Activate and use your device

Learn how to get your device running on our network. It can be one you bought from us or a compatible, unlocked device you already own.

eSIM

Do you need to activate an eSIM for AT&T Wireless^SM? Make sure your device is on an active plan, then download the eSIM over Wi-Fi®.

Turn your device on.
Follow the prompts on your device. Want detailed steps for your device? Get eSIM download instructions

Good to know:

Activating a new iPhone 15? Update to iOS 17.0.2 before transferring data
Transferring your number from another provider? Go to att.com/activatenow before turning your phone on.
Bringing your device to AT&T? Request your new eSIM
Have an AT&T Prepaid® plan? Contact us to activate your eSIM

Physical SIM

Many devices use a physical SIM card that is already inserted in the device. If you use a different SIM, you might not be able to access our wireless network or use all our network features.

If your SIM isn’t already inserted, learn how to put it in.

Go to Device Support.
Choose your device.
Scroll to Getting started and select Hardware & phone details.
Choose Insert or remove SIM card and follow the steps.

Is this a device upgrade or number transfer? If so, you’ll have to activate your new SIM. Let's activate it now

Have a new phone and a new number? You’re likely already activated. Turn on your device and make a test call. If you can’t make a call, activate your device.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Last updated: October 5, 2023