If you want to keep your phone, you need to unlocked it and compatible with a new carrier. You have to port the number with the new carrier. Don't cancel your account until the port is done.

Should you switch carriers?

The network is the most important thing when choosing a cell phone plan. Signing up for a phone plan is not a good idea if you can't use it all the time.

Some rural areas still prefer one carrier over the others, despite the fact that all carriers have made huge strides in recent years. Rural areas tend to have greater coverage for 5G than urban areas. You will need to check out the coverage maps before you sign up.

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If you prefer a carrier's network but not its plans, it's time to check out an alternative. If you want to save money, you should get rid of the features and services you don't need and get a simpler phone plan from the bestMVNOs. If you know that you need the T-Mobile network, you can choose an MVNO that's based on that network.

AT&T is not the cheapest carrier, but it does offer a number of valuable extras, like the unlimited elite plan. Six months of Stadia for free is offered by new lines. If you are eligible, the Signature Program members can save more.

If you want to switch to T-Mobile, you should use a 5G phone. While T-Mobile's network is solid, higher and more consistent speeds are unlocked with a 5G capable device. T-Mobile has a plan for older customers that will save them money.

If you bring the entire family with you, you can likely save more than if everyone uses their own account. Some great deals are available if you sign up for the service.

I don't want my phone to go away.

You can bring your phone if you learn how to switch carriers. One of the best unlocked phones will work with your new carrier's network.

A lot of the new phones are compatible with multiple carriers, meaning that you can swap your phone's sim card for a different one. You need to make sure the phone is unlocked and paid off if you want it to work with a new carrier. You will need to know your password on some networks.

Make sure your phone is compatible.

If your phone will work on your new network, it's time to check. Many phones now work with nearly every carrier, but a few older models, especially those built for the two largest carriers, will not work with other carriers. If you don't check your phone with your preferred carrier, you may be stuck with a phone that is not worth anything. You'll need your phone's IMEI number to check it. The about section of your phone's settings can be found here.

All of the major carriers support bringing a 5G phone as long as you sign up for a plan that supports it, have a phone compatible with its 5G bands, and of course, you should make sure you have 5G coverage in your city.

T-Mobile band 41 5G on Ultra Mobile

Source: Samuel Contreras / Android Central (Image credit: Source: Samuel Contreras / Android Central)

Most unlocked phones on AT&T will work with 3G and 4GLTE with a simple swap of the phone's sim card. All of the information the phone needs to connect to AT&T's network should be carried by the sim card. It is possible that you need to manually enter the settings yourself. This information will be filled automatically in most instances. If you want to make sure your phone is compatible, you can check it on the AT&T website. Some 5G phones won't be allowed by software to connect if you check with AT&T.

AT&T and T-Mobile both have the same process for setting up their networks that works with most phones. If you swap a sim card for a compatible device, you should be able to connect automatically. You can check your phone on the BYOP page. Most 5G phones made for the US market are compatible with T-Mobile's use of the n 71 and n41 bands.

T-Mobile's network and plans are being used to handle all of the services that were previously handled by the company. If you're considering buying a used or unlocked device, make sure it works with T-Mobile's network.

You need to contact customer service if you want to get a T-Mobile sim card for your phone. It's a good idea to go to a store to make sure the new sim card is activated correctly.

You can still check on your phone's compatibility on the Bring Your Own device page, even though the network is a little less pickier. If that's the case, you'll need a sim card from the other side of the country. If the phone supports the n5 DSS 5G bands, it can be unlocked and used on the network. It's the easiest way to find out if it's true.

If you bring your old phone to a new carrier, make sure it is unlocked and paid off.

Don't owe your provider anything.

OnePlus 10 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

(Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)

You might not be able to take the phone with you if you don't have a carrier lock it on. The first thing to look out for is that you are not making payments. You will need to buy a new phone if you are. If you leased your phone through the manufacturer, this shouldn't apply.

You can check with your current carrier to see if you have any outstanding fees that need to be paid.

  • AT&T: (800) 331-0500 or 611 from your AT&T phone
  • T-Mobile or Sprint: (800) 937-8997 or 611 from your T-Mobile phone
  • Verizon: (800) 922-0204 or 611 from your Verizon phone

You can get a new phone number by opening a new account with your new provider.

I would like to keep my number.

You can transfer your number to your new carrier. Don't cancel your service until the port is done.

Do you have your account information?

Your old account information is needed to complete the transfer. The account holder's name, billing address, and Social Security number will be required. This information will be used to request your number.

You can check your port eligibility with each carrier. The rest of the procedure will be completed with your new carrier. When you start your new service, you may have to pay a fee.