Buying a used mobile phone is easier than ever. With 6.6 billion smartphones on the planet, there’s bound to be a lot for sale. There are also more used mobile phone sellers than ever. In 2023, some of the top sellers included eBay, Swappa, and BackMarket.
While purchasing a used mobile phone is easy, some find it difficult to activate a used phone. But fear not, we can guide you through the process in just three easy steps to activate used phones and get a new phone number. Note that these steps are for unlocked phones.
The first step to activate a used phone is to insert a SIM card into your mobile phone or activate an eSIM.
For a physical SIM card, you can transfer it from your current phone to your used phone. This only works if the used device is on the same carrier and accepts the same type of card. Inserting the SIM card from your current device will also transfer all of your data and allow you to keep the same phone number. If this isn’t an option, the phone can also be activated with a SIM card purchased directly from your carrier. Follow the step-by-step instructions that appear on the screen once the SIM card has been inserted into the device.
eSims are sometimes the better option. As of the iPhone 14, Apple has stopped offering a physical SIM card slot, and other mobile phone companies will most likely follow suit at some point. Every carrier has slightly different ways to activate the eSIM, so you can contact them to find out exactly how.
Speaking of contacting your cell carrier, you’ll need to get in touch with them to complete the activation process. The easiest way to contact these popular carriers is by visiting their websites.
You can also visit one of the carrier’s stores in person.
The final step to activate a used phone is to transfer your phone number or get a new one. If you chose to transfer your old SIM card into the used device, your phone number will also transfer over. But, it is possible to ask your carrier for a new number if you don’t want to keep your old number.
You’ll also need to ask your carrier to assign a new number to your phone if you purchased a new SIM card for your used phone. Contact your cell carrier from another device and explain that you would like a new phone number. Let the representative know whether you are using an old SIM card or a new one. Be prepared to provide the representative with the serial number found on the SIM card, At this point, the representative should have all the information they need to process the request and assign a new phone number to your SIM card. Ask the representative to repeat your new number two or three times to ensure you write it down correctly. Then, restart the phone so the changes to the SIM card take effect.
As you can see, it’s easy to activate a used phone and get a new phone number. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll be able to access all the features on your used phone in no time!
