How to Activate a Prepaid Boost Phone

Activate your Boost Mobile phone online or using another phone.
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When you purchase a prepaid phone from Boost Mobile, the first order of business is to activate your new phone. First, install the SIM card in your new phone. Next charge your phone. Ideally, you should allow the phone to acquire a full charge. Finally, activate your phone online or by calling the Boost Mobile activation number. You can port your existing phone number or choose a new number during the activation process. You must purchase a prepaid plan or group of minutes in order to activate the phone.

1 Activation Preparation

2 Unpack the phone

Unpack the phone, accessories, SIM card and manual from the original box and packing materials. Pop the SIM card out of the credit card-sized holder. Keep the SIM card holder handy because your SIM ID number is printed on the back of the card. You can use your SIM ID number or your IMEI to activate your phone.

3 Remove the back of your phone

Remove the back of your phone, then remove the battery.

4 Insert the SIM card

Insert the SIM card into the SIM card slot under the battery area. While the battery is out of the phone, locate your phone’s IMEI number on the label in the battery area. Record this number if you would rather use the IMEI instead of the SIM ID number to activate your phone.

5 Online Activation

6 Open the Boost Mobile Activation tool

Open the Boost Mobile Activation tool in a Web browser.

Type your phone’s IMEI number in the “ESN or MEID” field, or type the SIM ID number in the SIM ID field. Click the “Start Activation Process” option. The Choose Your Phone Number screen displays.

Follow the on-screen instructions to port your existing phone number. You can also select a new phone number from this screen. You will need to provide your phone number, account number with the original carrier, your account PIN or password, your name and billing address and your Social Security Number to port your existing number to your Boost Mobile phone. Click “Continue” once you have chosen your new phone number. The Choose Your Plan page opens.

Click your desired plan from the list of available plans for your device. The Account Setup screen opens.

Type your name, address, billing information and email in the Account Setup form, then click “Continue.” Review your account settings, and then click “Continue” to proceed to pay for your new plan.

Click the “Pay Now” option to pay the first month of charges for your phone. Click “Finish" once the payment has processed. Your phone will be immediately activated. Attempt a phone call from your new phone to test connectivity.

7 Phone Activation

Dial the Boost Mobile Activation line at 888-BOOST-4U (1-888-266-7848) from another phone. You will need to have your IMEI number or SIM ID number when you call. An automated voice prompts you for your Boost Mobile phone number.

Key in your Boost Mobile phone number if you have an existing account. If you are setting up your account for the first time, wait for the prompt to select a new number or port your existing number.

Follow the prompts to enter the IMEI or SIM ID on the keypad.

Provide your name, address and any additional information, as requested. Enter your payment information, when prompted, and purchase your desired plan. When the call is completed, your phone is pending activation. Wait a few minutes, then attempt to place a call from your phone.

  • If your phone is not activated within one hour of completing the activation process, call Boost Mobile customer support for assistance.
  • If you already own a Boost Mobile phone, you can access the MyAccount tool to add your new prepaid device (see Resources).
  • Boost Mobile does not charge an activation fee for new devices. However, a fee is assessed to reactivate your device.

Based in the live music capital of the world, Tammy Columbo continues to work in the information technology industry as she has done for more than 10 years. While living in Austin, Columbo has contributed to high profile projects for the State of Texas, Fortune 500 technology companies and various non-profit organizations. Columbo began writing professionally in 2009.

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