Patent ID: 8855617

Claim:
A computer-implemented method for activating a new wireless service account for an electronic device using a host device, the method comprising: detecting that the electronic device is connected to the host device; determining that the electronic device is not associated with an existing wireless service account and is operating in a limited use mode; receiving device information from the electronic device, wherein the device information comprises information about a hardware component of the electronic device, which is used by the electronic device for authentication with wireless networks; in response to determining, performing an activation of the new wireless service account for the electronic device by: acquiring, from a customer associated with the electronic device, information pertaining to the customer, receiving, from the customer, a selection of a service plan, receiving, from the customer, billing information for payment of the service plan, and activating the new wireless service account based on the customer information, the service plan, and the billing information; and upon verifying that the new wireless service account is activated: generating, based on the received device information, an activation identifier, and providing the activation identifier to the electronic device, wherein the activation identifier is stored by the electronic device, and enables the electronic device to subsequently operate in a non-limited use mode, wherein the host device is a personal computer, and the method is performed by a media management application operating at the personal computer.