đ Does this sound familiar: youâve ordered a Tello SIM, super proud of your budget-savvy choice, daydreaming of all the great wireless savings that are about to come your way and before you know it, youâre frustrated and Googling âhow to install your Tello SIMâ?. Youâre not alone, friend!Â
Small things like inserting a SIM into your device might seem easy peasy, yet with so many phone models and info out there, things turn sticky, in no time. Itâs funny how such a small piece of information – like how to insert a SIM in your device – can be so useful in the midst of a fast-paced life.
We created a guide with tons of pictures and easy steps to follow to get rid of this annoying problem. Since getting your hands on a Tello SIM is one of those things youâll never regret buying, we figured weâd share some basic info to make the entire process smoother, right off the bat!Â
đĄ Key takeaways: Youâll understand how the Tello GSM SIM should be correctly inserted in the device, depending on the type of device that you are using, in no time and master the task with mad MacGyver skills.Â
Keep in mind: Follow the guide below, only AFTER you have activated the Tello GSM SIM from your online account at https://tello.com/activate.Â
No detail is too small. Thatâs why weâre starting with the Tello GSM SIM card kit:
1. Open Sesame! We mean the envelope that includes the 3 in 1 SIM Card kit
2. Take out the Tello SIM Card Kit where you should see the 3 different sizes inside the adapter
3. How to check which SIM size is required for your phone:
  a. Take a close look at your phone’s SIM Card tray size and then note the three different sized cut-out SIM options we sent you and match the sizes – Glasses on, rulers out! Kidding, itâs easier than it sounds.Â
  b. If you chose to bring your own device to Tello, check your phone manual to see which SIM size is required.
 c. If you donât have the manual any more or itâs easier for you, use Google to search for this info – you can look up the device manual online, because, letâs be honest, who keeps it? Forums like Reddit are a lot of help, too.Â
 d. If the device was purchased from Tello, we recommend you check the âLTE SIM CARDâ field under Tech Specs, on the Tello Phones page – we anticipated this, yâall, so please find the info there.Â
Here are the three SIM sizes that a device may require:
- Standard SIM (1FF)/ Mini-SIM(2FF): The largest SIM sizes and mostly found in older devices.
- Micro SIM (3FF): The medium-sized SIM card, used mainly in previous models.Â
- Nano SIM (4FF): The smallest SIM size and the one generally used by new phones
4. Push out the required SIM size from the adapter
Donât worry if you initially pushed out the incorrect size. The chip can be attached back to the adapter, so no harm, no foul.Â
5. Look for the SIM card slot
Your card slot may be found in one of these places:
a. Exterior – many smartphones have a card slot on the exterior. Spot the little cover with a tiny pin-hole beside it.Â
b. Under the back cover – if your device has a removable back cover, you may be able to find your SIM card slot underneath by simply lifting up the back
c. Under the battery – if the device battery is removable, the SIM card tray may be under the battery.
6. Insert the SIM in the device
Once youâve located the SIM card slot, all you need to do is open it and insert the SIM card, usually logo-side up.
How to insert the SIM in a device with the card slot on the exterior
1.Press and hold the power key to turn the phone off.
2. Push the tray open, using the SIM ejector tool that came with your device or a paper clip, and gently pull the tray out from the tray slot.
3. Insert the SIM card on the SIM tray and press the SIM, to secure it.
Depending on the phone model, you may find more than one SIM card slot (SIM 1 and SIM 2). If you’re only using the Tello SIM card in that particular phone, insert the SIM in the SIM 1 slot.
4. Insert the SIM card tray back into the tray slot.
5. Turn the device back on and youâre done.
How to insert the SIM in a device with the SIM under the back cover
1.Press and hold the power key to turn the phone off
2. Remove the back cover
3. Insert/Slide the SIM into the SIM slotÂ
To check how the SIM card should be inserted and in which way, look for a 45-degree notch in one corner that will align with the tray. Itâs mostly intuitive, but weâre giving you specific angles, and all. Weâre the problem-solving type.Â
This part is familiar: based on the phone model you have, you may find more than one SIM card slot (SIM 1 and SIM 2). The Tello SIM card usually goes in the SIM 1 slot.
4. Replace the back cover and turn your device back on. Done!
How to insert the SIM in a device with a removable battery
1.Press and hold the power/end key to turn the phone off.
2. Remove the back cover.Â
3. Remove the battery.
4.Insert/Slide the SIM into the SIM slotÂ
To check how the SIM card should be inserted and in which way, look for a 45-degree notch in one corner that will align with the tray.Â
Same thing applies: depending on the phone model, there might be more than one SIM card slot (SIM 1 and SIM 2). If you’re only using the Tello SIM card in that particular phone, insert the SIM in the SIM 1 slot.
5. Replace the battery making sure that the contacts on the battery match the prongs on the inside of the device
6. Replace the back cover and turn your device back on
Follow the on-screen steps provided and your phone should start to automatically activate the Tello service.
If, by chance, that doesnât happen, please wait 30 minutes, then reboot your phone and try again. You can also manually activate your phone by following the steps provided under the FAQ at the bottom of the “My Phone” page.
