How to Activate a Used Alltel Cell Phone

Buying a new cell phone can be a costly proposition. Purchasing a used cell phone is far cheaper and the activation process is usually fairly easy. When you buy a used Alltel phone, you'll find that all you need to do is find the phone, track down the number on the phone and then call the company directly.

Instructions

1. Remove the battery from your cell phone to find the ESN number on the inside label. This number should begin with the letters ESN, HEX or DEC and you'll need it before calling the company.

2. Charge your cell phone and ensure that all bars are full. The activation process should only take a few minutes, but a full charge helps if the process takes longer.

3. Call the Alltel service number at 1-800-ALLTEL1. When asked, respond with the number of your current cell phone.

4. Tell the customer service representative that you need to activate a new phone and answer the questions they ask. The representative will ask you for a few things and they also need the ESN number described above.

5. Turn your cell phone off and on as directed. This gives the phone a chance to settle into the new settings.

6. Enter *228 then push the send button. As soon as Alltel receives your message, they'll activate the used cell phone. The entire process should only take a few minutes once you send the message.

Tips & Warnings

• This process only works for those who have an existing Alltel cell phone account. If you need to set up a new account to use the phone, visit one of their stores in person.

• Make sure you're using a use Alltel phone and not one from another cell phone provider. Alltel is known for limiting the use of other phones on their network.