Q: What is a SIM card?

A SIM card identifies your mobile data service on the mobile network. When the SIM card is in a compatible router, phone or tablet, the device can register on the mobile network. The SIM card is not the internet connection itself. For the internet to work, the service must be active, there must be a data package, the device must have reception and the right network settings must be enabled. With SIM problems It is best to switch off the router before taking out or inserting the SIM card. Check that the card is the right way round and fully inserted. After changing the SIM, the router should be restarted so that the modem registers on the mobile network again. Check the SIM card systematically With problems with a physical SIM card, it helps to separate the card from the router. If possible, test the SIM card in a phone with mobile data and roaming switched on and Wi-Fi switched off. If the internet works there, you know that the SIM card and the service basically work. If it still does not work Check the status of the service and then test one thing at a time. When you contact Wifi.se support, please tell us which router you are using, which SIM/eSIM it concerns, which country you are in and what you have already tested. That way we can start directly with the right troubleshooting step. Useful links → See SIM cards for Sweden and Europe

Q: Which way round should it go?

All our physical SIM cards come as a 3-in-1 SIM . So you can press out the right size for your device: nano SIM, micro SIM or standard SIM . In most routers the chip must face down , but this can vary depending on the model. The SIM card also has a bevelled corner, so it usually only fits one way. Never force the SIM card in. If it does not slide in easily, check that you have the right size and that the card is the right way round. In a router with two SIM slots, the card normally goes in SIM slot 1 . Useful links → See SIM cards for Sweden and Europe

Q: The router shows “No SIM”

If the router shows "No SIM" , it does not detect the SIM card. First switch off the router and take out the SIM card. Check that you are using the right SIM size and that the card is the right way round. In many routers the chip must face down , and with two SIM slots the card normally goes in SIM slot 1 . Insert the SIM card correctly again and restart the router. If the router still shows "No SIM", we recommend testing the SIM card in a phone. If the phone detects the card but the router does not, the problem is usually the router, the SIM card reader or how the card sits in the device. With SIM problems It is best to switch off the router before taking out or inserting the SIM card. Check that the card is the right way round and fully inserted. After changing the SIM, the router should be restarted so that the modem registers on the mobile network again. Check the SIM card systematically With problems with a physical SIM card, it helps to separate the card from the router. If possible, test the SIM card in a phone with mobile data and roaming switched on and Wi-Fi switched off. If the internet works there, you know that the SIM card and the service basically work. Useful links → See SIM cards for Sweden and Europe

Q: What is the PIN?

The PIN is a security code that can protect the SIM card. If the PIN is enabled, it may need to be entered when the SIM card starts in a new device or after a restart. In a router, an active PIN can sometimes prevent the automatic connection. That is why it is often recommended to disable the PIN on data SIMs that stay in a router permanently. Do not enter the PIN at random. After several wrong attempts the SIM card can be blocked and ask for a PUK. Check the SIM card systematically With problems with a physical SIM card, it helps to separate the card from the router. If possible, test the SIM card in a phone with mobile data and roaming switched on and Wi-Fi switched off. If the internet works there, you know that the SIM card and the service basically work. Useful links → See SIM cards for Sweden and Europe

Q: What is the PUK?

The PUK is the unblocking code for a SIM card that has been blocked after too many wrong PIN entries. The PUK is not the same as the PIN. If you do not know the PUK, do not try random numbers, as the SIM card can be permanently blocked after too many wrong attempts. Check the SIM card systematically With problems with a physical SIM card, it helps to separate the card from the router. If possible, test the SIM card in a phone with mobile data and roaming switched on and Wi-Fi switched off. If the internet works there, you know that the SIM card and the service basically work. If it still does not work Check the status of the service and then test one thing at a time. When you contact Wifi.se support, please tell us which router you are using, which SIM/eSIM it concerns, which country you are in and what you have already tested. That way we can start directly with the right troubleshooting step. Useful links → See SIM cards for Sweden and Europe

Q: What is the ICCID?