Now that you have this covered, start calling, texting & surfing the web with Tello! If a friend is in need of some guidance with how to install his Tello GSM SIM, pass the info around. Oh, yeah, bragging about the tiny cell phone bill you now get with Tello is encouraged too!Â
I can not get the back off. I can not find a video of how to get the back off.
Robert, unfortunately, I’m not able to help you without knowing the type of device you own.
You can search for a video online, but make sure you look for your exact phone brand – I’m sure that you’ll find an explanatory video that can help you.
Thanks!
First purchased a upgraded SIM card installed it in the Apple XR cannot make outgoing calls or incoming calls what should I do
Hi, Daniel,
Thanks for reaching out.
Please go to your account and follow the steps to activate the sim card, starting from here – https://tello.com/activate or from here: https://tello.com/bring_your_own_phone. Should you need any help, feel free to contact our Customer Support team and somebody will guide it through it.
Fingers crossed!
Is this will available for outbound calls from Philippines to Canada?
We do not currently provide Roaming on our GSM network – either domestically or internationally.
However, we do have 2 great alternatives for calling and texting when you are traveling abroad or simply in an area of poor coverage at home.
Wi-Fi Calling & Text
This is a feature available on the vast majority of Tello GSM-compatible phones and you can check your phone settings to confirm.
It allows for calling & texting via the closest available Wi-Fi network which could be at a hotel, your office, at home, or even a Wi-Fi hotspot.
If you have set up Wi-Fi Calling & Text correctly, it does not use up data from your Tello data plan, it just uses minutes from your calling & text plan as normal. You can read more details about Wi-Fi Calling on our blog.
“My Tello” App
You also have the option of using our free “My Tello” app to make calls through Wi-Fi.
You can not receive calls via the App and texting is also not available via the App – it is only to make calls.
The “My Tello” app is free to download for iOS and Android users.
When calling from the Tello app in the USA using your own Data plan, the costs are higher than if you were using the regular Tello calling service because the App uses your Data allowance.
On average, the app uses 1 MB/min. Therefore, please use the App over a Wi-Fi connection if possible.
To make a call, simply dial the destination number from the keypad (always include country code) or choose from your phone “Contacts” tab (ensure the number is in international format).
Not showing any service I have put in the activation code and says pending
H Dustin,
You might need to follow some troubleshooting steps to get the service active on your phone. Please contact our Customer Support team available 24/7: tello.com/contact, they would love to assist you.
Tello
Did not help at all. I have to return whole package.
Sorry to hear this, maybe next time you can find some helpful video tutorials on this.
Thanks!
Local reception is worse a new aim card ! Is there a way too sync go nearest tower go improve or is this what is go be expected with gsm?
Hi, Dan,
Unfortunately, that will not help, but please contact us and let us know what type of device you own and we’ll provide more info after. Thanks!
Itâs been a hour and my husbandâs phone has switched over but mine is not showing any carrier anymore. How do I get it back?
Alexandra, I already know both of your lines are up and running, so this is me welcoming you to Tello! Thanks!
Hi I just installed the new SIM card
My phone saysâ no simâ
Any suggestions?
Hey Vickey, I see that your service is active now, hope everything is working fine, thanks!
Received a Motorola moto E6 along with tello sim card. I am unable to insert the sim card and can find nothing online to help.
Hi Gordon,
Maybe this will help: How to install your Tello GSM SIM, if not please contact our Customer Support team, they are available 24/7 by email or phone: https://tello.com/contact
I have been trying to help my father get his Iphone7 activated we have tried multiple to replace the SIM card. We have both activated over the phone ( didnt work), as well as online (didnt work). Yet my account online says its up and running and no calls are going in or out.
Hi, Kevin,
Sorry you’re having some issues, please contact our Customer Support Team and they’ll gladly assist you, thanks a lot!
i cant believe there is no hard copy manual i can buy. very disappointed in tello so far and i havent even activated yet
Hi, Alexandra,
Thanks for your patience. We’re sorry, but we do not have a hard copy of the phone manual.
On our site, you can view & download the device user guide.
Hope everything is ok with you, thanks!
Hi Maria.
I would like to have your service but I Have many questions . I have a new phone and I don’t know which card I should buy SIM CARD od GSM CARD. Where in store can I buy it (in Chicago) How much does it cost ? I checked my phone and it was acceptable by Tello – It is LG serial 350252715844471. I would like econo plan. Please send me adetailed information . Thanks in advance Emilia
Hi, Emilia,
Nice to e-meet you! I’ll do my best to answer your questions, below:
– To join Tello, you need a GSM SIM from us – they are found online-only, order it from our site or Amazon, please
– if your phone is compatible – yay, great that you’ve checked it – please follow these steps:
To get started, simply click here here to join Tello – https://tello.com/account/register
Once you arrive on that start page, we check your coverage and you choose your Plan – this is the economy plan you said you liked: https://tello.com/buy/custom_plans?plan=1000-unlimited
Proceed to Bring Your Own Phone, where you have the option to purchase a Tello GSM SIM. Once you select the option you’d like, you will be guided through the easy purchase process and then, when your package arrives, guided through activation.
