Top up your pay as you go SIM
Topping up a pay as you go SIM is both quick and easy, and there are often several different ways you can do it. On this page, we will cover how you can top up your pay as you go SIM and how often you need to top up to keep it active.
How to top up your pay as you go SIM
You can top up your pay as you go SIM in various ways. Below, we summarise how to top up the pay as you go SIM using the different methods. But exactly how you do it with your specific provider may vary.
Top up pay as you go SIM online
- Create an account and log in to the provider’s website, if you haven’t already done so. If you don’t want to create an account, many providers allow you to top up the pay as you go SIM as a guest.
- Register a payment method. You can often choose between adding a credit or debit card, PayPal account, or bank account.
- Find their page to top up your pay as you go SIM.
- Select the phone number you wish to top up.
- Choose the amount you want to top up the pay as you go SIM with.
- You will usually receive a confirmation on the screen or via text that you have topped up the pay as you go SIM.
Top up pay as you go SIM via app
- Download the app on the device you want to use
- Create an account and log in if required.
- Find the page to top up your pay as you go SIM.
Top up pay as you go SIM via minutes or texts
To top up the pay as you go SIM via a phone call, you need to dial a specific number and follow the instructions. Topping up the pay as you go SIM via text works in a similar way, with the difference that you send a text instead of calling. Often, you will need to send a specific message, and then you will receive further instructions via text.
Generally, you need to have a payment card linked to your account to be able to top up the pay as you go SIM using these methods.
You can find the numbers you can use on your provider’s website.
Top up pay as you go SIM via voucher
To top up your pay as you go SIM with a voucher, you must first purchase a voucher from one of your provider’s physical stores or retailers. On the voucher, there’s a number you need to provide to your provider by calling or texting them. The number you need to call or text might be on the voucher, otherwise you can find it on the provider’s website.
Can I top up a pay as you go SIM that’s not my own?
Yes, with most providers you can top up a pay as you go SIM that’s not your own, as long as you have the person’s phone number. The easiest way to top up someone else’s pay as you go SIM is to do it via the provider’s website. You usually need to enter the phone number you want to top up, so you can simply enter that person’s phone number.
It may also be possible to top up someone else’s pay as you go SIM in other ways, for example by calling. The automated voicemail may then ask if you want to top up the pay as you go SIM for the number you are calling from. You should then answer “no” to the question and then enter the number you wish to top up.
You can subscribe to pay as you go SIM top-ups
With some providers, there is the option to subscribe to pay as you go SIM top-ups. This is suitable for you if you use your pay as you go SIM regularly (that is, every month) and have found a price plan that you think suits your needs for data, minutes and texts.
To start subscribing to charges, select a pricing plan, specify when the first payment should be made, and choose your payment method.
Can I add extra data to the pay as you go SIM?
It depends on which provider you have. Some providers that offer pay as you go SIMs allow you to top up with extra data if your regular allowance runs out. This is often referred to as add-ons, extras or something similar (O2 calls their charges for extra data bolt-ons). With some providers, you can also purchase additional minutes and texts if you run out.
Please note! The validity period for extra data is generally 30 or 31 days, or when you top up the pay as you go SIM with a new price plan. But some providers may offer different validity periods, so check what applies with your provider.
Something to keep in mind is that additional data is generally quite expensive. So if you find that your data often runs out in the middle of the month, it might be more cost-effective to upgrade to a plan with a higher data cap the next time you top up your pay as you go SIM.
How often do I need to top up my pay as you go SIM?
In most cases, a pay as you go SIM top up with a fixed price is valid for one month, and after that, you must top up the pay as you go SIM to use it for the following month. If you have a pay as you go SIM with a variable rate that you’ve topped up with a balance, you must top up the pay as you go SIM when the balance is depleted.
Something important to remember is that even the pay as you go SIM itself usually has a set validity period. To keep your pay as you go SIM active, you must top up the card or use it (for example, for outgoing minutes) at least once every six or twelve months. If you top up or use your pay as you go SIM less frequently than this, the provider will deactivate the card. You then risk losing your phone number.
