Do you want to know how to activate Bell SIM card? You’ve come to the right place as we have all the details you need.
Whether you’re changing networks or arriving in Canada and want to use a reliable network for your communication needs, you will be using a SIM card and slapping it on your phone.
When it comes to Bell, they offer you a choice on how you want to activate their SIM cards.
Activating your Bell SIM card is an easy process. The quickest way to do it is to activate it online through your MyBell dashboard. Follow the on-page instructions, and you will be using your SIM card in no time.
Let’s take a look at why you want to get a new Bell SIM card, then look at the process to activate it in more detail.
Why Get a Bell SIM Card?
There are many reasons why you want to get a Bell SIM card. You may have issues with your current service provider, or you’re from abroad and want to use a Canadian number.
You should be able to get one by ordering online or visiting the nearest Bell store.
Here are some of the most common reasons someone will get a Bell SIM card.
1. Changing Networks
The most common one is you are trying to change networks. If you’re not satisfied with your current carrier, you can easily switch to Bell by getting their SIM card.
2. Changing Numbers
You want to change numbers for a variety of reasons. If you’re getting a lot of spam calls and enjoy your privacy, a Bell SIM card will do the trick.
3. Need a Canada Number
If you are visiting Canada and want to use a more local number rather than turn on roaming, a Bell SIM card is the one you need.
4. 5G Network Capability
Bell is known for its reliable 5G network. If you want to take advantage of it, you will need to get one of their SIM cards.
Getting a card is one thing. How to activate a new Bell SIM card is a completely different story.
Yes, you can insert it into the SIM card slot of your phone, but you will not be able to use it unless you activate it.
Complete Guide on How to Activate Bell SIM Card
Before you take the first step in activating your Bell SIM card, you want to make sure that you put it into your phone’s SIM card tray.
Get rid of your old card or if your phone comes with a dual-SIM potion, slap it on and remember the slot you put it in.
Now that it’s on your phone, you can start the process of activating it:
Solution #1: Activating Your Postpaid Bell SIM Card
If you switched to a postpaid plan with Bell, you need to activate the SIM card to start using it.
For their postpaid accounts, Bell has limited options regarding how to activate their SIM card.
There are a few reasons for this, but postpaid plans are contracts with your provider, in this case, Bell.
They do have certain requirements, so activating their postpaid SIMs comes with limited options.
Here’s how to activate your new postpaid Bell SIM:
- Visit the nearest Bell Canada Store in your area.
- Talk to their representative in person to activate your SIM.
- Call Bell at 1 866 797-3941 as an alternative.
- Activate your SIM on the phone.
Pro Tip: If you’re activating your SIM through Bell’s number, make sure to have your SIM card number ready.
You will find this on the reverse side of your SIM card package.
Solution #2: Activating Your Prepaid Bell SIM Card
Activating Bell’s prepaid SIM cards are a bit easier. Anyone can get a prepaid card if you get them from official Bell stores and online.
Since these are prepaid cards, and everyone has access to them, Bell offers a few more options to activate them.
Of course, you can still do it by visiting a Bell Canada Store or activating it on the phone. You can also do it by visiting Bell’s Prepaid Activation Page.
Here’s how to activate your Bell prepaid SIM card online:
- Go to Bell’s Prepaid Activation page.
- Select Start activation to create a MyBell account.
- Type in your SIM card serial number. Re-type it again.
- Click Continue and answer the remaining questions.
- Wait for the signal bars on your phone to appear.
Alert: You can find your SIM card serial number on the full-sized card that Bell will provide you. It’s located below the second bar code.
Note: The remaining questions are entirely optional, so you can skip those. One of the questions asks for your credit card details so you can top-up your prepaid SIM.
Solution #3: Activating Your Bell Canada eSIM
Most modern phones come with two SIM slots allowing you to use an embedded card or eSIM.
Enabling your eSIM allows you to use two numbers simultaneously, giving you an extra layer of versatility.
You will only need to use one phone and receive calls and messages from your personal and work numbers.
Here’s how to activate your Bell eSIM:
- Call Bell’s dedicated hotline at 1 888 466-2453.
- Ask the representative to activate your eSIM.
- Wait for activation to complete and signal bars to appear.
Tip: Activating your Bell eSIM is less restrictive than a postpaid card.
Additionally, you can contact Bell’s customer support portals on social media or web chat. You can also visit the nearest Bell store and get your eSIM activated there.
Solution #4: Transferring Your Bell SIM Card to Another Device
You also need to activate your Bell SIM card whenever you transfer it to another device.
Bell locks your SIM and device pair and slapping on a new card on a different phone will not work right away.
If you want to continue using your existing Bell number with your brand new smartphone, you must transfer and activate your SIM card.
Here’s how to do it so you can preserve your number and not change it:
- Log in to your MyBell dashboard.
- Click on My Services and click on your phone.
- Go to My Devices and look for Transfer service to a new device.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
- Enter the IMEI number of your new device.
Solution #5: Activating Your Bell MTS SIM Card
If you are in Manitoba and want to use a Bell SIM card, the process is different from the ones described above. The number you dial is different.
Here’s how to activate your Bell MTS SIM card:
- Visit a Bell MTS Store to activate your SIM.
- Alternatively, call Bell MTS at 1 800 806-5819.
- Wait for the Bell representative to assist you.
- Wait for your signal bars to appear.
Note: You will be able to start using your phone about 15 to 30 minutes after getting in touch with a Bell representative.
If your SIM card is not activated within that time frame, you can ask for help by contacting Bell directly.
You can call their customer support hotline, chat on their website or visit their store. You can also get in touch with them through Facebook and Twitter.
Read Next: Why Does Bell Keep Calling Me? How to Stop?
Bottom Line
Thus, the easiest way to activate your Bell SIM card is to visit the nearest store. They will be able to assist you and activate your postpaid or prepaid SIM. You can also activate your service by going to your MyBell dashboard and filling up the form.
Your SIM will start to get a signal after 15 to 30 minutes.
Now that you know how to activate Bell SIM card, you will be able to get it running in no time.
Follow the steps closely, and you will be able to use Bell’s excellent services. If you can’t find to activate your SIM, you can always call Bell for help.
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites. Check out more about him here.