The ICCID is the SIM card's unique serial number. Support may ask for the ICCID if you have several SIM cards, during activation or when the right data package needs to be linked to the right card. The ICCID is often printed on the SIM card or the SIM card holder and is also shown in the settings on some devices. Check the SIM card systematically With problems with a physical SIM card, it helps to separate the card from the router. If possible, test the SIM card in a phone with mobile data and roaming switched on and Wi-Fi switched off. If the internet works there, you know that the SIM card and the service basically work. If it still does not work Check the status of the service and then test one thing at a time. When you contact Wifi.se support, please tell us which router you are using, which SIM/eSIM it concerns, which country you are in and what you have already tested. That way we can start directly with the right troubleshooting step. Useful links → See SIM cards for Sweden and Europe

Q: Where do I find the ICCID?

The ICCID is the SIM card's unique identification number. It is used to identify exactly your SIM card, for example during activation, in support or when troubleshooting. You will find the ICCID directly on your physical SIM card or on the plastic card the SIM card came in. The number is usually below or next to a barcode and consists of a long series of digits. The ICCID normally starts with 89 and can have about 19–20 digits. When you contact Wifi.se about a SIM card, it is best to give the full ICCID. Then we can quickly find the right SIM card and help you further. Tip: Feel free to take a clear photo of the SIM card or the barcode if you are not sure which number is the ICCID. If possible, test the SIM card in a phone with mobile data and roaming switched on and Wi-Fi switched off. If the internet works there, you know that the SIM card and the service basically work. Useful links → See SIM cards for Sweden and Europe

Question 1

What is a SIM card?

Accepted Answer

A SIM card identifies your mobile data service on the mobile network. When the SIM card is in a compatible router, phone or tablet, the device can register on the mobile network.

The SIM card is not the internet connection itself. For the internet to work, the service must be active, there must be a data package, the device must have reception and the right network settings must be enabled.

With SIM problems

It is best to switch off the router before taking out or inserting the SIM card. Check that the card is the right way round and fully inserted. After changing the SIM, the router should be restarted so that the modem registers on the mobile network again.

Check the SIM card systematically

With problems with a physical SIM card, it helps to separate the card from the router. If possible, test the SIM card in a phone with mobile data and roaming switched on and Wi-Fi switched off. If the internet works there, you know that the SIM card and the service basically work.

If it still does not work

Check the status of the service and then test one thing at a time. When you contact Wifi.se support, please tell us which router you are using, which SIM/eSIM it concerns, which country you are in and what you have already tested. That way we can start directly with the right troubleshooting step.

Useful links

→ See SIM cards for Sweden and Europe

Question 2

How do I insert it?

Accepted Answer

A physical SIM card is inserted directly into the SIM slot of your router, phone or other device.

In a router the SIM card normally goes in SIM slot 1. Check that the card is the right way round and pushed all the way in before you start the device.

When the SIM card is inserted, start the router and check that data roaming is switched on if you are using a Europe or roaming SIM.

If the SIM card does not work straight away, we recommend testing it in a phone first. Switch off Wi-Fi and switch on both mobile data and roaming to check whether the SIM card can connect to the internet.

Useful links

→ See SIM cards for Sweden and Europe

Question 3

Which way round should it go?

Accepted Answer

All our physical SIM cards come as a 3-in-1 SIM. So you can press out the right size for your device: nano SIM, micro SIM or standard SIM.

In most routers the chip must face down, but this can vary depending on the model. The SIM card also has a bevelled corner, so it usually only fits one way.

Never force the SIM card in. If it does not slide in easily, check that you have the right size and that the card is the right way round.

In a router with two SIM slots, the card normally goes in SIM slot 1.

Useful links

→ See SIM cards for Sweden and Europe

Question 4

Can I insert the SIM while the router is switched on?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with many routers the SIM card can be inserted while the router is switched on.

