How do i activate a new phone

If your iPhone or iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular) can't be activated or an alert says the activation server is unavailable or the SIM card is unsupported, learn what to do.

Before you begin

  • Learn what to do if you get an error message that says "No SIM" or "Invalid SIM".
  • Check the list on the System Status page. If the box by iOS Device Activation isn't green, try to activate your iPhone or iPad later.
  • If asked to enter your password as you activate your iPhone or iPad, enter the password. (A password prompt means that Activation Lock might be enabled in Find My iPhone.)

How do i activate a new phone

Follow these steps

  1. Restart your iPhone or iPad.
  2. If you're using a cellular-data connection, connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network instead.
  3. If you get an error message on your iPhone or iPad that says the activation server is temporarily unavailable or cannot be reached when trying to activate, wait a few minutes, then repeat the previous steps.

If you still can't activate your iPhone or iPad, try again using your computer instead:

  1. Make sure that you have the latest version of macOS or the latest version of iTunes.
  2. Check that your computer has an internet connection.
  3. With the cable that came with your iPhone or iPad, connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer. Locate your device on your computer.
  4. Wait while your computer detects and activates your iPhone or iPad: 
    • If an alert appears that says "Set up as New" or "Restore from Backup," it means your iPhone or iPad is activated.
    • If you get an error message on your computer that says that the SIM card isn't compatible or is invalid, contact your carrier.
    • If you get an error message that says the "activation information was invalid" or "activation information could not be obtained from the device," use recovery mode to restore your iPhone or iPad.

If you still can't activate your iPhone or iPad, contact Apple Support.

How do i activate a new phone

Published Date: May 18, 2022

When you order devices from an Essentials reseller, the reseller assigns the IMEI or serial number of specific devices to your organization. Assigned devices are listed in the Essentials portal as Ready to set up until they're activated with Essentials. To activate a device:

  1. Turn on the device.
  2. When prompted, connect the device to a network.

    The device is now activated and Essentials security requirements are automatically enforced.

  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete setup.

After a device is activated, you can use the Essentials portal to:

  • Assign a new name to the device to make it easier to identify. 
  • Reset the screen lock or wipe the device at any time.

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Many devices use a physical SIM card that is already inserted in the device. If you use a different SIM, you might not be able to access our wireless network or use all our network features.

If your SIM isn’t already inserted, learn how to put it in.

  1. Go to Device Support.
  2. Choose your device.
  3. Scroll to Getting started and select Hardware & phone details.
  4. Choose Insert or remove SIM card and follow the steps.

Is this a device upgrade or number transfer? If so, you’ll have to activate your new SIM. Let's activate it now

Have a new phone and a new number? You’re likely already activated. Turn on your device and make a test call. If you can’t make a call, activate your device.

Things You Should Know

  • You might need a SIM card for your phone to be able to activate it.
  • GSM carriers, like AT&T and T-Mobile, use SIM cards; CDMA carriers, like Verizon and old Sprint phones, don't have a SIM card.
  • Get in touch with your cell provider (usually through a website) to activate it.

  1. How do i activate a new phone

    1

    Get your IMEI number. This may not be required during activation, but it can be helpful to have around.[1]

    • Dial *#06# to display your new phone's IMEI. You can also usually find it printed on your phone's packaging.

  2. How do i activate a new phone

    2

    Activate through your carrier's website. Most carriers have activation services that are available through their websites. This can be a much quicker method than trying to call and get a cell phone activated.

    • The process is slightly different per carrier, but generally you will need to log in, select the line you are activating a device on, and then enter the IMEI number for the phone you are activating.
    • If you're activating a prepaid plan online, you will likely need to enter an Activation Code. This is typically included with your SIM purchase. If you don't have one, you'll need to call the number below for your carrier, or go into a retail store.[2]

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  3. How do i activate a new phone

    3

    Call the activation number from your new phone. If you are having difficulty activating online, or have a special case (such as activating an upgrade received from someone else's line on the same plan), calling your carrier will be the easiest way to ensure that everything activates properly.[3] You may need the account holder's SSN or other identifying information.

    • AT&T - (866) 895-1099
    • Verizon - (800) 922-0204
    • T-Mobile - (844) 730-5912

  4. How do i activate a new phone

    4

    Visit a retail outlet for your carrier. While this is the most inconvenient way to activate your phone, it is also the most sure-fire way to activate without any problems.[4] If you aren't able to activate online or over the phone, or didn't get a SIM card with your new phone, visiting the store will get your problem quickly solved.

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  1. How do i activate a new phone

    1

    Insert your new SIM card in your new iPhone (if necessary).[5] Your new iPhone will come with a SIM card if your carrier requires one. The SIM card may already be inserted in your phone. Not all carriers use SIM cards.

    • The SIM tray can be found on the right side of the iPhone. Use the SIM removal tool or a small paperclip to eject the tray.

  2. How do i activate a new phone

    2

    Power on your new iPhone. New phones will take a few moments to boot up.

  3. How do i activate a new phone

    3

    Slide the "Hello" screen to start the setup process.