Remember, you can always call our Customer Support and talk to a Tello person that will assist you if you need help. Thanks!
Followed instructions: after 30 min processing I installed the new Tello SIM in my Pixel phone, turned on phone, and before home screen was displayed, the phone said “powering off” and turned off. After failing again, I put my old SIM in and powered up fine as usual. Phone was fully charged. Tried new Tello SIM again and same result, after started power on, the phone displayed “powering off” and turned itself off again. Any suggestions?
Please disregard my last comment. I have sorted the problem.
Glad to hear this, Gordon!
The beveled corner of the SIM card can be inserted into the SIM card holder in either of 2 ways: The beveled edge can go in first. The beveled edge can go in last. In both cases, the white label with the logo is in the upright position (i.e. facing away from the electronics below it). I cannot find the beveled edge depicted on any of the photos that accompany SIM card installation. My phone is a Tello NUU F4L. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Randall, maybe this is of some help: https://us.nuumobile.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/F4L-User-Manual-3.pdf. Please make sure that you orient the SIM card to match the diagram on the slot, thanks!
I thank God for Nicole for her patience and desire to help her customer with setting up my new phone. If anyone deserves a raise, it’s her. FYI, I have spoken to about 2 others this month that also were so patient with me but can’t remember their names, sorry.
Thanks Nichole,
Brenda DeVoe
I inserted the SIM card. The display states: “No SIM card detected. Check if SIM card is ready”
Hi Tina,
I know it may sound redundant, but did you try again?
If you’re still having problems with your SIM card, please contact our Customer Support team, they are available 24/7: https://tello.com/contact
Is it possible to activate the card while I am outside the US so that it will be ready to go when I get home?
Hi Arroz,
Unfortunately not. The only way to activate the service is from an area with coverage. So you will have to be in the US to activate it.
I am currently waiting for 2 Sim cards from Tello. One for my phone, one for my wife’s. We live in Canada but are very close to WA state border and cross many times. I want to activate my Tello service by crossing the border which has coverage. Once I have the service activated on both phones, I want to remove the Tello sim cards and re-insert our Canadian carrier cards. I plan to re-insert the Tello sim cards when we cross the WA state border to have my Tello service on our trip to Palm Desert. Is there any issue doing this? I wouldn’t think so. Thanks.
Hi Fred,
You can only activate the SIM while you have coverage, so you will need to do that while crossing the border in WA state.
There’s no problem if you switch SIMs, just make sure you have coverage wherever you want to use the Tello service. You can easily do that through our Coverage page: tello.com/coverage
Hope this helps ;)
My on-line Tello account on my desktop allows me to use the “ACTIVATE SIM” tab. My Tello mobile app won’t permit anything unless I enter my Tello number and a password. Since I won’t have a Tello number until the SIM is installed, I can’t use my mobile app to access my account until I have a Tello number.
My question is: While on line and in “MY TELLO” account from my desktop computer, in Canada, can I activate my SIM using the “ACTIVATE SIM” tab and not need to install the Tello Sim right away? I would install it about an hour later, after I drive to the WA border at Blaine where there is coverage.
Thanks
Fred
Hi Fred,
You can activate the SIM only when you get to Blaine, you don’t need the app or the online account. You only need to insert the SIM and follow the instructions.
I punched out the middle part of the sim card but it is still a little big. I cannot see how I can punch out the smallest micro card. It seems that I would have to cut the blue border off for it to fit. Should I cut it to fit?
Hi Ramon,
Please don’t. You should be able to pull aside the golden/yellow side and insert it into your device.
If you still need help, please let us know, we’re here for you 24/7.
I recently bought a senior flip phone off amazing that isn’t receiving calls and i’m not sure where each sim card goes. It’s the N509 Flip Phone on amazon.
Dear Ivy,
We can see you also contacted our Customer Support team and they informed you that your phone can not be used on our GSM network because the device does not support the minimum network bands required.
In order for your device to be compatible with the Tello GSM network, you need to make sure that it meets the following requirements:
1. Device must be Unlocked
Contact the existing carrier to confirm the locked status of the device.
Locked phones will not work on Tello and we do not lock or unlock any phones later so this needs to be checked by you with your carrier or phone seller BEFORE you proceed with the purchase.
2. Device must support VoLTE (the type of VoLTE compatible with our network).
3. Device must support (at a minimum) the following set of LTE bands;
– Band 2 (1900 MHz)
– Band 4 (2100 MHz)
– Band 12 (700 MHz)
The device specifications or user manual can tell you which bands it supports.
For any device that you have to hand you can check the compatibility on our device checker page at: https://tello.com/bring_your_own_phone
If the device is not accepted, you will receive the “oops” message.
This means that at least 1 of the above requirements has not been met and the device cannot be used on our network.
Remember, you can also purchase a compatible device & Tello GSM SIM from us.
See our selection at: https://tello.com/phones
why my call is not happening ?
We kindly ask you to contact our Customer Support Team for further assistance. We are confident they can assist you with this matter.
Got a android copy of the A24S ultra but tello use is difficult. The phone is from China and was $100 so some issues are expected.