We still recommend restarting the router after inserting the SIM card. The router then reads the SIM card again and is better able to register correctly on the mobile network.

If the router cannot find the SIM card or does not get internet, switch it off completely, check that the SIM card is inserted correctly and then start it again.

Useful links

→ See SIM cards for Sweden and Europe

Question 5

The router shows &#8220;No SIM&#8221;

Accepted Answer

If the router shows "No SIM", it does not detect the SIM card.

First switch off the router and take out the SIM card. Check that you are using the right SIM size and that the card is the right way round. In many routers the chip must face down, and with two SIM slots the card normally goes in SIM slot 1.

Insert the SIM card correctly again and restart the router.

If the router still shows "No SIM", we recommend testing the SIM card in a phone. If the phone detects the card but the router does not, the problem is usually the router, the SIM card reader or how the card sits in the device.

With SIM problems

It is best to switch off the router before taking out or inserting the SIM card. Check that the card is the right way round and fully inserted. After changing the SIM, the router should be restarted so that the modem registers on the mobile network again.

Check the SIM card systematically

With problems with a physical SIM card, it helps to separate the card from the router. If possible, test the SIM card in a phone with mobile data and roaming switched on and Wi-Fi switched off. If the internet works there, you know that the SIM card and the service basically work.

Useful links

→ See SIM cards for Sweden and Europe

Question 6

What is the PIN?

Accepted Answer

The PIN is a security code that can protect the SIM card. If the PIN is enabled, it may need to be entered when the SIM card starts in a new device or after a restart.

In a router, an active PIN can sometimes prevent the automatic connection. That is why it is often recommended to disable the PIN on data SIMs that stay in a router permanently.

Do not enter the PIN at random. After several wrong attempts the SIM card can be blocked and ask for a PUK.

Check the SIM card systematically

With problems with a physical SIM card, it helps to separate the card from the router. If possible, test the SIM card in a phone with mobile data and roaming switched on and Wi-Fi switched off. If the internet works there, you know that the SIM card and the service basically work.

Useful links

→ See SIM cards for Sweden and Europe

Question 7

What is the PUK?

Accepted Answer

The PUK is the unblocking code for a SIM card that has been blocked after too many wrong PIN entries.

The PUK is not the same as the PIN. If you do not know the PUK, do not try random numbers, as the SIM card can be permanently blocked after too many wrong attempts.

Check the SIM card systematically

With problems with a physical SIM card, it helps to separate the card from the router. If possible, test the SIM card in a phone with mobile data and roaming switched on and Wi-Fi switched off. If the internet works there, you know that the SIM card and the service basically work.

If it still does not work

Check the status of the service and then test one thing at a time. When you contact Wifi.se support, please tell us which router you are using, which SIM/eSIM it concerns, which country you are in and what you have already tested. That way we can start directly with the right troubleshooting step.

Useful links

→ See SIM cards for Sweden and Europe

Question 8

What is the ICCID?

Accepted Answer

The ICCID is the SIM card's unique serial number. Support may ask for the ICCID if you have several SIM cards, during activation or when the right data package needs to be linked to the right card.

The ICCID is often printed on the SIM card or the SIM card holder and is also shown in the settings on some devices.

Check the SIM card systematically

With problems with a physical SIM card, it helps to separate the card from the router. If possible, test the SIM card in a phone with mobile data and roaming switched on and Wi-Fi switched off. If the internet works there, you know that the SIM card and the service basically work.

If it still does not work

Check the status of the service and then test one thing at a time. When you contact Wifi.se support, please tell us which router you are using, which SIM/eSIM it concerns, which country you are in and what you have already tested. That way we can start directly with the right troubleshooting step.

Useful links

→ See SIM cards for Sweden and Europe

Question 9

Where do I find the ICCID?

Accepted Answer

The ICCID is the SIM card's unique identification number. It is used to identify exactly your SIM card, for example during activation, in support or when troubleshooting.

