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Step 1
Shop online, head to a local cellular retailer or track down the nearest T-Mobile store to get started on purchasing your T-Mobile prepaid cell phone.
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Step 2
Review the different plans available to you. If you buy a T-Mobile starter kit, you'll receive a cell phone, accessories and start-up minutes. Various pricing options are offered, and may differ depending on availability in your area.
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Step 3
Add any additional features you want, such as text messaging, in-phone games or directory assistance service. You'll have to pay an additional charge for access to any add-on services.
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Step 4
Follow the easy instructions in your starter kit to activate your phone. A T-Mobile customer service agent will change your phone's status to "active" and inform you of your new 10-digit phone number. You also get a T-Mobile email address with your prepaid phone, which will be your 10-digit number@tmomail.net.
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Step 5
Use your start-up minutes. If you have any questions about the local and national rates your start-up minutes are charged at, ask the customer service agent who activates your phone service.
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Step 6
Buy refill minutes directly from the T-Mobile website (see Resources below). You can also purchase them by calling T-Mobile customer service, or by visiting a cell phone retailer that offers T-Mobile prepaid and pay-as-you-go plans.
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Step 7
Discontinue use of your cell phone by using up your remaining minutes and opting not to renew your plan. T-Mobile will cancel your pay-as-you-go service when your minutes expire and you fail to purchase refill minutes.
