The excitement accompanied by purchase of a new phone or device is great. If you, a friend or your relative just bought one, you might be looking for where to start. Once you have your tech buddy, the first thing you need is a carrier. Unfortunately, most carriers will need you to activate your phone to use their network, this is the case with AT&T.
The fact that you are on this page, chances are you are struggling to activate your phone or device on AT&T. The good news is that the process of setting up your wireless service with AT&T doesn’t take long. It’s a simple process that you should be done with within minutes. However, this will depend on several factors. The type of your device, where you bought it and the service you want to activate.
Preparing to Activate New Phone on AT&T
1. Ensure your device is compatible with AT&T
Before attempting anything else, check whether your device is compatible with AT&T network band. In the event your device is locked to another carrier, you will have to unlock it first. Otherwise, the activation process won’t go through.
There are a number of ways you can check your device compatibility with AT&T. You can contact customer care or check online using the device IMEI. This is a unique number that is unique for every device. To get your device IMEI, go to: settings>General>about. You can also dial *#06# on your phone.
2. Decide whether to port the old number or not
It is not a must now that you are changing the carrier or phone to have a new number. AT&T allows new customers to port their old numbers to their new carrier. Additionally, you can also keep your current phone as long as it is compatible with the network.
3. Acquire SIM card and purchase a plan
For your wireless device to work, you need a SIM card. You can order your new SIM card through AT&T. Ensure that the SIM card comes with an active plan. This will be needed during the activation process. When you receive the SIM card, install it in the correct slot.
If you bought your phone from AT&T, you don’t need to buy a new SIM card. You should use the one that comes with your phone. This gives you a chance to enjoy the full benefits of a new subscriber.
Best 3 Easy Way To Activate New AT&T Phone
If you buy your device from AT&T, chances are it will come pre-activated. To test whether yours is activated, place a trial call to any AT&T number. If it doesn’t go through, then your device needs activation. But if the call goes through, then your device is activated. Thankfully, there are different ways you can activate your wireless device.
1. Online Activation Method
This method is available for all devices except in the following scenarios;
- If you want to port your number from a different carrier.
- When you want to activate your device on a different number other than that used during upgrade.
- If you want to activate an insurance device replacement gadget.
Android Phones
- Proceed to att.com/getstartedbiz web page
- On the page that opens, select Activate your device
- Fill in all the required details
- Click continue
- Follow the prompts presented to you to finalize activation
iPhone
- To activate your iPhone, download and install iTunes in a computer
- Connect your iPhone and the computer
- Head to att.com/activations
While at it, ensure you follow the set-up assistant to fill in all the account details requested. If you are an existing customer, you will have to remember your Apple ID. In case you don’t succeed in activating your device, you can contact AT&T through 866-895-1099.
2. Activate AT&T Phone Through Call
If online method doesn’t favor you, calling AT&T customer care may work for you. Just get another phone and call customer care and explain your intentions to activate your device. You will be required to provide the device details such as the number and IMEI. Accept their terms and conditions.
If everything checks out correctly, you should receive an activation message thereafter.
3. Going to AT&T Shop
Instead of fumbling with remote activation, you can visit a local AT&T shop for activation. This is the simplest method if you have an AT&T shop in your locality. Once there, the representatives will take you through the process.
See More: The 11 Best AT&T Phone For Sale Without Contract
FAQs – Frequently Ask Questions
Can I swap my SIM cards on AT&T phones?
Yes, however, you have to notify customer care for IMEI updating. Otherwise, some features may not work on your phones. These include your passwords and HD voices.
Is it possible to have more than one AT&T accounts?
You can create more than one account as long as you have other lines. Although, you have the freedom to manage the accounts as you want as long as you use the same ID.
What does it mean to have an unlocked AT&T phone?
By default, when you buy a phone through AT&T it is network specific. That means it can only work with AT&T cell towers. Even if you used another carrier’s SIM card, it won’t work.
Unlocking your phone gives it the freedom to use any other compatible network. By so doing, you get the freedom to switch carriers without buying a new device.
What may cause my device not to work on AT&T even after activation?
You may still experience some difficulties if your device is not compatible with AT&T. Also, you need to ensure that your SIM card is properly inserted. If you tried the activation procedure without data plan, that may be another problem.
How does the activation process take to complete?
Activation process can take as short as a few minutes to 24hours. It depends on the method you use and the timing. Your phone is available for use immediately after activation.
What should I do if I notice illegal activation on my AT&T account?
In case you notice an activation request you never initiated; you should cancel it immediately. Just click cancel your order. This will prompt you to sign in to your account. Log in and confirm the cancellation.
Final Recap
With over 150 Million customers, there are no doubts AT&T is among the largest wireless network providers. If you have been buying their incredible services, activating your device opens the doors.
We have provided a detailed approach on how to activate your device and start using it on AT&T. If you face any challenges when undertaking the process, feel free to reach out to their customer care and they’ll assist.
