How to activate your Gazelle Certified Device

How to activate your Gazelle Certified device

Activating a used device may require more than placing your old SIM card in your new device. In most cases, you’ll need to go through your carrier’s online “Bring Your Own Device” or “BYOD” page, or you’ll need to visit your carrier’s physical store. Below is a list of links to the major carrier BYOD pages.

While most SIM cards will work with your new device, carriers will recommend that you get a new SIM card when upgrading your phone for best performance. Contact your carrier for specifics on acquiring a new SIM card.

 

INITIAL BATTERY LIFE DECREASE: You may experience increased battery drain during your first few days of use as your new phone syncs your information. This isn't a defect with the device but typical of initial device setup. If you see an issue after 3-5 days of use, please let us know.

Select your carrier to get started

If your carrier is not listed below, check your carrier's website to see how you can Bring Your Own Device.

Gazelle is not affiliated with nor has it been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by the carrier networks mentioned on this page.


How to activate a Verizon device

Activate your Verizon device online, or in-person at one of their stores near you.

  1. Go to Verizon - Bring your own device page.
  2. Click on your device type. (Phone, Tablet, Laptop)
  3. Choose whether you're a New Customer or Existing Customer.
  4. Fill out your device details and activate your device.

Learn More >>


How to activate a AT&T device

Activate your AT&T device online, over the phone with an AT&T Customer Service Representative or in-person at a store near you.

  1. Go to AT&T- Bring your own device page.
  2. Locate the Bring Your Own Device section to get started with your activation.
  3. Choose whether you need a plan, or if you want to use your existing plan.
  4. Identify your device, and choose your plan, and activation type. Review your cart and activate your device.

Other helpful guides:

Learn More >>


How to activate a T-Mobile device

Let T-Mobile know which device you’re bringing, and whether you’re keeping your number.

  1. Go to T-Mobile - Bring your own device page.
  2. Check T-Mobile's compatibility with your phone's IMEI.
  3. Buy a T-Mobile SIM card to replace your current SIM card for your new device.
  4. Transfer your information, and activate your device.

If you are transferring information from an Android to Apple iOS, or Apple IOS to Android, click here for some tips by T-Mobile.

Activate your Sprint Device with T-Mobile online.

  1. Go to Sprint by T-Mobile's Activate Your Device, T-Mobile SIM, or eSIM page.
  2. Choose if you will be adding a line, activating a new device on a current line, or if you need to activate your T-Mobile SIM card.
  3. If you will be adding a line, with your own device, go to T-Mobile - Bring your own device and follow similar steps as above.

Learn More >>


How to activate a US Cellular device

  1. Go to USCellular - Bring your own device page.
  2. Confirm that your device is Unlocked.
  3. Check if your device is compatible with their network. Your device's IMEI number will be used to verify this.
  4. Choose if you would like to keep your existing phone number or choose a new one.
  5. Activate your eSIM by calling USCellular's Customer Service at 888-944-9400 or visit one of their stores.

Learn More >>


How to activate a Boost Mobile device

Activate your Boost Mobile device online, in-store, or online from one of their retail partners.

  1. Visit Boost - Bringing your phone to Boost to learn about ways to activate your device or SIM.
  2. Visit Boost - Mobile Activation page to get started on activating your device or SIM card, Boost recommends that you install your SIM card into your device.
  3. Indicate where you purchased your device to begin your activation process.
  4. Set up your device for us on the Boost Mobile Network and finish activating your device!

Learn More >>


How to activate a Cricket Wireless device

Activate your Cricket Wireless device in six simple steps!

  1. Visit Cricket - Bring your own device page to get started.
  2. Verify that your phone is unlocked. Use their IMEI checker to verify compatibility.
  3. Purchase a Cricket SIM card and your service plan.
  4. When your SIM card arrives, insert your SIM card into your device.
  5. Visit Cricket - Activate your device page to finish activating your device!

Learn More >>


How to activate a Metro by T-Mobile device

Activate your Metro by T-Mobile device with the steps below:

  1. Visit Metro by T-Mobile - Bring your own device page to get started.
  2. Check your phone's compatibility with Metro by T-Mobile's network here.  
  3. Get a SIM card and pick your plan. If you already have a plan, activate your service instead.
  4. Review your cart, and checkout.
  5. Visit Metro by T-Mobile - Activate your device page to finish activating your device!

Learn More >>


How to activate a Virgin Plus device

Activate with Virgin Plus today!

