: You purchase the phone and set it up with a carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile , or Google Fi ) immediately. This often triggers a lower purchase price, but requires a carrier credit check and may involve an activation fee on your first bill.
: Best Buy associates can physically set up your device, transfer data, and install SIM cards for a fee, often around $39.99 for a full consultation. Process & Carriers best buy cell phone activation
: For new lines, you must select a plan from supported carriers like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile. : You purchase the phone and set it
: For porting numbers, have your previous carrier's account details and port-out PIN ready. Potential Fees Questions and Answers: Setup for New Devices - Best Buy Process & Carriers : For new lines, you
: You will need to provide your carrier credentials (account number and PIN) if you are upgrading an existing line.
: You buy the phone at the full retail price (usually $50–$100 more) and activate it yourself later, often by simply swapping your current SIM card into the new device.