How to switch carriers on iPhone

Is your current carrier charging way too much for service that is just underperforming? Or maybe you just upgraded to the latest iPhone and realized your old plan doesn’t fit your needs anymore. Whatever brought you here, the good news is that switching carriers on iPhone is simpler than it’s ever been. We’ll walk you through the pre-check steps you need to take, the difference between eSIM and physical SIM cards and a step-by-step guide to getting your service up and running on a new network.

The pre-check: Getting your iPhone ready to make the switch

Before you officially say goodbye to your current carrier, you need to make sure your iPhone is actually ready to move. Taking a few minutes to check your device status now will save you from problems later.

First, you have to make sure your iPhone is unlocked. An unlocked phone, if you didn’t know, is what allows it to work on a new network. You can check this by doing the following: 

• Go to Settings > General > About 
• Look for the Carrier Lock section. If it says No SIM restrictions, your phone is not locked and you’re good to go. 
• If you see something else, you’ll need to contact your current carrier to request an unlock. Usually, this just means ensuring the phone is fully paid off so you can avoid any unknown fees.

If you want more help with this, you can take a look at our guide on how to check if your phone is unlocked.

Next, decide if you want to keep your current phone number. If you want to transfer your number, don’t cancel your old service until the move is complete. You’ll need your account number, a Number Transfer PIN and your billing ZIP code, which you can find on your bill or in your current carrier’s online portal. If you need some extra help finding this information, we have a guide that’s got you covered.

If you don’t care about keeping your number, your new carrier will just assign a new one automatically during activation.

Finally, don’t forget to update your security settings. Many banking and Apple ID accounts use two factor authentication. Make sure you have a secondary way to access those accounts before you deactivate your old line so you don’t get locked out.

eSIM or Physical SIM cards: What you need to know

The way we connect to networks is changing. At this point, you have likely decided whether an eSIM or physical SIM card is the right fit for you. However, as an iPhone user, the choice might be more straightforward. If you have iPhone 14 or a newer model, your device is eSIM only. That means there is no slot for a physical SIM card and your plan is downloaded digitally instead. Even if you have an older iPhone, using an eSIM is a positive move because it lets you switch plans instantly without waiting for a piece of plastic to arrive in the mail.

One thing to keep in mind is that you can’t download an eSIM using cellular data. You’ll need to make sure you’re connected to a stable Wi-Fi network before you start the process. Once you’re connected, eSIM makes it incredibly easy to manage multiple lines or switch carriers right from your screen.

How to officially switch your iPhone’s carrier

When you’re ready to make the move, have your account number and Number Transfer PIN ready. If you’re staying on your current iPhone, your new carrier will usually provide a few different ways to get activated.

One common method is using a QR code that your new carrier will provide you. Once you receive it, you’ll just do the following:

• Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM
• Choose the option to Use QR Code and scan the one your new carrier sent to your email.  

Another popular way is using a carrier’s app. For example, if you switch to Mint, you just download our app and tap Activate eSIM to follow the prompts. Sometimes you’ll even see a push notification that says Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to be Installed. You can just tap that alert to auto-install your new plan.

If you’re upgrading to a new iPhone at the same time you switch carriers, you can actually move your service wirelessly. Just bring your old and new iPhones close together with Bluetooth turned on. On the new iPhone, go to:

• Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM
• Choose Transfer From Nearby iPhone and follow the prompts on your old phone to confirm. 

The service moves between devices so you don’t have to mess with any hardware.

Switching doesn’t have to be a headache

Changing phone carriers is easier than most people think. All it takes is the right timing and a little know-how. If you’re still debating whether to make the move, check out our article on what you need to switch phone carriers or our post on how to switch family cell phone plans. If you’re wanting to better customize your iPhone to your liking, we’ve also got tips on how to organize apps on iPhone or even how to turn your iPhone into a dumb phone.

If premium wireless on the T-Mobile network starting at $15/mo* with no gimmicks or overpriced nonsense sounds like your kind of thing, then you should check out Mint Mobile. We offer flexible data plans and affordable options for everyone, including Mint Kids and Mint 55+. If you want to get started, you can take our quiz to get matched with your perfect plan.

_{*Upfront payment of $45 for 3-month plan (equiv. to $15/mo.) req’d. New customer offer for first 3 months only; then full-price plan options available. Taxes & fees extra.}