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Activating Service, Porting, & Set-Up

Activating Service, Porting, & Set-Up

Yes. Before ordering, check which SIM type your device supports: a physical SIM or eSIM. You must order the appropriate SIM before submitting a number transfer request.

  • Physical SIM: Wait until your SIM arrives before submitting your request.

  • eSIM: Submit your request after receiving an email confirming your eSIM is ready to activate.

PureTalk’s physical SIMs are universal and include standard, micro, and nano sizes all in one.

To switch to a different size:

If you need a smaller SIM: Simply pop out the smaller size from your current SIM card.

If you need a larger SIM: If you no longer have the larger frame pieces, you can order a replacement SIM. Log in to your Account Portal, go to Upgrades, select the line you want to update, and choose the physical SIM option. You can also call Customer Support for help placing your order.

Once you receive your replacement SIM, please contact Customer Support at (877) 820-7873 to activate it on your existing line. If possible, please call using a different phone, since some steps in the process may require your device to be turned off or restarted, which could end your call.

An “Invalid SIM” error message can appear for a few reasons. The most common cause is your phone being locked to another carrier, which prevents it from recognizing your PureTalk SIM.

If your phone is unlocked and you still see this message, please contact our Technical Support department at (877) 820-7873 for assistance. Our team will help you troubleshoot your activation and get your PureTalk service working properly. If possible, please call using a different phone, since some steps in the process may require your device to be turned off or restarted, which could end your call.

Yes, if you prefer not to transfer your existing number, you can request a new number during the activation process.

No. You can transfer your current phone number to PureTalk. Keep your service with your current carrier active until the transfer is complete. Canceling your service too early may cause you to lose your phone number.

Visit our Activation page or call Customer Support at (877) 820-7873 to submit your port request and get the transfer process started.

After receiving your physical SIM or an email confirming your eSIM is ready, you can begin activation online or by calling Customer Support at (877) 820-7873.

If you are transferring a phone number to PureTalk, have the following information from your current carrier ready:

  • Account number

  • Account holder’s name

  • Address associated with the account

  • Account PIN or Transfer PIN

This information is required to submit your number transfer request.

No.

  • Physical SIM: You have 90 days from the order date to activate it before it expires.

  • eSIM: You can activate it at any time because eSIMs do not expire.

Transferring your number to PureTalk usually takes only a few minutes, though it can take up to a few days depending on your current carrier.

To start your number transfer, you’ll need to provide details from your current carrier, including your account number and transfer PIN. You can get this information directly from your existing carrier. Submitting accurate details helps ensure a smooth and quick transfer, since incorrect information can delay the process.

If you need help, please contact Customer Support at (877) 820-7873 for assistance with your number transfer.

Yes, you can change your phone number by following the steps below.

1. Log in to your Account Portal.

2. Select the Plan tab.

3. Choose the Line you want to change from the dropdown.

4. Click Change Phone Number and follow the prompts.

Please note: There is a $10 fee for changing your phone number and PureTalk cannot guarantee a specific number or area code. Phone numbers can only be changed once every 60 days per line. Once your phone number has been changed, we are unable to change it back.

No, you do not need to have your phone with you to submit a port request with PureTalk, but it is recommended. Once the request to port your number is submitted, it may only take minutes for your number to be transferred to PureTalk, so you'll want to have the phone you'll use handy so you can start using your service.

No, please do not cancel your current service before your number has been transferred to PureTalk. For a phone number to be transferred from one company to another, it has to remain active during the entire transfer process. Once your number has been ported to PureTalk, contact your previous carrier to ensure your service has been cancelled.

No, please keep your current service active. This ensures you have continuous coverage until your PureTalk activation is complete. If you are transferring your number to PureTalk, the number must remain active with your current provider to be eligible for transfer.