Icons-MyTello Icons-MyTello Icons-MyTello Icons-MyTello Icons-MyTello

Activate your Tello SIM card

You're almost there, please enter your activation code:

Frequently Asked Questions

  • If you have just purchased or received your new Tello GSM SIM, here is how to get the Tello service activated.

    When you purchase a Tello GSM SIM Card, you receive a 3-in-1 SIM card that includes mini (2FF), micro (3FF), and nano (4FF) sizes to fit any type of compatible phone.
    You receive 1 SIM card and that 1 SIM card contains the three different sized punch-out SIM options.

    When the package arrives, follow these steps:
    1. Go to the "My SIM" section of your Tello online account.
    2. Enter your Activation Code in the provided field and follow the prompts to Activate.
    3. Once the activation is processed, a new number will display on your Dashboard.
    4. Then you can insert the SIM card according to the device instructions and Turn On the device to test the service.
    5. If your phone does not activate automatically, please wait 10 minutes, then reboot your phone and try again.
    6. Start calling, texting & surfing the web with Tello!

    Tello Phone Number & Porting

    Every SIM activation for a new line generates a new Tello phone number. You will see a new number provided by Tello in your online account when the activation process is completed.

    You will not be able to port in a new number until you have successfully activated the SIM Card in your online account. Only after the activation is done, you can start a Port In Request that will replace the Tello number with the transferred number.

    The port-in form will only become available & visible after a successful SIM activation and it can only be done from your online account.

    If you need help inserting the SIM, see How do I insert the Tello GSM SIM card?
    *If you experience any issues with the service please check the Technical Support section for your issue description.
    Alternatively if you are not able to find a solution or similar issue please contact us directly for further assistance.
  • If you have just purchased or received your new Tello Phone, here are the next steps to get the Tello service activated.

    Your phone will arrive in a plain generic packaging box with simply the device, battery & charger.

    It will not contain any manual or guide or accessories.
    The phone manual is available in your online account, however.
    Simply go to our Phones page, click "View Details" and scroll down to the Tech Specs section where you will see "User Manual".

    When the package arrives, follow these steps:
    1. Unpack the phone, plug it in and leave it to charge fully.
    Do not turn it on yet.
    2. Go to the "My SIM" section of your Tello online account.
    3. Complete the field(s) required and follow the prompts.
    4. After activating the service, which can sometimes take up to 20 minutes, wait another 5 minutes and then switch your fully charged phone ON.
    5. Your phone should start to automatically activate with the Tello service.
    6. If your phone does not activate automatically, please wait 30 minutes, then reboot your phone and try again.
    7. You can also manually activate your phone by following the steps under the FAQ at the bottom of the My SIM page.
    8. Start calling, texting & surfing the web with Tello!

    Tello Phone Number & Porting
    Every SIM delivery for a new line generates a new Tello phone number once activated. You will see a new Tello phone number in your online account when the activation process is completed.
    You will not be able to port in a new number (replace that Tello number) until you have successfully activated that SIM in your online account.

    Only after you have successfully activated the SIM in your online account, you can port in your own number to us by submitting a port-in.
    The port-in form will only become available & visible after a successful SIM activation and it can only be done from your online account.

    When you activate the service with Tello, all your APN settings are usually set automatically.
    However, if you're having any issues with data, hotspot, MMS or group messaging, you need to check your APN settings to make sure that they're correct.
    See "What APN settings are needed with Tello?"
  • If your phone displays a SIM Card error message, do a couple of quick checks.

    Firstly, ensure that you have inserted the Tello SIM into a compatible device - use our device checker to confirm this.
    Secondly, ensure that your phone is unlocked. Contact the previous phone carrier (or phone seller) to confirm this. A locked device will not be able to use the Tello SIM.