You will find the ICCID directly on your physical SIM card or on the plastic card the SIM card came in. The number is usually below or next to a barcode and consists of a long series of digits.

The ICCID normally starts with 89 and can have about 19–20 digits.

When you contact Wifi.se about a SIM card, it is best to give the full ICCID. Then we can quickly find the right SIM card and help you further.

Tip: Feel free to take a clear photo of the SIM card or the barcode if you are not sure which number is the ICCID.

If possible, test the SIM card in a phone with mobile data and roaming switched on and Wi-Fi switched off. If the internet works there, you know that the SIM card and the service basically work.

Useful links

→ See SIM cards for Sweden and Europe

Question 10

Can a SIM card break?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a physical SIM card can break, even if it does not happen very often.

The SIM card can be damaged if it is bent, scratched, inserted incorrectly or taken out and put back very often. Dirt or damage to the chip can also mean that the router or phone no longer detects the card.

If you suspect that the SIM card is damaged, you can test it in a phone. If the card is not detected there either, it may need to be replaced.

Never force the SIM card into the router. Always check that you are using the right size and that the card is the right way round.

With SIM problems

It is best to switch off the router before taking out or inserting the SIM card. Check that the card is the right way round and fully inserted. After changing the SIM, the router should be restarted so that the modem registers on the mobile network again.

Check the SIM card systematically

With problems with a physical SIM card, it helps to separate the card from the router. If possible, test the SIM card in a phone with mobile data and roaming switched on and Wi-Fi switched off. If the internet works there, you know that the SIM card and the service basically work.

Useful links

→ See SIM cards for Sweden and Europe

Question 11

Can I clean it?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if the SIM card's chip looks dirty, you can clean it carefully.

First switch off the router or phone and take out the SIM card. Gently wipe the chip with a soft, dry and lint-free cloth.

Do not use water, cleaning products or other liquids, and do not scratch the contact surface.

Then insert the SIM card again the right way round and restart the device. If the SIM card is still not detected, test it in a phone to see whether the problem is the card or the router.

Check the SIM card systematically

With problems with a physical SIM card, it helps to separate the card from the router. If possible, test the SIM card in a phone with mobile data and roaming switched on and Wi-Fi switched off. If the internet works there, you know that the SIM card and the service basically work.

Useful links

→ See SIM cards for Sweden and Europe

Question 12

Can I use a SIM adapter?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a SIM adapter can work if your device needs a larger SIM card size than the one you have.

Make sure the SIM card sits completely flat and firmly in the adapter. If the card is crooked, the adapter can get stuck or damage the SIM card reader.

With the Hybrid Traveller you do not need a SIM adapter, as the router uses a nano SIM, the smallest SIM card size.

If you use another router, always check which SIM size that model needs before inserting the card.

With SIM problems

It is best to switch off the router before taking out or inserting the SIM card. Check that the card is the right way round and fully inserted. After changing the SIM, the router should be restarted so that the modem registers on the mobile network again.

Check the SIM card systematically

With problems with a physical SIM card, it helps to separate the card from the router. If possible, test the SIM card in a phone with mobile data and roaming switched on and Wi-Fi switched off. If the internet works there, you know that the SIM card and the service basically work.

Useful links

→ See SIM cards for Sweden and Europe

Question 13

Can I move the SIM between router and phone?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A physical SIM card can be moved between router and phone, as long as both devices use the right SIM size or a suitable adapter.

This is also a good way to troubleshoot. If the internet does not work in the router, you can insert the SIM card in the phone, switch off Wi-Fi and switch on mobile data and data roaming. If the internet works in the phone, you know that the SIM card and data plan work.

When you put the SIM card back in the router, we recommend restarting the router so that it reads the card again and connects to the mobile network.

Remember that this applies to physical SIM cards. An eSIM cannot be moved between devices as easily.

With SIM problems

It is best to switch off the router before taking out or inserting the SIM card. Check that the card is the right way round and fully inserted. After changing the SIM, the router should be restarted so that the modem registers on the mobile network again.

