Got questions?

Q: Can I keep my existing phone number if I bring my own device?

Most phone numbers can be transferred to T-Mobile , but check the transfer eligibility of your existing number before switching to T-Mobile . After you've installed your new T-Mobile SIM, call us at 1-800-937-8997 or visit a T-Mobile store to complete the transfer process. To get started, you'll need the following information: Previous wireless company name Previous wireless account number Previous account PIN Existing phone number We recommend backing up your contacts, voicemail, and text messages before transferring your number to T-Mobile . During the process, you may have dual service for up to 24 hours, meaning your device will be active on both carrier networks. Please do not cancel your previous wireless service until you receive a confirmation text message from T-Mobile saying that the number transfer is complete.

Question 1

How do I check if I can bring my phone to T-Mobile?

Accepted Answer

Using your own phone with T-Mobile is fast, easy, and economical. If you want to bring your own phone, you’ll first need to check if your phone is compatible with the T-Mobile network and see if it’s unlocked. Some phones have network hardware that may not work well with T-Mobile's network. We want you to have a great experience using our network, so if your phone isn’t compatible, we recommend an upgrade to a new T-Mobile phone. If your phone is locked, contact your current carrier to request unlocking.

Question 2

My device is compatible and unlocked. How do I join T-Mobile?

Accepted Answer

Once you know that your phone is compatible and unlocked, follow these steps:

Purchase a T-Mobile SIM card and choose a T-Mobile plan.
Replace the existing SIM card in your phone with the new T-Mobile SIM card. Want help? See video instructions.
Want to keep your existing phone number? After you install the new SIM card, you transfer your number to T-Mobile.

If you have questions, please call 1-800-T-MOBILE or visit your nearest T-Mobile store.

Question 3

What's an IMEI number?

Accepted Answer

The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number is a unique 15-digit number that identifies a specific mobile device. IMEI numbers are issued by the GSM Association, which supports mobile operators and device makers. An IMEI number can be used to determine the device make and model, and whether the device is locked or unlocked. If a device has been lost or stolen, the IMEI can also be used to block it from being used on most carrier networks, including T-Mobile's.

Question 4

Why do you use the IMEI to check network compatibility?

Accepted Answer

Using the IMEI is the fastest and most accurate way for us to determine compatibility with T-Mobile's network and check whether a device is locked or unlocked. Many phones appear to work the same way across different carriers, but they can have significant internal differences with their technology and software. By using your device IMEI, we can better understand the device’s capabilities on our network and see if it’s unlocked.

Question 5

How do I find out if my phone is unlocked?

Accepted Answer

Enter your device’s IMEI into the T-Mobile device compatibility checker at the top of the page, and we’ll check to see if we can determine whether it’s locked or unlocked. In most cases, we can tell a phone’s status, but we can’t guarantee we have information for every device. If we’re not able to determine whether your device is locked or unlocked, you may need to contact the previous carrier.

Question 6

If my device is locked, how do I get it unlocked?

Accepted Answer

If your phone is locked, you’ll have to have it unlocked by the original carrier. In some cases, the phone may have a finance agreement that needs to be paid off before the carrier will unlock it. It may also take a few days to unlock the device.

Question 7

Can I keep my existing phone number if I bring my own device?

Accepted Answer

Most phone numbers can be transferred to T-Mobile, but check the transfer eligibility of your existing number before switching to T-Mobile. After you've installed your new T-Mobile SIM, call us at 1-800-937-8997 or visit a T-Mobile store to complete the transfer process. To get started, you'll need the following information:

Previous wireless company name
Previous wireless account number
Previous account PIN
Existing phone number

We recommend backing up your contacts, voicemail, and text messages before transferring your number to T-Mobile. During the process, you may have dual service for up to 24 hours, meaning your device will be active on both carrier networks. Please do not cancel your previous wireless service until you receive a confirmation text message from T-Mobile saying that the number transfer is complete.

Question 8

What's a SIM card?

Accepted Answer

SIM stands for Subscriber Identity Module. The SIM card is a tiny plastic card with an integrated chip. When you insert it into your device, the SIM card identifies the device to the network. You'll need a T-Mobile SIM card to connect to the T-Mobile network.

Question 9

Will the T-Mobile SIM card work in any device?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the T-Mobile SIM card will fit all GSM phones. The SIM card actually includes adaptors for three different card sizes. When you remove the previous SIM card, you can match it to the correct size T-Mobile SIM. See video instructions on how to replace your SIM.

Question 10

Can I bring other devices like tablets, laptops, and hotspots to T-Mobile?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if your device uses technology that’s compatible with the T-Mobile network. Refer to the device manufacturer’s website for details. If you have questions, take your device to the nearest T-Mobile store and we’ll be happy to help you.

Question 11

How do I bring my phone from AT&T to T-Mobile?

Accepted Answer

First, use the IMEI number to check if your AT&T phone is unlocked and compatible with T-Mobile's network.
If your phone is locked, you can request that it be unlocked at the AT&T Device Unlock Portal.
Once your compatible phone is unlocked, purchase a T-Mobile SIM card and choose a T-Mobile plan.
Replace the existing SIM card in your phone with the new T-Mobile SIM card. See video instructions.

Question 12

How do I bring my phone from Verizon to T-Mobile?

Accepted Answer

First, use the IMEI number to check if your Verizon phone is unlocked and compatible with T-Mobile's network. Most Verizon phones are unlocked, but the phone also needs to be compatible with the T-Mobile Network.
Once your compatible phone is unlocked, purchase a T-Mobile SIM card and choose a T-Mobile plan.
Replace the existing SIM card in your phone with the new T-Mobile SIM card. See video instructions.

Question 13

How do I bring my phone from Sprint to T-Mobile?

Accepted Answer

First, use the IMEI number to check if your Sprint phone is unlocked and compatible with T-Mobile's network.
If your phone is locked, you can learn more about unlocking it here: Unlocking your Sprint device
Be sure to read Sprint's device unlocking FAQs as well.
Once your compatible phone is unlocked, purchase a T-Mobile SIM card and choose a T-Mobile plan.
Replace the existing SIM card in your phone with the new T-Mobile SIM Card. See video instructions.

Trae tu teléfono a T‑Mobile.

Verifica la compatibilidad usando el IMEI de tu teléfono.

¡Buenas noticias!

Estos son los resultados:

Estos son los resultados:

Estos son los resultados:

Estos son los resultados:

Próximo paso

Próximo paso

Da el próximo paso.

Únete a T-Mobile.

Encuentra el plan ideal.

Trae tu teléfono a T‑Mobile.

Verifica la compatibilidad usando el IMEI de tu teléfono.

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Encuentra el número del IMEI de tu teléfono en la configuración de tu teléfono.

¡Buenas noticias!

Estos son los resultados:

Estos son los resultados:

Estos son los resultados:

Estos son los resultados:

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Tecnología clave de la red T-Mobile

Próximo paso

Próximo paso

Da el próximo paso.

Únete a T-Mobile.

Encuentra el plan ideal.