Tracfone is one of the most popular prepaid wireless providers. As such, there are many people showing interest in their services. However, before anyone can start enjoying Tracfone plans, one must complete the activation process.
So, in today’s article, we will take a closer look at how to activate a Tracfone. We will go through various questions and aspects that will provide you with all the information you need to successfully and with confidence activate your Tracfone.
So, are you ready to dig in? Let’s do this!
Why Should You Activate TracFone?
Ok, let’s start at the beginning and first determine why should you activate TracFone. Well, if you want to use Tracfone service, there is no way around this. In order to use any of Tracfone’s deals, you need to complete the activation process.
Knowing that you must ask yourself if you want to use Tracfone services. If your answer is ‘yes,’ then you know you need to go through the activation process.
So, in order to help you determine whether Tracfone is something you want to use or not, let’s take a closer look at what you’d be getting as a Tracfone user.
On its official website, TracFone offers a special section, called ‘Why Tracfone’ which presents the main benefits in a straightforward manner. Those are:
- No contracts – with Tracfone you will not be locked into a contract since Tracfone doesn’t have any contracts. This gives you maximum freedom to leave their services whenever you want.
- No activation & no cancellation fees – another great thing about Tracfone is that they have no activation nor cancellation fees, which is super fair.
- Great Nationwide Coverage – Tracfone is a virtual carrier, which means it uses other mobile network grids. Since they operate on the largest ones (AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile) they offer very good nationwide coverage.
- Unlimited Carryover – Tracfone also lets you carry- over your unused minutes, texts, and data without any expiration date. The only condition is that your services are activated and in use within any six-month period.
- No extra cost – With Tracfone plans you’ll never pay any extra cost. You pay your plan and that is it. No extra bills, no overages, and no mystery fees.
- Keep your own phone – Tracfone offers you to get one of their phones or to keep your existing device (if compatible) and use it with their services.
Make sure to go through the above point slowly and carefully. If they seem something you’d be interested in, then Tracfone may be the right carrier for you. In that case, you’ve just found your WHY when it comes to the whole ‘Should You Activate TracFone?’ question.
What Should You Check Before Starting The TracFone Activation Process
Before the activation process, you need to first check the above details and ensure that the TracFone is the right choice for you.
Here also determine/check their coverage in your location. You want to ensure that you have a good signal in all areas that you mainly spend your days.
Then, you need to check their phones and see if they have a particular model that would suit your needs available. That is if you want to get a new device.
Alternatively, you can keep your existing phone (BYOP – Bring Your Own Phone). In which case, you need to check compatibility first. For that purpose, visit TracFone’s official website, hover over the ‘SHOP’ option in the main menu bar, and click the ‘Buy SIM cards/Keep Your Own Phone’ option. On the next page, scroll down and click the ‘Check Compatibility’ button. Then follow the instructions on the next page to complete the compatibility check.
At this point, you have decided that you want to use the TracFone service. You’ve also determined whether you will be using their new phone or your existing one. Before the activation process can take place, you need to obtain your SIM kit.
The latter will be provided to you once you complete the purchase of the TracFone phone or SIM kit alone (if you decide to go with the BYOP option). These days, the most practical way is to complete the purchase online, however, when lock-down is not enforced, you can also visit one of TracFone’s local representatives and make a purchase in person.
Once you have checked all of the steps presented in this section, you may proceed to the actual activation.
How to Activate a TracFone Phone
In this section, we will take a closer look at the exact activation steps for various instances. Simply go through the subsections’ titles below and devote your attention to the one that is applicable to you.
We want you to relax and eliminate all worries because the activation process is very simple and fast. It can be done online.
3 Aspects To Consider – A Tracfone Activation Overview
1. Activating With A New Phone Number
To complete the Activation, you will need to:
- Enter your device’s serial number or SIM card number, if you purchased one.
- Enter the ZIP code where you want to activate your device.
- Enter your Airtime Service Plan PIN or purchase one, if you are using a debit or credit card.
- Create a Tracfone My Account. If you already have one, you will need to log in.
- Set up your device.
2. Transferring Service From Your Current Tracfone Device
To complete the Activation, you will need to:
- Enter your NEW phone’s serial number or SIM card number, if you purchased one.
- Enter the phone number you are transferring.
- Enter the last four digits of your current Tracfone device’s serial number or SIM card number.
- Setup your phone.
