How To Activate Xfinity Mobile Step by Step

We’ve all been there. You just enrolled in a new mobile service like Xfinity Mobile, you’re excited to take advantage of your new plan, and… you’re just not quite sure how to activate it. Luckily for you, we’ve got a complete guide on how to activate Xfinity Mobile, step by step.

Quick definition: Xfinity Mobile is Comcast’s mobile service, only available to Comcast Xfinity Internet Subscribers. They are an MVNO, or Mobile Virtual Network Operator. That means they lease network capacity from larger carriers, in this case, Verizon’s 4G LTE and 5G network. 

If you’re a new Xfinity Mobile customer, you need to know how to activate your Xfinity mobile device. You may have a new phone from the Xfinity Mobile website, which carries most major smartphones including Apple, Google, Samsung, and Motorola. You can also bring your own device (BYOD) if you don’t want to buy a new one just yet. And if you're in the market for a new Xfinity Mobile compatible phone, Navi can match you to the best phone deals you qualify for right now.

Now let’s dive into exactly how to activate your new Xfinity Mobile service.

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How Do I Activate Xfinity Mobile?

It could not be simpler to activate Xfinity Mobile, and it shouldn’t take longer than 10-15 minutes from start to finish. If you run into problems at any point, don’t be shy about contacting customer support – they’re there to help.

Here’s how you do it:

1. Find a bill and your account pin from your previous carrier. If you don’t have this readily available, contact your carrier. They’ll be able to give it to you over the phone or email.
2. If your new device is an Apple iPhone 12 or any earlier model, you’ll need to install a nanoSIM (we cover this below). If you own an Android phone, where nanoSIMs are pre-installed, or an iPhone 13 or later, which can be activated through an electronic nanoSIM or eSIM, you can skip this step.
3. If you have a new phone from Xfinity Mobile, open the box. It should have your new device, charger, nanoSIM card, and any accessories you purchased. Make sure your new phone is not turned on, and keep it off during the entire activation process. If you are bringing your own device (BYOD), open up the package with your new Xfinity Mobile nanoSIM card.
4. Go to xfinitymobile.com/activate, log in/create an account, and choose the phone you want to activate.
5. Choose whether to keep your existing phone number or get a new number. 
6. Hit that activate button. You won’t have long to wait – your phone should be ready in approximately ten minutes.
7. You'll be prompted to enter details about your device. This may include the IMEI number and other relevant information.
8. Enter the account number and PIN from your previous carrier when prompted. This is where you'll need the bill and account PIN you gathered earlier.
9. Keep your eyes open for a confirmation email with your new number, if you picked that option. 
10. Last but not least, insert the Xfinity nanoSIM card if needed, or activate the line with your eSIM.

Once you’ve finished the Xfinity Mobile activation process, you’ll be able to access the internet, make calls, and send messages as normal.

That’s the whole process, but we’ve compiled some additional mini-guides below in case you need any information or clarification on those steps.

How Do I Install a nanoSIM Card?

As promised, here’s a complete guide to installing a nanoSIM card on those iPhone 12s or earlier models. 

1. Open the package holding the device.
2. Take the plastic SIM card from the package, along with a SIM Ejector Tool.
3. Use the SIM Ejector Tool to open your device’s card tray. If your device is brand new, this tray will be empty. If this is a pre-owned device, you need to take out the old SIM card.
4. Put the new SIM card in the tray, making sure to align the notch on your SIM card with the notch on the tray.
5. Put the tray back in your device.
6. If you are activating multiple phones, make sure you are using the correct nanoSIM card for each device. The nanoSIM cards will be labeled.
7. If you are transferring your number, be sure to back your phone up and keep it close by, just in case.

How Do I Activate a New Line With eSIM?

If you have a later iPhone model, you’ll have an eSIM. After receiving your confirmation email, you can begin the eSIM process. If you are transferring from a nanoSIM device to an eSIM device, don’t put the old nanoSIM card into the new device – this can cause problems with activation.

