TracFone is a nationwide prepaid cell phone service. Many TracFone users sell their old TracFones. Although used TracFones can offer a great savings to the new owner, used TracFones don't always come with the necessary activation instructions. This information is often found on the packaging which many TracFone owners discard once the phone is activated. If you purchase a used TracFone without an active phone number, you can activate the phone online or by calling customer service.
Activate Used TracFone Online
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Step 1
Go to TracFone's activation page (see Resources).
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Step 2
Click the "Active/Reactivate Phone" option. Check the option to "Activate my TracFone with a new number, or Reactivate my TracFone" online.
Step 3
Enter the brand of your TracFone when prompted.
Step 4
Login to your TracFone account or register for a new account. To register for an account, submit the full name and address of the registrant. Also submit the TracFone serial number, also called the IMEI number. To find the serial number for your particular phone, hit the "Help" option online next to serial number field for instructions on how to find your phone's serial number.
Step 5
Choose a phone number from the available numbers listed when prompted.
Step 6
Add airtime to the TracFone. Select either the "Add Airtime" or "Buy Airtime" tabs in your account. To add airtime, enter the numbers printed on the back of the card in the corresponding fields online. To buy airtime, choose an airtime package and then enter your debit or credit card information into the corresponding fields when prompted. Once activation is complete, the used TracFone is ready to use.
Activate Used TracFone By Phone
Step 1
Call Tracfone's Customer Service at 1-800-867-7183.
Step 2
Inform the representative of your desire to activate a used TracFone.
Step 3
Submit the TracFone serial number, also called the IMEI number, when the representative indicates. The serial number is accessible through the phone's menu. The representative will provide instructions to find the serial number for your TracFone.
Step 4
Accept the phone number the representative offers. If you don't like it, request another.
Step 5
Add airtime minutes for the used TracFone. If you already have a TracFone prepaid card, give the numbers printed on the back of the card to the representative. To purchase minutes, choose the number of minutes to purchase and give the representative your debit or credit card information. You can also purchase airtime minutes online (see Resource). Once activation is complete, the used TracFone is ready to use.