Complete Instructions for Activating Your TracFone

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Find out how to switch over or activate your Tracfone

Written by Megaera Lorenz, PhD

Last Updated: October 23, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Activating a New TracFone
|
• Keeping Your Old Phone
|
• Activating Over Text
|
• Using the Support Bot
|
• Tips
|
• Video
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• Q&A

|Show more |Show less

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. 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.

   • 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. 2
   Click Activate. It's in the row of links at the top of the page.
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3. 3
   Click ACTIVATE under “New Phone”. It’s the first option on the left.
4. 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. 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. 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. 7
   Click CONTINUE.
8. 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.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Keeping Your Old Phone

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1. 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. 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. 3
   Click ACTIVATE under “Keep Your Own Phone”. It’s the middle option.
4. 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. 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.
     • 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.
   • 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. 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. 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. 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).
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Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Activating Over Text

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1. 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.

   • If you’re reactivating your device, text REACT to 611611 instead.
2. 2
   Follow the prompts on your screen. You’ll receive a text with instructions to complete the activation process.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Using the Support Bot

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1. 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.

   • 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. 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. 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. 4
   Click Activate my device. If you don’t see this option, you can type it in.
5. 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.
     • 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.
   • 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. 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. 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. 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.
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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

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• 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.

  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

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  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

  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

  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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