3. Transferring Your Phone Number From Another Service Provider
To complete the Activation, you will need to:
- Enter your NEW phone’s serial number or SIM card number, if you purchased one.
- Enter the phone number of the device you are transferring.
- Provide a few account details about your current service provider to approve the number transfer. This may include:
- You Account Number
- Your Password or PIN
- Your contact information, as it is registered with your current service provider
- Enter your Airtime Service Plan PIN or purchase one, if you are using a debit or credit card.
- Create a Tracfone account. If you already have one, you will need to log in.
- Setup your phone.
How to Activate a TracFone Online
Here are the steps to take to complete your TracFone’s activation process online:
- Step #1: Visit TracFone’s official website.
- Step #2: Click the ‘ACTIVATE’ option in the top menu bar.
- Step #3: You need to select the right option for you. Your three options include ‘I have a Tracfone phone,’ ‘I’m bringing my own smartphone,’ and ‘I have other device.’ Click the continue button under the option that is applicable for you. (From this step forth we will focus on the ‘I have a Tracfone phone’ option; the BYOP option will be covered in details below.)
- Step #4: At this stage, you will be asked to enter your phone’s IMEI/MEID/Serial number. This number is located on the red activation card that came with the device. In case you are having problems locating the IMEI number, use the on-page help. Once you enter the IMEI number, check that you’ve entered the correct number and click the ‘CONTINUE’ button. To be able to click the button, you will need to tick the box next to the ‘Do you accept Tracfone’s Terms & Conditions?’ question.
- Step #5: The activation process automatically takes you through the ‘Get Plan’ option, where you chose your plan.
- Step #6: This is where you follow the on-page instructions to complete the device setup.
- Step #7: This is the ‘finalize’ step, where you complete the process.
That is it. Your Tracfone activation is now complete and you may enjoy your services.
How to Activate a TracFone Using Phone
In case you do not have internet access, you may also call Tracfone Support at 1-800-867-7183 to complete the activation.
If you decide to use that option, make sure your phone is charged before you begin the activation process so your battery doesn’t run out of charge during the process.
How to Activate TracFone By Using Bring Your Own Device?
If you are making use of the BYOP option, you can call the number above, or make use of the online activation process.
Here are the steps to take to complete your TracFone’s activation process online:
- Step #1: Visit TracFone’s official website.
- Step #2: Click the ‘ACTIVATE’ option in the top menu bar.
- Step #3: You need to select the right option for you. In the case of the BYOP, you need to click the ‘CONTINUE’ button under the ‘I’m bringing my own smartphone.’
- Step #4: Accept terms and conditions pop-up. Click ‘YES’ to continue.
- Step #5: If you already have the activation KIT (+ SIM kit), enter your SIM card number and click the ‘CONTINUE’ button. Then complete the rest of the process by following the on-screen instruction.
- Step #5.1: In case you don’t have a SIM card yet, click the ‘No, I don’t have one/not sure’ option. (and proceed to the next station)
NOTE: For detailed options concerning the BYOP activation process, refer to the section below.
How to Activate a Non-TracFone Phone (BYOP)
There are some specific steps you’ll need to take in case you’re activating your existing (non-Tracfone) phone.
The key is to choose the right SIM card. So the steps below apply to the situation where you don’t have your Tracfone SIM card yet.
Complete the steps above and once you get to Step #5.1, continue here.
After clicking the ‘No, I don’t have one/not sure’ option, you will be taken to a page, where you will be asked which carrier is your device compatible with.
Since TracFone operates on AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon networks, those three options will be pointed out. If your phone operates on any of these three options, click the matching one.
Moreover, you will also have an option to selects the ‘I have an unlocked GSM phone’ and ‘Other/Don’t Know.’
Select the corresponding option and use the proper subsection below for further instructions.
Activating TracFone Service on AT&T Network
With this option, you will see the ‘Your phone is compatible with Tracfone! If you purchased an AT&T-compatible SIM from Tracfone, enter it below. If not, select the option to buy one message.
If you already have your SIM kit, simply enter the SIM card number. Otherwise, enter your zip code and click the ‘BUY A SIM CARD’ button.
Activating Tracfone Service on Verizon Network
With this option, you will be prompted to enter your phone’s IMEI/MEID. Do so in order to check compatibility.
Use the on-page instructions if you need help finding your phone’s IMEI number.