  1. Visit Virgin Plus - Bring your own phone page to get started.
  2. Purchase a Virgin Plus SIM card in-store, online, or by contacting them.
  3. Pick the plan and features that work best for you and wait for your SIM card to arrive to your mailbox.
  4. Once you receive your SIM card, you will be given a temporary phone number. Visit Virgin Plus - Number Transfer and follow the instructions to complete your number transfer to Virgin Plus.
  5. Your transfer will be complete within the hour.

Learn More >>


Frequently Asked Questions

Still having issues? Give us a call, email or chat.

What is an eSIM?

SIM is short for Subscriber Identity Module, a unique identifier inside every cellular device that enables wireless service providers to know the user's assigned phone number. The SIM card stores your personal data and may be removable, depending on the device. The “e” in eSIM means embedded. An eSIM card is hardwired into the phone itself. Because of its advantages, eSIM cards are replacing nano cards in newer cell phone models. - fcc.gov

A SIM does not store app or media.

Device that use eSIMs:

  • iPhone XR and newer
  • iPad Pro 11" (1st Gen or later)
  • iPad Pro 12.9" (3rd Gen or later)
  • iPad Air (3rd Gen or later)
  • iPad (7th Gen or later)
  • iPad mini (5th Gen or later)
  • Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer
  • Google Pixel 2 and newer

Can a 4G SIM card work in a 5G SIM Device?

Most carrier networks recommend receiving a new SIM card from your carrier network for your device, to receive their full network experience.

Some 4G SIM cards may work with 5G devices, but we recommend following best practices, and replacing your current SIM card with a new one when activating your new device.

If you are switching carriers, you will need a new SIM card.

Is your phone compatible with my carrier?

We offer a large variety of both carrier-compatible and unlocked devices. Please note that it’s important to choose your specific carrier when purchasing a Gazelle certified preowned device, as we can only guarantee it to work with the selected carrier. For example, we can only guarantee that a Gazelle certified AT&T device can be activated on AT&T; we cannot guarantee that it can be activated on any other carrier and we cannot guarantee that it can be unlocked.

We can also only guarantee that your Gazelle certified preowned device will work domestically within the United States. We cannot guarantee that it will work internationally.

Our unlocked devices are generally GSM & CDMA compatible and will work on all major US carriers (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile) and most MVNOs. Unlocked devices may not work in non-LTE coverage areas. For international travelers: Unlocked phones will work on most international GSM networks, but may have limited access, depending on carrier.

How to activate your Gazelle Certified device

Activating a used device may require more than placing your old sim card in your new device. In most cases, you’ll need to go through your carrier’s online “Bring Your Own Device” or “BYOD” page, or you’ll need to visit your carrier’s physical store. Below is a list of links to the major carrier BYOD pages.

While most SIM cards will work with your new device, carriers will recommend that you get a new SIM card when upgrading your phone for best performance. Contact your carrier for specifics on acquiring a new SIM card.

INITIAL BATTERY LIFE DECREASE: You may experience increased battery drain during your first few days of use as your new phone syncs your information. This isn't a defect with the device but typical of initial device setup. If you see an issue after 3-5 days of use, please let us know.

Select your carrier to get started

Check your carrier's website to see how you can Bring Your Own Device.

Gazelle is not affiliated with nor has it been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by the carrier networks mentioned on this page.


How to activate a Verizon device

Activate your Verizon device online, or in-person at one of their stores near you.

  1. Go to Verizon - Bring your own device page.
  2. Click on your device type. (Phone, Tablet, Laptop)
  3. Choose whether you're a New Customer or Existing Customer.
  4. Fill out your device details and activate your device.

Learn More >>


How to activate a AT&T device

Activate your AT&T device online, over the phone with an AT&T Customer Service Representative or in-person at a store near you.

  1. Go to AT&T- Bring your own device page.
  2. Locate the Bring Your Own Device section to get started with your activation.
  3. Choose whether you need a plan, or if you want to use your existing plan.
  4. Identify your device, and choose your plan, and activation type. Review your cart and activate your device.

Other helpful guides:

Learn More >>


How to activate a T-Mobile device

Let T-Mobile know which device you’re bringing, and whether you’re keeping your number.

  1. Go to T-Mobile - Bring your own device page.
  2. Check T-Mobile's compatibility with your phone's IMEI.
  3. Buy a T-Mobile SIM card to replace your current SIM card for your new device.
  4. Transfer your information, and activate your device.

If you are transferring information from an Android to Apple iOS, or Apple IOS to Android, click here for some tips by T-Mobile.

Activate your Sprint Device with T-Mobile online.

