2 Ways to Activate a TracFone

Learn how to activate your TracFone

Last Updated: February 16, 2023 References Tested

Activating a TracFone Brand Phone

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Activating a Non-TracFone Phone

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Q&A

Do you have a TracFone and want to activate it? TracFone Wireless is a prepaid cell phone service located in the United States and outlying territories. This wikiHow article teaches you how to activate your TracFone wireless service.

Things You Should Know

There are two ways to activate a phone: using a TracFone-branded phone or a different phone, like from AT&T.
Go online to activate your phone.
You may need to purchase a TracFone SIM card if you don't have one.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Activating a TracFone Brand Phone

1
Go to https://www.tracfone.com in a web browser. Use this method if you've purchased a phone from TracFone and are ready to activate your service.^{[1]
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- If you don't have internet access, you can call TracFone support at 1-800-867-7183 to complete the activation.
- Make sure your phone is charged before you begin the activation process.
2
Click ACTIVATE. It's in the blue bar at the top of the page.

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3
Click CONTINUE under "I have a TracFone Phone."
4
Enter the IMEI/MEID/serial number. This is the number located at the bottom of the red activation card.
5
Review and accept the terms. Click the Terms & Conditions link to check out the rules, then check the box next to "Do you accept Tracfone's Terms & Conditions?" if you agree.
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Click CONTINUE.
7
Enter your zip or postal code when prompted. This tells TracFone where to activate your service.
8
Select a plan and click CONTINUE. The details of each plan appear next to the price.
- If you haven't yet purchased a SIM card, you'll be charged $0.99 (plus tax and shipping) in addition to the price of the plan.
9
Pay for your plan (and SIM, if necessary). If you've purchased an Airtime Service Plan, enter the PIN. Otherwise, you'll be prompted to select and pay for a plan now. Follow the on-screen instructions to create your account, enter payment information, and supply the requested personal details.
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Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the activation. The remaining steps vary depending on your phone, plan, and whether you'll be signing up for a new phone number.
- If you already have your TracFone SIM, you can usually start using your new service as soon as you pay for and activate your plan.^{[2]
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- If you're transferring a phone number over from another service, you'll be asked to provide your account number and PIN for that service.^{[3]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Activating a Non-TracFone Phone

1
Go to https://get.tracfone.com/bring-your-own-phone in a web browser. Use this method if you're bringing your phone over from another service.
- If you don't have internet access, you can call TracFone support at 1-800-867-7183 to complete the activation.
- Make sure your phone is charged before you begin the activation process.
2
Scroll down and click GET STARTED. It's an orange button on the left side of the page.
3
Click SELECT under your carrier. If you're not sure which carrier you're using, you may find its name printed on the phone. If you have the SIM card the phone last used, you'll find the carrier name there as well.
- GSM phones are not compatible with TracFone.^{[4]
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- T-Mobile phones must operate on Band II, IV, or Band 12 (in some areas) to use TracFone's 4G LTE network.^{[5]
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  Research source} Click CONTINUE when prompted if you selected T-Mobile.
4
Follow the on-screen instructions for your provider.
- If you selected T-Mobile or AT&T:
  - If you already bought a SIM from TracFone, enter the number printed on the SIM card into the "Yes, I already have one" blank, then click CONTINUE.
  - If you haven't bought a SIM from TracFone, enter your zip code into the blank below "I NEED TO PURCHASE ONE," then click BUY A SIM CARD.
- If you selected Verizon, enter your phone's IMEI number into the blank and click CONTINUE. To find the IMEI, dial *#06# on the phone to bring it onto the screen.
5
Select a plan and click CONTINUE. The details of each plan appear next to the price.
- If you haven't yet purchased a SIM card, you'll be charged $0.99 (plus tax and shipping) in addition to the price of the plan.
6
Pay for your plan (and SIM, if necessary). You'll be prompted to create an account, enter your payment information, and supply some personal details during this process.
7
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the activation. The remaining steps vary depending on your phone, plan, and whether you'll be signing up for a new phone number.
- If you already have your TracFone SIM, you can usually start using your new service as soon as you pay for and activate your plan.^{[6]
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  Research source}
- If you're transferring a phone number over from another service, you'll be asked to provide your account number and PIN for that service.^{[7]
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  Research source}

Community Q&A

Question

Where do I find my number?

Community Answer

Go to settings, scroll all the way down to "about phone" and it will be located there.
Question

Instructions say to put a SIM card in the phone. Do I have to buy one, or should it be with my new phone?

Community Answer

Usually, TracFone devices have SIM cards preinstalled in the phone and automatically activate when you first turn on your phone.
Question

My phone has been activated but won't turn on. What should I do?

Community Answer

Call the Tracfone company (number on website) and talk to the customer service. They will ensure you have the phone activated the correct way.