The ultimate guide to switching from AT&T to Mint Mobile

So you’re ready to kick AT&T to the curb and start saving with Mint Mobile. We certainly can’t wait to have you join the Mint fam, so we put together this quick guide that covers the “why” and “how” for switching carriers from AT&T to Mint Mobile (because we’ve already determined that the “who, what and when” are you, switching to Mint and ASAP).

Why switch from AT&T to Mint Mobile?

Well, you’ve had AT&T service, and you’re reading this blog, so it’s safe to assume you’re looking to change things up. Can’t say we’re surprised. But why go with Mint? Let us count the ways. Or at least organize them in a convenient bulleted list. Once you truly compare Mint Mobile vs AT&T, we’re confident you’ll want to make the switch.

New Customer Cost

• First thing’s first, how’s that AT&T bill? Now consider that Mint Mobile’s new customer plans start at $15/month,* and you can get a single line of our unlimited plan** for $30/month.

5G Coverage

• Mint Mobile runs on the T-Mobile network, which currently provides 5G coverage to 98% of Americans and 4G LTE coverage to 99% of Americans.†

No Monthly Bills

• Say bye-bye to monthly bills. Mint Mobile offers service in bulk, meaning you purchase 3, 6, or 12 months of service at a time.

Exceptional Customer Service

• You hope you won’t need customer service very often, but when you do, you want it to be great. Mint Mobile’s Care Team has an average hold time under 90 seconds. Yeah, that’s shorter than most commercial breaks. And over 96% of Mint subscribers who call our Care Team and respond to our post-call survey have given them a “Highly Satisfied” ranking.‡

Flexible Family Plan Options

• Our Mint Family plan allows you to manage 2 – 5 lines of service, each with their own preferred data amount, giving you the flexibility to pay for just the data you need.

How do I switch from AT&T to Mint Mobile?

Whether you’re wanting to make a clean break from AT&T (new phone, new number and maybe some new kicks with the money you save) or you want to keep your current phone and number (but maybe still new kicks because why not), switching to Mint Mobile is even easier than you might think.

1.) Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP) or get a new one

• If you want to bring your own phone to Mint Mobile, you just gotta make sure it’s paid off, unlocked and compatible with our network. We’ve got a whole compatibility checker thingy that can help.

• If you want to get a new phone, either because your current one isn’t compatible with our network or you’re just in the mood for an upgrade, we offer all the latest & greatest smartphones with great deals when you bundle them with a Mint Mobile phone plan.

2.) Bring your phone number or get a new one

• If you want to bring your phone number with you (to avoid having to send a “this is my new number” text to everyone in your contact list), you can easily transfer your current number to Mint Mobile from AT&T during the activation process. (The following instructions are for switching from AT&T Wireless; if you’re on AT&T Prepaid, there are different instructions to follow to transfer your number to Mint.)

• Make sure your AT&T account is still active until the number transfers over to Mint. If you cancel your AT&T account early, you could permanently lose the number; and if you’re moving multiple lines over, make sure to move the primary account holder’s number over last for the same reason.
  • You might also need to disable number lock on your number to bring it over:
    • Open the myAT&T app
    • Select Services at the bottom
    • Select Mobile Security, scroll down to and select Wireless Account Lock
    • Scroll down to and select Continue
    • Find the account you want to transfer and swipe to unlock

• You’ll need your billing address (including ZIP code), AT&T account number and AT&T Number Transfer PIN to bring the number over
  • To find your account number, look in the top-right corner of your bill, or go to myAT&T Profile and scroll to My linked accounts.
  • To request your Number Transfer PIN, dial *PORT, or use the myAT&T app or myAT&T online portal. FirstNet and Family plan members must use the app or online portal to transfer.
    • NOTE: Be sure to not disconnect your AT&T service before requesting your Number Transfer PIN or you’ll have to reactivate your phone number with AT&T
  • Additional Information:
    • Due to recent changes in their number transfer process, AT&T has added fraud protection to all accounts, and will send you a text to confirm your transfer request. All you need to do is reply to this text in order for your number to be released.
    • AT&T employees can’t generate a Number Transfer PIN on your behalf, so please don’t bother trying to get one via their customer service line.

• If you want a new phone number, then all you need to do is provide us with your home ZIP code at activation so we can generate one based on it.

3.) Choose your plan

• Browse our deals if you’re looking for a new phone and a phone plan, or just check out our new customer offer if you’re planning to bring your phone over from AT&T. It’s all done here on the website – no stores, no salespeople and no extra overhead. Just more wireless savings for you.

4.) Download the Mint Mobile app and activate your plan

• We made it super easy to make the switch with the Mint Mobile app. Once you have your Mint Mobile SIM kit in hand, all you gotta do is download the app from the App Store or Google Play and follow the instructions. With the app you can choose to bring your number over from AT&T or get a new one, create your Mint Mobile account and build your Mint Family if you’re bringing over multiple lines. (If you want more info on how to activate your Mint Mobile plan – we got you.)

Also, once you’ve officially joined the movemint, the Mint Mobile app will allow you to monitor your data usage, make any plan changes, and help you earn Mint Credit by rescuing other friends from AT&T via our Refer a Friend program.

We also offer Activation Support from our MINTech Advisors. With Activation Support, you’ll receive full assistance activating your plan(s) and getting your number transferred over from AT&T. We’ll even jump on the phone with you to call AT&T and let them know you’re canceling your service with them.

What about my contract with AT&T?

If you’re still locked in a contract with AT&T, you may want to wait it out to avoid paying an early termination fee. We get it, we’re all about saving money, too. But if the early termination fee is less than what you’ll end up paying overtime by sticking with AT&T, then maybe it’s time to cut and run now. This may also include paying off the balance on your phone so you can get it unlocked, if you’re planning to bring it to Mint Mobile. And if your contract is almost up, you should know our SIM cards have a 45-day shelf life. This means you can purchase a Mint Mobile plan now, and wait up to 45 days to activate it.

Congratulations, you’ve now completed “Switching from AT&T to Mint Mobile” 101. There is no final exam, and we don’t have a certificate to give you or anything like that, but we do have savings. You’ve definitely earned those savings.

Originally published August 2022; Updated September 2024.

* New activation & upfront payment for 3-month plan req’d. Taxes & fees extra. Addt’l restrictions apply. See terms.

** Data speeds reduced during network congestion or after monthly allotment of 5G and/or 4G LTE access. Certain data-intensive activities including online gaming, file downloads/uploads, and video streaming, may be limited and/or inaccessible on network after 40GB on Unlimited Plan. Videos stream at ~480p.

†5G access req’s capable device & SIM w/in appropriate coverage area. Actual availability, speed & coverage may vary.

‡As of August 2024.