To set up Mint Mobile, you need to activate your SIM card or eSIM in the app, transfer your phone number if desired, and configure your phone's settings.
Before you set up Mint Mobile
Three things must be in place before you start the activation. First, your phone must be unlocked and compatible with T-Mobile's 5G/4G LTE network, including VoLTE. Second, you have 45 days to activate your Mint Mobile SIM card after receiving it, or it will expire. Third, and most critically, do not cancel your current phone service before your number transfer to Mint Mobile is complete, or you will lose your phone number permanently. Mint Mobile offers plans in 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month increments, with cost-effective pricing for longer-term commitments.
How to activate your Mint Mobile SIM card
- Connect your phone to Wi-Fi and download the Mint Mobile app.
- Open the app and select "Activate Your SIM Card."
- Enter the 11-digit ACT code found in your order confirmation email or on your SIM packaging.
- Choose to "Keep your current one" to transfer your existing number or "Get a new one" for a new number.
This is the core activation path. If you choose to keep your current number, you will proceed directly to the number transfer step.
Transferring your phone number to Mint Mobile
To keep your phone number with Mint Mobile, you must provide four pieces of information from your old carrier: your current phone number, your billing ZIP code, your current carrier's account number, and your Number Transfer PIN (or account PIN). Enter these exactly as they appear on your old carrier's account. Do not cancel your old service until the transfer is complete.
How to set up Mint Mobile with an eSIM
If your phone supports eSIM, the app will detect compatibility. You then enter the 11-digit eSIM ACT code from your order confirmation. To install the eSIM, you will typically scan a QR code from your confirmation email or manually enter the SM-DP+ADDRESS and ACTIVATION CODE in your phone's settings. On an iPhone, go to "Settings" > "Cellular" > "Add eSIM." On a Samsung device, go to "Settings" > "Connections" > "SIM Manager" > "Add eSIM." After installation, the eSIM will be active.
Finishing account setup and activating multiple lines
After activation, you must create a password in the app to finish setting up your Mint Mobile account. If you are activating multiple lines on the same account, activate them one by one and transfer the primary account holder's line last. This prevents service disruptions for the main account.
Configure your phone's APN settings for Mint Mobile
For Android phones, you may need to manually configure APN settings if you experience data or MMS issues. To access APN settings, go to "Settings" > "Network and Internet" or "Connections" > "Mobile Networks" or "SIMs" > "Access Point Names (APN)." Enter the following settings exactly as listed:
- Name: Mint
- APN: Wholesale
- MMSC: http://wholesale.mmsmvno.com/mms/wapenc
- Multimedia Message Port: 8080
- APN Type: default,supl,MMS,ia
- APN Protocol: IPv4/IPv6
- APN Roaming Protocol: IPv4/IPv6
- MVNO type: GID
- MVNO value: 756D
Save the settings and restart your phone. This step is only needed if data or MMS does not work automatically.
Testing your new Mint Mobile service
Once activated and configured, place a test call, send a text message to a friend, and use mobile data to browse a website. If all three work, your service is fully functional. If you need to switch to Mint Mobile from another carrier, the entire process is now complete. For unlocked phones that work with T-Mobile WiFi calling, ensure WiFi calling is enabled in your phone's settings after activation. Mint Mobile offers a 7-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test the service and coverage in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I activate my Mint Mobile SIM card without the app?
No. The official activation process requires the Mint Mobile app. You cannot activate by calling a phone number or using a website. The app is the only method.
What happens if I miss the 45-day activation window?
Your SIM card will expire and become unusable. You will need to purchase a new SIM card and a new plan. Mint Mobile does not extend the activation window.
Will my phone number transfer work if my old carrier account is suspended?
No. Your old carrier account must be active and in good standing for the number transfer to succeed. If the account is suspended, you will lose the number.
Can I use Mint Mobile with a locked phone from another carrier?
No. Your phone must be unlocked to work with Mint Mobile. A phone locked to another carrier will not connect to the T-Mobile network.
Do I need to configure APN settings on an iPhone?
No. iPhones automatically configure APN settings for Mint Mobile. The manual APN configuration is only necessary for Android phones when data or MMS does not work.
