Cannot create an account with my phone number. Says it is incorrerct or already in use.

[joshm]

I am trying to create an official Public Mobile account but when I tried to use my current phone number it said that I either entered it incorrectly or that it is already used by another account. I know that I have not created any accounts before because I just discovered this site today and I know for a fact that I entered it in correctly in the standard (XXX)-XXX-XXXX format but without any dashes or brackets. I'm not sure what to do so I made a community account so I could at least get support and create a real account.

[joshm]

Ah yeah this was where I was confused. Thank you for clearing it up!

[Nezgar]

Just wanted to add that I was also confused by this back when I first signed up. The first step is actually to visit the activation site with your SIM card in hand.

https://activate.publicmobile.ca/

An account and login for self-serve are created as part of the process.

But first you need a SIM card. $10 from Public Mobile Directly, or $3.44 from these guys:

https://canadiancellsupplies.com/collections/sim-cards/products/public-sim-card

Lastly, when you sign up youll get a one-time $10 credit if you enter someone elses referral code.

Cheers!

[jprender]

I sort of had this problem. I deactivated my account with Virgin before porting my number over and lost my phone number, so I wasn't able to make an account (or get service for that matter). 

Have you purchased a sim card? Have you activated yet? Is your account still up with your past service provider? 

If you're still having trouble I'd recommend submitting a ticket to a moderator. Worst case scenario is that you'll have to get a new phone number.

[gpixel]

@joshm there is a promo for $10 off for 6 months for plans $35+ sign up if you're interested. here is the link 

https://www.publicmobile.ca/en/on/fs2020

promo ends today

[joshm]

Awesome, thank you for linking those.

[joshm]

Perfect, thank you.

[gblackma · Accepted solution]

@joshm  

Here's 4 articles on activation and porting and the Refer a friend reward  if you need them:

1. What you require to activate https://www.publicmobile.ca/en/bc/get-help/articles/what-you-need-to-activate
2.How to activate https://www.publicmobile.ca/en/bc/get-help/articles/activation-account-set-up
3.How to port https://www.publicmobile.ca/en/bc/get-help/articles/choose-your-phone-number
4. Refer a friend https://www.publicmobile.ca/en/on/get-help/articles/the-refer-a-friend-reward

Ignore number 3. Since you will choose a new number. Or look at at if you decide to bring over the Bell one. Welcome to PM.  Stay safe 

[geopublic]

@joshm  During activation of the sim you can port in your Bell number if you wish. Just have the Bell account number, name on the account and Bell phone number ready.

[joshm]

Ah ok I see. So once I go and buy the PM SIM card I can get things going. I thought I could try to set stuff up before hand but I see what I have to do now. Thank you.

[gpixel]

@joshm yes, if you're not attached to your current number you can choose a new one. you would have to cancel your plan from bell yourself 

[joshm]

Oh yes I am. I guess I didn't read the requirement close enough because it says "use your Public Mobile Phone Number". So if I go and get the SIM card and activate it under this website I should receive a new Phone Number? If I do this will I have to cancel my old Bell plan myself? I was told adding my old phone number on a new plan would automatically cancel it but if I'm using a different number I feel like I'd have to cancel it myself (which is not a problem).

[geopublic]

@joshm  in order to create a Public Mobile selfserve account you need to activate a PM sim card first. Is that what you are trying to do?

[joshm]

My previous provider is Bell but they told me if I wanted to switch providers all I had to do was set up a plan using my current phone number and they should take care of deactivating my old plans when they set up my new plans. I'm not trying to port anything, just create a Public Mobile account.

[gblackma]

@joshm welcome to PM.  Are you trying to port a Koodo prepaid or PC number?  Thanks. If you are, you need to actvate with a temporary cell phone number and contact the moderators to port your number. Stay safe. 

[gpixel]

@joshm you can contact customer support here

https://www.publicmobile.ca/en/bc/get-help/articles/contact-a-moderator

make sure to check your inbox(top right corner envelope icon) periodically, for a message

Moderators are available from Monday to Friday from 8AM to Midnight EST and from