Frequently Asked Questions
The Instant SIM is an innovative product by Vodafone Qatar that allows customers to self-activate a new Prepaid or Postpaid connection instantly, anywhere and anytime in Qatar, without needing internet access.
To activate the Instant SIM, customers need to:
The Instant SIM is unique because:
- It allows customers to self-activate without needing Wi-Fi or any internet connection.
- There’s no need to wait in queues or visit a Vodafone store.
- Customers can choose between a Physical SIM or an eSIM.
- It does not require a credit or debit card for activation.
No, an internet connection is not required to activate the Instant SIM. As long as the Instant SIM is inserted in the phone and data is switched on, the process is designed to work with special dedicated data for the process of eKYC.
Yes, customers have the option to choose between a Physical SIM and an eSIM when using the Instant SIM.
The physical SIM will no longer be valid
For a Prepaid connection, you will need your Passport or a valid Qatari ID. For a Postpaid connection, you will need your Qatar ID. These documents are required for the eKYC (electronic Know Your Customer) process during activation.
The activation process is instant and can be completed within a few seconds, depending on how quickly you can follow the steps. However in case of prepaid it may take up to 2 minutes and for Postpaid activation it can take up to 15 minutes after your complete activation steps.
Yes, the Instant SIM can be used with any smartphone that has a camera for scanning the QR code and supports SIM or eSIM functionality.
If you encounter any issues during activation, you can visit a Vodafone store to continue with the activation. In that case, you will be provided with a new SIM free of charge and activation will be performed by one of our sales agents.
Yes, the Instant SIM is currently available exclusively in Qatar, and it is the first of its kind in the GCC region.
Yes, the Instant SIM can be activated for either Prepaid or Postpaid services, depending on your preference.
The benefits include:
- Instant activation without needing internet access.
- No need to visit a store or wait in queues.
- Flexibility to choose between a Physical SIM or an eSIM.
- No requirement for a credit or debit card.
- Convenience of purchasing from various retail locations or ordering online.
For Prepaid activation customer is assigned automatically a free number.
In case of postpaid, customer is can choose a Free Number or a star number which comes for free with the plan or can select a higher value star number. However in that case, customer will need to make a payment for the star number for which customer will need to connect to a WiFi network.
Yes, you can purchase multiple Instant SIMs however remember you can not have more 2 postpaid and a maximum for 5 connections under your ID.
While the SIM itself may not expire immediately, it’s recommended to activate the SIM soon after purchase to ensure it functions as intended. Specific validity terms may apply.
After completing the activation process, you will receive a confirmation message on your smartphone, an SMS and an email indicating that your line is active and ready for use.
If you lose your Instant SIM before activation, you will need to purchase a new one. It’s essential to keep your SIM card secure until activation is complete.
Yes, once activated and used locally, the Instant SIM can be used for international roaming. However you may need to activate a roaming add-on after activation to use Voice and Data services.
If your smartphone doesn’t support eSIM, you can opt for the Physical SIM version of the Instant SIM during the activation process.
Transferring an existing Vodafone number to an Instant SIM requires additional steps. It’s recommended to contact Vodafone customer support for detailed instructions.
After the activation, Vodafone gives you free data to make an online recharge and pay for it using your debit or credit card?
Yes, you can Vodafone’s prepaid cards or request a digital voucher from more than 2000 locations in Qatar.
Yes, if you already have the MyVodafone App downloaded and have internet access, you can continue with Self Activation on MyVodafone App. However, remember that you can continue your activation on Web even if you don’t have internet access.
Yes, you can recharge with any existing Prepaid recharge product. However, we do recommend 6 products as part of the activation journey which are:
- Combo 40
- Combo 65
- Combo 100
- Credit 20
- Combo 15
- Ahlan 65
Yes, customers will continue to get existing Digital offer for these Postpaid plans
Yes, you can activate a Postpaid connection on eSIM or Instant SIM (if you have one) once you start the purchase journey from Vodafone website
In case of Postpaid, customers have the option to request Home delivery of the SIMs?
No, the home delivery is only available for Postpaid customers.
Yes, you can visit Vodafone website or MyVodafone App to start purchasing a Prepaid or Postpaid connection. You can activate an eSIM for Prepaid or Postpaid connection or you can request home delivery of SIM for a Postpaid connection.
Prepaid customers, will need to recharge to have the allowances to make calls or use internet. They can start receiving calls immediately.
Postpaid customers, will need to “restart the phone” or “Switch on and Switch off airplane mode” to be able to use the line for the first time.
Vodafone World is a program designed to bring added lifestyle value to Vodafone postpaid customers through exclusive monthly vouchers redeemable with well-known partner brands.
Eligible customers receive a monthly Discount to redeem with Vodafone’s partner brands:
| Plan | Monthly Voucher Value |
|---|---|
| New Unlimited+ | Up to QR 30 |
| New Unlimited+ Premium | Up to QR 50 |
| New Unlimited+ Platinum | Up to QR 100 |
| New Unlimited+ VIP | Up to QR 150 |
No. Eligible customers can redeem only one benefit per month, and the full value must be used on a single selected partner.
