Can I activate and link any SIM card?

[MidnightNarwhal]

I have a emergency and my phone fell in water. I want to use my spare phone but it does not have eSIM like my phone had. 

Can I activate any existing SIM card or do I need to buy a brand new SIM? I cannot find places in my Account to do this on the website. 

[MidnightNarwhal]

Oh shoot OK, alright thank you so much man this sucks. Not sure what I will do now. 

[slusagm]

---

@MidnightNarwhal wrote:

Wait, I am obligated to get a Public Mobile SIM card and wait for delivery?? I cannot go buy a SIM card at like gas station and activate that? 

EDIT: My bad, from your dots I udnerstand that any SIm card will do, not just Pubnlic Mobile. 

---

Not any sim card, you need a new Public Mobile sim card. 

Each sim card can only be used on one network, the network it shows on the sim card itself. 
So, you can only use PM sim card  on PM network.  But you can get PM sim card from Telus or Koodo store just because they sell PM sim card, too.  You cannot use Telus or Koodo sim card on PM network.  so, when you go out and buy, ask and make sure it is PM sim card

[slusagm]

you cannot activate with any existing sim, you need to buy a new one.  Get a Public Mobile sim card from Telus or Koodo store for $10 in person if you need it quick.  If you can wait 2 days and would like it cheaper, get from Amazon for only $5 with free Prime shipping

[MidnightNarwhal]

Wait, I am obligated to get a Public Mobile SIM card and wait for delivery?? I cannot go buy a SIM card at like gas station and activate that? 

Can I use a non activated Bell card for example? 

[softech · Accepted solution]

@MidnightNarwhal 

no, you cannot reuse old sim card as sim card can only be activated once.  you need to get a new Public mobile sim card, then login My account (use email to receive 2FA) and go to Profile to update the sim card number

 get a Public Mobile sim card from

• Amazon.ca:  https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B06X9ZGDWG/   (Best and Quickest option, Free Prime next day shipping)
• local Telus/Koodo/Mobile Klinik stores: https://www.publicmobile.ca/en/pick-up-SIM (call ahead to confirm availability ) 
• Via your My Account: https://www.publicmobile.ca/sim-card   or via PM app's Account page(Delivery could take anywhere from 5 days to 3 weeks)