How to Activate a New SIM Card Online
Subscriber Identity Module cards (SIM) are used to activate GSM cell phone service. SIM cards hold important data about your phone and your account. Millions of people worldwide use SIM cards.
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Instructions
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Remove your SIM card from the SIM card sleeve. The sleeve is a credit card-sized plastic piece with a small rectangular chip attached to it. Push this card out, being careful not to touch the copper contacts.
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2
Take down the SIM card number that's printed on the card.
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3
Remove the back cover and battery from your cell phone. Write down the IMEI number that's printed on a sticker under the battery.
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4
Go to your wireless provider's web site. Type "SIM card activation" into the search bar provided on the web site.
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Fill out your account details. This will be your name, address, phone number, date of birth, the city and state were you want your phone number listed, and your SIM and IMEI numbers.
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6
Write down your new phone number. It is important to take note of your phone number and your new account number in case the activation does not go through smoothly. If this happens, you'll have to call customer service.
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Insert the SIM card into the SIM card cradle in the back of your phone. Replace the battery and the cover.
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8
Switch your phone on. You should see a message that reads "SIM card activated" or the name of your service provider.
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Tips & Warnings
You can only activate prepaid SIM cards. If you have a contract phone, the SIM card will already be programmed and activated by your wireless provider.
Some wireless providers do not allow you to activate their SIM cards over the computer. If you have a SIM card that cannot be activated online, you may have to activate it from the phone itself or through customer service.
Only GSM phones have SIM cards; CDMA phones do not have SIM cards. These phones are supplied by companies such as Verizon or Sprint.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit sim card image by Yury Shirokov from Fotolia.com
