Ultra Mobile is an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) based in the United States. It uses T-Mobile infrastructure country-wide to permit its subscribers mobile network access. The company was founded back in 2011 and established itself as a seller of convenient, no-contract prepaid SIM cards. This would be far from unusual if it weren’t for the fact carriers in the country predominantly offer postpaid SIM card contracts alongside a discount on smartphones. As you’d expect, none of that matters unless you can use the SIM card. To do so, you must learn how to activate your Ultra Mobile SIM card. Let’s help you with that.
Important
While studying the entire procedure, we noticed more than one website impersonating Ultra Mobile. They use a similar web design and seem to contain multiple forms you can fill out to allegedly get a free SIM card. This is a scam, and they’re trying to use your personal information and payment processing details for nefarious purposes. Only enter information after you double-checked you’re using the official website with the URL we mention below.
1. Activate Purple Ultra Mobile SIM card via the official website
Although not the only method, using their website is perhaps the most convenient. Unlike other countries, there is no extensive identification process in the USA. It’s also important to distinguish Purple SIM cards from the Orange SIMs. The former comes empty of any plans, so you must pay your first monthly recharge before you can use it. With that said, activation of an Ultra Mobile SIM card looks like this:
- Head over to the Ultra Mobile Activation page.
- Select the Purple SIM option on the left.
Tip. If the Orange SIM is automatically selected, click the “click here to change selection” link. - Enter the 11-digit (it can also have 18 or 19 digits) ICCID (Integrated Circuit Card Identification Number).
Tip. You can find it below the bar code on the back of a SIM card you got from Ultra Mobile. - Click the Start or Resume your Activation button.
- On this step, you must select whether you’re getting a new SIM card phone number or transferring your old one to Ultra Mobile.
Note. If it’s the latter, you may need to provide PAC (Porting Authorization Code) from your old carrier. Also, don’t stop using their services until Ultra Mobile tells you to. - Sign in with your account number and password. You were provided those when you ordered your SIM.
- Pick a prepaid payment plan. Unfortunately, the carrier lacks pay-as-you-go SIM card plans.
- Enter a ZIP code that matches your area code.
- Complete the procedure by paying for your first month.
Note. Since there are no vouchers, you must use your credit or debit card. Pay close attention to the “Auto Renew” section, unless you want to be charged automatically. - Don’t close the tab yet. Insert the SIM card and wait for the signal to come on.
- If that doesn’t happen within an hour, manually enter the APN settings Ultra Mobile provides.
2. Activating an Orange Ultra Mobile SIM card online
SIM cards named Orange Ultra Mobile are also prepaid, but usually come at a heavy discount. They’re intended for people who are unsure about the carrier, need a one-off use without a contract or don’t want to give out their payment information. Thankfully, the process looks nearly identical, only shorter. Follow these instructions to activate an Orange Ultra Mobile SIM card on the carrier’s website:
- Visit the same Activation page as above.
- Select the Orange SIM.
- Enter the 11-digit activation code.
Tip. You can find it in the top right corner of the back of the SIM card you received. It may be underneath a silver foil you need to scratch off. - Click on the Start or Resume your Activation button.
- Like in step 8 above, enter your area code followed by a corresponding ZIP code.
- With that done, you can insert the SIM card into your phone. It should start working shortly.
- In case it doesn’t, type in the APN settings we mentioned above or use one of the methods below.
1. Use an IVR (Interactive Voice Response) service
Interactive Voice Response (IVR) is an automated phone system unique to users of Orange SIM cards. It’s a quick way to get it activated without ever contacting a representative or visiting a store. What’s more, the procedure is nearly identical to the one above. Here’s how that looks:
- Dial the automated system phone number. At the time of writing, that is 888-899-0820.
- Listen to the instructions, then enter the activation code we mentioned in step 3 above.
- Type your ZIP code and/or area code, depending on what IVR requests.
- Jot down your SIM card phone number. IVR will repeat it.
- Follow steps 6 and 7 above. APN Settings may be necessary for any unlocked GSM SIM phone or one purchased from T-Mobile.
- Wait for a confirmation message, which shouldn’t take more than half an hour.
2. Send a text message
If the technique above fails, don’t lose hope. There’s a quick and easy alternative that includes sending an SMS:
- Insert the SIM card and boot the phone.
- Send an SMS to 6700 containing GOGO + your 5-digit zip code. For example, “GOGO 12345” to 6700.
- You should get feedback if your request was accepted. Don’t be alarmed if you don’t — keep an eye on the network signal icon for signs of life.
3. Contact Ultra Mobile Customer Support
If, at any point, you fail to complete the Ultra Mobile activation process, don’t worry. The carrier recognizes 4 more ways to activate an Ultra Mobile SIM card:
- Visiting a store. Ultra Mobile has a handy Store Locator feature that not only shows official stores, but also retail stores that offer their services.
- Chatting. Visit the Ultra Mobile Chat page, enter your name, e-mail, and phone number, and click on the Start the chat button.
- Calling. Dial 1 (888) 777-0446 (remove 1 if you’re calling from the United States). You can also try 1-888-850-5977 or call 611 from any Ultra Mobile Phone. They’re available from 6 AM to 6 PM PST.
- Social media messages. Send a DM to @ultra_mobile on Twitter or @ultramobile on Facebook and Instagram.