How To Activate TracFone (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow Complete Instructions for Activating Your TracFone PDF download Download Article Find out how to switch over or activate your Tracfone Written by Megaera Lorenz, PhD

Last Updated: December 3, 2025 Fact Checked

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  • Activating a New TracFone
    • |
  • Keeping Your Old Phone
    • |
  • Activating Over Text
    • |
  • Using the Support Bot
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
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This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Megaera Lorenz, PhD. Megaera Lorenz is an Egyptologist and Writer with over 20 years of experience in public education. In 2017, she graduated with her PhD in Egyptology from The University of Chicago, where she served for several years as a content advisor and program facilitator for the Oriental Institute Museum’s Public Education office. She has also developed and taught Egyptology courses at The University of Chicago and Loyola University Chicago. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 338,239 times. Learn more...

Do you need to activate a new TracFone or activate TracFone service on your old phone? 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, whether you have a new TracFone or an old device you want to keep using with a TracFone account. We’ll also explain how to keep your old number.

What to Know About Activating Your TracFone

  • The easiest way to activate a TracFone is by going to tracfone.com/activate and choosing the appropriate activation option.
  • If you’re trying to activate an unlocked phone from another vendor/carrier, you’ll need to buy a TracFone BYOP (Bring Your Own Phone) SIM kit.
  • You can activate some TracFone devices by texting ACTIVATE to 611611.
  • The support bot at support.tracfone.com can also take you through the activation process.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 5:

Activating a New TracFone

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  1. Step 1 Go to tracfone.com... 1 Go to 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]
    • If you don't have internet access, you can call TracFone support at 1-800-867-7183 to complete the activation.[2]
    • Make sure your phone is charged before you begin the activation process.
  2. Step 2 Click Activate. 2 Click Activate. It's in the row of links at the top of the page.[3] Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Click ACTIVATE under “New Phone”. 3 Click ACTIVATE under “New Phone”. It’s the first option on the left.
  4. Step 4 Select whether you want to use a new number or keep your old one. 4 Select whether you want to use a new number or keep your old one. Click the radio button next to your preferred option. You’ll be prompted to enter additional information before you can continue.
    • If you request a new number, you’ll need to enter your ZIP code. Type it in, then click the ENTER ZIP CODE button to continue.
      • Next, you’ll be asked to specify whether you want to use a physical SIM or eSIM (only applicable for select phone models). Make your selection, then click CONTINUE.
    • If you select the option to keep your old number, enter your current phone number, then click CONTINUE.
  5. Step 5 Enter the IMEI/MEID/serial number. 5 Enter the IMEI/MEID/serial number. This is the number located at the bottom of the red activation card that came with your TracFone device.
  6. Step 6 Review and accept the terms. 6 Review and accept the terms. Click the Terms & Conditions link to check out the rules, then check the box next to "I agree to the Terms and Conditions" if you agree.
  7. Step 7 Click CONTINUE. 7 Click CONTINUE.
  8. Step 8 Provide any additional requested information to complete activation. 8 Provide any additional requested information to complete activation. Depending on whether or not you’ve already paid for a plan, you might be asked to enter a PIN for your plan or purchase a plan now.
    • In addition, you may need to provide account information related to your previous phone plan (if you’re transferring your old number to a new plan). This might include things like the account number and PIN associated with your old service plan.
    9. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 5:

Keeping Your Old Phone

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  1. Step 1 Buy a TracFone SIM kit and plan. 1 Buy a TracFone SIM kit and plan. If your phone is compatible with the TracFone network, you can buy a physical SIM or eSIM activation code for your device. Visit www.tracfone.com/kyop to check your phone’s compatibility and buy a SIM and plan.
    • Click the CHECK COMPATIBILITY button and follow the prompts to find out if your phone is compatible and what kind of SIM you need.
      • You’ll need to provide information like your zip code and your phone’s IMEI.
    • Once you’ve determined what kind of SIM you need, go back to the main KYOP page and click GET STARTED. Select the SIM kit and follow the prompts to complete your purchase.
  2. Step 2 Go to tracfone.com/activation... 2 Go to tracfone.com/activation 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.
    • Your phone will need to be carrier unlocked for this to work.
  3. Step 3 Click ACTIVATE under “Keep Your Own Phone”. 3 Click ACTIVATE under “Keep Your Own Phone”. It’s the middle option.
  4. Step 4 Select whether you want to get a new number or keep your old one. 4 Select whether you want to get a new number or keep your old one. Depending on your selection, you’ll be requested to provide some additional information:
    • If you request a new number, type in your ZIP code, then click ENTER ZIP CODE.
    • If you want to keep your old number, type in your number, then click CONTINUE.
  5. Step 5 Enter your phone’s IMEI. 5 Enter your phone’s IMEI. This will confirm if your phone is compatible with the TracFone network, as well as what kind of SIM card you’ll need (if you didn’t already purchase one).
    • If you have an iPhone, you can find your IMEI number by going to Settings > General > About. The IMEI may be located under the SIM or eSIM header.[4]
      • You can also find the IMEI on the SIM tray or on the back of the phone, depending on your model. If you’re not sure where to look, check this guide.
    • On an Android, you can find your IMEI under Settings > About phone. Depending on your phone model, it might also be printed somewhere on your device.[5]
    • If you can’t find your IMEI in your device’s settings or printed somewhere on the phone, dial *#06# in the Phone app. Your IMEI will be displayed on the screen.
  6. Step 6 Agree to the terms and conditions. 6 Agree to the terms and conditions. Click the Terms and Conditions link to review the terms. If you agree, check the box next to “I have read and agree to the Terms and Conditions.”
  7. Step 7 Select ACTIVATE WITH ESIM or ACTIVATE WITH PHYSICAL SIM. 7 Select ACTIVATE WITH ESIM or ACTIVATE WITH PHYSICAL SIM. Choose an option based on what kind of SIM kit you purchased for your device.
  8. Step 8 Follow the prompts to complete the activation process. 8 Follow the prompts to complete the activation process. You may need to provide information such as your plan activation number or SIM kit number and the account number for your previous phone service (if you’re transferring an old phone number).
    9. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 5:

