Frequently Asked Questions

Method 1: 1-Click Install (Easiest)

If you purchased the plan on your smartphone, simply tap the "Tap to Install" button on the confirmation page or in your welcome email.

Tapping this link will automatically open your phone's Cellular settings and jump you directly to the activation prompts. Follow the steps on-screen.

Method 2: Standard 1-Click Setup

If you don't have a 1-click link, or you bought it on a computer, use the standard method:

1. Open Settings > Mobile Data (or Cellular) > Add eSIM.
2. Click the 1-click install link provided in your welcome email.

Method 3: Manual Entry

If you can't scan the code, tap Enter Details Manually at the bottom of the Add eSIM screen. Copy and paste the "SM-DP+ Address" and "Activation Code" from your email.

You can run two distinct WhatsApp accounts on one phone!

1. Download the free WhatsApp Business app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Open the app and agree to the terms.
3. When it asks for a phone number, select "Use a different number" and enter your new SecondSim number.
4. You will receive an SMS verification code directly to your phone. Enter it, and you're done!

See our complete WhatsApp Business Guide →

Our dashboard makes managing your team's communication incredibly simple, without buying second phones.

• Purchase an additional SIM on your dashboard.
• Click the "Send to Employee" button on the new line.
• This generates a secure, one-time installation link. Send this link to your team member via email, Slack, or WhatsApp.
• When they tap it on their phone, it instantly 1-click installs the eSIM onto their device.

You retain complete ownership of the number and manage the centralized billing, while your employee gets a professional business line on their existing device.

Absolutely. Because SecondSim operates on a real UK mobile network (not VoIP or a virtual app), all major banks (including Monzo, Starling, Barclays, and HSBC) recognize it as a legitimate mobile number and will successfully deliver SMS verification codes (OTPs).

Yes. This is a 100% real, carrier-grade UK mobile number. It is not a VoIP (Voice over IP) or "virtual number" which are often blocked by services. It works exactly like a number from a major carrier, which is why it's trusted by banks, WhatsApp, and Google.

All plans include the exact same features (a real UK number, unlimited incoming SMS, guaranteed verification, and no contract). The only difference is the billing cycle and the discount applied. The quarterly plan saves you roughly 10% compared to monthly, and the yearly plan offers the maximum discount, saving you over 15%.

No, numbers are automatically assigned from our pool of real UK mobile numbers upon activation. This ensures immediate availability.

To send an SMS from a specific line on an iPhone with an eSIM, first compose a new message. After adding the recipient, tap the "From" field (which displays the current sending line), and then select your SecondSim eSIM line from the dropdown options.

To disable voicemail on your eSIM, open your phone's dialer and call 1210. This dedicated short code tells the network to completely turn off the voicemail service, ensuring callers cannot leave voice messages.

SecondSim operates on the reliable Vodafone UK network, ensuring excellent coverage and carrier-grade reliability.

Your number is automatically assigned when you purchase a plan. You can view your phone number at any time by logging into your dashboard at secondsim.co.uk.

SecondSim is primarily a UK service for calls and SMS. When you are outside the UK (roaming internationally), you can receive incoming SMS messages for free. This is perfect for receiving OTPs or verification codes for WhatsApp, banks, and other services. However, making/receiving voice calls or sending outbound SMS is not supported while outside the UK.

Yes. Because SecondSim does not include international data roaming, you will need to connect to Wi-Fi or use your primary local SIM card's data connection to send and receive WhatsApp messages while abroad. WhatsApp functions perfectly over any active internet connection on your device.

You can manage all your billing details directly from your dashboard. Log in at secondsim.co.uk and navigate to "Account Settings" or "Manage Subscription". There you can update your primary card, change the email address, or update your billing name to a Company Name for your invoices.

Yes! All our payments are securely processed through Stripe, which accepts major international credit and debit cards.

Yes. You can add as many eSIMs as you need from your dashboard. If you need to order in bulk (e.g., 20+ numbers for a large team), please contact our support team via chat for assistance.

You can cancel your subscription at any time with no hidden fees. Simply log into your account, locate the eSIM you wish to cancel, click "Manage Subscription", and select the cancellation option. The line will remain active until the end of your current billing period.

SecondSim does not support sending or receiving MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) messages. If you attempt to send screenshots, photos, or other media via traditional text message, you will encounter an error. However, standard text-only SMS messages will function perfectly.

If you are struggling to receive a PayPal SMS or call while outside the UK, follow these steps:

1. Enable Wi-Fi Calling: Turn on Wi-Fi Calling in your phone's settings. Put your phone in Airplane Mode, then turn Wi-Fi back on. This forces the signal over Wi-Fi, often bypassing roaming blocks.
2. Turn off your VPN: PayPal's security systems often block verification texts if they detect a VPN.
3. Use the PayPal App: Attempt logging in via the mobile app instead of a web browser. The app can use push notifications or biometrics instead of SMS.

Occasionally, Meta's automated systems flag new numbers. If your WhatsApp Business account is restricted, open the app, click "Request a Review", and enter a message like:

"I have recently registered this legitimate UK mobile number (Vodafone network) for my business. I believe my account was flagged in error by an automated system during setup. I am a real person and a legitimate business owner. Please restore my service."

Human reviews by Meta typically take 6 to 24 hours and usually result in service restoration for genuine UK mobile numbers.

To determine if your device (such as a Samsung A35) supports eSIM, open your phone app and dial *#06#. Look for a line labeled EID (Embedded Identity Document). If an EID is present, your device is eSIM compatible. If there is no EID, the device does not have an eSIM chip.

Transferring your number to a new device is simple:

1. Ensure your old device is connected to Wi-Fi.
2. Delete the eSIM from the cellular settings of your old device.
3. Log into your SecondSim dashboard on a computer, or check your original welcome email.
4. Scan the QR code using your new device to install the eSIM.

Note: If you receive an error saying the code is no longer valid, contact our live chat support and we will issue a new QR code.

If you cancel your subscription, your phone number will be disconnected at the end of your billing cycle and securely recycled after 7 days. If you wish to keep the number but don't need active service, you can log into your dashboard and choose to Park your number for just £2.99/month.

Because SecondSim operates on the Vodafone network, you can use standard Vodafone MMI codes. To deactivate unconditional call forwarding, dial *21# on your phone. For full instructions on setting up conditional diverts, refer to standard Vodafone UK guidelines.

No. Due to UK security protocols, we cannot request a Porting Authorisation Code (PAC) on your behalf. You must request the PAC directly from your current provider (usually by texting PAC to 65075) before submitting it to us.

The VAT number field only appears during registration if you populate the "Business Name" field. If you are a sole trader or do not have a VAT number, simply leave the Business Name field blank to bypass it. It is not a required field for checkout.

We do not require you to download a dedicated mobile application from the App Store or Google Play. All account management, billing, and team features are accessible via our mobile-friendly web dashboard at secondsim.co.uk/account.

SecondSim is primarily designed for UK usage. While you can receive SMS internationally indefinitely, the network's Fair Use Policy states that the eSIM is not designed for constant, permanent roaming. Using the SIM exclusively outside the UK for continuous periods exceeding 4 months may lead to a network review.

No. WhatsApp Business performs background checks periodically (approximately every 14 days) to verify that the phone number is still active and assigned to your device. You must keep the eSIM active on your phone to prevent your WhatsApp account from being unverified or restricted.