Sprint has grown to become the fourth-largest wireless carrier in the United States after its merger with T-Mobile. The combined Sprint and T-Mobile entity offers affordable phone plans and continues to drive innovation in the cellular connectivity space.
An important but often overlooked step when getting new phone service with Sprint/T-Mobile is properly activating your device or SIM card. Activation connects your device to the Sprint/T-Mobile networks and enables you to use calling, messaging, data services and more.
Fortunately, Sprint offers a quick and easy online activation process that can be completed in just a few minutes at sprint.com/activate. This article provides a step-by-step walkthrough for activating different types of new Sprint devices online, whether you purchased it directly, upgraded, or brought your own device. Follow the instructions carefully to get your new phone up and running on Sprint’s nationwide cellular network.
Prerequisites for Activating a Sprint Device
Before starting the activation process online, make sure:
- You have a compatible device that works on Sprint/T-Mobile bands
- Double-check compatibility at sprint.com/byod
- You have an active Sprint account and cellular plan
- You have a Sprint SIM card, unless activating an eSIM
- Your device has enough battery charge to complete activation
- Your Sprint account credentials are ready (username, password etc)
- Purchase receipt, device IMEI number, SIM ICCID number are handy
With these prerequisites met, you are ready start the quick and easy process of activating your new Sprint phone online.
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Creating a Sprint Account for New Users
If you don’t have an existing Sprint account, you’ll first need to create one before activating your new device:
- Go to the Sprint account sign-up page on their website
- Enter your personal details like full name, phone number, email address, and account password
- Complete any required identity verification steps as prompted
- Your Sprint account will be created immediately upon completion
- You can now use these account details to activate your new device
Overview of sprint.com/activate Activation Process
The general process for activating your device on the sprint.com/activate website involves:
- Visiting the sprint.com/activate site
- Signing into your Sprint account when prompted
- Following the on-screen instructions to complete the activation
- The specific steps vary depending on if it’s a new device, replacement, Bring Your Own Device, etc.
- We’ll cover the details for each scenario next
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Activating a New Device Purchased from Sprint
If you purchased a new phone directly from Sprint and need to complete activation, follow these steps:
- If you started activation in-store, select ‘Finish Activation’ on the sprint.com/activate homepage
- Enter your 6-digit Order confirmation code and ZIP code
- Log into your Sprint account when prompted
- If you didn’t start in-store, select ‘Activate New Device’ instead
- Sign-in to your Sprint account and select the appropriate options for your device
- Enter your device IMEI and SIM card ICCID when prompted
- Follow all on-screen instructions to complete the activation
Activating an Upgraded Sprint Device
Upgrading to a new Sprint phone but keeping your number and account? Here is how to activate it:
- On the sprint.com/activate homepage, select ‘Activate Recently Upgraded Device’
- Sign into your existing Sprint account with your username and password
- Follow the instructions prompted to activate your newly upgraded device
- You may need to manually select your new device if prompted
- Enter your device IMEI or new SIM card ICCID when required
- Click ‘Check Code’ after entering the necessary device details
- Finish any remaining prompts to complete the activation fully
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Activating a Replacement Sprint Device
If you need to activate a replacement Sprint phone, carefully follow these steps:
- On sprint.com/activate, select the appropriate option:
- If activation started, choose ‘Finish Activation’
- For a recent upgrade, select ‘Activate Now’
- If entirely new activation, select ‘Get Started’
- Sign into your Sprint account when prompted
- Enter your replacement device IMEI/MEID or new SIM ICCID as required
- For a new device, you may need to manually select it or enter the IMEI/MEID
- Follow all on-screen instructions and prompts to activate your replacement Sprint device
Activating Your Own Device on Sprint
If you want to bring your own used device to Sprint, here are the activation steps needed:
- On the sprint.com/activate homepage, select ‘Bring Your Own Device’
- Enter your device IMEI/MEID number and click ‘Continue’
- Review your device eligibility and select a Sprint plan if prompted
- Ensure your device is fully unlocked and meets Sprint compatibility requirements
- Confirm you are the device owner when prompted
- Select appropriate SIM card option:
- Use your existing SIM card
- Order a new SIM card
- Enter your SIM card ICCID when prompted
- Click ‘Check Code’ after entering all required device and SIM details
- Follow any remaining prompts to finish activating your own device on Sprint
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Activating a New Sprint SIM Card
If you just need to activate a new replacement Sprint SIM card, follow these simple steps:
- On the sprint.com/activate homepage, select ‘Activate New SIM’
- Sign into your existing Sprint account
- Follow the on-screen SIM activation instructions
- Enter the SIM card ICCID and phone IMEI/MEID when prompted
- Confirm the correct SIM ICCID twice
- Click ‘Check Code’ after entering the necessary SIM details
- You may need to pick a Sprint plan for the new SIM
- Complete any final prompts to finish activating the new SIM card
Verifying Successful Activation
To confirm your Sprint activation was fully successful:
- Check for a confirmation message displaying upon completion
- Your device will show Sprint branding once properly activated
- Make a test call or use mobile data to confirm service is working
- Activation can take up to 24 hours to finalize, so recheck a day later
With these simple steps, you can easily activate any new Sprint or T-Mobile phone, SIM card or device online in minutes. Enjoy your new phone!
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Conclusion
Activating your new Sprint device properly is crucial for accessing the Sprint cellular network. This guide provided step-by-step instructions to activate different new and replacement Sprint purchases online through sprint.com/activate.
We covered key activation steps for new devices, upgrades, replacements, Bring Your Own Device, and SIM cards. Be sure to follow the specific instructions carefully for your situation. Completing activation online only takes a few minutes and enables using all Sprint service features. Don’t forget this important step to get the most out of your new phone!
FAQs: Activating Sprint Devices
Q1: How can I transfer data from my old Sprint phone?
You can transfer contacts, photos, videos and other data from an old Sprint phone using the Sprint Transfer Service available at sprint.com/transfer. The service securely transfers your data to your new phone.
Q2: What should I do if activation fails on sprint.com/activate?
First, ensure you entered all required details correctly like IMEI and ICCID. Restart the activation process if needed. Contact Sprint support if issues persist – they can assist with troubleshooting and completing activation.
Q3: Can I activate a Sprint phone that was previously deactivated?
Yes, you can reactivate a deactivated Sprint device on your account through sprint.com/activate as long as it is in good working condition and you have a Sprint SIM card or your device uses eSIM.
Q4: Where can I find the IMEI and ICCID for my Sprint device?
The IMEI is usually printed on your phone box or back of the device. To display the IMEI on the phone, dial *#06#. The SIM card ICCID can be found on the SIM tray or packaging. You can also get these IDs by contacting Sprint support.
