Whether you bought an iPhone or Android from us or have a compatible unlocked device, you will need to learn how to activate it. It’s painless and will get your device running in no time. This is just a note, specifically if you bought your phone or had it shipped to you. For Consumer Cellular, it’s simple and easy to activate your new cellphone; visit our site to learn more.
How to insert your SIM card and activate your iPhone:
- Insert your new SIM card in your new iPhone (if necessary, newer iPhones use eSIM). Your new iPhone will come with a SIM card if your carrier requires one. It may already be inserted into your phone.
- 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.
- Power on your phone, this make take a few minutes to boot up.
- Once turned on, the screen will read “Hello” and you will slide to set up.
- Choose a wireless network.
- Wait for your iPhone to activate. It will attempt to activate automatically as soon as it connects to the wireless network.
- Proceed with your iPhone’s setup. After activating, the setup assistant will continue guiding you through the iPhone’s setup process.
How to activate a new cellphone:
- First, it’s important to save the things from your old device that you want to keep because there is a chance that some information will not transfer to your new device.
- Listen to and write down any important voicemails.
- Back up your old text messages.
- Back up your contacts; while most modern contact systems are synced with your account, your contacts on your old phone may be stuck there until you back them up.
- Insert your new SIM card in your new phone (if necessary). Your new phone will come with a SIM card your carrier requires one.
- Activate through consumercellular.com/activate or call (888) 345-5509 to activate your phone.
How to activate a used cellphone:
- After purchasing a used cellphone, you will also need to buy a SIM card (if your new phone requires one). To activate your used phone, you must insert a SIM card for your plan.
