How to Hook Up a Cell Phone Through the Internet

1. Charge the cell phone for at least eight hours. When it is fully charged, make sure the phone is off, and then take the battery out of the phone. Make sure that the SIM is inserted in the phone if this is a GSM-compatible phone. If you use a CDMA service, the network chip is already installed inside the phone.
2. Register for an online account with your cell phone provider. You need your mobile number and billing password or verification code, which is listed on your paperwork, or by calling the 800 number (or 611 on the handset) for your cell phone service.
3. Choose 'Activate My Phone,' 'Activate a New Line,' or similar option.
4. Choose the cell phone line that corresponds with this new phone, or type it in manually. If you have more than one number on the account, there may be a drop-down box.
5. Enter the electronic serial number (ESN) or mobile equipment identifier (MEID), which is located on the inside of the phone where the battery sits. This number is also listed on your cell phone paperwork. Click 'OK' or similar to save the new phone to that line.
6. Agree to the cell phone provider's service agreement if applicable.
7. Call the cell phone's activation line if required by the service. Otherwise, simply assemble the phone again and turn it on. The network should now recognize the new phone.