No service after putting new PAYG sim in phone

[Dee3]

Hi, my son has put a new PAYG sim card Into his phone but has not topped up yet.
The phone states no service, so does he need to top up first before the sim will activate and therefore give him service

[Cleoriff]

@Dee3He may need to activate the sim first https://www.o2.co.uk/help/phones-sims-and-devices/activating-your-sim

Then his first top up MUST be by voucher https://community.o2.co.uk/t5/How-to-Guides/How-can-I-pay-my-bill-or-Ways-to-pay-guidelines/ba-p/101...

Scroll down to PAYG

[jonsie]

The SIM should show coverage when inserted and be capable of receiving texts and calls. Is he sure the sim is inserted correctly? Is this a new sim? What is the expiry date on the sim carrier? 

[Dee3]

Hi not sure how old the sim card is, we found it in our drawer.
I think he will purchase a new sim and try that.
We were puzzled as to why it says no service

[jonsie · Accepted solution]

If its an old sim that hasn't been used to make a chargeable call in any 6 month period or not topped up in 999 days the number will have been reclaimed by o2 and has now expired. A new sim is the way forward. 

[MI5]

Is the phone either unlocked to all networks or an O2 phone?

[Cleoriff]

@Dee3Just pop into your local O2 store for a new sim....It will be quicker than ordering online...

The sim you have has expired by now..

[Dee3]

Thank you for your replies, the phone is unlocked, I know that for sure..
I will get a new sim and try that, many thanks all

[jonsie]

Make sure you get the correct sim to suit his usage as most require a top up every month apart from the classic tariff. For the monthly top up there are allowances and all the credit is taken. Choose which one is the most suitable. 

https://www.o2.co.uk/shop/sim-cards/pay-as-you-go

[Cleoriff]

I hope you get it sorted @Dee3 and a belated welcome to the forum