Activating a GSM Phone

• 1). Locate the closest T-Mobile store by using Store Locator on the T-Mobile website.
  
  
• 2). Visit the location and verify the phone is usable on the T-Mobile network. The phone must be unlocked and GSM compatible.
  
  
• 3). Request activation on your T-Mobile account or create a new one. Since you are bringing your own phone to them, you may be able to avoid a contract, so ask if that's possible. If not, you can opt for a prepaid account on the same phone.
  
  

Prepaid T-Mobile Phones

• 1). Visit the activation page of the T-Mobile website. You can activate a prepaid phone at a store location as well, but the website offers convenient activation from anywhere.
  
  
• 2). Select the plan you desire on the left hand side and enter you details on the right hand side. You will need the activation code and SIM serial number, located on the card accompanying your SIM card. You also will need to know the phone's serial number, located on the back, under its battery.
  
  
• 3). Click "Activate phone" to activate your phone and continue setting up your account.