You've been considering switching cell phone carriers, but you aren't sure how to go about it. It may seem complicated, but it's easy to switch carriers and save money. In what follows, I'll show you how to switch to T-Mobile.
Why Switch to T-Mobile?
When it comes to finding the right cell phone carrier, coverage and price are two important elements. If you're not getting good coverage and you're paying a ton for your plan, why stick around? Switching to T-Mobile might be able to get you better coverage for less.
Switching to T-Mobile Can Get You Better Coverage
If you switch to T-Mobile, you might be able to get better coverage, depending on where you live. You can check if T-Mobile covers your area by using our coverage comparison map. Keep in mind that if your current carrier uses T-Mobile's wireless network, switching to T-Mobile won't get you better coverage because you'd still be on the same network.
T-Mobile — A Reliable Wireless Carrier
T-Mobile recently acquired Sprint, combining both to create one of the most powerful and reliable networks in the nation. They offer excellent customer service and a very positive user experience, when compared to other carriers, so you're definitely getting your money's worth if you switch.
Pick a T-Mobile Plan
Before you switch, you'll need to choose a T-Mobile plan, but which one should you pick? UpPhone's plan comparison tool can help you find the plan that best fits your needs and budget. Use the filters above the tool to search by carrier, monthly data, lines, and more.
You can also compare plans against one another to see the differences more easily. Just click compare to add them to the comparison pane. You can open the comparison pane by clicking, or tapping, on the plus sign in the lower right-hand corner of the screen.
Make Sure Your Phone Is Carrier Unlocked
Your phone won't be able to operate on another wireless network if it's carrier locked. Before you switch to T-Mobile, you should carrier unlock your phone, if you're going to bring it to the network.
Carrier unlocking a device is different for every carrier, but each one usually has some guidelines for this process. They typically want you to make sure your account dues are paid in full and to have been using their service for a certain period of time. Your device also can't be involved with theft or fraud.
Occasionally, your carrier might have an online form that you can fill out. More often than not, you'll have to call their customer service number to ask for the device to be unlocked. If you're lucky, some carriers even automatically carrier unlock your phone once it becomes eligible.
Check Compatibility with T-Mobile
To see if your phone can be used with T-Mobile,
- Use T-Mobile's compatibility tool to see if your phone is carrier unlocked and compatible with T-Mobile's network.
- Find your phone's IMEI number, you'll need it for the compatibility form.
- As long as your cell phone is carrier unlocked and compatible with T-Mobile's network, you'll be able to keep your device! If your phone isn't compatible, you'll need to get a new one.
Applies To: iPhone 7, iPhone 7+
Your phone might not be compatible with T-Mobile's network, but you can check using this page. However, you're going to need an IMEI number first.
An IMEI number, or international mobile equipment identity number, is a unique number associated with your device. You can find it by dialing #06#, or by heading to the About Phone settings on your Android or iPhone.
Where to Find IMEI On Android
You can find IMEI on your Android by going into your Settings. Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the gear icon, then slide down to the bottom of the list to find About phone. Your IMEI number will be here.
Where to Find IMEI on iPhone
You can find your IMEI number by going to Settings -> General -> About.
Choose the Right Time to Switch to T-Mobile
It's not a good idea to cancel your plan before your contract is up, or in the middle of your monthly data cycle. However, T-Mobile is willing to pay off your contract's early termination fees, so you don't have to worry about finishing your contract.
Make sure you leave a few days before the end of your monthly data cycle to cancel your old plan. This will give you time to transfer everything, like your phone number, over smoothly.
Keep Your Number When You Switch
It's easy to keep your number when you switch to T-Mobile. On their bring-your-own-phone page, you can get a T-Mobile SIM card and call T-Mobile to get your number switched over. However, make sure that you don't cancel your old plan until this transfer is complete.
Deals When You Switch
To encourage you to switch to their network, T-Mobile makes it possible to save up to 50%, and you can get up to $450 back. This can help you pay for activation fees, so it costs you pretty much nothing to switch. Also, don't forget, T-Mobile is willing to pay any early termination fees, so you can easily get out of your current contract.
T-Mobile has a great page to show you how much you can save here, and you can compare these savings against your current plan.
You've Switched to T-Mobile!
Now you're ready to switch to T-Mobile. I hope this article has helped you realize that getting better coverage doesn't have to mean spending a ton of money. Thank you for reading, and if you have any questions about switching cell phone carriers, please leave a comment below.
