How to setup your new listening device or GSM bug and solve why it does not work.

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How to setup your new listening device or GSM bug and solve why it does not work.

How to Set Up and Troubleshoot Your Listening Device

Struggling to get your spy listening device working properly? Our expert guide walks you through SIM card setup, network compatibility, and solving common auto-callback issues — whether you bought the device from us or elsewhere.

Getting Started: Set Up Your Listening Device

Many users face setup issues due to a lack of support from their suppliers. We’ve prepared this simple guide to help you get your device up and running — so you never miss an important moment.

Top Tip #1: Always Test First

  • Charge your device fully before use.
  • Test the reception in the planned usage area.
  • Make sure the SIM card is active and correctly inserted.

Need Help? We’re Here for Our Customers

If you’ve purchased your device from UK Spy Gear, you're covered. We’ve proudly supported our customers since 2000 and continue to offer expert troubleshooting advice.

Get in touch with UK Spy Gear's support team.

Choosing the Right SIM Card

Many UK SIM cards, including O2, GiffGaff, Tesco Mobile, Lycamobile and Three, operate on 3G/4G networks which are not compatible with GSM listening devices.

We recommend these GSM-friendly networks:

  • EE – our top recommendation and used for all testing
  • Vodafone (check SIM compatibility first)
  • Asda Mobile, Virgin, Lebara (some models work well)

Start by inserting the SIM into a mobile phone and wait 2–3 minutes for any pending network messages to be delivered. Then, place the SIM into your device and test.

Why Does My Listening Device Go to Voicemail?

This usually indicates poor signal strength or a busy SIM. Here’s what to check:

  • When connecting, the light should flash.
  • If the light stays on, the device can’t find a signal.
  • If the light goes off, it's connected successfully.

Try moving the device closer to a window or using a SIM with stronger reception in your area.

Auto Call-Back Not Working?

First, confirm your device has this feature. Devices like the Professional GSM Spy Listening Device support auto-callback.

How to Set Up Auto Call-Back

  1. Insert the SIM into a phone and wait 3–5 minutes for network messages.
  2. Insert the SIM into the device and turn it on.
  3. Wait 30 seconds, then call the device to connect.
  4. Disconnect, wait one minute.
  5. Send a test message 1111 to the SIM number inside the device.
  6. Make a small noise nearby to trigger the callback function.

Auto-callback won’t work if there are unwanted SMS messages (e.g. promotions) in the inbox. Always clear these using a phone before reinserting the SIM.

Deactivating Auto Call-Back

Send 0000 to the SIM card from your mobile to disable the callback feature.

For best sound quality, use your phone’s loudspeaker and keep the device within 3–5 metres of the sound source.

Troubleshooting Quick Reference

  • No connection: Check SIM activation and reception.
  • Voicemail issues: Wait for the SIM to clear all pending messages.
  • Device won’t call back: Send activation message, reduce background noise.
  • Call disconnects quickly: Avoid calling twice in quick succession, wait 30 seconds between attempts.
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