Activating Over Text

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  1. Step 1 Text ACTIVATE to 611611 from your phone. 1 Text ACTIVATE to 611611 from your phone. If you bought a new device or SIM from TracFone, you may be able to activate it from the device itself. Open your text messaging app and send the word ACTIVATE to the TracFone text helpline, 611611.[6]
    • If you’re reactivating your device, text REACT to 611611 instead.
  2. Step 2 Follow the prompts on your screen. 2 Follow the prompts on your screen. You’ll receive a text with instructions to complete the activation process.
    3. Advertisement
Method 4 Method 4 of 5:

Using the Support Bot

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  1. Step 1 Visit support.tracfone.com.... 1 Visit support.tracfone.com. This method allows you to activate your phone using the support bot on TracFone’s website. You can do this on a computer or in a mobile browser.[7]
    • This option works whether you have a new TracFone or an unlocked device and a TracFone BYOP (Bring Your Own Phone) kit (see Keeping Your Old Phone.
  2. Step 2 Click the bot icon. 2 Click the bot icon. This icon looks like a cartoon robot head. It’s located in the lower right corner of the page.
  3. Step 3 Select Become a Customer. 3 Select Become a Customer. This is one of the menu buttons in the chat. You’ll see it under the bot’s introductory message.
  4. Step 4 Click Activate my device. 4 Click Activate my device. If you don’t see this option, you can type it in.
  5. Step 5 Enter your phone’s IMEI. 5 Enter your phone’s IMEI. Or, if you have a BYOP kit, enter the BYOP SIM kit number that came with your kit purchase. The BYOP SIM kit number always starts with 89.
    • If you have an iPhone, you can find your IMEI number by going to Settings > General > About. The IMEI may be located under the SIM or eSIM header.[8]
      • You can also find the IMEI on the SIM tray or on the back of the phone, depending on your model. If you’re not sure where to look, check this guide.
    • On an Android, you can find your IMEI under Settings > About phone. Depending on your phone model, it might also be printed somewhere on your device.[9]
    • If you can’t find your IMEI in your device’s settings or printed somewhere on the phone, dial *#06# in the Phone app. Your IMEI will be displayed on the screen.
  6. Step 6 Select Continue to accept the Terms and Conditions. 6 Select Continue to accept the Terms and Conditions. You’ll see a link to the Terms and Conditions document in the chat if you want to review it first.
  7. Step 7 Choose whether you want to keep your old number or get a new one. 7 Choose whether you want to keep your old number or get a new one. You may be asked to provide additional information depending on which selection you make.
  8. Step 8 Follow the prompts to complete the activation process. 8 Follow the prompts to complete the activation process. Provide any additional requested information and follow the instructions to set up and verify your TracFone account.
    • If you encounter any problems during the activation process, select ☰ > Agent. You’ll be connected with a live agent who can help you.
    9. Advertisement
Method 5 Method 5 of 5:

Tips

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  1. 1
    • If you’re having trouble activating your device, call TracFone customer support at 1-800-867-7183. You can also chat with support by clicking the bot icon in the lower right corner of the support.tracfone.com website.

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Where do I find my number? Community Answer Community Answer Go to settings, scroll all the way down to "about phone" and it will be located there. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 13
  • 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 Community Answer Usually, TracFone devices have SIM cards preinstalled in the phone and automatically activate when you first turn on your phone. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 14 Helpful 26
  • Question My phone has been activated but won't turn on. What should I do? Community Answer 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 13
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References

  1. ↑ https://support.tracfone.com/en/brands/Doro/TFDOD7050TL/faq/1650386/
  2. ↑ https://www.tracfone.com/support/contact-us
  3. ↑ https://support.tracfone.com/en/brands/General/TFaccounthelp/faq/3099250/
  4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/108037?device-type=iphone
  5. ↑ https://www.samsung.com/ph/support/mobile-devices/how-do-i-locate-my-phone-imei-number/
  6. ↑ https://support.tracfone.com/en/topics/611611-services/all/can-i-activate-my-phone-through-611611/
  7. ↑ https://support.tracfone.com/en/brands/Samsung/TFSAG990U3C/tutorial/2009446/
  8. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/108037?device-type=iphone
  9. ↑ https://www.samsung.com/ph/support/mobile-devices/how-do-i-locate-my-phone-imei-number/

About This Article

Megaera Lorenz, PhD Written by: Megaera Lorenz, PhD wikiHow Staff Writer This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Megaera Lorenz, PhD. Megaera Lorenz is an Egyptologist and Writer with over 20 years of experience in public education. In 2017, she graduated with her PhD in Egyptology from The University of Chicago, where she served for several years as a content advisor and program facilitator for the Oriental Institute Museum’s Public Education office. She has also developed and taught Egyptology courses at The University of Chicago and Loyola University Chicago. This article has been viewed 338,239 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 9 Updated: December 3, 2025 Views: 338,239 Categories: Telecommunications Service Providers In other languagesJapanese
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Is this article up to date?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Megaera Lorenz, PhD Written by: Megaera Lorenz, PhD wikiHow Staff Writer Click a star to vote Co-authors: 9 Updated: December 3, 2025 Views: 338,239

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