An iPhone that is purchased through AT&T must arrive with the SIM card activated and installed. Even though, if it didn’t then you must be able to activate it right on the phone itself.

Note: Don’t use these directions if you are transferring a phone number from another carrier or bringing your unlocked device.

There are 2 options to activate your mobile: One is to visit AT&T’s web-based activation tool; the other is to connect your phone to your pc and open iTunes. (Make sure that you’ve got the latest version of iTunes by installing it from Apple.)

How do I activate my new iPhone with AT&T?

First, click Activate Your Device using AT&T’s online tool. Then you’ll be prompted for your billing or shipping ZIP code and your wireless number. Enter your information as it appears on documentation from AT&T and then clicks Continue. Now you’ll be next directed to confirm a pair of numbers and those are IMEI and ICCID/SIM numbers.

Firstly, Open the settings, then go to the General >about to find these on your new iPhone. And then scroll down downwards to the bottom of the list to identify the numbers and compare them to the numbers AT&T provided to confirm they match.

1. Dial *#06# on the keypad of the Phone app and find your IMEI number. 
2. If you use iTunes then to activate your phone you can follow onscreen directions.

Do I need to go to AT&T to activate my iPhone?

Here are the steps to follow it:

• You might need to contact AT&T chat representative, so you can either get in touch through the AT&T live chat or by calling on their customer service number. And wait for the response or until you are connected to their support line.
• Once you are connected, have a polite conversation starting with “I would like to activate my iPhone”. You will be asked by an automated system thing like “how can i help you? “ Speak clearly and inform them about your activation.
• Tell them your AT&T account number when they asked to tell you. Your number will work to assist the automated system to have the access to the information of your account.
• Hereafter, that automated system will repeat your number to you and you will be required to confirm if it is valid or not. This process is for the verification of your number.
• Consequently the verification of your number, you will be connected to one of their representatives. Have polite conversation with AT&T agent to complete the activation process.

Before You Start

Before starting the activation process, here are a few things you need to know.

• You should check your phone is indeed unlocked and you can also see an AT&T agent that will check for you.
• Your phone can’t be reported lost or stolen and you can also get that confirmation by providing the IMEI number to an AT&T agent. 
• Make sure you unlocked your phone if it is from another carrier like Sprint before you try to activate it.

Insert a SIM card

• First, you need to go to Device Support.
• Now choose, change your device or confirm.
• At last, Choose View All Solutions > Insert SIM Card.

ATT New phone or SIM card activation

You’ll require activating your new phone or SIM card online if after inserting the new SIM card can’t call or browse the Web.

• First visit att.com/get started biz
• Then for AT&T wireless device, you need to select Activate your device.
• Now enter the information that is required online.
• At last, select Continue and follow the instructions to complete the activation process.

Activate ATT SIM cards and e-SIMs online

SIM card

• Activate your AT&T wireless or At&T PREPAID device online by following these steps:-
• First, Visit att.com/activations.
• Then you need to choose the Activation option for AT&T wireless or at&t prepaid.
• Now enter the required information and then select Continue.
• At last, follow the prompts to finish the activation.

Activate an E-SIM in ATT iPhone

To activate E-SIM in iPhone XS and newer models, follow these instructions:-

• First, once you have a service plan, download your e-SIM.
• If you are bringing your device or adding a second line, order another online.
• Contact At&T or visit their store for a new phone, new service, or an upgrade.
• You need to follow these steps if you have a QR code printed on an at&t e-sim card.
• First, you should go to the phone settings.
• Choose one of the following and that completely depends on the type of device you have.
• When AT&T Cellular Plan ready to be installed, select continue and then add a Plan.

Find out if a new att device or SIM is activated.

• Make sure that the device is on and the SIM card is inserted correctly.
• Make a test call or browse the web without using Wi-Fi.
• Activate your device online at att.com/activation if you can’t surf the web or make calls.

What are SIM cards and e-SIMs?

• SIM cards and e-SIMs encrypt transmissions from your device and also identify and connect it to a mobile network.

If You Have an Unlocked Device

You will need to have the appropriate or right sim which you can order from AT&T if you have a new and unlocked phone to use. So you will need to ensure that you get the right sim card to use with your mobile, To place an order, are required to type the IMEI number, now you can access from settings> General > About, or by dialing *#06# on the keypad in the Phone app.

After you have the SIM card, you will have to follow the listed directions to activate the new SIM card and remove the excited SIM card. A SIM card that bought from AT&T should be Pre-activated; you can also test it by making a call or using Safari to browse the web.

If you are transferring a number from other carriers, you might require calling AT&T’s phone activation line at-customer service and following audio directions there. In either case, you may require to also restart the phone to finish the activation process.