AT&T Prepaid®
In this article you’ll learn how to activate your prepaid cellphone, how to connect your device to the AT&T network, and how to transfer your contacts and info so you can hit the ground running with your new device.
What is the difference between prepaid and postpaid wireless service?
Prepaid and postpaid are both great options when it comes to your cellphone service. The main difference between prepaid plans and postpaid plans is that with prepay you pay in advance for your service to your cellphone carrier instead of paying for your service at the end of the month.
Here are some key differences between prepaid and postpaid:
With prepaid wireless service, you don’t have to perform a credit check to get service since you’re paying for the service ahead of time.
Prepaid service is budget-friendly and very flexible as your needs change. If you don’t need your cellphone for an extended period of time, you’re not stuck paying a monthly bill while you’re not using it. And, because you’re paying ahead, you’ll know exactly what your monthly cost will be, which allows you to stay within your budget each month.
It’s important to note that prepaid plans are not as limited as they used to be. AT&T Prepaid plans include features like mobile hotspot, international calling, unlimited plans, and even high-speed data. See all AT&T Prepaid phone plans and features
Since AT&T Prepaid phones operate on the same AT&T network as regular or “postpaid” wireless plans, you’ll get the same great coverage across the country.
Learn more differences between prepaid vs postpaid phone plans
How do I activate an AT&T Prepaid cellphone?
Activating your AT&T Prepaid cellphone is easy. Just follow these steps:
Step 1: Bring your own device or purchase a compatible cellphone. Remember, there’s no such thing as a “prepaid cellphone” or “postpaid cellphone”. You can use any cellphone that’s compatible with your wireless carrier’s network for either type of service. Activate an unlocked device that you already own. You can also see a full list of compatible phones by downloading this document.
If you’re seeking a new device for your prepaid plan, AT&T offers several lower-priced cellphones that you can pay for upfront without paying out of pocket for an expensive device. Buy a budget-friendly prepaid cellphone from AT&T
Step 2: You'll need a prepaid SIM card. SIM cards are those tiny removable chips you can swap in and out of smartphones to get service. They are used to identify the owner and communicate with a wireless carrier’s mobile network. Many newer devices have a digital SIM card—also known as eSIM. When you purchase an AT&T Prepaid plan online, you’ll get a free physical SIM card. Learn more about SIM vs. eSIM
NOTE: If your cellphone came with a physical SIM card, insert the SIM card into your cellphone to get started with activation. If your cellphone didn’t come with a SIM card, you'll need to purchase one separately.
Step 3: Turn on your cellphone. Power up your cellphone and follow the on-screen instructions to activate your device. If you purchased your plan or device online, check out this page for more instructions on how to activate your prepaid service.
Step 4: Make a test call or send a text. Once you’ve completed the activation process, test your device to make sure everything is properly functioning. Try making a quick call or sending a text message. If you’re unable to do so, you may need to contact AT&T for assistance.
Can I activate an AT&T Prepaid phone myself?
1. If you bought your AT&T Prepaid SIM card and device in-store: Go to att.com/activateprepaid.
2. Activate over the phone: Call AT&T at 844.517.2184 for automated instructions. You will need to know your SIM/ICCID number and IMEI number for activation.
3. If you bought your AT&T Prepaid plan and/or device online: Go to att.com/prepaid/activate-online
If you need more assistance, read more or, visit your local AT&T store.
How to bring your own device to AT&T Prepaid
Have a device you already love? It’s easy to connect it to a prepaid plan and the AT&T network.
1. Check device compatibility: Make sure your cellphone is compatible with the AT&T network. Find out if your cellphone will work by checking its compatibility. If you see your device on the list, you’re good to go.
2. Make sure your device is unlocked: Contact your current provider or the device manufacturer to ensure you have an unlocked device—meaning that it’s not locked to any specific cellphone carrier and can be connected to any cellphone carrier.
3. Pick a wireless prepaid plan: Choose the AT&T Prepaid plan that fits your needs. AT&T plans included features like mobile hotspot, international calling, high-speed data, and even unlimited plans. See all AT&T Prepaid cellphone plans
4. Activate your device:
a. If you bought your AT&T Prepaid SIM card and device in-store: Go to att.com/activations,
then under AT&T Prepaid select Activate your device and follow the prompts.
b. If you bought your AT&T Prepaid plan and/or device online: Go to att.com/prepaid/activate-online
Learn more about how to bring your own device to AT&T Prepaid.
How do prepaid cellphone SIM cards work?
A prepaid SIM card, also called a pay-as-you-go SIM, is a mobile subscription that lets you prepay for a set amount of mobile data, talk minutes, and text messages from your wireless carrier.
SIM cards are those tiny removable chips you can swap in and out of smartphones to get wireless service. They are used to identify the owner and communicate with a carrier’s mobile network. There are physical SIM cards and digital or eSIM cards. Learn more about SIM cards
How is a SIM card different from eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM that connects some newer devices to the AT&T network. It’s used instead of a SIM card to connect to the AT&T wireless network.
How to transfer contacts to AT&T prepaid cellphone?
When you’re activating a new cellphone, the last thing you want is to lose your contacts and other personal content from your old device. Be sure to back up and transfer your contacts, texts, emails, photos, and more from one device to another. Follow the steps in this support article for a smooth transfer.
How to pay your AT&T Prepaid bill after activation
You can easily prepay your AT&T balance online or via the automated phone system by calling 611 from your AT&T prepaid phone (or call 800.901.9878 from any other phone). Find out all the info you need on how to pay your prepaid bill
You can also pay your AT&T Prepaid bill online without even signing in to your account. Go to https://www.paygonline.com/websc/quickpay.html, enter the amount you wish to pay and the cellphone number of the account you’re paying—and voila!
Pro tip: Don’t forget to set up AutoPay for automatic payments. AutoPay can save you up to $15 per month on an AT&T Prepaid unlimited monthly plan.