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Activation for New Mobile Devices

Carriers: AT&T / Verizon / T-Mobile

Before You Activate Your New Mobile Device

Note: If you are transferring your service from personal to Stanford, please listen to and save your voicemails as you will lose your voicemail box. (You will need to set up a new voicemail box with the mobile carrier and set up a new voicemail PIN.)

1. Charge

Plug in and fully charge your new mobile device prior to using the device.

2. Turn on your device

For New Mobile Device and Number:

The new mobile device is assigned a new number that comes activated without having to call in.

For TOL (Transfer of Liability) from Personal to Stanford:

Power on the device and contact our Help Desk at (650) 725-4357, Opt. 3, select 2 for Mobile, and we'll assist with activating your mobile number.

  1. Follow the prompts to select language and region. When asked to choose a Network, you must scroll down to Cellular Data or connect to your local Wi-Fi.

    For Stanford University: If on campus or at the SRWC, DO NOT CHOOSE STANFORD Wi-Fi (your phone must be set up with MDM before adding Stanford's Network). You can use EDUROAM and log in with your SUNet ID and password.

  2. For iPhones and iPads: Please create an Apple ID using your Stanford University, SCH, or SMCH email. Once your Apple ID is created, follow the prompts on your device and choose the options best for your preferences. DO select "Enable Location Services" so that your GPS/Maps will work properly.

If the device was purchased by Stanford, once you activate your new phone, Mobile Device Management (MDM) is preinstalled and will have you sign in via Remote Management for University and SHC clients.

University

For additional information: Visit mdm.stanford.edu on your mobile device web browser.

For additional assistance: Please call 650-725-4357 (5-HELP), Opt. 3, select 1 for paging services or 2 for mobile services.

For new data connect cards

  • If the device comes with a SIM card, snap the SIM card out of the holder and pop it into the Data Connect Card. Some devices come with a SIM card pre-installed into the device.
  • Write down the password for the device (located on the back of the device or under the battery cover).
  • Insert the battery and battery cover into the device and charge.
  • Turn on the device and test the Mobile Hotspot from a device with Wi-Fi capabilities.
  • Find the network name (SSID) and type in the password from Step 2.

Voicemail

You won't receive any voice messages until you set up Visual Voicemail.

  1. Tap Phone > Voicemail > Greeting, then choose one of these options:
    • Custom (to record your message)
    • Default (to use a generic greeting)
  2. Tap Save.
  3. Tap Record when you're ready to start recording.
  4. Tap Stop when you finish recording your message.
  5. To review your recorded message, tap Play.
  6. To re-record your message, repeat the record and stop steps.
  7. Tap Save.

Note: Alternately, you can set up voicemail by pressing and holding the number 1 key.

Signing in

For Stanford University: Device will go into Remote Management. Please proceed with signing in with your SUNet ID and SUNet password.

For iPhones: Your iPhone should now be ready to use. Please make a test call, send an SMS text message, and turn Wi-Fi off and use cellular data.

For iPads: Your new iPad should be activated. Please turn Wi-Fi off, open Safari, and search a website.

If you're still having issues, proceed to Step 3.

For Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, and other Android Devices:

  • Create a Gmail profile for Android use by using your Stanford, SHC, or SMCH email address.
  • For Stanford University: Please follow the instructions via the link below.
    https://uit.stanford.edu/news/effortless-setup-your-new-stanford-android
  • For Samsung users, please create an additional Samsung account using your Stanford University, SHC, or SMCH email.
  • Once your account is created, follow the prompts on your device and choose the options best for your preferences.

Your Android phone should now be ready to use. Please make a test call, send an SMS text message, and turn Wi-Fi off and use cellular data.

3. E-Sim Activations

iPhone:

While setting up your iPhone over Wi-Fi, your eSIM might download automatically or you might be prompted to install a cellular plan. If you have wireless service bars or you can make a call, you're all set.

Still don't have service? Try this:

  • Connect to Wi-Fi.
  • Swipe down from the top of your screen to open your notifications.
  • Choose your "Cellular Plan Ready to be Installed" notification.
  • Select Continue.

Note: If the drop-down menu does not prompt you to install a cellular plan, you may also go to the device's Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM/Activate Cellular.

Samsung smartphone:

Turn on your phone and follow the setup prompts. If you have wireless service bars or you can make a call, you're all set.

Don't have service? Look for a notification to add your eSIM or go to your phone's Settings. Tap Connections, then SIM Manager and Add eSIM.

Google smartphone:

  • Connect to Wi-Fi.
  • Open Settings.
  • Choose Network & Internet.
  • Select the plus sign (+) next to SIMs.
  • Select Download a SIM instead.

Other Android phones:

  • Connect to Wi-Fi.
  • Open Settings and look for Network, Connections, Mobile, or similar.
  • Find the option to download a SIM or eSIM.

Contact & support

Stanford University & Stanford Medicine Children's Health

  • Business hours: Mon–Fri, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m
  •  650-725-4357 (5-HELP), Opt. 3, select 1 for paging services or 2 for mobile services.

Stanford Health Care

  • Business hours: Mon–Fri, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • 4-HELP (650-724-4357), option 4.

Additional resources

You won't receive any voice messages until you set up Visual Voicemail.

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