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Looking to save money by switching to a Tello plan? After you've verified service in your area with our Tello coverage map, your next move is to activate your SIM card.
Below, I'll walk you through everything you need to know to activate your Tello SIM card.
How do I activate my Tello SIM?
The activation process varies depending on whether you have a physical SIM card or an eSIM.
Activating Tello eSIM
If you have an eSIM-compatible device and opted for a Tello eSIM plan:
- Connect your device to a Wi-Fi network.
- Scan the QR code provided when you bought your plan.
- Follow the on-screen activation instructions.
Activating a Tello SIM card
- Visit the "My SIM" area in your Tello online account.
- Fill out the necessary field(s) and follow the instructions.
- After the website verifies that activation is complete, which can take up to 20 minutes, give it an extra 5 minutes.
- Put the new Tello GSM SIM into your phone (with the logo facing up) and turn it on.
- Follow any on-screen directions given; your phone should start to activate the service automatically.
Tello APN settings
If you bring your own phone to Tello, you may need to configure the settings for your new carrier. Don't worry, though - it's a quick and easy process.
Activating Tello on an Android phone
Here are the steps for configuring Tello settings on your own Android phone:
- Go to Settings > More networks (or Connections, More, Wireless & networks, Wireless Controls, Wireless Manager, Phone Information).
- Choose Mobile or Cellular networks.
- Select Access Point Names.
- Tap the Menu icon.
- Tap New APN and enter the following APN: wholesale.
Save the APN settings and restart your phone. Make a call, send a text message, and load a webpage to confirm successful SIM activation.
Activating Tello on an Apple iPhone
For iPhone, access settings in one of the following locations:
- Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Cellular Network
OR
- Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options > Mobile Data Network
Then enter the following APN settings:
Mobile Data
- APN: wholesale
MMS
- APN: service
- MMSC: http://wholesale.mmsmvno.com/mms/wapenc
Personal Hotspot
- APN: wholesale
- Leave everything else blank.
Double-check that your iOS software is updated, restart your phone, and test the service.
Activating your Tello SIM card FAQs
Yes. You can activate your Tello SIM card on the carrier's website by going to the My SIM section of your Tello online account.
If your phone doesn't activate automatically, wait for 30 minutes, then reboot your phone and try the activation process again.
You'll need to wait until the activation process is completed. After you've successfully activated the SIM card, the port in form will be available in your account. Use this form to transfer your own number.
Recap
Getting your Tello service activated is quick and convenient. All you need to do is follow the provided instructions to get started on your new affordable phone plan.
Compare the cheapest eSIM plans available from the best eSIM carriers.
Tello FAQs
- Tello Compatible Phones List
- Tello Customer Service FAQs
- Does Tello have a Promo Code?
- Does Tello have Unlimited Data?
- How to Activate Tello eSIM
- How to Activate Tello SIM Card
- How to Get a Free Tello SIM Card
- How to Sign Up for Tello
- How to Switch to Tello
- What is Tello? Is it Worth it?
- What Network does Tello use?
- Where to Buy a Tello SIM Card
