How to switch phone carriers and keep your phone

Switching phone carriers can seem like a daunting choice, especially with big wireless offering things like “free” phones and “free” streaming services, or bundles that just make your monthly bill higher in the long run. Especially when all you might be wondering is how to switch phone carriers and keep your phone. 

Well, luckily, it’s actually easy as fox to bring your phone when you switch carriers. Some carriers call it BYOD, or bring your own device, while we call it BYOP for bring your own phone. And it’s as fun as BYOB. We’ll tell you how to BYOP below. 

Can I keep my phone if I switch carriers? 

Ohhh, yeah. Just make sure your phone checks off these boxes:

• Confirm your phone is unlocked
• Make sure your phone is compatible with your potential carrier’s network
• Make sure you’ve paid off any outstanding payments
  • Although it’s actually possible to switch when you still owe money, if you pay any outstanding payments before you do, it could make the process a little easier for you

How do I transfer my phone to a new carrier?

Here are a few things you may need to do before you transfer your phone to a new carrier.

• Settle any existing phone payments on your current contract to avoid unexpected fees.
  
• You may need to pay early termination fees—which are a total bummer, but a small fee might help you save more money in the long run. Or you can also learn how to switch phone carriers without paying.
  
• If you also want to transfer your current phone number to your new carrier, gather all the important information you may need from your current provider. Your new carrier needs this information to verify your identity and your phone’s eligibility for the transfer. This includes your account number, PIN or Number Transfer PIN and billing ZIP code.

Following the steps mentioned can make sure you avoid any disruptions while transferring your phone, so you don’t miss out on important calls (or your Snap streak). 

I’m switching carriers, can I keep my phone number? 

Don’t lose that number you’ve had since middle school. You can totally keep your phone number when you switch carriers. This is called port-in and port-out. It’s a port-out from your current carrier and a port-in to your new carrier. It helps you more seamlessly transfer carriers, without having to update your entire contacts list on your new number. 
Btw it’s sanctioned by the FCC, so you know it’s legit.

Now that we’ve answered the question of “can you switch phone carriers and keep the same phone?”, you may be wondering how long it takes to switch carriers or if you can switch carriers if you owe money. 
Or maybe you’re wondering which carrier to switch to. In that case, we have a few questions for you. Did you know we run on the nation’s largest 5G network and provide 5G coverage to 98% of Americans and 4G LTE coverage to 99% of Americans?** And that we have flexible plans and make it totally easy to switch? Cuz we do. So if you’re not wondering what’s the catch…go ahead and tap that button below to see if your phone is compatible. (Spoiler alert: most phones are).

_{*https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/porting-keeping-your-phone-number-when-you-change-providers}

_{**5G and/or 4G LTE access req’s capable device w/in appropriate coverage area. Actual availability, speed & coverage may vary.}