It’s easy and affordable to switch. Simply follow the steps below and use our IMEI checker to make sure your phone can give you a great network experience.
Unlocked, compatible device, SIM & qualifying service req'd. Check your warranty and current wireless carrier contract to confirm ability to unlock your device.
Not sure if your phone is unlocked and ready to use on the T‑Mobile network? Give your current carrier a call to check.
We use your phone’s unique ID number to ensure you’ll have a great experience on our network.
You’ll need a SIM card to use your phone on the T‑Mobile network. Choose one of our benefit-packed plans and buy a SIM card.
We’ll show you how to keep all your contacts, photos, and more. Plus, we’ll help you transfer your number too.
Every phone has a unique number—15 digits that tells you the make, model, and if it’s ready to use on our network. Most phones are compatible.
IMEI STATUS CHECK: Dial *#06# to get your phone's IMEI, or find it in phone settings.
You should have a great experience using your own phone with T‑Mobile—it has features that typically perform well on our network.
Once your phone is unlocked, get a T‑Mobile SIM Starter Kit and choose a plan
T‑Mobile cannot and does not guarantee the functionality or performance of any handsets or devices that were not sold by T‑Mobile or an authorized dealer of T‑Mobile (“Non-T‑Mobile Devices”) for use on the T‑Mobile network, or that do not have a software version sold or updated by T‑Mobile (e.g., rooted devices). We are not able to test Non-T‑Mobile Devices’ call quality, performance, data speed, feature compatibility, or other functionalities, so please be aware some experiences may vary greatly depending on, e.g., the settings from the customer’s original carrier. We strongly recommend that customers contact the manufacturers of their Non-T‑Mobile Devices with any questions or problems regarding the functionality, operation, or performance of their Non-T‑Mobile Devices.
The phone is missing some of the key features that provide a great experience on the T‑Mobile network.
Once your phone is unlocked, get a T‑Mobile SIM Starter Kit and choose a plan
T‑Mobile cannot and does not guarantee the functionality or performance of any handsets or devices that were not sold by T‑Mobile or an authorized dealer of T‑Mobile (“Non-T‑Mobile Devices”) for use on the T‑Mobile network, or that do not have a software version sold or updated by T‑Mobile (e.g., rooted devices). We are not able to test Non-T‑Mobile Devices’ call quality, performance, data speed, feature compatibility, or other functionalities, so please be aware some experiences may vary greatly depending on, e.g., the settings from the customer’s original carrier. We strongly recommend that customers contact the manufacturers of their Non-T‑Mobile Devices with any questions or problems regarding the functionality, operation, or performance of their Non-T‑Mobile Devices.
This phone does not have the key features needed for use on our network.
Once your phone is unlocked, get a T‑Mobile SIM Starter Kit and choose a plan
T‑Mobile cannot and does not guarantee the functionality or performance of any handsets or devices that were not sold by T‑Mobile or an authorized dealer of T‑Mobile (“Non-T‑Mobile Devices”) for use on the T‑Mobile network, or that do not have a software version sold or updated by T‑Mobile (e.g., rooted devices). We are not able to test Non-T‑Mobile Devices’ call quality, performance, data speed, feature compatibility, or other functionalities, so please be aware some experiences may vary greatly depending on, e.g., the settings from the customer’s original carrier. We strongly recommend that customers contact the manufacturers of their Non-T‑Mobile Devices with any questions or problems regarding the functionality, operation, or performance of their Non-T‑Mobile Devices.
This phone does not have the key features needed for use on our network.
Once your phone is unlocked, get a T‑Mobile SIM Starter Kit and choose a plan
T‑Mobile cannot and does not guarantee the functionality or performance of any handsets or devices that were not sold by T‑Mobile or an authorized dealer of T‑Mobile (“Non-T‑Mobile Devices”) for use on the T‑Mobile network, or that do not have a software version sold or updated by T‑Mobile (e.g., rooted devices). We are not able to test Non-T‑Mobile Devices’ call quality, performance, data speed, feature compatibility, or other functionalities, so please be aware some experiences may vary greatly depending on, e.g., the settings from the customer’s original carrier. We strongly recommend that customers contact the manufacturers of their Non-T‑Mobile Devices with any questions or problems regarding the functionality, operation, or performance of their Non-T‑Mobile Devices.
We are not able to tell if this phone is unlocked. Contact the original carrier to find out if your phone’s locked or visit a T‑Mobile store to discover its status. We can't unlock phones from other networks.
Once your phone is unlocked, get a T‑Mobile SIM Starter Kit and choose a plan
T‑Mobile cannot and does not guarantee the functionality or performance of any handsets or devices that were not sold by T‑Mobile or an authorized dealer of T‑Mobile (“Non-T‑Mobile Devices”) for use on the T‑Mobile network, or that do not have a software version sold or updated by T‑Mobile (e.g., rooted devices). We are not able to test Non-T‑Mobile Devices’ call quality, performance, data speed, feature compatibility, or other functionalities, so please be aware some experiences may vary greatly depending on, e.g., the settings from the customer’s original carrier. We strongly recommend that customers contact the manufacturers of their Non-T‑Mobile Devices with any questions or problems regarding the functionality, operation, or performance of their Non-T‑Mobile Devices.
We are not able to determine your phone’s compatibility with our network.
Once your phone is unlocked, get a T‑Mobile SIM Starter Kit and choose a plan
T‑Mobile cannot and does not guarantee the functionality or performance of any handsets or devices that were not sold by T‑Mobile or an authorized dealer of T‑Mobile (“Non-T‑Mobile Devices”) for use on the T‑Mobile network, or that do not have a software version sold or updated by T‑Mobile (e.g., rooted devices). We are not able to test Non-T‑Mobile Devices’ call quality, performance, data speed, feature compatibility, or other functionalities, so please be aware some experiences may vary greatly depending on, e.g., the settings from the customer’s original carrier. We strongly recommend that customers contact the manufacturers of their Non-T‑Mobile Devices with any questions or problems regarding the functionality, operation, or performance of their Non-T‑Mobile Devices.
We are unable to check your device’s compatibility at this time. Please try again later.
Once your phone is unlocked, get a T‑Mobile SIM Starter Kit and choose a plan
Once you’re sure your phone is unlocked and compatible. The next step is to get a T‑Mobile SIM card.
Get up to $450 back for each phone via virtual prepaid card when you bring your AT&T or Verizon devices to T‑Mobile.
Qual'g credit required; card typically takes 15 days. See full terms
Get a new phone and we’ll pay off your current phone and service contracts—up to $650 per line or $350 in early termination feeds, via virtual prepaid card and trade-in credit.
Qual'g credit required; card typically takes 15 days. See full terms
Discover the benefits of joining T‑Mobile and get answers to all your questions.
Once you know that your phone is compatible and unlocked, follow these steps:
If you have questions, please call 1-800-T-MOBILE or visit your nearest T-Mobile store.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
Sign up for T-Mobile ID and submit for the rebate for each line brought (ported-in) over within 14 days of activation at: https://t-mobile.com/promotions using promo code: 2020SWITCH1. Have your device IMEI ready when submitting for your rebate (dial *#06# to retrieve). Please ensure you accurately enter your IMEI as incorrectly entered IMEI's can lead to your rebate submission being denied.
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.
