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

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.

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

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.

What's an IMEI number?

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 .

Why do you use the IMEI to check network compatibility?

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.

How do I find out if my phone is unlocked?

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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 .

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

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 .

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

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 .

How do I submit for my Virtual Express Prepaid Mastercard?

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.

Love your phone? Bring it to T-Mobile.

Bring your phone to T‑Mobile.

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.

How to keep your phone & number when you switch:

Unlocked, compatible device, SIM & qualifying service req'd. Check your warranty and current wireless carrier contract to confirm ability to unlock your device.

Make sure your phone is unlocked.

Not sure if your phone is unlocked and ready to use on the T-Mobile network? Give your current carrier a call to check.

Make sure your phone is compatible.

We use your phone’s unique ID number to ensure you’ll have a great experience on our network.

Check compatibility

Buy a T-Mobile SIM card & pick a plan.

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.

Buy a SIM card Check out our plans

Keep your personal data & phone number.

We’ll show you how to keep all your contacts, photos, and more. Plus, we’ll help you transfer your number too.

Back up my phone

Get started now.

Once you’re sure your phone is unlocked and compatible. The next step is to get a T-Mobile SIM card.

Buy a SIM card

Check compatibility with your phone's IMEI.

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.

Good news!

You should have a great experience using your own phone with T-Mobile—it has features that typically perform well on our network.

Here are your results:

The phone is missing some of the key features that provide a great experience on the T-Mobile network.

Here are your results:

This phone does not have the key features needed for use on our network.

Here are your results:

We are not able to determine your phone’s compatibility with our network.

Here are your results:

We are unable to check your device’s compatibility at this time. Please try again later.

Device Name Not Available

IMEI: {{vm.byodCheckResModel.IMEI}}

It's well equipped to take advantage of our network technology, like Extended Range LTE and VoLTE. Tell Me More
Your device's outstanding balance needs to be paid before this device can be used with T-Mobile. Please call Customer Care to resolve.
This phone is unlocked and ready to use on the T-Mobile network.
This phone is locked to the {{vm.byodCheckResModel.CarrierName}}. To bring this phone to T-Mobile, you'll need to contact {{vm.byodCheckResModel.CarrierName}} customer service and request unlocking.
This phone is not blocked—it’s ready to use on the T-Mobile network.
This phone is blocked. Contact {{vm.byodCheckResModel.CarrierName}} for the phone’s status.
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.

This phone doesn't support one of the following technologies: Extended Range LTE or Voice over LTE.
Tell Me More
Your device's outstanding balance needs to be paid before this device can be used with T-Mobile. Please call Customer Care to resolve.
This phone is unlocked and ready to use on the T-Mobile network.
This phone is locked to the {{vm.byodCheckResModel.CarrierName}}. To bring this phone to T-Mobile, you'll need to contact {{vm.byodCheckResModel.CarrierName}} Customer service and request unlocking.
This phone is not blocked—it’s ready to use on the T-Mobile network.
This phone is blocked. Contact {{vm.byodCheckResModel.CarrierName}} for the phone’s status.
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.

Your phone doesn't support Extended Range LTE or Voice over LTE technology. Tell Me More
Your device's outstanding balance needs to be paid before this device can be used with T-Mobile. Please call Customer Care to resolve.
This phone is unlocked.
This phone is locked to the {{vm.byodCheckResModel.CarrierName}} network.
This phone is not blocked.
This phone is blocked. Contact {{vm.byodCheckResModel.CarrierName}} for the phone’s status.
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.

Your device's outstanding balance needs to be paid before this device can be used with T-Mobile. Please call Customer Care to resolve.
This phone is unlocked.
This phone is locked to the {{vm.byodCheckResModel.CarrierName}} network.
This phone is not blocked.
This phone is blocked. Contact {{vm.byodCheckResModel.CarrierName}} for the phone’s status.

Next Step

Get a T-Mobile SIM Starter Kit and choose a plan.

Once your phone is unlocked, get a T-Mobile SIM Starter Kit and choose a plan.

This phone is blocked. We recommend upgrading to a new T-Mobile phone for the best experience.

Once your phone is unlocked, get a T-Mobile SIM Starter Kit and choose a plan

Next Step

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.

There are many ways to save when you join T-Mobile.

A man and woman laughing on magenta background

See how to save up to 50%

Switch your family from AT&T or Verizon to our Essentials plan, bring your phones, and get up to $700 back to pay off each eligible device.

Learn more

Up to $700 via virtual prepaid cards for eligible device payoff; allow 15 days. See full terms

See how to save up to 50%

Switch your family from AT&T or Verizon to our Essentials plan, bring your phones, and get up to $700 back to pay off each eligible device.

Limited-time offer; subject to change. Savings based on T-Mobile’s analysis of postpaid smartphone bills at AT&T and Verizon compared to Essentials with 3rd line free plus financed device payoff. Rate plan features, taxes/fees, and savings may vary. Line Free via monthly bill credits. Free new line for accounts with 2 to 11 voice lines; plus taxes & fees for accounts currently paying for a T-Mobile wireless line with additional taxes & fees. Qualifying credit and Magenta, Essentials, ONE, Simple Choice, or Business Unlimited plan required. Credits may take up to 2 bill cycles; credits will stop if you cancel any lines. Limit 1 offer per account. Device Payoff: Qualifying device, credit, service, and Verizon or AT&T port-in required. AT&T customers must unlock device before port-out; ask us how. Device balance (incl. lease purchase option) up to $450 paid by virtual prepaid MasterCard® Card (no cash access & expires in 6 months) which you can use online or in-store via accepted mobile payment apps, typically within 15 days. Tax excluded. Submit proof of balance & 90+ days in good standing with carrier within 30 days of port-in and be active and in good standing when processed; allow up to 15 days. We might ask for more information. Up to 5 lines. One offer per subscriber. T-Mobile Prepaid MasterCard Card is rebate/reimbursement or exchange on port-in; for any tax implications, consult a tax advisor. No money has been paid by you for the card. Card is issued by Sunrise Banks N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard is a registered trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Use of this card constitutes acceptance of the terms and conditions stated in the Cardholder Agreement. $250 Port-In Credit: Limited-time offer; subject to change. Qualifying credit, device, service, and port-in from AT&T, Verizon, US Cellular, Claro, Spectrum, or Xfinity required. Complete port-in and register code within 30 days of activation. If you have cancelled voice lines in past 90 days, reactivate them first. Get $250 rebate via virtual prepaid Mastercard® Card, which you can use online, or in-store via accepted mobile payment apps; no cash access & expires in 6 months. Card is issued by Sunrise Banks N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard is a registered trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Use of this card constitutes acceptance of the terms and conditions stated in the Cardholder Agreement. Must be active and in good standing when card is processed. Allow 6-8 weeks from fulfillment of offer requirements. Max 4/account. May not be combined with some offers or discounts (e.g., Carrier Freedom).

Still on contract? We’ll pay it off.

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.

Learn more

Qual'g credit required; card typically takes 15 days. See full terms