How to Get an ATT SMS Number

Over the Phone
1. Contact AT&T at 800-331-0500 and follow the prompts to speak with a representative.
2. Inform the representative of your intent to set up a wireless account. Ask the representative to provide you with a listing of plans and phone specials that AT&T currently is offering.
3. Select a wireless phone and choose a plan that has 'Messaging,' which enables you to use the SMS feature on your phone.
4. Provide the representative with the information requested of you, such as your name, billing address, driver's license number and/or Social Security number. Wait for the representative to set up the account. In some cases, you may need to provide the representative with your credit card information to pay for any charges associated with opening an account and activating your equipment.
5. Write down your order confirmation number and your mobile phone number. This is the number that you will use to send SMS messages. Wait for your phone to arrive in the mail. Follow the instructions to activate the device.
Online
6. Visit the AT&T website and click the 'Wireless' tab. Click the 'Wireless' sub-menu and select 'Cell phones and devices.'
7. Search through the listing of cell phones until your find a cell phone you want to buy. Click the cell phone picture.
8. Enter your ZIP code into the appropriate field. Select the features you want to add to your wireless account. Select the option to add 'Messaging' to your plan.
9. Click 'Add to Cart.' Select the option to get a new AT&T number when prompted to do so. Verify your wireless plan and click 'Order Now.'
10. Enter your name, email, billing and shipping address into the appropriate fields. Click 'Next.' Enter your credit card information into the next field. Verify your order and click 'Submit.' Wait for your new phone to arrive by mail. Follow the instructions to activate the device.