Activating TracFone Service on T-Mobile Network
With this option, you will see the ‘If you purchased a T-Mobile-compatible SIM from Tracfone, enter it below. If not, select the option to buy one’ message.
If you already have your SIM kit, simply enter the SIM card number. Otherwise, enter your zip code and click the ‘BUY A SIM CARD’ button.
Activating Unlocked GSM Phone
With this option, you will see the ‘Your phone is compatible with Tracfone! If you purchased an AT&T-compatible SIM from Tracfone, enter it below. If not, select the option to buy one’ message.
If you already have your SIM kit, simply enter the SIM card number. Otherwise, enter your zip code and click the ‘BUY A SIM CARD’ button.
How to Activate a TracFone Service Other Carrier (Don’t Know) Steps
With this option, you will get to choose from an extended list of carriers on the next page. Select the one applicable for your phone and click the ‘CONTINUE’ button.
Follow the instructions on the following pages and complete the process.
How To Reactivate Tracfone
Reactivating Tracfone services is no different than activating for the first time. The only difference is that you are probably already familiar with the process, which makes things even simpler.
Unless you have changed your phone meanwhile, you also already know that your device is compatible with Tracfone.
Use the instructions above to reactivate Tracfone services.
How to activate Tracfone SIM card
Tracfone activation process and Tracfone SIM card activation process are one and the same.
If you went through the steps above, you know that you are either asked to purchase the SIM kit (in case you haven’t done so yet) or to enter your SIM card’s number.
The part where you enter the SIM card number is where the SIM card activation takes place.
How to Add Airtime during Activation
Given the information above, you now know that there are various cases and thus slightly different activation steps. In some cases, the activation step process will guide you through the steps and one of those steps will enable you to choose the plan and complete the purchase.
If that is the case, you can add airtime during that step.
However, if the process doesn’t guide you through that step, it means that you’ve already purchased a plan (airtime) or you’ll be able to do so after the activation.
In case you also need information How to Get TracFone Unlocked
What Cell Phones Are Available with Tracfone?
As mentioned above, Tracfone offers you to purchase phones with them. The most convenient way to do this is to use their online shop (visit Tracfone’s official website > SHOP > phones).
Once on the shop page, you’ll be prompted to enter your ZIP code (this determines the exact phones available to you). Also, keep in mind that Tracfone focuses on the more affordable phones, which means that the latest models of leading brands are not offered. Moreover, they tend to offer several reconditioned phones for those looking to further save on the purchase.
Though the offers slightly vary from zip code to zip code, let’s take a look at the phones currently offered by TracFone:
- Alcatel MyFlip (reconditioned)
- Blue View 1 (reconditioned)
- TCL A1 (reconditioned)
- LG Premier Pro LTE (reconditioned)
- Samsung Galaxy J3 Orbit (reconditioned)
- LG Journey LTE (reconditioned)
- Alcatel MyFlip 2
- Motorola Moto E6 (reconditioned)
- LG Solo LTE (reconditioned)
- Samsung Galaxy J2 (reconditioned)
- Motorola Moto G7 Optimo (reconditioned)
- Samsung Galaxy A10E (reconditioned)
- Blu View 2
- LG Premier Pro Plus
- Blu View Mega
- Motorola Moto E6
- Motorola Moto G7 (reconditioned)
- Samsung Galaxy A21
- TCL A1X
- Samsung Galaxy J2
- TCL A2
- LG Reflect
- LG Classic Flip
- Motorola Moto E
- Motorola G7 Optimo
- LG Stylo 4 LTE
- LG Solo LTE
- LG Journey LTE
- LG Stylo 5
- LG K31 Rebel
- Moto G Power
- Samsung Galaxy A01
- Samsung Galaxy A51
- iPhone XR
- Samsung Galaxy A50
- Samsung Galaxy A10E
- Samsung Galaxy A11
- iPhone 7
- iPhone SE (2020)
FAQs
What is Tracfone Promo Code?
Tracfone promo code is a special code that can either bring you reward points to be used as airtime or can serve as a discount. It depends on the type of promotion running at a particular time.
What is TracFone Self Activation?
Tracfone self-activation refers to the activation process completed by the customers on their own using the steps above.
What is Tracfone wireless phone number?
Tracfone Wireless phone number is normally referring to Tracfone’s customer service phone number and is 1 800 867 7183.