Yes, you can switch your benefit. You’ll continue enjoying your current benefit until your bill date. Once your new bill cycle starts, you’ll need to go to My Vodafone App and subscribe to the new benefit.
No. Discounts are valid for one month only and do not carry forward if unused.
If number is disconnected, you will not be able to use the Vodafone World benefits. If the voucher is saved somewhere, you can use that within 30 days if not redeemed yet.
If you change your plan, you will be able to subscribe to new Vodafone World benefit based on new plan. You will not be able to view previous benefits.
11. Can I change my benefit within the same month?
· Yes, but the new benefit will be available after bill renewal date
Customers on the following New Unlimited+ plans are eligible:
| Plan | Valet Benefit |
|---|---|
| New Unlimited+ Premium | Regular Valet parking service with 4 usages of Regular parking per month |
| New Unlimited+ Platinum & VIP | VIP Valet parking service with 4 usages of VIP parking per month |
No. Each valet service is limited to once per hour and cannot be shared across different users or vehicles.
Yes. Vodafone reserves the right to disable or modify the Valet Parking benefit at any time at its discretion.
Go to the My Vodafone App > Digital Valet Parking section to view your usage, redeem valet benefits, and manage your subscription.
The Social Media Data Allowance allows customers to use specific social media applications without consuming data from their main data bucket.
The included social media applications are:
When you use any of the included social media applications, data will first be deducted from your Social Media Data Allowance. If you use all the data in this allowance, further usage will consume data from your main data bucket.
No, the Social Media Data Allowance is restricted to local use only. While roaming, data usage on these social media applications will either consume your available roaming data allowance or be charged as out-of-bundle usage.
If you access the included social media applications through a VPN, the data will not be deducted from your Social Media Data Allowance. Instead, it will be consumed from your main plan's data allowances.
Once you have used all the data in your Social Media Data Allowance, any further usage of the included social media applications will consume data from your main data bucket.
No, the Social Media Data Allowance is specifically for TikTok, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook. Data used on other applications will be deducted from your main data bucket.
Social media allowances are permanent and will renew along with your data plan on a monthly basis.
[SR1]Does this include Messenger app? Does this include the use of Messenger within the Facebook app?
[IA2]No it doesn’t include Messenger app. It includes only facebook app.
International Call Block (ICB) is the service that allows customers to block all international calls regardless of the location of the customer.
Customers can enable and disable Mute service via My Vodafone App or USSD (enable 369, disable 360).
Yes, they still can make international calls if they have the international call block service enabled.
Mute is a service that allows customers to block any incoming calls when enabled
Customers can enable and disable Mute service via My Vodafone App or USSD
• You can use My Vodafone App up to 5 times on Wi-Fi or up to 1 week.
• Whatever is reached first, the app will ask you to disable Wi-Fi and re-authenticate using Vodafone Qatar 3G/4G network.
• For security reasons you need to turn off Wi-Fi and connect to 3G/4G Vodafone Qatar network or roaming network, either after 5 times on Wi-Fi or after 1 week.
• After authentication you can continue using the app over Wi-Fi.
• The reason why you are seeing this message is because your number is not matching the Contact number you provided during your registration with Vodafone.
• Please call our contact centre or visit the nearest store if you want to change the registered contact number in our system with your current number.
• Check if you are using the same SIM (Number) as you registered to check- in to the app. To check the number, go to menu and the number will be displayed as the “Welcome (Your Number)”.
• Please call our contact centre or visit the nearest store if you have to change the registered contact number in our system with your current number.
• Uninstall the App
• Go to the App Store/Play Store, download and re-install the App again
You may not be authenticated:
• Turn off Wi-Fi data completely
• Check if network time is the phone time
• If using a dual sim phone, put Vodafone as SIM1, turn off SIM2 completely
• Please make sure that your SIM is active
• Check for your area coverage on our website or My Vodafone app.
• Select network manually
• Switch between 2G and 3G
• Please try to restart your handset or try your SIM on a different handset
• If all the above steps fail, please contact us to help you further or raise a complaint for you
• Please keep the below details ready with you while contacting us for further troubleshooting:
NOTE: If you have another Vodafone SIM and it works fine in the same location, we advise you to attempt to replace your SIM at the nearest Vodafone Store as it could be a faulty SIM card.
• Please make sure that your SIM is active
• Check for your area coverage on our website or My Vodafone app.
• Select network manually
• Switch between 2G and 3G
• Please try to restart your handset or try your SIM on a different handset
• If all the above steps fail, please contact us to help you further or raise a complaint for you
• Please keep the below details ready with you while contacting us for further troubleshooting:
NOTE: If you have another Vodafone SIM and it works fine in the same location, we advise you to attempt to replace your SIM at the nearest Vodafone Store as it could be a faulty SIM card.
