iPhone Text Effects: Tips and Tricks
April 21, 2025
Phones
Whether you're the proud owner of a new phone from AT&T—or bringing your own unlocked device to the network—you'll need to activate your AT&T SIM card to connect to the AT&T network. This is a crucial step because your SIM card tells cell towers who you are and enables you to make calls, send texts, and access the Internet from your cell phone using mobile data.
The good news is that activating an AT&T SIM card is pretty easy, especially with this step-by-step guide.
If you’re still in research mode, our free, unbiased Plan Finder can help you compare the best phone plans at AT&T and other top carriers. Likewise, our Phone Deal Finder below can help you zero in on the best phone deals available now.
Activating your AT&T SIM might seem confusing at first, but it’s not a complicated process. The steps are slightly different depending on whether you’re activating a phone from AT&T or bringing your own device to an AT&T plan, and there are also different instructions for physical and embedded SIM cards (aka eSIM). Before we dive in, here’s a quick overview of the difference between a physical SIM card and an eSIM and how to tell which type of SIM you have.
A physical SIM card is a small, removable plastic card that contains a microchip with subscriber data and carrier information. An eSIM serves the same purpose, but it is embedded within your device and cannot be removed.
While eSIMs are becoming more common, physical, removable SIM cards are still very much a thing. Some phones also come with a removable SIM card and eSIM capability. The exception is newer Apple iPhone models, specifically the iPhone 14 and 15 series — these newer iPhones are eSIM-only and do not have a physical SIM card. At the end of this section, we’ll go through how to activate an AT&T eSIM.
As of the writing of this article, unless you are activating an iPhone 14 or 15, you can count on your cell phone having a physical SIM card in a removable tray located on the side or bottom of the phone. If you bring your own device (BYOD) to AT&T, your existing SIM card might work on AT&T’s network, or you may need a new AT&T SIM card — more on that later.
But first, let’s walk through how to activate a brand new AT&T phone plan and device for physical SIM cards.
If you purchase a device at a brick-and-mortar AT&T store, an AT&T representative may guide you through the activation process or do it for you. However, if you purchase a phone online and have it shipped directly to you, you’ll have to activate it on your own. The good news is that activating your AT&T SIM card on your own is simple:
If you choose to bring your own device (BYOD) to AT&T instead of buying a phone from AT&T, the SIM card activation process is a bit different. With BYOD, since the device isn’t from AT&T, it won’t have an AT&T SIM card pre-installed, and you may need to either physically swap out your previous SIM card or do it digitally with an eSIM.
Follow these steps if you’re activating an AT&T plan on a device you didn’t purchase from AT&T:
Although removable SIMs are still the industry standard, many devices now support dual SIM functionality and multiple embedded SIMs (eSIMs). If your phone has both a removable SIM card and an eSIM, follow the instructions above and use the physical SIM card for your primary phone plan. If your phone is eSIM-only (for now, that’s only Apple iPhone 14 and 15 users), you’ll activate your primary plan on an eSIM.
Whether you buy a new phone from AT&T or BYOD, you may choose to activate a secondary line for convenient international travel or work purposes. This is where eSIM capabilities really come in handy for many users.
Activating an eSIM from AT&T is so straightforward it’s almost automatic. Follow these steps:
If you’re simply bringing your old phone to a new carrier, your phone is likely already set up just the way you like it, but if you’re getting started with a brand-new phone, you’ll need to finish setting up your device. If it’s a new Android or Apple phone, the device should automatically provide setup instructions when you turn it on. During the initial setup, you’ll select your language, region, and other device preferences. You’ll also set up device security.
Most devices will guide you through options for transferring data from your old device or cloud storage systems like iCloud or Google Drive. You’ll also want to install your favorite apps and get logged in to your accounts, including email and social media profiles.
Device manufacturers and carriers alike try to make switching to a new phone as seamless as possible. Remember, you can always call a customer support number or visit an AT&T store for extra help.
In a perfect world, the SIM Card activation process will go smoothly, and you’ll be connected to “America’s favorite network” in no time. But just in case, here are some troubleshooting tips to try if you run into any issues while activating your AT&T SIM card or eSIM.
First, if your phone has a physical, removable SIM card, make sure it’s inserted correctly and check it for damage. The AT&T logo should face up, and the metal contacts should face down. If your phone has two physical SIM card slots, make sure your SIM is inserted into slot 1. If your SIM card is visibly cracked, chipped, or bent, or if the metal contacts look scuffed or corroded, you may need to request a new one from AT&T.
Next, try the classic tech troubleshooting tip — turning your device off and back on. Then, try turning airplane mode on and off. If that doesn’t work, try resetting your network settings. To do this on an iPhone, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. On an Android phone, go to Settings > System > Advanced > Reset options > Reset network settings.
Sometimes, SIM activation and connecting to the network just takes a few minutes, so be patient after trying each of these steps.
SIM activation may fail if you don’t have a strong enough signal. Make sure you’re in an area with adequate network coverage while activating your AT&T SIM card. If necessary, move to a location with better reception and try again.
Double-check your account information and settings, and make sure you’ve typed everything correctly on the AT&T activation website. It’s all too easy to misread or mistype a long IMEI or SIM number.
If the above troubleshooting tips don’t work, it’s time to contact AT&T for assistance. Call AT&T support or visit a store to speak with a knowledgeable representative.
Activating your AT&T SIM card should be a smooth, straightforward process, and hopefully, this AT&T SIM card activation guide is all you need to get up and running.
In the meantime, if you’re in the market for a new phone, our Phone Deal Finder can help you find the best phone offers from AT&T and other top wireless carriers in a matter of seconds. We also keep up-to-date lists of the latest phone deals at AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, UScellular, Spectrum Mobile, Xfinity Mobile, Cox Mobile, and Optimum Mobile.
If your SIM card isn't activating, there are a few quick fixes to try. Start by switching your phone to airplane mode and back again, or simply reboot the device. You can also pop out the SIM card, give it a gentle wipe, and make sure it’s properly seated when you reinstall it. If the issue persists, test the SIM in another phone to rule out hardware problems.
If your SIM card isn’t showing service, make sure the card is snugly placed in the tray, as a loose fit can interrupt the connection. Sometimes, all it takes is restarting your phone to clear up minor glitches and get things working again.
To check if your SIM card is working, put it into a compatible phone and see if it connects to a network. If you can make calls, send texts, and browse the internet, your SIM is good to go.
Get the best deals and latest news on phone releases, new plans and more delivered to your inbox.