1. What's the difference between a locked and unlocked phone?
Locked phones are only compatible with certain carriers, while unlocked phones can work with any carrier.
It's recommended that you choose a device that is fully compatible with your carrier to get the best service. Even though devices from a particular carrier may function with other carriers, the service may not be optimal. For instance, a Galaxy S10e that's locked to AT&T may operate with a T-Mobile plan, but MMS may not be sent correctly.
If you are a Sprint customer or use one of its MVNOs, it's suggested that you buy an unlocked device as we can't guarantee that Sprint-compatible devices will operate on T-Mobile.
2. How are carriers structured?
In the United States, AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile (including Sprint) are the three major carriers that own and manage all of the wireless network infrastructure required for wireless service on our devices.
All other carriers are Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). They use the wireless network infrastructure of the three major carriers via contracts and business arrangements. They don't possess any of the wireless network infrastructure and are "renting space" from the three carriers.
There are many advantages to using an MVNO, such as being cost-effective and having less complicated contracts. However, they may also have restricted coverage and service that is subject to data throttling.
Which network does my MVNO carrier use?
MVNO |
Network |
Consumer Cellular |
T-Mobile, AT&T |
CREDO Mobile |
Verizon |
Cricket |
AT&T |
FreeUP |
AT&T |
Gen Mobile |
T-Mobile |
Good2Go Mobile |
AT&T |
Google Fi |
T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular |
Lively |
Verizon |
H2O Wireless |
AT&T |
I3 Mobile |
AT&T |
Metro by T-Mobile |
T-Mobile |
Mint Mobile |
T-Mobile |
Net10 |
T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T |
Page Plus |
Verizon |
Pix Wireless |
T-Mobile, AT&T |
Pure TalkUSA |
AT&T |
Reach Mobile |
Verizon, AT&T |
Red Pocket |
T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T |
Republic Wireless |
T-Mobile |
Rok Mobile |
AT&T |
Simple Mobile |
T-Mobile |
Spectrum Mobile |
Verizon |
Straight Talk |
T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T |
Text Now |
T-Mobile |
Ting |
T-Mobile |
Total Wireless |
Verizon |
TracFone |
T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T |
The People's Operator (TPO) |
T-Mobile |
Twigby |
Verizon |
U.S. Cellular |
U.S. Cellular |
Ultra Mobile |
T-Mobile |
US Mobile |
T-Mobile, Verizon |
Visible |
Verizon |
Wing Mobile |
T-Mobile, AT&T |
Xfinity Mobile |
Verizon |
Note that the above mapping is subject to change so we do recommend contacting your carrier for the most updated details on what is compatible.
3. Verify carrier compatibility on the listing
After you've identified the phone you want, you may always verify which carrier(s) the phone works with and whether it's unlocked by looking at the listing and selecting the appropriate variation.
4. Verify whether the phone is compatible with GSM or CDMA
If you're purchasing an unlocked phone, the next step is to check whether it's GSM or CDMA-compatible. Most modern phones support both frequency bands.
5. I have already purchased a phone, how do I activate it?
a. Locate the IMEI
Every phone has a unique IMEI number that can be used to check whether it is locked or unlocked. To find your IMEI
- iPhone: Settings > General > About
- Android: Settings > About Device > Status
- For all phones: dial #06# and your IMEI will appear
b. Locate your carrier's Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) page
Typically, carriers will ask you to verify your device's IMEI number to ensure it is legitimate and compatible. Then they will ask you to insert your SIM card and dial a number.
If you are a Sprint customer or use one of its MVNOs, we recommend purchasing an unlocked device. We cannot guarantee that Sprint-compatible devices will function on T-Mobile.
- AT&T BYOD page
- T-Mobile BYOD page
- Verizon BYOD page
- Other carriers
Boost Mobile
(833) 503-6678
Cricket
(800) 274-2538
Google Fi
(844) TALK-2-FI
H2O Wireless
(800) 643-4926
Metro
(888) 8-METRO-8
Mint
(800) 683-7392
Spectrum
(877) 463-0677
Straight Talk
(877) 430-2355
US Cellular
(888) 944-9400
Xfinity
(800) XFINITY
If you don't see your carrier, it's likely a MVNO and you can locate that carrier's BYOD page online.