How to Hook Up a Cell Phone Through the Internet
When you receive a new cell phone, you can activate it in a store authorized by your provider or by calling a special number designated by the provider. Many cell phones companies now also give you the option to activate your cell phone online in a few clicks. If you already have an active phone line and SIM (subscriber identity module) card, which is the case with GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) phones, you may only need to switch the card into the new phone. With CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) phones and brand new GSM lines, you have to activate the phone using one of the aforementioned methods.
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Instructions
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1
Charge the cell phone for at least eight hours. When it is fully charged, make sure the phone is off, and then take the battery out of the phone. Make sure that the SIM is inserted in the phone if this is a GSM-compatible phone. If you use a CDMA service, the network chip is already installed inside the phone.
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2
Register for an online account with your cell phone provider. You need your mobile number and billing password or verification code, which is listed on your paperwork, or by calling the 800 number (or 611 on the handset) for your cell phone service.
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3
Choose "Activate My Phone," "Activate a New Line," or similar option.
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Choose the cell phone line that corresponds with this new phone, or type it in manually. If you have more than one number on the account, there may be a drop-down box.
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Enter the electronic serial number (ESN) or mobile equipment identifier (MEID), which is located on the inside of the phone where the battery sits. This number is also listed on your cell phone paperwork. Click "OK" or similar to save the new phone to that line.
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Agree to the cell phone provider's service agreement if applicable.
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Call the cell phone's activation line if required by the service. Otherwise, simply assemble the phone again and turn it on. The network should now recognize the new phone.
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Tips & Warnings
Before you activate the new phone, back up your contacts from your old phone. Some cell phone companies provide special software programs (like Backup Assistant from Verizon Wireless) that link the phone's contacts to the online account so that you can add your contacts to the new phone automatically. Purchase accessories from your online account to make your cell phone easier to use. The websites of the major United States providers are att.com, verizonwireless.com, sprint.com, and tmobile.com.