• Please make sure that your SIM is active
• Check for your area coverage on our website or My Vodafone app.
• Select network manually
• Switch between 2G and 3G
• Please try to restart your handset or try your SIM on a different handset
• If all the above steps fail, please contact us to help you further or raise a complaint for you
• Please keep the below details ready with you while contacting us for further troubleshooting:
NOTE: If you have another Vodafone SIM and it works fine in the same location, we advise you to attempt to replace your SIM at the nearest Vodafone Store as it could be a faulty SIM card.
• Please make sure that your SIM is active
• Check for your area coverage on our website or My Vodafone app.
• Select network manually
• Switch between 2G and 3G
• Please try to restart your handset or try your SIM on a different handset
• If all the above steps fail, please contact us to help you further or raise a complaint for you
• Please keep the below details ready with you while contacting us for further troubleshooting:
NOTE: If you have another Vodafone SIM and it works fine in the same location, we advise you to attempt to replace your SIM at the nearest Vodafone Store as it could be a faulty SIM card.
Click here to check your estimated first bill
• Please try to restart your handset or try your SIM on a different handset
• Checks if you have available spend limit or credit limit
• Make sure that the following activation or deactivation steps are followed:
Activation Method
• Call 195 from your mobile phone and follow the instructions to choose the song you would like to set as your Ring Back tone. (A call to 195 costs 50Dhs per minute)
• SMS to 195: Send ACT RBT SONG CODE to 195. E.g. ACT RBT 111222 (An SMS to 195 is free of cost)
• Press * when you listen to a song that you like while waiting for your friend to pick up the phone, this is applicable if your friend is a Vodafone customer
Note: If you have already set a song earlier and then pressed the * key or sent an SMS for copying a song, your song set for all callers will be replaced with a new song.
Deactivation Method
• Deactivate this service by sending an SMS with the letters “DCT” to 195 and service will be deactivated
• Customers can also call 195 and follow the instructions on how to deactivate Caller Tunes
• Calls to 195 costs 50Dhs/Minute
• SMS to 195 is free
• Restart handset and try to activate/deactivate
• Please note that this option is not for Mobile Broadband customers
• Check if the number is active on Vodafone network (able to use data, calls & SMS)
• Check Notification number registered with us is the same as your current number. If Not, Please call our contact centre or visit the nearest store to change the registered contact number in our system with your current number. If correct, proceed with the below steps.
• Restart handset and switch network mode of the handset:
iOS:
Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data
Select other network mode (4G/3G/2G) in which you are not currently connected. There may be different network modes available depending on where you are.
ANDROID:
Go to Settings > Mobile Networks > Network Mode
Select other network mode [WCDMA only, GSM only, WCDMA/GSM (auto connect), LTE/WCDMA/GSM (auto connect)] in which you are not currently connected.
• Restart handset
• If all the above steps fail, please contact us to help you further or raise a complaint for you
• Please try to restart your handset or try your SIM on a different handset
• Voicemail service is pre-activated for all Vodafone customers
• Please make sure that you have followed the below steps:
1. To activate dial ##002# from your mobile phone to switch it back on. OR *100# (follow the Vodafone menu; Select “My Settings”, then “Setup voicemail and missed call preference”)• Try the different methods mentioned above
• Restart handset
• If all the above steps fail, please contact us and we will help you further or raise a complaint for you
• Please try to restart your handset or try your SIM on a different handset
• Please ensure that you have used the correct Short Code
• Make sure that your number is not barred
• Check your spend limit
• Check your outstanding balance and credit limit as having less credit limit than the add-on cost will prevent you from activating the add-on
• Please note: Some products can be activated from the Short Code Menu if you are the primary account holder. If you are not the authorised person of your account and you are trying to activate the add-on, system will not allow as per current rules
• If all the above steps fail, please contact us and we will help you further or raise a complaint for you
• Please try to restart your handset or try your SIM on a different handset
• Verify the deactivation short code used
• Check if you have enough SMS balance to deactivate the short code
NOTE: Deactivation cost if FREE however, you need to have remaining balance
• Restart handset and try to deactivate again
• If all the above steps fail, please contact us and we will help you further or raise a complaint for you
• Verify phone model you are using to register to Metrash. NOTE: iOS, Android and BlackBerry OS are supported; however, Windows OS are currently not supported
• Verify the version of Metrash customer wants to register to.
NOTE: Metrash1 is by default a part of Metrash2 Service
• Make sure that QID expiration date is updated
• Make sure that the Mobile number that you used to register for the Metrash2 Service is under your Qatari ID
• Check if you have any recent provisioning or Transfer Of Number orders
NOTE: If you have a new connection or Transfer of Ownership then you have to wait for a week to be able to register for Metrash.
• For any queries, comments or any problems relating to Metrash2 Application contact email: Info@moi.gov.qa /Support centre No: 2342000. (24/7 working)
• If all the above steps fail, please contact us and we will help you further or raise a complaint for you