SIM Activation Guide
Get your SIM up and, running in minutes.
Whether you have a physical SIM or an eSIM, this guide walks you through activation from start to finish. Most people are done in under 10 minutes.
Who is your carrier?
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Got it — activating with . We'll show you the right details at each step.
Quick activation
Most activations complete in under 5 minutes
Simple process
No guesswork — just follow along
Guided experience
From SIM type to your first call, we've got you covered
1
Device Check
Make sure your phone is compatible
Enter your IMEI number and we'll instantly check if your device works on this network. Not sure where to find it? Dial *#06# on your keypad — it shows up right away.
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dialpad Dial *#06# on your keypad to instantly reveal your IMEI.
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Your Number
Keep your number or start fresh?
Want to keep your current number? No problem — just have a few details from your old carrier ready and we'll handle the transfer.
Port My Number
Keep your existing number — just have a few details from your current carrier ready and we'll handle the rest.
Get a New Number
We'll assign you a number instantly — no extra steps needed.
Gather these before you begin. It'll only take a minute:
- Your 10-digit phone number
- Name of your current carrier (e.g., Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile)
- Account number (on your bill or in your carrier app)
- Transfer PIN or Number Transfer PIN
- Billing ZIP code
Don't cancel your current plan until the port fully completes — turning it off early will delay or interrupt your transfer.
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Getting a new number is the fastest option — no transfer details needed. We'll assign you a fresh local number automatically during activation.
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Your SIM
Choose your SIM type.
Not sure which one you have? If a small plastic card arrived in your package, that's a Physical SIM. If not, you likely have an eSIM.
Physical SIM
A plastic card that goes into your phone's SIM tray. Works with any compatible unlocked device.
eSIM
A digital SIM built into your phone. No card needed — activated instantly via QR code.
Your SIM card number (ICCID) is a 19–20 digit number printed on your SIM card or packaging. You'll need it during activation. It starts with 89.
1
Check the SIM card itself — the ICCID is printed directly on the chip or on the card carrier it arrived in.
2
On iPhone: Settings → General → About → scroll down to ICCID.
3
On Android: Settings → About Phone → SIM Status → ICCID (exact path varies by manufacturer).
4
Via dial code: Dial *#06# — on some devices, the ICCID appears alongside your IMEI.
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From packaging: The ICCID is also printed on the SIM sleeve or the back of the retail SIM packaging.
Your IMEI identifies your phone. Your ICCID identifies your SIM card. They're different numbers — make sure you're entering the right one.
How to Activate Your eSIM
Your QR code will be emailed to you — just scan and go
Instant
1
Check that your phone supports eSIM. Most phones made after 2018 do — the list below shows common compatible models.
iPhone XS / XR+
iPhone SE (2020+)
Google Pixel 3+
Samsung Galaxy S20+
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold / Flip
Moto Razr (2020+)
2
Open the That's My Mobile app and select eSIM as your SIM type. Once confirmed, a QR code will be sent to the email address on your account.
3
On iPhone — scan the QR code: Go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code. Point your camera at the QR code in your email, then tap Continue and follow the prompts.
4
On Android — scan the QR code: Go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add eSIM. Scan the QR code from your email and confirm. The path may look slightly different depending on your phone brand.
5
Find your EID (only if asked). Your EID is a unique code that identifies your eSIM — you may need it during setup.
iPhone: Settings → General → About → scroll to EID
Android: Settings → About Phone → SIM Status → EID (or dial *#06#)
Don't remove your physical SIM until your eSIM is fully active and you can make calls. Once confirmed, you can safely remove it from your phone's settings.
Common questions
Have a question?
Here are the ones we hear most often. If you don't find what you need, our support team is always on.
How do I know if my phone is unlocked?
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An unlocked phone works with any carrier's SIM card. To check: on iPhone, go to Settings → General → About and look for "Carrier Lock" — it should say "No SIM restrictions." On Android, go to Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Network Operators and search for networks. If only your current carrier appears, your phone may be locked. You can also call your current carrier to confirm, or try inserting a different carrier's SIM and see if it connects.
What is an account number and PIN, and where do I find them?
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Your account number is the unique ID your current carrier uses for your plan — it's different from your phone number. Your account PIN (or transfer PIN) is a security code set to authorize transfers. You can usually find both by logging into your carrier's website or app under "Account Info" or "My Plan," or by calling customer support. Some carriers (like T-Mobile) let you generate a one-time transfer PIN in the app.
Will I lose my phone number when I switch?
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No — you can keep your existing number. This is called number porting, and it's completely free. Just make sure you don't cancel your current service before porting is complete, as that can release your number. The process typically takes a few minutes to a few hours. Your current service stays active until the port-in is confirmed on our end.
What's the difference between a physical SIM and an eSIM?
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A physical SIM is a small chip you insert into your phone — it's the traditional way to connect to a network. An eSIM (embedded SIM) is built into your device and activated digitally, no card required. eSIM is faster to set up, supports multiple profiles on the same phone, and is harder to lose or damage. Both work identically once active. Most phones released after 2020 support eSIM, and some newer iPhones are eSIM-only.
How long does activation take?
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Most activations complete within 15–30 minutes once you submit your information through the app. eSIM activations are usually faster — often under 10 minutes. If you're porting a number from another carrier, it can take up to a few hours depending on your previous provider's response time. You'll receive a confirmation notification as soon as your line is live.
What if I run into trouble during activation?
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Our support team is available 7 days a week. You can reach us through the That's My Mobile app (tap the chat icon), via email, or by calling our support line. Common issues — like an incorrect account number or a SIM not detected — are usually resolved in minutes. We won't leave you without service: if activation doesn't complete within 24 hours, we'll escalate and keep you updated the whole way.
You're All Set. Let's Activate.
Download the That's My Mobile app to complete your activation — it only takes a few minutes.
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