Giffgaff UK SIM Card Complete Application Guide

In today's digital age, due to the need to use overseas AI services, watch international social media, protect personal privacy, etc., having an overseas phone number is gradually becoming a necessity for Chinese "digital nomads". Especially with the popularity of ChatGPT and TikTok, phone number verification and regional restrictions are obstacles that domestic users cannot avoid.

Good news: Even without an international credit card, you can 100% apply online, activate giffgaff eSIM and use it immediately!

Main Advantages of giffgaff

• Direct delivery to China: Physical SIM can be mailed directly to mainland addresses

• eSIM instant application and use: Fastest 10 minutes to complete activation

• Flexible payment: Pay as you go, no monthly fees, no contracts

• Free international SMS reception: Receiving SMS in China costs 0

• UK special benefits: Free calls & SMS between giffgaff users in the UK

• Innovative features:

  • Painlessly unlock TikTok playback (Android)
  • Independently cancel voicemail through UK proxy Wi-Fi Calling

Application and Activation Process (eSIM | Latest 2025)

The following uses eSIM as an example; physical card steps are basically the same, just wait for delivery.

1 — Preparation

• Device supports eSIM (Official compatibility list)
• Stable Wi-Fi
• Payment method: Visa/MasterCard or Taobao recharge code

2 — Download giffgaff App and Register

1. Search for giffgaff in App Store / Google Play
2. Select Join giffgaff
3. Fill in information: email, password, name, UK postcode (any legal one, e.g., SW1A 1AA), birthday (≥ 16 years old)

3 — Apply for eSIM & Plan

1. Home page → Get a SIM → Get an eSIM
2. Scroll to bottom, click Other options → Pay as you go – No monthly plan
3. Identity verification (passport/driver's license + selfie), official completion within 24 hours

4 — First Top-up (Starting from £10)

• Credit card or recharge code (Taobao "giffgaff recharge code")

5 — Download and Install eSIM

• After successful top-up, setup file is generated → Download eSIM
• iPhone automatically pops up; Android scans QR code or enters activation code

⚠️ According to 2025 new policy, eSIM activation window is UK time 16:55 – next day 11:05, timeout requires waiting for next round.

6 — Activation Complete

• Wait 15-30 minutes for signal to appear, receiving welcome SMS means success

Core Innovative Features

1. Painlessly Unlock TikTok Playback (Android Exclusive)

TikTok uses both SIM country code MCC/MNC and IP address to determine region, causing "can browse but not play in China". Using giffgaff eSIM can easily bypass this.

1. Dual-SIM Android:

   • Main card: Domestic carrier, responsible for cellular data
   • Secondary card: giffgaff eSIM, only responsible for calls/SMS

2. Go to Settings → SIM Card Management:

   • Set default voice to giffgaff
   • Ensure data roaming is off to avoid high traffic charges

3. Connect VPN / proxy then open TikTok

4. If still can't play on first launch, clear TikTok cache or reinstall

2. UK Proxy Wi-Fi Calling → Independently Cancel Voicemail

Calling giffgaff customer service while roaming often fails due to high costs or customer service refusal. Using UK proxy + Wi-Fi Calling allows 0-cost self-service voicemail cancellation.

1. Prepare UK proxy: Any VPN / ShadowSocks that provides UK IP
2. Turn on phone's Wi-Fi Calling (some models show as "WLAN calling")
3. After connecting to UK node, status bar shows giffgaff Wi-Fi
4. Dial 1626 (automatic service to disable voicemail)
5. Follow voice prompts to select Disable Voicemail → End call
6. Disconnect VPN, restart phone → Voicemail is completely disabled

🔄 To restore voicemail, repeat above steps and dial 1616.

Rates & Account Maintenance

*Based on £1 ≈ ¥9 estimate; real-time exchange rate varies slightly.

• Number retention rule: Account needs one balance change (top-up or consumption) within 180 days.
• Recommended approach: Send one SMS to any UK number every half year.

Device Settings Tips

iPhone Users

1. Set giffgaff as secondary card; main card uses domestic data
2. Settings → Cellular → giffgaff: Turn off Cellular Data & Data Roaming
3. Voice line select "Main card"; SMS can select giffgaff to verify overseas services

Android Users

1. Dual-SIM phone preferred: Physical or eSIM both work

2. Settings → SIM Management:

   • Default voice/SMS → giffgaff (unlock TikTok)
   • Default data → Domestic carrier

3. TikTok playback abnormal: Clear cache or reinstall; ensure giffgaff is default voice card

Quick FAQ

In Closing

As a backup card or digital life accelerator, giffgaff eSIM is currently the friendliest UK number solution: no delivery wait, no monthly fees, can receive cross-border SMS for free, and can solve TikTok regional restrictions and voicemail troubles with one click.