The Octopus Mobile SIM is a mobile phone SIM card with both Octopus and telecommunication functionality when operated with NFC (Near Field Communication) enabled. Click here for a list of compatible mobile phones, as tested by Octopus Cards Limited.
What is NFC?
Near Field Communication (NFC) is the wireless technology which enables NFC devices to communicate with each other when in close proximity. The Octopus Mobile SIM uses this technology through NFC-enabled mobile phones for proximity payment.
What is the difference between an Octopus Mobile SIM and an ordinary Octopus?
The Octopus Mobile SIM requires an NFC-enabled mobile phone that is switched on and sufficiently charged to operate; as it holds no deposit or initial stored value, the user must add value before it can be used to make payments.
The Octopus Mobile SIM is non-returnable, but any remaining value at cancellation is refundable.
Where can the Octopus Mobile SIM be used?
Just like any other Octopus, the Octopus Mobile SIM is widely accepted by transport and retail operators that have installed Octopus readers.
How should the Octopus Mobile SIM be used?
Insert the Octopus Mobile SIM into an NFC-enabled mobile phone from the list tested and approved by Octopus Cards Limited. Make sure the mobile phone has the latest firmware released by the mobile phone manufacturer, and that it is on, sufficiently charged and has the NFC function are on with sufficient battery enabled. (Instructions for upgrading firmware, enabling NFC and the location of the NFC antenna can be found in the phone’s operating manual.)
After downloading the Octopus App from Google Play or the App Store to your mobile and adding value, you can then use the Octopus Mobile SIM like any other Octopus by tapping it to Octopus readers. No activation or further steps are required.
The Octopus Mobile SIM has no initial stored value. You will need to add value before use.
Which mobile phone models are compatible with the Octopus Mobile SIM service? How can I use the NFC function and locate the NFC antenna?
Octopus Cards Limited provides a list of tested mobile phone models that are compatible with the Octopus Mobile SIM service. Remember to ensure that the phone’s firmware is fully updated before use.
Activation of NFC and the location of the NFC antenna can vary from model to model. Click here for details on the supported mobile phone list, as well as firmware upgrade instructions.
We will continue to update the list as new mobile phone models are tested.
Can I use an NFC-enabled mobile phone that is not on the tested mobile phone list?
If a mobile phone model is not listed, you should not use the Octopus Mobile SIM on it. Octopus Cards Limited is not liable for any loss in connection with the use of inappropriate and untested devices.
We will continue to work with mobile phone manufacturers and network operators on expanding the list of tested mobile phones.
Who can obtain an Octopus Mobile SIM?
Anyone who can subscribe to a mobile service plan can obtain an Octopus Mobile SIM. You can check the terms and conditions with individual mobile network operators. Click here for a list of the supported mobile phones, and note that currently, only the Adult Octopus version is available.
Where can I get the Octopus Mobile SIM?
You can go to any of our designated mobile network operator outlets to get an Octopus Mobile SIM, or to learn more about using the Octopus Mobile SIM service.
What is the age limit for using an Octopus Mobile SIM?
At present, the Octopus Mobile SIM is classified as an Adult Octopus product, i.e. for customers aged 12 and older.
Can I apply for a Personalised Octopus together with the Octopus Mobile SIM service?
At present, Octopus Mobile SIM does not provide this service.
How do I add value to an Octopus Mobile SIM?
Like other Octopus products, you can add value to an Octopus Mobile SIM with cash at any MTR Customer Service Centre or Octopus Authorised Add Value Service Provider using cash, up to a maximum of HK$3,000. You can also apply for Automatic Add Value Service (AAVS) from participating financial institutions for your Octopus Mobile SIM.
Can the Octopus Automatic Add Value Service be linked with an Octopus Mobile SIM?
Yes, you can apply for the Octopus Automatic Add Value Service (AAVS) with selected financial institutions. For details, please visit www.octopus.com.hk/aavs or call the hotline on 2266 2338.
How can I check the remaining value and transaction records on my Octopus Mobile SIM?
Download the official Octopus App from Google Play or the App Store to check the remaining value and most recent transaction records on your Octopus Mobile SIM. You can also use the app widget to view the remaining value just a click away from your home screen. Click here for further details.
For other ways to check the remaining value and most recent transaction records for your Octopus Mobile SIM, check the Octopus website.
What should I do if there is no response when using the Octopus Mobile SIM for a transaction?
There are a number of possible causes for this problem:
The mobile phone may need a firmware upgrade.
The NFC function on the mobile phone may not be switched ON. (Please refer to the operating manual of your mobile phone for instructions on how to do this.)
There may be a file transfer via NFC in progress. (Please refer to the operating manual of your mobile phone for more information on this.)
Your mobile phone may be too close to metallic material (e.g. a metal mobile phone case) or to another Octopus or contactless smart card.
Once you have determined and addressed the cause, follow the relevant steps below:
If you could not begin a transaction before, do so now as you normally would: place your mobile phone over the Octopus reader, hold and wait until you hear the "dood" sound and see the remaining value shown on screen.