Check the SIM card systematically

With problems with a physical SIM card, it helps to separate the card from the router. If possible, test the SIM card in a phone with mobile data and roaming switched on and Wi-Fi switched off. If the internet works there, you know that the SIM card and the service basically work.

Useful links

→ See SIM cards for Sweden and Europe

Question 14

Can two devices use the same physical SIM?

Accepted Answer

No. A physical SIM card can only be in one device and be used by one device at a time.

You can move the SIM card between router and phone, for example, but both devices cannot use the same physical SIM at the same time.

If you want to share the internet with several devices, the easiest way is to insert the SIM card in a router, for example the Hybrid Traveller, and then connect phones, computers, tablets and TVs to the router's Wi-Fi.

For stable streaming

For streaming you need a stable mobile connection to the router and a good Wi-Fi connection to the TV or streaming device. If the TV buffers but the phone works well, connect the TV to 2.4 GHz if it is further from the router, or to 5 GHz if it is close and supports it.

Check the SIM card systematically

With problems with a physical SIM card, it helps to separate the card from the router. If possible, test the SIM card in a phone with mobile data and roaming switched on and Wi-Fi switched off. If the internet works there, you know that the SIM card and the service basically work.

Useful links

→ See SIM cards for Sweden and Europe

Question 15

I have changed the SIM. Do I need to restart the router?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we recommend restarting the router after changing the SIM card.

When it restarts, the router reads the new SIM card and tries to register on the mobile network with the right settings.

It is best to switch off the router before changing the SIM card. Insert the new card correctly, start the router again and wait a minute or a few minutes while it searches for a network.

If you use a roaming SIM, also check that data roaming is switched on.

With SIM problems

It is best to switch off the router before taking out or inserting the SIM card. Check that the card is the right way round and fully inserted. After changing the SIM, the router should be restarted so that the modem registers on the mobile network again.

Check the SIM card systematically

With problems with a physical SIM card, it helps to separate the card from the router. If possible, test the SIM card in a phone with mobile data and roaming switched on and Wi-Fi switched off. If the internet works there, you know that the SIM card and the service basically work.

Useful links

→ See SIM cards for Sweden and Europe

Question 16

The SIM finds a network but no internet.

Accepted Answer

With problems with a physical SIM: check that the card is active and has data. Then test it in a phone with mobile data and roaming switched on and Wi-Fi switched off. If it works in the phone, we look for the fault in the router. If not, we check the SIM and the service first.

Check this first

Check that the SIM/eSIM is active and that the data package still has data left.
Restart the router or device and wait a few minutes for it to register on the network again.
If you are abroad: check that data roaming is switched on.
With a physical SIM card: if needed, test it in a phone with Wi-Fi off and mobile data on.
If the SIM card works in the phone but not in the router, check the router settings, the SIM slot and, if needed, the APN.

Step by step

Check that the SIM/eSIM is active and that the data package has not run out.
If you are abroad: check that data roaming is switched on.
Restart the router and wait a few minutes so that it can register on the mobile network.
If possible, test a physical SIM card in a phone with Wi-Fi switched off.
If the SIM card works in the phone but not in the router, continue with the router settings, the APN and the network selection.

Check the SIM card systematically

With problems with a physical SIM card, it helps to separate the card from the router. If possible, test the SIM card in a phone with mobile data and roaming switched on and Wi-Fi switched off. If the internet works there, you know that the SIM card and the service basically work.

Useful links

→ See SIM cards for Sweden and Europe

Question 17

The SIM only works sometimes

Accepted Answer

If the SIM card sometimes works but loses the connection, the problem may be coverage, the operator, the router's placement or network settings.

First restart the router and check that the SIM card is inserted correctly. When roaming, data roaming must be switched on and network selection should normally be set to Auto.

If the problem occurs in a particular place, place the router higher up or closer to a window. When roaming you can also test manual network selection and try another operator.

