How to Activate a Used Bell Receiver? Complete Guide

Whether you are saving a few dollars or just have an extra one lying around, it is possible to activate a used Bell receiver.

Now the question is, “how to activate a used Bell receiver?” This guide will show the exact steps on how to do it.

Activating a used Bell receiver is a straightforward process. You can activate it online or on the phone as long as you know the serial number of the device and the SmartCard number. After getting the confirmation from Bell, wait for at least 24 hours for them to activate your receiver.

Why Get a Used Bell Receiver?

Not all communication companies will allow you to use a receiver they did not directly issue to you, but Bell does.

They offer convenience since you can buy it and use it under your account if you know someone with an extra receiver.

1. Use at a Different Location

One of the top reasons users opt to get an additional Bell receiver is to use it in a different location.

It may be a vacation home or a cottage. You can certainly enjoy your subscription as long as you have an extra receiver.

2. Add Receivers in Your Home

If you have a home with multiple rooms, you want each of them to have at least a TV with entertainment options.

The most convenient way to add a receiver would be to get a used one from someone you know.

3. Save on Subscription Costs

Getting new receivers from Bell will cost you. You can rent out receivers from them, but that cost can quickly add up, especially if you want to add a couple more to your home.

You can get significant discounts if you get used equipment.

How to Activate a Used Bell Receiver? – Complete Steps

How to activate a used Bell Fibe receiver? The answer is simple. All it takes is a few steps, and you should be good to go.

Just follow these steps, and you should be able to enjoy your Bell receiver.

Step #1: Get the Serial Number of the Bell Receiver

If you got your hands on a used Bell receiver, the first thing you need to do before activating is getting its serial number.

All equipment from Bell comes with a serial number, and they have a record of it.

This step is to make sure that the receiver you have is not stolen, a rental, or any other reason that Bell could not activate it.

Here’s how to find your receiver’s serial number:

1. Turn on your receiver.
2. Press the System Info button on your receiver.
3. You can also press the Menu button twice on your remote.
4. Look for the receiver number. It starts with an “R.”

Note: You do not need to list down all the numbers of your receiver. You only need the first 10. 

You can also find the receiver number on the device itself if you do not want to go through the menus.

Step #2: Get the SmartCard Number with the Bell Receiver

Your Bell receiver will have a SmartCard paired with it. To activate your receiver, you will also need the SmartCard number.

This is for security purposes so that you can be sure that the previous owner of the receiver and card is cleared of any issues with Bell.

Getting your SmartCard number has similar steps to getting your receiver’s serial number.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to your receiver’s System Info menu.
2. Your SmartCard number starts with an “S.”
3. You only need the first 10 digits.
4. List the number down, so you’re ready for activation.

Step #3: Call Bell to Check on The Status of the Receiver and Card

Now that you have both the receiver’s serial number and SmartCard number, you want to know the situation of your equipment.

If you are buying the receiver, you want to check on the status with Bell to avoid any issues.

There are times when a receiver would be ineligible for activation, like if it’s a stolen unit, rental unit, or the previous owner still has a balance with Bell.

Doing this ensures that you are able to activate the equipment after you buy it.

Here’s how to check the status of your receiver and SmartCard:

1. Call Bell’s account support at 1-866-897-4117 for Satellite TV.
2. Call Bell’s account support at 1-866-748-9196 for Fibe TV.
3. Explain that you are looking to buy a used receiver.
4. Give them the receiver and SmartCard numbers for checking.
5. Wait for their response if you can activate the receiver and card.

Note: Once they give you the signal, you can proceed to activate the receiver under your account so you can use it however you wish.

Step #4: Activate Your Bell Receiver Online

You can now start the process of activating your Bell receiver after you have confirmed that your equipment is cleared.

You do have options on how you want your equipment activated. If you do not want to deal with customer support, you can activate it through Bell’s website.

The process is quick and easy, and it’s just like filling up a form at any other website. Anyone can do it, even those without technical experience.

Here’s how to activate your Bell receiver through their website:

1. Go to the MyBell website and log in.
2. Scroll down and look for Activate a receiver. Click on it.
3. Enter your receiver and SmartCard numbers.
4. Click on Submit.
5. Wait for the activation process to complete.

Note: The process activation process on Bell’s end might take some time, so be patient. 

Wait for at least 24 hours to confirm if your used receiver is activated. You can contact customer support if it does not activate within 24 hours.

Step #5: Activate Your Bell Receiver Over the Phone

Bell does offer an alternative method if you do not want to activate your used Bell receiver online. I

f you want more direct contact, Bell offers activation through the phone, so you do not have to go through their website.

The process is quite simple. All you need to do is follow the phone prompts to activate your receiver.

Here are the steps to activate your Bell receiver over the phone:

1. Prepare your Bell 4-digit PIN before calling.
2. Call 1866-353-0334.
3. Listen to the prompts and select Activate an additional receiver.
4. Follow the on-call instructions to activate your receiver.

Note: You also want to prepare your receiver and SmartCard numbers as you will have to enter those on your keypad.

It’s better to have it written beside you before calling, so you do not have to repeat the process.

Thus, there are two ways to activate your used Bell receiver. You can do it online by logging into your MyBell account and clicking on the Activate a receiver option. Enter your receiver and SmartCard numbers and hit Submit. You can also activate over the phone by calling 1866-353-0334 and following the on-call prompts.

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Last Thoughts

How to activate a used Bell receiver? It’s quick and easy. As long as you have cleared your receiver and SmartCard numbers with Bell, you should be able to activate it in just a few minutes.

Then, follow our guide so you can successfully have your receiver up and running in your cottage or an extra room in your home.

If you have a hard time activating a used Bell receiver, you can always contact their customer support. There are likely issues with the equipment.