How to Activate an Unlocked Phone

By Jay Darrington

i Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Unlocked phones work with any network compatible with their design. If you do not like your service provider's selection and have purchased an unlocked phone -- or if you are canceling your current cell phone service and have unlocked the phone for use on other networks -- you will need to activate your phone for service on the new network.

For CDMA phones

Step 1

Determine the IMEI number of your cell phone. You may find this in the battery cover of your cell phone, or by dialing "* # 0 6 # " on the phone.

Step 2

Turn the phone on. Contact the new provider on another phone and inform them that you want to use the phone with your account.

Step 3

Provide the network with your account number or phone number, and the IMEI number of your phone. The phone should then be connected to the network.

For GSM phones.

Step 1

Find the slot for your SIM card. Typically, this slot is located in the battery compartment, but some phones have separate slots.

Step 2

Insert the SIM card into the phone and close the SIM card slot or battery cover.

Step 3

Turn on the phone. The cell phone should immediately connect to and recognize the cell phone network.

Tips

Writer Bio