Activate your mobile device
How to successfully activate your phone online
Before you begin your activation
You will need the identification number (IMEI) of your smartphone or an unlocked phone. To find your phone’s IMEI number:
- Dial * #06# on your phone, or
- Look at the side of the box in which your phone came, or
- Look in the empty battery compartment
Bringing your own device? Make sure your phone is unlocked. To check your phone’s eligibility, please contact us.
Activate your phone on a monthly plan
- Have your IMEI and SIM card ready. For help finding these items, see Before you begin your activation , above
- Have 2 pieces of ID ready. For example, driver's license, social insurance number, Canadian credit card or passport
- When you're ready to activate, contact us
Note: Activation through self-serve is not available to reduce the risk of fraud and identity theft. We have implemented additional security questions because at TELUS, we strive to keep our customers' personal and account information secure.
Activate your Prepaid phone
- Have your IMEI and SIM card ready. For help finding these items, see Before you begin your activation , above
- Have your payment method ready. Acceptable methods include credit card, Visa Debit, Interac Online and a Prepaid Voucher PIN
- If you would like to go over the details on how prepaid works, visit Prepaid mobility service
- When you're ready, activate your phone
Swapping devices or changing SIM cards
Keeping your current SIM card
If you already have your new phone and it uses the same SIM card size as your current one, you can simply transfer your SIM into the device.
Using a new SIM
If you’re switching to a new phone that requires a different SIM card or if for any reason you wish to replace your current SIM card with a new one, you can change a SIM card online in My TELUS.
Please note that you must be an Owner or Manager on the account, and you’ll need the following:
- A new TELUS SIM card and the 19-digit SIM number which appears on the card
- An active phone (to receive a verification code on)
To change your SIM card online:
- Log in to My TELUS. If you don’t have an account, register now
- Go to Plans & devices
- If you have more than 1 subscriber on your account, select the subscriber for which you are changing the SIM card
- Select the Device tab
- Select Change a SIM card
- Follow the steps
Lost or stolen phone
If your phone is lost or stolen, you will not be able to perform a SIM swap online. In that case, please contact customer care or disable the mobile device.
Add a phone
If you're an existing customer and you'd like to add a phone to your account:
- Have your IMEI and SIM card ready. For help finding these items, see Before you begin your activation , above
- Check your phone's compatibility
- Make sure your phone is unlocked
- When you're ready to add your new phone to your account, contact us
Note: Adding a new device through self-serve is not available to reduce the risk of fraud and identity theft. We have implemented additional security questions because at TELUS, we strive to keep our customers' personal and account information secure.
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