Tracfone is a wireless mobile network provider known for no-contract prepaid SIM cards with 5G access in the United States. It is a subsidiary of one of the top cellular brands, Verizon Communications, and is under the parent organization, América Móvil. It does occasionally use UScellular, AT&T, and T-Mobile networks to provide coverage, and delivers a plethora of data-related plans for all budgets and needs. They had problems with limiting the speed of “unlimited” data a few years ago, but after a settlement worth millions, upped their game. However, users must learn how to activate the Tracfone SIM card before doing any of that. Luckily, we can help.
Note. The carrier often marketed itself as TracFone, and its apps still carry that name. However, in recent years, they began using a longer and a slightly different name, Tracfone Wireless.
1. Activate the Tracfone SIM card on the official website
Using the Activate page on the official website is the primary method of Tracfone Wireless SIM card activation. After the SIM card arrives at your doorstep, you must enter a few minor details. Alternatively, you can pick it up from one of the retail stores or authorized retailers. Without further ado, get into activating Tracfone mobile connection:
- Visit the Tracfone Wireless Activate page.
- Pick the Activate option.
- On the next prompt, select I have a Tracfone phone if you purchased a smartphone or flip phone from Tracfone Wireless. Pick the other option if you use your device.
- You will now be asked to enter one of the following — MEID (Mobile Equipment IDentifier), IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity), or serial number. You can find all these in the same place, the red activation card that shipped with the phone.
- After the online activation system verifies the number, accept the Terms and Conditions after reading them.
Follow the on-screen prompts and answer the remaining questions about the type of SIM and the service plan. State that it’s a new number or that you’re transferring it from another mobile carrier. In the latter case, you need to provide MNP (Mobile Number Portability) and other porting details. In case you’re transitioning to a feature phone or a flip phone from a smartphone, Tracfone Wireless will warn you that the remaining minutes won’t carry over. You can insert the SIM card if you haven’t, and wait for the network signal to appear.
Note. Tracfone Wireless uses geolocation detection to block all IP addresses outside the United States. The carrier has likely also blocked access to countries in the USA they lack a presence.
2. Alternative options for activating Tracfone SIM cards
Though rare, it is unsurprising that something can go wrong in the process. Therefore, there are other methods to activate a SIM card from Tracfone Wireless:
- Visiting a Tracfone store — Use the Tracfone Store Locator feature on their website to find the nearest one.
- Calling Customer Care Center — You can dial 800-867-7183 to get in touch with Tracfone Customer Support 24/7.
- Visiting the online Tech Support Center — Visit the Tracfone Technical Support page, click Contact Us, then select:
- Automated Support to chat to their bot with predetermined responses. You have to click on answers in the form of buttons until you get the information you seek
- Live Agent Chat to reach out to one of their human agents who can help
- Texting — Text CHAT to 611611, and click or tap the link in the SMS to begin chatting.
Note that you may be required to provide screenshots to authenticate yourself. Thus, familiarize yourself with the process of taking screenshots on your device ahead of time.