Shopping for Carrier Phones and Rate Plans Online

To activate a new phone plan, you must visit a Best Buy store. You can shop for the phone and plan you want on BestBuy.ca then start your visit to a store by providing a few important details to us.

Please note that starting your store visit online does not reserve a phone, start an activation, or guarantee pricing or availability.

Explore our selection of Carrier Phones and find the right phone with a plan to suit your needs. When you have found the phone you'd like, you'll need to go to a Best Buy store to activate your new plan. To speed up the activation process in-store, you can provide some key details beforehand so we have it all on file when you arrive. Simply select the "Start My Store Visit" button on the phone's product page to get started.

Once you've started your store visit online, we'll ask a few quick questions to make your in-store experience faster and easier.

What we need to know:

• Account details - Your current wireless provider if you have one, whether you're the authorized account holder, and how many lines you need help with.
• Contact information - Your name, phone number, and email address.

After sending us this information we'll send you an email to confirm that you're ready to visit any Best Buy store with a Mobile department (excluding Best Buy Express locations). Use our store locator to find a store near you.

Important:

• Phones are not reserved. Starting your store visit online does not reserve inventory. Phone availability is confirmed when you visit the store. Availability may vary by location and quantities may be limited.
• Pricing and promotions can change. Phone pricing, plan offers, and promotional discounts may change without notice. Final pricing is confirmed in-store when your purchase and activation are completed.

Bring 2 pieces of government-issued ID and head to the Mobile department or ask a Blue Shirt for help.

Once you arrive at the Mobile department, you'll need to check in using the kiosk.

At the kiosk:

1. Choose "I shared details online"
2. Enter the phone number you provided with your details online
3. Join the queue

We'll send you a text when a Mobile Advisor is ready for you.

Activations are completed in-store and may take approximately 30 minutes or longer depending on your needs. The account holder or person starting the service must be present in-store to review and sign any required carrier agreements.

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 shop for 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 my store visit online, 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 store visit to guarantee you receive the price, promotion, or offer displayed.

Can I trade-in my current phone? 

Yes. With our trade-in program, you can trade in a qualifying 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 and keep your current phone. Just visit your nearest Best Buy store and 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 providing my details online? 

We can still help you get a phone with a plan in-store without sending your details in advance online, but we encourage you to start the process before coming to a store. This will help us serve you faster when you arrive.

How do I cancel my store visit? 

If you've changed your mind about your new carrier phone and plan, you don't need to do anything to cancel. Your details will expire after 30 days.