Starting your phone activation online helps speed up the process and reduce the amount of time you need to spend in store.

Once you submit an online activation request, you'll get a call back from a Mobile Advisor who will help you decide on the right phone and plan for you. You'll discuss the things that matter to you, whether it's phone model, budget, or plan inclusions across different carriers. Once you decide on the phone and plan that's right for you, you'll need to visit a store where a Mobile Advisor will help you get set up with a new activation.

Keep in mind, starting a mobile activation online and speaking with a Mobile Advisor on the phone does not guarantee that the phone or plan you're interested in will remain in stock or available once you arrive in store to finalize your new activation. In order to accommodate all customers, our phones are at a first come, first served basis, while quantities last.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Find the phone that’s right for you.

Explore Best Buy Mobile and find the right phone with a plan to suit your needs. When you have found the phone you’d like, select the “Start an Activation” button on the phone’s product page.

Step 2: Choose how you would like to activate the phone.

Once you have selected the “Start an Activation” button, now select how you would like to activate the phone. You can choose to get an activation started as a new customer, to upgrade your phone on your existing account, or to add a new line to an existing account.

Step 3: Enter your information.

Once you have selected how you would like to activate the phone, simply enter your information in the online form displayed, including a contact phone number and your desired pickup location, then select the “Request a Callback” button.

We’ll send you a confirmation email to let you know we’ve received your request for a callback.

Step 4: Talk with a Mobile Advisor.*

If you request a callback during store hours, one of our Mobile Advisors will call you within 24 hours (or longer during periods of high volume requests) to help you to choose a plan, a phone, or to confirm your upgrade eligibility. If you request a callback outside of store hours, one of our Mobile Advisors will contact you as soon as possible once stores are open.

Once you’ve chosen the right plan and phone for you, the Mobile Advisor will let you know that you can now complete the activation at your chosen store location. 

*Please note: Phone prices and offers are subject to change overnight without notice. Activations must be completed in-store on the same day you start your phone activation to guarantee you receive the price, promotion, or offer displayed.

Step 5: Picking up and completing the activation of your new phone.

You can now head to your chosen store location. You’ll need to bring 2 pieces of government-issued ID.

When you arrive at your chosen store location, please let the Blue Shirt Customer Guider know you are there for a mobile activation. They will take your name and number down and inform the Mobile Advisor on hand that you have arrived and are ready to complete your activation.

Common questions:

Can I complete an activation from home and get the phone shipped to me?

No, activations can only be completed in store with the help of one of our Mobile Advisors. The account holder or the person starting a new contract must be present at the time of activation, as they'll need to sign the contract before collecting the new phone.

Can I reserve a phone with a plan online and have someone else pick it up?

No. The account holder or the person starting a new contract must be present at the time of activation and pick up, as they will be required to sign the new contract before collecting the new phone.

If I start an activation from home, am I guaranteed the phone price or offer I saw online?

Our cell phone promotions change often, and phone prices and offers are subject to change overnight without notice. Activations must be completed in-store on the same day you start your phone activation to guarantee you receive the price, promotion, or offer displayed.

Can I trade-in my old phone?

Yes, you can! With our trade-in program, you can trade in your current working phone at a participating Best Buy store and get a gift card to use towards your next purchase.* Visit our Trade-In Program page for full details.

Can I still get a new plan and keep my current phone?

Yes, we can still help you get a new plan using the same call-back request process. Just let the Mobile Advisor know you’d like to add a plan to a phone you already own.

Can I still get a phone with a plan without starting the activation from home?

While we can still help you get a phone with a plan at our stores without you having to start the activation from home, we encourage you to start the process before coming to a store. This will help to speed up the activation at the store, reduce foot traffic, and help ensure the safety of our staff and customers.

How do I cancel my reservation?

If you've changed your mind, you don't need to do anything to cancel your order. Your reservation will be automatically cancelled after 24 hours.