How do I activate a phone brought from another carrier when it shows Emergency calls only?
Answer
Finish the number transfer with the new carrier using the port PIN, reseat the SIM, enable the line in Cellular settings, and toggle Airplane Mode. Emergency calls only usually means the new network has not finished provisioning.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Never share your number-transfer PIN with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.
Follow these steps
Confirm the port with the new carrier
Provide the new carrier your port PIN and old-account details if requested, and ask them to confirm the transfer is complete for this SIM/IMEI.
You should see: The carrier says the number is active on their network.
Reseat the SIM and enable the line
Power off, remove and reinsert the SIM firmly, power on, then open Settings > Cellular/Mobile Network and ensure the line is turned on.
You should see: The SIM appears active in settings.
Toggle Airplane Mode
Turn Airplane Mode on for 30 seconds, turn it off, and wait for signal bars and a carrier name.
You should see: Emergency calls only clears and normal signal appears.
Test SMS and mobile data
Send a text and load a page with Wi‑Fi off. If it still fails, ask the carrier to refresh provisioning or replace the SIM.
You should see: Texts send and mobile data works, allowing email apps to go online.
Not sure this is the right page? Check here
0 of 5 checked
Extra tips
What to look for: Emergency calls only, no mobile data, and whether the new carrier account shows the port as complete.
Before you change anything: Keep the old account active until the port completes. Have the transfer PIN and account number for the old carrier ready. Do not share the PIN with unexpected callers.
Need a little more help?
Tell us what’s happening. Your saved expert chat will open beside this article.
Free to use. Don’t include passwords or personal details.