activation process again and it should work. If the message reappears, then leave a couple of hours before re-trying, the reason for this is that the giffgaff payment systems sometimes take a while to update their database.

Many problems are caused by browser incompatibilities and cache build up, so it is worth clearing your browser cache, restarting the browser and re-trying the activation process - if this fails, try the procedure in a completely different browser or PC

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Card payment problems.

Card transactions are a funny one! Here's a common list of reasons with card transaction might fail, just ensure you are not one of them!

Typo in your information (e.g. card number, card expiry date etc.)
Title of person not entered with name.
Incorrect address under card details, as registered with your bank. (omit any punctuation).
Incorrect card type selected.
Insufficient funds in the account

Also try; clearing your browser cache, restarting the browser and re-trying the activation process - if this fails, try the procedure in a completely different browser or PC.

If you're still having problem, then you could use a voucher for now just to get you up and running, then Ask an Agent to look into the card payment problem later on. This could save you maybe 24 hrs waiting for a reply from an agent.

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Still no luck?

Pop us an email and one of our agents who will be able to investigate the exact reason as to why you are facing specific problems Agent: I can't activate my SIM

Include the following details to help us to help you as quickly as possible:

- Your giffgaff username.
- Full name and address.
- SIM activation code and SIM serial.
- Clearly explain the problem you're facing whilst trying to activate and anything you have already tried to overcome problems.

Problem activating your SIMMany problems are caused by browser incompatibilities and cache build up, so it is worth clearing your browser cache, restarting the browser and re-trying the activation process - if this fails, try the procedure in a completely different browser or PC.Activation code problems"Sorry, that isn't a valid activation code." - if you get this message even after double checking the code you are entering is 100% correct, then email the team on Contact an agent with the subject "Activation Code problem" and in the email include the SIM Serial Number (the long number on the SIM itself)Lost activation code? - If you have lost the activation code (which is located on the credit card-sized plastic which originally held the SIM card) you will can use the SIM Serial Number on the back of the SIM itself. Activation didn't complete.Didn't see the "Congratulations, you made it" screenshot and the "My giffgaff "Activation in progress" box" not appeared? This indicates that your activation hasn't been successful, check here in your payment history.If you tried activating by voucher it says transaction failed, just retry the activation process. Check your order after any attempt to make a payment to see its status.If problems reoccur, then first check below for suggestions.Voucher problems"Sorry, that voucher code has already been used" - worry not! This is a common error message relating to top up vouchers, just try the activation process again and it should work. If the message reappears, then leave a couple of hours before re-trying, the reason for this is that the giffgaff payment systems sometimes take a while to update their database. Many problems are caused by browser incompatibilities and cache build up, so it is worth clearing your browser cache, restarting the browser and re-trying the activation process - if this fails, try the procedure in a completely different browser or PCBack to topCard payment problems.Card transactions are a funny one! Here's a common list of reasons with card transaction might fail, just ensure you are not one of them!Typo in your information (e.g. card number, card expiry date etc.)Title of person not entered with name.Incorrect address under card details, as registered with your bank. (omit any punctuation).Incorrect card type selected.Insufficient funds in the accountAlso try; clearing your browser cache, restarting the browser and re-trying the activation process - if this fails, try the procedure in a completely different browser or PC.If you're still having problem, then you could use a voucher for now just to get you up and running, then Ask an Agent to look into the card payment problem later on. This could save you maybe 24 hrs waiting for a reply from an agent.Back to topStill no luck?Pop us an email and one of our agents who will be able to investigate the exact reason as to why you are facing specific problems Agent: I can't activate my SIMInclude the following details to help us to help you as quickly as possible:- Your giffgaff username.- Full name and address.- SIM activation code and SIM serial.- Clearly explain the problem you're facing whilst trying to activate and anything you have already tried to overcome problems.

Check your balances

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Once activated, you can check when your balances on your phone by dialling:
             *100#     for credit balance
             *100*7# for remaining goodybag minutes
You'll find your gg balance, gg top-up, gg voicemail and gg calling (this number only enables giffgaff to be able to contact you, and you have no access to this number to contact by giffgaff) in your sim contacts.
It's a good idea to enter the following in your contacts too;
gg minutes remaining;          *100*7# for remaining goodybag minutes
giffgaff to giffgaff free allowance expiry date: gg expiry date: *100*1#

Once activated, you can check when your balances on your phone by dialling: *100# for credit balance *100*7# for remaining goodybag minutesYou'll find your gg balance, gg top-up, gg voicemail and gg calling (this number only enables giffgaff to be able to contact you, and you have no access to this number to contact by giffgaff) in your sim contacts.It's a good idea to enter the following in your contacts too;gg minutes remaining; *100*7# for remaining goodybag minutesgiffgaff to giffgaff free allowance expiry date: gg expiry date: *100*1#

How to transfer your phone number over to giffgaff

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Once you have your giffgaff number, your can transfer your old number over if you wish. Check here for all you need to know:

Transfer your number to giffgaff

Once you have your giffgaff number, your can transfer your old number over if you wish. Check here for all you need to know:Transfer your number to giffgaff