    Once you have confirmed the above, follow these steps:
    • Turn your phone off.
    • Remove the SIM Card.
    • Make sure the SIM Card isn’t damaged or you’ll need a replacement.
    • Insert the SIM Card back into your phone.
    • Turn your phone back on, follow any on-screen steps provided and your phone should start to automatically activate the Tello service.
    Here’s a quick list of some of the most common SIM Card errors you may run into:
    • "sim not supported"
    • "network lock,"
    • "network unlock pin,"
    • "unsupported sim"
    • "SIM Lock"
    • "SIM Invalid"
    • "Network Lock"
    • "SIM Not Supported"
    If you receive any of these error messages, your previous carrier may have enabled a lock or restriction to your phone and you will have to reach out to them to remove this lock.
  • When you purchase a Tello GSM SIM Card, you receive a 3-in-1 SIM card that includes mini (2FF), micro (3FF), and nano (4FF) sizes to fit any type of compatible phone. You receive a big card with 1 SIM card and your activation code. That 1 SIM card contains the three different sized punch-out SIM options.

    Take a close look at your phone's SIM Card tray size and then note the three different sized cut-out SIM options we sent you.
    Carefully punch the size that will fit your phone and insert the new SIM.

    To insert the SIM, please follow the next steps:

    On Most Smartphones
    1. Into the small hole on one of the phone's edges. This hole can be located in the top, bottom, left or right edge depending on the band of your device, please make sure to check your respective device instructions.
    2. Insert the SIM ejection tool ( or a similar tool , eg. paper clip)
    3. Firmly but gently push until the tray pops out.
    4. Remove the tray and put the SIM card in the tray.
    5. Gently push the tray with the SIM back into its slot.
    6. Turn ON your phone and test the service.
    Flip Phones and other featured phones
    1. Check your device manual to find the location of the SIM card tray. In most flip phones and basic phones this will be on the back of the phone and below the battery.

      2. *Some models of smartphones might also have a removable battery and the SIM card tray could be located below or close to it.
    2. If applicable, remove the back cover of your device, locate the SIM card tray (it will usually be indicated with a SIM card icon)
    3. Insert the SIM card. This is normally done by sliding the SIM card into or under the tray.
    Video Tutorials & Phone Manual You can check the Tello blog Tutorial for more details on the SIM card tray options and variants for flip phones or older device models: How to Install your Tello GSM SIM?

    Your phone manual (or a google search) will also tell you what sized SIM your phone requires (mini, micro, or nano) and tell you where the SIM slot is located. You can also check online video tutorials on how to install your SIM correctly.
  • Firstly, you need to ensure that, you have received and successfully activated your new Tello SIM in your online account.
    If you have not done so already, go to the Activate SIM section of your Tello online account and follow the prompts to activate the service.

    Once you have successfully activated the Tello service, go to your Port In page. (The port in form will only become available & visible after successful service activation):
    • Enter the phone number you wish to transfer and click "Check".
    • If the number can be ported, you will be prompted to fill in the port-in details and follow the prompts.

    Note:
    If you have not done so already, you will need to contact your current provider to retrieve the following information directly from them:
    • Account number from current provider
    • PIN number from current provider
    • Your address as listed on the phone bill
    • First name and last name as listed on the phone bill
    • If the number to port is a landline, the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number.
    Consult our "Carrier Transfer Information" to help guide you in the right direction.

    The speed of the port-in process depends on your current provider and can take anywhere from 2 hours to 2 working days for regular mobile numbers and up to 5 working days for landline and VOIP numbers.

    If any of the information submitted is invalid and is not corrected by you within 3 business days we may cancel the port request.
    Once the port in is submitted, any notification about the port in status will be sent to the email address you registered with Tello.

    Note:
    - Even after your number has been successfully ported to Tello, it may take up to 3 business days before your ported number is reflected correctly as your Caller ID.
    - If 3 business days pass after the successful porting, and your Caller ID still shows the wrong number, please email our Support team with the details.

Have more questions?

We've got answers!
Visit our Help Center