How To Switch To Consumer Cellular

You're thinking about switching to Consumer Cellular to save money on your cell phone bill. Switching carriers can seem like a daunting task, especially if you've never done it before. In this article, I'll show you how you can save money when you switch to Consumer Cellular!

Why Switch To Consumer Cellular?

There are a lot reasons to consider switching to Consumer Cellular. Consumer Cellular is an AT&T and T-Mobile MVNO, meaning that subscribers have coverage on two of the best nationwide networks. Check out our coverage maps to see if your coverage would improve by switching to Consumer Cellular.

Consumer Cellular offers a wide variety of plans with varying amounts of cellular data. If you're paying for cellular data you don't use, you may want to consider switching to a Consumer Cellular with a lower monthly data allotment. You'll probably save money when you do!

We reviewed the best cell phone plans for seniors and found that Consumer Cellular's Connect plans are some of the best out there. You can even get great membership benefits through AARP!

Choose A Consumer Cellular Plan

Consumer Cellular's Connect plans fit a range of different needs. The best plan for you will probably depend on how much data you use each month.

We recommend choosing the 3 GB plan if you don't travel a lot or don't use a lot of data each month. With free Wi-Fi available almost everywhere, 3 GB will be enough for most people to make it through the month.

We also strongly recommend paying the extra $5 / month for unlimited minutes. 250 minutes is simply not enough, unless you plan to only use your cell phone in case of emergencies.

Check To Make Sure Your Phone Is Carrier Unlocked

If you plan on bringing your own phone when you switch to Consumer Cellular, make sure it is carrier unlocked. You'll have to check with your current carrier to see if you can get it unlocked if it isn't already.

Before you can unlock your phone, most carriers require you to fulfill a few requirements, such as making sure all your fees and contracts are paid in full and that you've been using their service for a certain amount of time.

Occasionally, carriers will automatically unlock your phone once it becomes eligible. However, you may have to specifically request the unlock. Try contacting your wireless carrier's customer support to see if they will unlock your phone.

Is My Phone Compatible With Consumer Cellular?

Even if your phone is carrier unlocked, it's possible that it may not work on Consumer Cellular's network. Consumer Cellular is a GSM carrier, so if your previous carrier used T-Mobile or AT&T's network, your phone is probably compatible. However, it may not be compatible if your phone can only use CDMA technology, which is sometimes used by Verizon.

You can use this connectivity technology tool to check if your phone uses CDMA or GSM technology. You'll have to find your phone's international mobile equipment identity (IMEI) number to use the tool. You can find your phone's IMEI number by dialing #06# or looking within its Settings app.

Find An IMEI On Android

Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the gear to open Settings. Scroll all the way to the bottom of the list. Tap About phone. Your phone's 15-digit IMEI number can be found next to IMEI.

Find An IMEI On iPhone

You can find your iPhone's IMEI by going to Settings -> General -> About.

Need A New Phone?

Consumer Cellular has many great options if you're looking to get a new phone when you switch. Consumer Cellular directly sells many of the best smartphones on the market, including the iPhone 12, iPhone SE 2, and Samsung Galaxy S20 FE.

When Should I Switch To Consumer Cellular?

Don't switch to Consumer Cellular until you've paid off any contracts you might have with your current carrier. If you switch before your contract expires, you may have to pay early termination fees.

We also recommend waiting until the end of your monthly billing period, if possible. Otherwise, you may wind up paying for two cell phone plans at the same time!

How To Activate A Phone On Consumer Cellular

Make sure you have a Consumer Cellular Connect plan before activating your phone.

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1. Order an All-in-One SIM Card or a new phone from Consumer Cellular.
2. Find the activation number next to the QR code on the back of the box the SIM card or new phone comes in.
3. Navigate to Consumer Cellular’s activation webpage.
4. Type the activation code into the box.
5. Click Activate. 

Keep Your Phone Number

If you want to keep your phone number when you switch to Consumer Cellular, don't cancel your old plan until you get the number transferred. You can request a free SIM card from Consumer Cellular when you purchase a plan to get your number transferred. You'll have to follow Consumer Cellular's directions and provide them with some information about your current carrier to keep your phone number when you switch.

You've Switched To Consumer Cellular!

You're now ready to switch over to Consumer Cellular. Get ready to save money and get better service and coverage! Leave a comment down below if you have any other questions about how to switch to Consumer Cellular.