Do I Need A Sim Card For Tello? Here’s What You Need To Know
Do I Need A Sim Card For Tello? Here’s What You Need To Know
02/06/24 •
6 min read
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When you sign up for Tello, you will need to purchase a SIM card in order to activate your service. The SIM card is what allows your phone to connect to Tello’s wireless network, and without it, you will not be able to use any of Tello’s services.
Fortunately, Tello makes it easy to get started with their service by offering a 3-in-1 SIM card that includes mini, micro, and nano sizes to fit any type of compatible phone.
Once you have received your Tello SIM card, you will need to activate it in your online account before you can start using the service.
Once your SIM card is activated, you can insert it into your phone and start enjoying Tello’s affordable wireless plans. But first, you’ll need to know how to setup your Tello SIM, so let’s get to it…
Understanding Tello SIM Card Requirements
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When it comes to Tello service, one of the most important things to consider is the SIM card requirements. This section will provide a brief overview of Tello service, the different types of SIM cards available, and how to activate a Tello SIM card.
SIM Card Types and Compatibility
Tello offers a 3-in-1 SIM card that includes mini (2FF), micro (3FF), and nano (4FF) sizes to fit any type of compatible phone. And if eSIM is more your jam, Tello does that as well — see here for more details.
This means that regardless of the type of phone you have, you can use a Tello SIM card. However, it’s important to note that not all phones are compatible with Tello service.
Before purchasing a Tello SIM card, it’s important to check if your phone is compatible by entering your phone’s IMEI number on Tello’s website.
Activating a Tello SIM
- To activate a Tello SIM card, you will need to create an online account on Tello’s website.
- Once you have created an account, you can navigate to the “My SIM” section and follow the prompts to activate your SIM card.
- The activation process can take up to 20 minutes, so it’s important to be patient.
- Once your SIM card is activated, you will be able to use your phone with Tello service.
Setting Up and Using Your Tello Service
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When it comes to setting up and using your Tello service, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
This section will cover phone plans and services, porting your number and coverage, and additional features and support.
Phone Plans and Services
Tello offers customizable plans that allow you to have more control over your monthly bill. You can choose from a variety of plans that include unlimited talk and text, as well as different amounts of data. Tello updated its plans in December 2023, and its most popular plans include:
PlanPricing1GB of data, unlimited talk and text$9/month2GB of data, unlimited talk and text$10/month5GB of data, unlimited talk and text$14/monthUnlimited data, unlimited talk and text (35GB of high-speed data)$25/monthCheck out all of Tello’s latest plans here.
Tello also offers mobile hotspot, Wi-Fi calling, and international calls to 60 countries included in any plan. You can also use the My Tello phone app for iPhone and Android to manage your account.
Porting Your Number and Coverage
If you want to keep your current phone number, you can port it to Tello. Tello allows you to port in your number from another carrier or get a new Tello phone number. Here’s how to port your number to Tello:
What You’ll Need:
- Ensure you have a Tello SIM card and have activated it on your online account. You can purchase one directly on their website or activate an eSIM.
- Gather your account information from your current carrier: This includes your phone number, account number, PIN/password, and billing address.
- Make sure your number is eligible for porting. You can check this online through Tello’s website or by contacting your current carrier.
Porting Your Number To Tello:
- Go to the Port-in page on Tello’s website
- Enter your phone number you want to port and click “Check.”
- Fill in the required information about your current carrier and account. This includes the details mentioned above.
- Review and submit the request.
- Wait for confirmation: Tello will contact your current carrier to initiate the porting process. This typically takes 1–3 business days.
- Keep your old phone active during the porting process. This ensures you don’t miss any important calls or messages.
- Once the port is complete, you’ll receive a notification from Tello. Your number will now be active on your Tello SIM card!
Tello offers additional features such as Wi-Fi calling, 5G, 4G LTE, and eSIM. Tello also has a customer service team that can help you with troubleshooting, APN settings, VoLTE, and other issues. You can find more information about Tello’s support on its website (or inside the My Tello App). And in my experience, the support is excellent — you can always speak to someone and the help is always on point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a SIM card required to activate service with Tello?
Yes, a Tello SIM card is required to activate service with Tello. The SIM card is what connects your device to Tello’s network and allows you to make calls, send texts, and use data.
Can I obtain a Tello phone number without a SIM card?
No, you cannot obtain a Tello phone number without a SIM card. The SIM card is required to activate service with Tello and to obtain a phone number.
What are the steps to activate a phone on Tello’s network?
To activate a phone on Tello’s network, you need to follow these steps:
- Confirm device compatibility through Tello’s device checker page.
- Purchase a Tello SIM card.
- Insert the Tello SIM card into your device.
- Activate your service and port in your existing phone number or obtain a new one.
- Choose a plan and make your payment.
Where can I purchase a Tello SIM card?
You can purchase a Tello SIM card directly from Tello’s website or from a Tello retail partner.
Are SIM cards from other carriers compatible with Tello’s service?
No, SIM cards from other carriers are not compatible with Tello’s service. Only a Tello SIM card will work on Tello’s network.
What should I do if I have an iPhone and want to use Tello?
If you have an iPhone and want to use Tello, you need to make sure that your iPhone is unlocked and compatible with Tello’s network. You can check your phone’s compatibility through Tello’s device checker page. Once you have confirmed compatibility, you can purchase a Tello SIM card and follow the steps to activate your service.
Richard Goodwin has been working as a tech journalist for over 10 years. He has written for Den of Geek, Fortean Times, IT PRO, PC Pro, ALPHR, and many other technology sites. He is the editor and owner of KnowYourMobile.