    • If you are trying to activate a used iPhone, you may be prompted to log in with the previous owner's Apple ID. The only way to bypass this is to perform a complete wipe and reset of the iPhone. If this still doesn't work, the previous owner reported the iPhone as stolen, and it cannot be activated.

  4. How do i activate a new phone

    4

    Select a wireless network. Enter in the password if the network is secured.

    • If you don't have access to a wireless network, you can plug your iPhone into your computer and use iTunes or Finder to activate the device. You will be prompted to activate automatically after plugging the phone in.

  5. How do i activate a new phone

    5

    Wait for your iPhone to activate.[6] Your iPhone will attempt to activate automatically as soon as it connects to the wireless network.

    • If you receive a SIM card error, ensure that you have the correct SIM card inserted in the iPhone.

  6. How do i activate a new phone

    6

    Proceed with your iPhone's setup. After activating, the setup assistant will continue guiding you through the iPhone's setup process. [7]

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  1. How do i activate a new phone

    1

    Purchase a SIM card if your carrier requires one. In order to activate your used phone, you will need to insert a SIM card for your plan.

    • Unless the device has been unlocked, it can generally only be activated on the same carrier it was originally activated on.

  2. How do i activate a new phone

    2

    Get your IMEI number. This may not be required during activation, but it can be helpful to have around.

    • Dial *#06# to display your new phone's IMEI number. You can also usually find it printed on the phone itself, either on the back or behind the removable battery.

  3. How do i activate a new phone

    3

    Call the activation number from your new phone.[8] The quickest way to get your used phone activated will be to call the carrier directly. It may be difficult to activate the phone using the online site, especially if it is older.

    • AT&T - (866) 895-1099
    • Verizon - (800) 922-0204
    • T-Mobile - (844) 730-5912

  4. How do i activate a new phone

    4

    Visit a retail outlet for your carrier.[9] This is another way to easily activate your used phone. Make sure to bring in your SIM card, or let the employee know that you need to purchase a new SIM card.

    • It might be a good idea to listen to and write down any important voicemails on the old device before you activate a new one since there's a chance that your voicemail inbox may not transfer to your new device.
    • You'll also want to back up your old text messages, contacts, and any other data on your old phone. Like voicemails, there's a chance that your old text history, contacts, or other data will not transfer.

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Add New Question

  • Question

    How do I activate an old flip cell phone that won't turn on?

    How do i activate a new phone

    You could take it to a mobile phone or electronics retailer and ask the staff there for assistance with it.

  • Question

    How do I activate an old flip cell phone?

    How do i activate a new phone

    You can buy time for it at the store on a card, or get a monthly plan online.

  • Question

    How much does it cost to activate a phone?

    How do i activate a new phone

    The price depends on the mobile carrier and the cell phone plan, too, as well as taxes.

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  • Cell phones are programmed specifically to work with certain networks unless they are advertised as unlocked. If you wish to activate a pre-owned phone from one provider to another, such as activating a T-Mobile phone on Verizon, you might need to have the original provider unlock the phone.

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  • Some cell phone providers use a communication process called global system for mobile communications (GSM) which requires a SIM card. Other providers use a process called code division multiple access (CDMA) which uses a card called a Removable User Identity Module (R-UIM) . A GSM phone will not work on a CDMA network or vice versa. If you are activating a phone that is not specified for your specific provider, call your provider to ensure that you can activate the phone on their system.

    <b>Thanks! We’re glad this was helpful.</b><br />Looking for more fun ways to learn on wikiHow?<br />Learn about yourself with <a href='/Quizzes'><b>Quizzes</b></a> or try our brand new <a href='/Games/Train-Your-Brain'><b>Train Your Brain</b></a> word game.

  • If your phone requires a SIM card, it should come with the phone. If not, you will need to purchase one specific to your intended provider. Removable User Identity Module (R-UIM) come with the phones and are not accessible on most CDMA phones without taking the phone apart.

    <b>Thanks! We’re glad this was helpful.</b><br />Looking for more fun ways to learn on wikiHow?<br />Learn about yourself with <a href='/Quizzes'><b>Quizzes</b></a> or try our brand new <a href='/Games/Train-Your-Brain'><b>Train Your Brain</b></a> word game.

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How do I transfer my service to my new phone?

Turn on your new device. Tap Start..
Sign in with your Google Account. To check whether you have a Google Account, enter your email address. If you don't have a Google Account, create a Google Account..
Back up your data. Learn how to back up your data..
Check that you have a Wi-Fi connection..

How do you activate a new iPhone?

Turn on your iPhone or iPad Press and hold the device's power button until you see the Apple logo. You'll then see "Hello" in many languages. Follow the onscreen instructions to get started.

How do I activate my SIM card on my new phone?

Quick steps: Activating a new SIM.
Insert the new SIM into your phone, and have the phone turned on..
Activate your new SIM card by using its accompanying activation key (this will be included in the package). ... .
Use this key to activate the SIM card online. ... .
Wait some time, and it should be activated shortly..