How To Switch Carriers While Keeping Your Phone

Learn how Walmart Family Mobile’s Bring Your Own Phone plan can save you money.

There are a wide range of mobile service providers to choose from, and each carrier – from the big names to the regional options – offers something different. If your current carrier doesn’t measure up to your standards, it may be time to look for a provider that better suits your family’s needs. At the same time, you may not want to give up your trusty smartphone. Keep reading for a few tips on easily changing your mobile carrier without purchasing a new phone.

Quick answer: If you’re looking to save money and switch plans, Walmart Family Mobile has you covered. All you have to do is ensure that your phone uses GSM technology, unlock it, and confirm compatibility with a new carrier.

1. Check whether your phone uses GSM or CDMA technology. GSM devices use SIMs, so they can usually be transferred from network to network without a hassle. CDMA devices, however, used unique electronic codes until the arrival of 4G – when they also opted to use SIMs – so older CDMA phones may require you to get in touch with the customer service reps of your new carrier if you wish to transfer. Only unlocked GSM devices are compatible with Walmart Family Mobile, so make sure to check that your phone uses GSM technology.
2. Unlock your phone. When you purchase a device from a carrier, it’s often locked for use with that specific carrier. You might be able to unlock it if you’ve fully paid for the phone and have satisfied whatever conditions the carrier may have set. Once it’s unlocked, however, you’ll enjoy the same freedom you’d have if you had purchased the device straight from its manufacturer.
3. Confirm compatibility with a new carrier. Many phone carriers feature their own online compatibility checkers, where you can input your phone’s information to see if it’s compatible with that carrier. These valuable tools help streamline the transfer process. To check your phone’s compatibility with Walmart Family Mobile, you can go to MyFamilyMobile.com or textΔ BYOP to 611611.
4. Do your research. Bear in mind that with all the phones and carriers available, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to keeping your device through a carrier switch. Delving into the various resources on the Internet and using the aforementioned compatibility checkers can help bring clarity to the situation.

Switch to Walmart Family Mobile

If you’re eager to switch to Walmart Family Mobile, our Bring Your Own Phone program makes the job easy: just check your device’s compatibility and purchase a BYOP Activation kit. You’ll be enjoying one of our affordable, versatile no-contract service plans in no time.

*Walmart Family Mobile's Bring Your Own Phone plan requires a T-Mobile or unlocked GSM compatible phone, activation kit, and Walmart Family Mobile unlimited service plan. User may need to change the phone’s Access Point Name Settings.

∆By texting keywords to 611611 you are consenting to receive response messages. Standard Message and Data rates may apply. Please refer always to Walmart Family Mobile's Privacy Policy at MyFamilyMobile.com/privacypolicy.