A method is for a first-time startup of a not fully personalized secure element, which serves for the use of services of a mobile communication network, in a mobile terminal. In the method, the secure element is started and requested to transmit a status message. The secure element transmits a status message in which it is stated whether the secure element: S1) contains only a bootloader but as yet no firmware image for the secure element; S2) contains a firmware image for the secure element but is not yet fully personalized; or S3) is fully personalized. The secure element is accepted in the cases S1), S2) and S3) and rejected in other cases. In the case S1), a download for a firmware image of the secure element is initiated for a first-time startup.