How to transfer PAYG sim ownership ?

[mark_biddle]

I have moved into a house that has 2 PAYG sims that operate the entrance gates. I am trying to set the sims up in my name so I can create an account and top the cards up. I have got the sims in a mobile phone and tried to register them and got the text back with verification code but I am getting message when I try to register them as my name is not recognised as being associated with the cards. I know owners name and address. How can I create account with these 2 sims so I can top them up ?

[BandOfBrothers]

Hi @mark_biddle 

Vodafone can reactivate a payg sim card if its within 90 days of it being deactivated.

An account is deactivated if there hasn't been activity such as a top up or usage of the allowances to make a call, send a text or use data within 180 days.

The timeframe breaks down like this …
If a person does not make an activity as described above in 90 consecutive days then Vodafone make contact via sms to advise. Then if after 45 days no usage is made they send a final notification and then give another 45 days to make some activity.
Then the Payg account could be suspended and the number and account credit lost.
The mobile number is typically quarantined for a length of time and then put back into the number pool to be redistributed to another person.
If a Payg account is suspended then a person has 90 days to ask Vodafone to re activate the Payg account via 0333 304191,  191 from a Vodafone phone, 

They can only do this for the actual account holder unless the original account holder adds you as a trusted person or changes ownership from them to you which has to be instigated by the original account holder.

Transfer-of-ownership/form/ 

You might be better getting your own Payg sim cards.

[AnnS]

Hi @mark_biddle 

The SIM's are already registered to the previous owner, you are going to need to ask the previous owner to contact Vodafone and delete the account, the should enable you to set up new accounts with your log in details.

An alternative way would be to ask the previous owner to change the user name and password information on the accounts to your choice.

As these are PAYG SIM's if the number is not important to you, you would be able to order new SIM's, as these will be new PAYG numbers you would be able to register accounts.  You can order new SIM's here: Free PAYG SIM The only thing to remember is to take the SIM's out of the gates and make a chargeable activity or top up every few months to keep the SIM's active on the network.

[mark_biddle]

Thank you. New sims are not option as I would have to pay the gate company a couple of hundred quid to change the numbers over. I will speak to the old owners about transfer as that seems the easiest option. Thanks very much

[AnnS]

That would be the best option @mark_biddle . The transfer of ownership form only applies to pay monthly,  

You  can still top up without an account, the information will be on the link I attached, also information on how to top up from the website. 

The biggest problem will be if you need to contact Vodafone, with the SIMs registered to another name  definitely best to get them changed. 

When you speak to the account holder they will need to delete or change both numbers. Where PAYG accounts are concerned you will need to register an account for each number with alternative log in information.

[BandOfBrothers]

No worries @mark_biddle 

You're very welcome.

Yes please do speak with them.

[AnnS]

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@mark_biddle wrote:

Thank you. New sims are not option as I would have to pay the gate company a couple of hundred quid to change the numbers over. I will speak to the old owners about transfer as that seems the easiest option. Thanks very much

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I am glad to hear my suggestion to speak to the original owner helped.

[BandOfBrothers]

Same idea from me too @mark_biddle in my first post to your opening post.

Me and @AnnS must be on the same wave length 

“ They can only do this for the actual account holder unless the original account holder adds you as a trusted person or changes ownership from them to you which has to be instigated by the original account holder. ”