How To Switch From AT&T To T-Mobile

You're looking to switch to T-Mobile from AT&T, but you're not sure how. Switching can be complicated, but we're here to help! In this article, I'll show you how to switch from AT&T to T-Mobile.

Why Switch To T-Mobile?

There are a lot of reasons why you might want to switch to T-Mobile. T-Mobile has a great nationwide network and was the first carrier to implement nationwide low-band 5G. They also have the highest-rated customer service in the industry, in-part because of their great customer rewards program called T-Mobile Tuesdays.

T-Mobile will also be the first major carrier to make mid-band 5G widely available throughout the country. Mid-band 5G is highly anticipated because it has the ideal balance between speed, strength, and availability. It could be a long time before AT&T's 5G network catches up.

When you switch from AT&T, T-Mobile may reimburse your for any early termination fees you may accrue by breaking your contract.

Know Your Plan

Before you switch, you need to figure a few things out. Most importantly, you'll have to determine which cell phone plan you want from T-Mobile. You can use our cell phone plan comparison tool to find the T-Mobile plan that fits your budget and needs.

At the top of the screen above the tool, you can use the filters to sort by price, data, and other special features. You can also compare the plans against one another to see the differences between them.

Unlock Your AT&T Phone

If you're planning on using your AT&T phone on T-Mobile's network, you'll first need to make sure that it's unlocked. To do so, you have to submit an unlock request form from their website. You also need to make sure that you're eligible by following AT&T's criteria:

• Your phone can't have been related to any kind of fraud or theft.
• You can't have any past-due balances.
• The device can't be active on another AT&T account.
• You'll have to wait 30 days before you can unlock any business account devices with a 2-year contract.
• AT&T prepaid devices must be active for at least 6 months.
• If the device is owned by a business, you'll need your workplace's permission.

Check Compatibility

Once your phone is unlocked, check to see if your AT&T phone is compatible on T-Mobile's network. T-Mobile has a handy tool to check your phone's compatibility, but first, you'll need a special IMEI code. Every phone has its own IMEI code, or international mobile equipment identity, that helps determine network compatibility.

Find IMEI On Android

On an Android device, you can find your unique IMEI number by swiping down from the top of your screen and tapping the gear icon to access Settings. Scroll down until you see About phone. From here, you should be able to find your 15 digit IMEI number.

Find IMEI On iPhone

On an iPhone, you can find your IMEI number by going to Settings -> General -> About.

Pick The Right Time To Switch

When switching from AT&T to T-Mobile, don't cancel your plan until almost the end of your monthly data cycle, or else you might incur additional charges. It's also generally a good idea to wait until the end of your contract, if you are enrolled in one. However, T-Mobile is willing to pay for your AT&T early termination fees, if you have any!

A few days before the end of your monthly cycle is the perfect time to enroll in your new plan and get your number transferred to the new network.

Keep Your Cell Phone Number

When you bring your own phone to T-Mobile, you can keep your old phone number. It's a good idea to make sure that you don't cancel your old plan until the transfer is complete, or you may not be able to get your phone number to work on T-Mobile's network.

You've Switched To T-Mobile!

Now you're ready to make the big switch from AT&T to T-Mobile. We hope that this article was helpful in making your decision to switch. Please be sure to share this article with someone who may be considering switching, and leave a comment down below if you have any questions.