How to Activate a Total Wireless SIM Card
What happens when you activate a Total Wireless SIM card
When you activate a Total Wireless SIM card, you are connecting that physical card to Total Wireless's network and linking it to a phone number and service plan. The activation process tells Total Wireless's system that this particular SIM card belongs to you, which phone it is in, and what service level you have paid for. Until activation is complete, the SIM card will not work — your phone will have no signal and you cannot make calls or use data.
Total Wireless is a prepaid carrier that runs on the Verizon network, so once your SIM is activated, you get access to Verizon's coverage. The activation itself takes a few minutes to a few hours, depending on which method you use and whether you are activating a brand-new SIM or moving service from another phone.
Key Takeaways
- You can activate a Total Wireless SIM card online through the Total Wireless website, by phone at 1-888-839-3111, or in person at a retail location that sells Total Wireless.
- Activation requires your SIM card number (printed on the card itself), a valid payment method, and a phone number — either a new one or one you are transferring from another carrier.
- If you are moving your existing phone number from another carrier, you will need your account number and PIN from that carrier, which you can find on your bill or by calling them.
- Most activations complete within a few minutes to a few hours, but porting a number from another carrier can take up to 24 hours.
Activating online through the Total Wireless website
The fastest way to activate is through the Total Wireless website at totalwireless.com. Go to the activation page and enter your SIM card number — this is the 20-digit number printed on the back of your SIM card, usually near a barcode. You will also need to choose whether you want a new phone number or transfer an existing one.
If you are getting a new number, the system will assign one to you immediately. If you are transferring a number from another carrier, you will need your account number and PIN from that carrier. You can find these on your most recent bill, or call your old carrier's customer service line and ask for your account number and PIN — they will give it to you over the phone. Once you provide this information, Total Wireless will submit a port request, which usually takes 4 to 24 hours to complete.
After you enter your SIM number and phone number choice, you will select a service plan. Total Wireless offers monthly plans at different price points, with varying amounts of talk, text, and data. You will pay for your first month of service at activation. Enter your payment method (debit card, credit card, or prepaid card) and confirm your order. The SIM card should be active within a few minutes.
Activating by phone with Total Wireless customer service
If you prefer to activate over the phone, call Total Wireless at 1-888-839-3111. A representative will walk you through the same steps: they will ask for your SIM card number, confirm whether you want a new number or a transfer, and help you choose a plan. This method takes longer than online activation because you are waiting for a person, but it is useful if you have questions or run into problems during the process.
Have your SIM card and a payment method ready before you call. If you are transferring a number, also have your old carrier's account number and PIN available. The representative will process everything on their end, and your SIM should be active by the time you hang up — or within a few hours if you are porting a number.
Activating in a retail store
Total Wireless SIM cards are sold at Walmart, Best Buy, and other retailers that carry prepaid phone products. If you bought your SIM card at one of these locations, you can often activate it right there at the register or customer service desk. The staff member will scan your SIM card and walk you through the same process: choosing a phone number and plan, and taking payment.
In-store activation is convenient if you are already shopping, but it depends on whether the store's system is connected to Total Wireless's activation network. Not every location offers this service, so ask before you buy. If the store cannot activate it, you can still take the SIM home and activate it online or by phone.
What to do if your SIM card does not activate
If you have completed activation but your phone still shows no signal, try these steps in order. First, power off your phone completely, wait 30 seconds, and power it back on. This forces your phone to reconnect to the network. Second, check that the SIM card is fully inserted into the SIM tray — it should sit flat and click into place. Third, restart your phone again.
If you still have no signal after these steps, call Total Wireless at 1-888-839-3111 and confirm that your activation went through. Sometimes the system shows an activation as complete when it is still processing in the background, especially if you ported a number. A representative can check your account status and tell you whether to wait longer or troubleshoot further. Keep your SIM card number and phone number handy when you call.
Transferring your number from another carrier
Moving your existing phone number to Total Wireless is called a port. The process is the same whether you activate online, by phone, or in store — you choose "transfer my number" instead of "new number" and provide your old carrier's account number and PIN.
Your old carrier's account number is usually on your bill. The PIN is a security code, often four digits, that you set up when you opened the account — if you do not remember it, call your old carrier and ask them to reset it or provide it to you. Once Total Wireless submits the port request, it typically takes 4 to 24 hours for your number to switch over. During this time, your old phone may still work on the old carrier's network, but once the port completes, only your new Total Wireless phone will have service on that number.
If you are porting from a major carrier like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile, the process usually completes faster — often within a few hours. Smaller carriers or regional carriers may take longer. Total Wireless will send you a text message or email when the port is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to activate my Total Wireless SIM card right away?
No, but you cannot use the SIM card until it is activated. You can buy a Total Wireless SIM card and activate it whenever you are ready, as long as the card itself has not expired. Most SIM cards are good for several years before expiration, so you have time to decide.
Can I activate a Total Wireless SIM card if I do not have a payment method right now?
No, you will need to pay for at least your first month of service at activation. Total Wireless does not offer free trials or delayed billing. If you do not have a debit or credit card, you can use a prepaid card from any retailer — these work the same way as a regular card during activation.
What if I want to keep my current phone number but I am not sure if Total Wireless will port it?
Total Wireless can port numbers from any U.S. carrier, including major carriers and smaller regional ones. The only numbers they cannot port are those from some business accounts or very old landline accounts. Call Total Wireless at 1-888-839-3111 with your phone number and they will tell you whether it can be ported before you start the activation process.
How long does it take for a ported number to work on my new phone?
Most ports complete within 4 to 24 hours. During this time, your old phone may still ring and receive texts on the old carrier's network, but once the port finishes, only your new Total Wireless phone will work on that number. Total Wireless will notify you by text or email when the port is done.
Can I activate multiple SIM cards on the same account?
Yes, but each SIM card needs its own phone number and its own service plan. You would activate each SIM separately, either online or by phone, and pay for each plan individually. This is useful if you have multiple phones or want to add a line for a family member.