You can also test the SIM card in a phone with Wi-Fi switched off and mobile data and roaming switched on. If the SIM card works stably in the phone but not in the router, the problem is often the router, its settings or the reception where the router is placed.

With SIM problems

It is best to switch off the router before taking out or inserting the SIM card. Check that the card is the right way round and fully inserted. After changing the SIM, the router should be restarted so that the modem registers on the mobile network again.

Check the SIM card systematically

With problems with a physical SIM card, it helps to separate the card from the router. If possible, test the SIM card in a phone with mobile data and roaming switched on and Wi-Fi switched off. If the internet works there, you know that the SIM card and the service basically work.

Useful links

→ See SIM cards for Sweden and Europe

Question 18

The SIM works in the phone but not in the router

Accepted Answer

If the SIM card works in the phone but not in the router, it usually means that the SIM card and data plan work and the problem lies with the router or its settings instead.

First check that the SIM card is inserted correctly and that the router uses the right SIM size. If a PIN is enabled on the SIM card, it should be removed before the card is used in the router.

If you use a roaming SIM, data roaming must be switched on in the router. Also check that network selection is set to Auto, and then restart the router.

If the problem persists, you can check the APN setting and, when roaming, also try manual network selection to test another operator.

If the SIM card works well in the phone with Wi-Fi switched off and mobile data and roaming switched on but still not in the router, the fault is usually the router, its settings or its support for the mobile network.

With SIM problems

It is best to switch off the router before taking out or inserting the SIM card. Check that the card is the right way round and fully inserted. After changing the SIM, the router should be restarted so that the modem registers on the mobile network again.

Check the SIM card systematically

With problems with a physical SIM card, it helps to separate the card from the router. If possible, test the SIM card in a phone with mobile data and roaming switched on and Wi-Fi switched off. If the internet works there, you know that the SIM card and the service basically work.

Useful links

→ See SIM cards for Sweden and Europe

Question 19

The SIM does not work in the phone.

Accepted Answer

With problems with a physical SIM: check that the card is active and has data. Then test it in a phone with mobile data and roaming switched on and Wi-Fi switched off. If it works in the phone, we look for the fault in the router. If not, we check the SIM and the service first.

Check this first

Check that the SIM/eSIM is active and that the data package still has data left.
Restart the router or device and wait a few minutes for it to register on the network again.
If you are abroad: check that data roaming is switched on.
With a physical SIM card: if needed, test it in a phone with Wi-Fi off and mobile data on.
If the SIM card works in the phone but not in the router, check the router settings, the SIM slot and, if needed, the APN.

With SIM problems

It is best to switch off the router before taking out or inserting the SIM card. Check that the card is the right way round and fully inserted. After changing the SIM, the router should be restarted so that the modem registers on the mobile network again.

Check the SIM card systematically

With problems with a physical SIM card, it helps to separate the card from the router. If possible, test the SIM card in a phone with mobile data and roaming switched on and Wi-Fi switched off. If the internet works there, you know that the SIM card and the service basically work.

Useful links

→ See SIM cards for Sweden and Europe

Question 20

Does the phone&#8217;s Wi-Fi have to be switched off during the test?

Accepted Answer

Yes. When you test a SIM card in a phone, Wi-Fi must be switched off.

Otherwise the phone may use an ordinary Wi-Fi network instead of the SIM card's mobile data, and then it is not possible to tell whether the SIM card actually works.

For a correct test you should therefore:

switch off Wi-Fi
switch on mobile data
switch on data roaming if it is a roaming SIM

Then open a website or an app that uses the internet. If that works, you know that the SIM card can connect to the mobile network.

Check the SIM card systematically

With problems with a physical SIM card, it helps to separate the card from the router. If possible, test the SIM card in a phone with mobile data and roaming switched on and Wi-Fi switched off. If the internet works there, you know that the SIM card and the service basically work.

Useful links

→ See SIM cards for Sweden and Europe