Transferring your old activation to a new cell phone is simple.
Cell phone providers will generally give you major discounts before your wireless contract expires to keep your business. These discounts enable you to upgrade your current cell phone for a newer model and even better mobile device. If you are taking advantage of a deal such as this one, or you simply bought a new cell phone, you will need to activate it to begin using it. Major cell phone providers such as AT&T, Verizon and Sprint give you the option to transfer your current's phone activation to a new phone online.
Instructions
AT&T
1. Browse to the AT&T Wireless "Activate Your Phone" page (see Resources). Click the check box displayed beside where it says "Upgrade phone." This is the option that will activate the new phone.
2. Enter your wireless number in the "Wireless number" field, select your preferred verification method (e.g., billing or shipping zip code, last four digits of your Social Security or last four digits of your Tax ID number). Thereafter, enter the verification number you selected in the field locate next to where it says "Verification number."
3. Click the "Next" tab and follow the personalized prompts that will activate your new phone. This will involve selecting the number you want to activate if you have more than one number, plus entering information about your new phone. The steps to enter your phone information will vary depending on your phone; however, AT&T will guide you according to your specific phone.
Verizon
4. Browse to the Verizon "Sign In To My Verizon" page (see Resources). Sign in to your account using your user ID or cell phone number and password. Click the "Activate a Device" tab displayed on the bottom region of your profile, beneath where it says "Device."
5. Click the "Next" tab on the "Activate Device" page. Verizon will automatically check the status of Backup Assistant on your line so your current mobile contacts are transferred to the new phone you are activating.
6. Follow the personalized instructions that will vary depending on the cell phone you have purchased (type of phone, new phone, used phone). However, these prompts will ask you to confirm your Social Security number and provide information displayed on the receipt if the phone is new. Also, depending on your type of device, you may have to open its back (where the battery is located) to access the ESN or the MEID number. Once you are finished following the prompts, you will be redirected to the confirmation page that will prompt you to dial *228 on your new phone to program by following the phone-based instructions.
Sprint
7. Navigate to the Sprint "Sign In" Web page (see Resources). Sign on to your account using your user name and password.
8. Click the "Activate a new phone" option displayed beside where your cell phone number is displayed, beneath where it says "My Phone & Plan." Click the "Activate a new phone" option displayed beside where your cell phone number is displayed, beneath where it says "My Phone & Plan."
9. Click the "Activate it now" link displayed beneath where it says "Already have a new phone." Fill out the information required to proceed. You will be prompted to enter your phone's code (ESN), which is displayed on the back of your phone underneath your battery. Enter your email address in the "Email address" field and click the "Continue" tab.
10. Verify that you are activating and deactivating the right phones on the "Confirm Your Phones" page and click the "Continue" tab. Verify the information displayed on the "Your Current Plan" page and click the "Complete Activation" tab displayed on the bottom right of the page.
11. Click the link that says "Click this link to open the programming instructions" to program your specific phone. Once you have taken note of this information, click the "Continue" tab and you are finished.
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