Your phone needs either a SIM card or an eSIM to work with our service. Ensure your phone is unlocked and GSM-compatible. If you need a physical SIM, our cards work best with phones previously used on AT&T. For an eSIM, simply scan the provided QR code to activate. *Devices older than 2017 may not be compatible with Consumer Cellular.

Once you’ve received your new phone or a SIM card from Consumer Cellular, it must be activated to connect to our network. This should only take a few moments.

If your device was purchased directly from Consumer Cellular (online or by phone), follow these steps to complete the activation process:

• If you have requested to have a new telephone number assigned by Consumer Cellular, your device will arrive already active and ready to go.
• If you are transferring ("porting") your number from another carrier, log-in to My Account, and select Activate Your Equipment in the alert box on the left side of the screen.
• Follow the simple, step-by-step instructions to complete your activation.
• If you encounter a problem, or if you prefer, call us at (888) 345-5509. You’ll have an option of using our automated response system, or you can speak to one of our Customer Service representatives and we’ll be happy to help you. We recommend making this call from a different phone so we can complete your activation process without interruption.

If your device was purchased from one of our retail partners, follow these steps to complete the activation process:

• The box containing your phone or SIM card will come with an activation code listed on the back. You will need this code to complete the activation process.
• Activate online by following the simple, step-by-step instructions provided.
• If you prefer, call us at (888) 345-5509, and one of our Customer Service representatives will be happy to help you. We recommend making this call from a different phone so we can complete your activation process without interruption.

Most people can transfer their existing cellphone number to Consumer Cellular. It depends on where you live and your old service provider. Follow these guidelines for a successful transfer:

• Do not cancel your number with your old service provider. Your phone number must remain active during the transfer process. Once the number is transferred to Consumer Cellular, it should automatically be disconnected by your old service provider. Once the transfer is complete and you are receiving calls to your Consumer Cellular phone, you may want to call them to confirm cancellation.
• If the number is in a contract, you may be charged an early termination fee by your old service provider.
• When you set up your Consumer Cellular account, you will need to have all of the account information for your old service provider, including the account number, account holder’s name, billing address, and transfer PIN on the old account. You may want to have an old invoice with you when you set up your new account.
  • If you need assistance getting this information, just let us know and we'll gladly contact your current carrier for you.
• For your convenience, your number transfer will automatically be started 7 days after your phone ships. You can also start your number transfer by giving us a call at (888) 345-5509.

Our new phones come with a one year warranty with the manufacturer. If there is an issue, it is up to the manufacturer’s discretion as to whether the phone should be replaced or repaired.

If your phone is not working, contact our Customer Support team at (888) 345-5509 and we will walk you through the warranty process.

Consumer Cellular offers many phones that are compatible with hearing aids. You can view a current list of our phones and their compatibility here.

Trade-in is available within 30 days of a new device purchase. Smartphones, basic devices, and Apple Watches may be eligible for trade-in. You must be the rightful owner of any device traded in. Devices that are active on a device payment plan aren't eligible to trade in until the agreement has been paid in full. Devices cannot be lost or stolen and must be free from activation locks and any carrier finance locks. Follow these steps to get started.

1. Get an estimate for your device.
2. Ship your device to Asurion® for free.
3. Receive credit after Asurion® assesses your device.

Asurion is a trusted partner of Consumer Cellular.

At Consumer Cellular, we don’t stop at offering you great phones and low cost monthly plans. We can also help with all your cellphone accessory needs. There are two convenient ways to find those handy "extras" that are perfect for your device:

• Log-in to My Account. Then, locate your device under Phones & Devices, click on the pull-down menu to the right, and click on Purchase Accessories to view everything that’s available.
• Call customer support at (888) 345-5509. We’re happy to help find the accessory that’s just right for you.