  1. Go to Sprint by T-Mobile's Activate Your Device, T-Mobile SIM, or eSIM page.
  2. Choose if you will be adding a line, activating a new device on a current line, or if you need to activate your T-Mobile SIM card.
  3. If you will be adding a line, with your own device, go to T-Mobile - Bring your own device and follow similar steps as above.

Learn More >>


How to activate a US Cellular device

  1. Go to USCellular - Bring your own device page.
  2. Confirm that your device is Unlocked.
  3. Check if your device is compatible with their network. Your device's IMEI number will be used to verify this.
  4. Choose if you would like to keep your existing phone number or choose a new one.
  5. Activate your eSIM by calling USCellular's Customer Service at 888-944-9400 or visit one of their stores.

Learn More >>


How to activate a Boost Mobile device

Activate your Boost Mobile device online, in-store, or online from one of their retail partners.

  1. Visit Boost - Bringing your phone to Boost to learn about ways to activate your device or SIM.
  2. Visit Boost - Mobile Activation page to get started on activating your device or SIM card, Boost recommends that you install your SIM card into your device.
  3. Indicate where you purchased your device to begin your activation process.
  4. Set up your device for us on the Boost Mobile Network and finish activating your device!

Learn More >>


How to activate a Cricket Wireless device

Activate your Cricket Wireless device in six simple steps!

  1. Visit Cricket - Bring your own device page to get started.
  2. Verify that your phone is unlocked. Use their IMEI checker to verify compatibility.
  3. Purchase a Cricket SIM card and your service plan.
  4. When your SIM card arrives, insert your SIM card into your device.
  5. Visit Cricket - Activate your device page to finish activating your device!

Learn More >>


How to activate a Metro by T-Mobile device

Activate your Metro by T-Mobile device with the steps below:

  1. Visit Metro by T-Mobile - Bring your own device page to get started.
  2. Check your phone's compatibility with Metro by T-Mobile's network here.  
  3. Get a SIM card and pick your plan. If you already have a plan, activate your service instead.
  4. Review your cart, and checkout.
  5. Visit Metro by T-Mobile - Activate your device page to finish activating your device!

Learn More >>


How to activate a Metro by T-Mobile device

Activate with Virgin Plus today!

  1. Visit Virgin Plus - Bring your own phone page to get started.
  2. Purchase a Virgin Plus SIM card in-store, online, or by contacting them.
  3. Pick the plan and features that work best for you and wait for your SIM card to arrive to your mailbox.
  4. Once you receive your SIM card, you will be given a temporary phone number. Visit Virgin Plus - Number Transfer and follow the instructions to complete your number transfer to Virgin Plus.
  5. Your transfer will be complete within the hour.

Learn More >>

Frequently Asked Questions

Still having issues? Give us a call, email or chat.

What is an eSIM?

SIM is short for Subscriber Identity Module, a unique identifier inside every cellular device that enables wireless service providers to know the user's assigned phone number. The SIM card stores your personal data and may be removable, depending on the device. The “e” in eSIM means embedded. An eSIM card is hardwired into the phone itself. Because of its advantages, eSIM cards are replacing nano cards in newer cell phone models. - fcc.gov

A SIM does not store app or media.

Device that use eSIMs:

  • iPhone XR and newer
  • iPad Pro 11" (1st Gen or later)
  • iPad Pro 12.9" (3rd Gen or later)
  • iPad Air (3rd Gen or later)
  • iPad (7th Gen or later)
  • iPad mini (5th Gen or later)
  • Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer
  • Google Pixel 2 and newer

Can a 4G SIM card work in a 5G SIM Device?

Most carrier networks recommend receiving a new SIM card from your carrier network for your device, to receive their full network experience.

Some 4G SIM cards may work with 5G devices, but we recommend following best practices, and replacing your current SIM card with a new one when activating your new device.

If you are switching carriers, you will need a new SIM card.

Is your phone compatible with my carrier?

We offer a large variety of both carrier-compatible and unlocked devices. Please note that it’s important to choose your specific carrier when purchasing a Gazelle certified preowned device, as we can only guarantee it to work with the selected carrier. For example, we can only guarantee that a Gazelle certified AT&T device can be activated on AT&T; we cannot guarantee that it can be activated on any other carrier and we cannot guarantee that it can be unlocked.

We can also only guarantee that your Gazelle certified preowned device will work domestically within the United States. We cannot guarantee that it will work internationally.

Our unlocked devices are generally GSM & CDMA compatible and will work on all major US carriers (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile) and most MVNOs. Unlocked devices may not work in non-LTE coverage areas. For international travelers: Unlocked phones will work on most international GSM networks, but may have limited access, depending on carrier.