There are three ways to activate a new eSIM line:

1. URL (Website Address)

1. Go to your settings screen.
2. Choose “Cellular.”
3. Choose “Add Cellular Plan.”
4. Choose “Enter Details Manually” at the bottom of the screen.
5. You should see an SM-DP+Address field.
6. Input “gsmacct.vzw.otgeuicc.com” in the SM-DP+Address field. Make sure to leave the Activation Code and Confirmation Code fields empty.
7. Hit the “Next” button in the screen’s top right corner.

2. QR Code:

1. Go to your Settings screen.
2. Choose “Cellular.”
3. Click Add” Cellular Plan.”

Scan the QR code from Xfinity to activate your eSIM.

3. Push Notifications

1. Go to your settings screen.
2. Select “Xfinity Mobile Cellular Plan Ready To Be Installed.” This should take you to the Activate eSIM screen.
3. Press “Continue” at the bottom of the Activate eSIM screen. This should take you to the Cellular Setup Complete screen.
4. At the bottom of the Cellular Setup Complete screen, tap the “Done” button.

For more information on SIM card activation, check out our helpful guide on how to activate a SIM card.

How Do I Activate an Existing eSIM Line?

You may be activating an existing eSIM line if you are transferring an existing mobile number to a new device, or switching carriers while keeping your phone. If that’s the case, follow these steps.

1. Choose “Replace Your device” on xfinity.com/mobile/my-account/devices.
2. Select “Bring Your Own.”
3. Choose the device you are transferring to.
4. Input the device’s IMEI and follow the activation instructions on your screen.
5. If you are transferring between compatible iPhones, you can perform an eSIM Quick Transfer.

What Is an IMEI?

IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It’s your device’s ID.

What Is an eSIM Quick Transfer?

An eSIM Quick Transfer allows iPhone users to transfer a physical SIM or eSIM from one iPhone to a new one efficiently. To do this, both devices need iOS 16 or newer iOS software.

Here’s how:

1. Turn on your new phone and choose “Settings.”
2. Choose “Cellular.”
3. Choose “Add Cellular Plan.”
4. Choose the cellular plan you wish to transfer.
5. Choose “Transfer” to confirm the process. If you are asked for a verification code, enter the one that appears on your new iPhone.
6. Your eSIM will be active, and the previous SIM card will be deactivated, simple as that.
7. A message might appear saying, “Finish Setting Up Your Carrier’s Cellular Plan.” If it does, pick that option and finish the process on your carrier’s website.

Compatible iPhones can also convert a physical nanoSIM card to an eSIM in the “Settings” app. Choose “Cellular,” then “Convert to eSIM,” and the “Convert Cellular Plan” button should appear. Make sure your eSIM is activated. Once this has happened, your physical SIM card should be deactivated. You can remove it from your iPhone and restart the device.

If you aren’t transferring between compatible iPhones, you’ll need to download a new eSIM card using the above steps.

What Plans Does Xfinity Mobile Have?

Xfinity Mobile offers several unlimited plans and a By the Gig Plan. Their plans come with unlimited nationwide talk and text and have no line access fees. They are contract-free, too, meaning you aren’t locked in for any set length of time.

Is Xfinity Mobile Right for Me?

If you don’t mind speeds being slowed during busy network times, fewer perks than the Big Three (AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon), and are looking to save money, Xfinity Mobile could be the mobile provider for you.

If you’re thinking of switching to Xfinity Mobile but don’t know which plan to choose, our Plan Finder below lets you compare the latest Xfinity Mobile options to fit your needs.

The Bottom Line

These steps should help you activate your Xfinity Mobile device. Be sure to contact Customer Service if you run into any problems.

Still searching for just the right phone and plan? Let us help! Check out Navi’s Phone Deal Finder and Plan Finder to zero in on the latest offers from top carriers based on your criteria. Our tools are free, unbiased, and here to help make comparing the best deals and plan options easier than ever.