Straight Talk is a no-contract wireless plan created by TracFone and Walmart. You can choose from 2 plans: the $30 “All You Need” plan with around 1,000 minutes for 30 days or the $45 Unlimited plan for smartphones, which includes unlimited mobile, data and SMS. Find out how to activate the Straight Talk plan using your phone below.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Choosing a Phone
Step 1. Take a look at the Service Area map on the Straight Talk website to review the phones that can be used for this plan in your area
Visit
- TracFone uses the Sprint, Verizon and AT&T networks for service, so phones and service providers in your area will determine coverage.
- Select the phone on the list that you have or want to buy.
Step 2. Use your own unlocked phone
If your phone is on the list, the best option is to unlock your existing phone with another phone plan. Call the wireless provider you have been using and ask them to unlock your phone.
Step 3. Purchase an unlocked cell phone from Straight Talk site
You can select a cell phone from the list of available phones for your area.
Step 4. Purchase an unlocked phone like iPhone or Samsung Galaxy from Walmart or a third party site
Walmart bundles refurbished (aka refurbished) phones in a 30-day Unlimited plan with Straight Talk.
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You can go to your local Walmart or order it from a Walmart. com.
Part 2 of 3: Buying a SIM Card
Step 1. Determine if your Straight Talk phone is compatible on CDMA or GSM network
This depends on the phone model as well as the wireless carrier.
- Cell phones that work on CDMA networks have the letter “C” in the model number.
- Cell phones that work on GSM networks have the letter “G” in the model number.
Step 2. Visit Walmart to purchase a Straight Talk activation plan
You can activate the service more quickly if you buy a SIM card and a package card together. Walmart is the official provider of activation plans.
- Straight Talk activation plans in other stores such as eBay are resale products.
- Some phone models like the iPhone 4 and 4S require a micro SIM instead of a regular SIM.
Step 3. You can buy a Straight Talk SIM card from the TracFone website
Visit https://www.straighttalk.com/wps/portal/home/shop and select “SIM Cards” from the drop-down list. Follow the instructions to purchase a CDMA or GSM SIM card for $15.
You can choose to purchase a service pack card to be delivered, or wait and select a package on the website when activating your plan
Part 3 of 3: Activating Packages
Step 1. Find the red activation card that comes with the SIM card
This card lists the serial number that must be used during the activation process, in place of the former serial number of your phone.
Step 2. Find the Service PIN on the back of the Straight Talk service plan card
You may receive a $30 or $45 service pack card, if you have purchased an activation kit from Walmart. If you don't have a service plan card, you can purchase one during the activation process.
Step 3. Visit straighttalk
com/activate after you receive your purchased SIM card.
Click “Continue” to start the process.
Step 4. Enter the Serial Number
The following are some of the numbers you will need, depending on the type of phone you have:
- Enter the IMEI/MEID number on the red activation card, if you purchased the phone from TracFone.
- Enter the last 15 digits of the new SIM card, if you are using your own phone but purchased a TracFone SIM card.
- Enter the MEID, if you purchased your iPhone through Walmart or the Straight Talk website.
Step 5. Enter the postal code of your primary residence
Step 6. Type in the Service PIN, if you purchased a $30 or $45 plan card
Click on the credit card option, if you wish to purchase the package during activation.
Step 7. Create an account
You need an account to pay each month using your credit card and to view the details of the plan used.
Step 8. Enter credit card details and choose a package, if you haven't activated Service PIN yet
Agree to the terms and conditions.
Step 9. Insert the SIM card when you reach the confirmation page
Wait from a few hours to 2 days for the cellular service to be activated. You can try calling.
Tips
- If you choose the Unlimited plan, open the Settings app. Select the network called “Cellular Data Network” to activate the data plan on your smartphone.
- During the activation process, you will be asked if you want to use the old number or get a new number. This option will no longer be able to be changed.
- Sign up for the auto top-up option, or call to refill the plan every 30 days. On some phones, you can switch between the “All You Need” plan and the Unlimited plan.
- Call the customer service number, at 1-888-251-8164, if you have any problems during this process.
