Activate your SIM or eSIM.

First, two things worth knowing

What “unlocked” means. When you buy a phone through a carrier, they often lock it: a software restriction that stops it from working on any other network until it's paid off or unlocked. If your phone came from another carrier, ask them to unlock it (it's free when your account is in good standing, and usually takes a day or two). If you bought it unlocked or paid it off long ago, you're likely fine.

Keeping your number? Don't cancel your old plan. Your old carrier has to release the number, and they'll only do that while your service with them is still active. We handle the transfer during activation, and your old service ends when it completes. No gap, no missed calls.

If your phone turns out to be locked or incompatible after signup, we'll refund the plan, as long as the line is unused.

eSIM

An eSIM is a digital SIM. No card, no shipping. It downloads straight to your phone, and most phones from the last few years support it.

1. Connect your phone to Wi-Fi. eSIM downloads need an internet connection.
2. Open your Vetra activation email on a different screen: a laptop, tablet, or someone else's phone.
3. Open your camera and scan the QR code in that email. Your phone will walk you through adding the eSIM.
4. Set the new eSIM as your default line for data when asked.
5. Wait a few minutes, then restart your phone.

Replacing an old eSIM? Delete the old profile first: Settings, Cellular on iPhone, or Settings, Connections, SIM manager on Android. Remove the old plan, then scan. Two profiles for one line confuses phones.

Physical SIM

The classic card, shipped free, arrives in a few days. Then:

1. Sign in and open your activation hub.
2. Follow the prompts to get your line activated.
3. Pop in your Vetra SIM and restart your device.

Dial in your settings

Three settings make the difference between good service and great service. Check all three:

• 5G on. iPhones don't always enable it by default: Settings, Cellular, Cellular Data Options, Voice & Data, then 5G Auto. Android: Settings, Connections, Mobile Networks, Network Mode, then 5G.
• Data Roaming on. Sounds scary, isn't. It lets your phone use partner towers for better coverage, at no extra cost inside the US. iPhone: Settings, Cellular, Cellular Data Options, Data Roaming. Android: Settings, Connections, Mobile Networks, Data Roaming.
• Wi-Fi Calling on. Crisp calls anywhere your Wi-Fi beats your signal. iPhone: Settings, Cellular, Wi-Fi Calling. Android: Settings, Network & internet, Wi-Fi Calling.

Did it work?

Text someone. Make a call. Load a page with Wi-Fi off. All three good? You're live.

If it didn't

• No service: airplane mode on, then off. Restart. Activation can take a few extra minutes to reach the network.
• Transferring a number: your line finishes activating once the transfer completes, usually within a business day.
• Nothing after 15 minutes: reach out. Have the email and phone number on your account ready, that's how we find you fast.