If the earlier transaction was incomplete, place your mobile phone over the Octopus reader again and wait for the “dood” sound and remaining value display that indicate a finished transaction.
If the Octopus reader has trouble detecting your mobile phone, try placing it over the reader again at another angle or a slight distance.
If a file transfer via NFC was delaying the transaction, wait for the transfer to finish and then place your mobile phone over the Octopus reader again.
If all else fails, restart your mobile phone and place it over the Octopus reader again.
If the problem is still not resolved, contact the Customer Service Centre of the relevant transport and retail operator for assistance, or, if the problem relates to the Octopus function, contact Octopus Cards Limited. If you have a problem with mobile telecommunication and functionality, please contact your mobile network operator for assistance.
Will an Octopus Mobile SIM still function if the mobile phone’s battery runs out?
If your mobile phone runs out of battery, the Octopus Mobile SIM will not function. Please ensure your mobile phone has sufficient battery power before performing transactions.
What should I pay attention to while using an Octopus Mobile SIM for public transport payments?
Make sure your mobile phone has sufficient battery power for your entire trip – in particular, entrance and exit points on the payment gate and fare ticket inspection. Failure to produce a valid ticket may lead to prosecution or a surcharge imposed by transport operators. Be aware that authorised staff of the transport operators’ customer service centres may need to handle your mobile phone.
Do not replace the Octopus Mobile SIM with another mobile SIM card before exiting the payment gate (or paid area), especially on cross-border transportation, as this may interfere with the smooth and proper deduction of fares at the exit points.
Who should I refer to when encountering problems with the Octopus Mobile SIM?
For Octopus-related issues, visit this official website or contact us. For enquiries about the telecommunication functionality or other non-Octopus functions, contact your designated mobile network operator directly.
What should I do if my Octopus Mobile SIM stops working?
If the Octopus functions stop working, use our online application for cancellation of an Octopus Mobile SIM to arrange a refund of its remaining value. Once your refund request has been processed, all Octopus functionality for the SIM card will be permanently disabled.
Octopus Cards Limited will notify you the refund arrangement after processing your request.
While the Octopus Mobile SIM will no longer function as an Octopus after your refund is processed, the telecommunication and other functions will not be affected.
If the telecommunication function of your Octopus Mobile SIM stops working, you will need to obtain a new Octopus Mobile SIM from your mobile network operator. Under normal circumstances, your mobile network operator will offer you a replacement Octopus Mobile SIM. (Charges may apply.) You should also submit a refund request for the malfunctioning Octopus Mobile SIM.
What should I do if I lose a mobile phone with an Octopus Mobile SIM?
The Lost Octopus Reporting Service applies only to Octopus Mobile SIMs linked to an Automatic Add Value Service (AAVS). To report a loss, call the Lost Octopus Reporting Hotline on 2266 2266.
To stop all other functions on a lost mobile phone with an Octopus Mobile SIM, including telecommunication functionality, contact your mobile network operator separately.
What should I do if I no longer wish to use the Octopus function on my Octopus Mobile SIM?
If the remaining value of the Octopus Mobile SIM is less than HK$500 and it is functioning properly, you can apply for cancellation and receive an on-the-spot refund at any MTR Customer Service Centre. For any refund handled at MTR Customer Service Centre, you can collect the refund either through reloading directly into another Octopus, Octopus on iPhone or Apple Watch, Smart Octopus in Samsung Pay or in cash. Simply place your charged and functional phone, with the Octopus Mobile SIM properly inserted and NFC enabled, over the Octopus reader as you would during a normal transaction.
You are not required to return the Octopus Mobile SIM to Octopus Cards Limited, but you should keep it safe and intact until receiving your refund, and avoid using the Octopus functions (e.g. adding value or making payments) to ensure an accurate calculation of the refund amount.
The final refund amount will be confirmed once OCL processes your request. After receiving the refund, you should cut the Octopus Mobile SIM in half and dispose of it properly.
Where can I find the Octopus number and ICCID as requested at the online refund website?
These two sets of numbers are printed on the Octopus Mobile SIM. (Refer to the diagram below.) The Octopus number is the 9-digit serial number (8 digits plus the number in brackets), while the ICCID is the mobile SIM card serial number printed above it. You should write both numbers down in case they are needed by Octopus or your mobile network provider to facilitate a service call.
Always keep your Octopus number and ICCID confidential.
Octopus Cards Limited may not be able to refund the remaining value on the Octopus if the complete Octopus number and last 3 digits of the ICCID cannot be provided. (If the ICCID is 21 digits long, provide digits 17-19 instead). If you still cannot find the ICCID, check with your mobile network operator.
What should I do if I change to another mobile network operator or terminate the mobile service plan?
You should request a refund of the Octopus Mobile SIM’s remaining value (see #22).
Would the Octopus Mobile SIM's Octopus function be affected by a change to my mobile service plan?
The Octopus Mobile SIM's Octopus function will not be affected by a change to your mobile subscription status, such as termination of telecommunication service.
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