Are you a Verizon customer considering making the jump to T-Mobile? You‘re not alone. In recent years, T-Mobile has been winning over customers with its competitive pricing, expanding 5G network, and attractive perks. In fact, T-Mobile added 5.5 million postpaid customers in 2021, more than Verizon and AT&T combined.
If you‘re ready to switch but aren‘t sure where to start, don‘t worry. As a mobile industry expert and self-proclaimed picky shopper, I‘m here to walk you through the process step-by-step. By the end of this guide, you‘ll know exactly how to switch from Verizon to T-Mobile and feel confident you‘re making the right choice. Let‘s dive in!
5 Reasons to Switch from Verizon to T-Mobile
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to make the switch, let‘s talk about why you might want to switch in the first place. Here are the top reasons customers are leaving Verizon for T-Mobile:
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Better value: T-Mobile‘s plans are generally cheaper than Verizon‘s comparably-featured plans. A family of four can save up to $40/month by switching to T-Mobile‘s Essentials plan vs. Verizon‘s Start Unlimited.
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Leading 5G network: T-Mobile currently has the largest, fastest, and most reliable 5G network, covering 1.7 million square miles and 300 million people. In comparison, Verizon‘s 5G covers 230 million people.
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More perks: T-Mobile plans come with enticing benefits like free Netflix, in-flight WiFi, international data/texting, and weekly freebies with T-Mobile Tuesdays. Verizon plans include some perks but not as many.
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Great customer service: T-Mobile consistently ranks higher than Verizon for customer care. In J.D. Power‘s 2022 U.S. Wireless Customer Care Study, T-Mobile ranked first among full-service carriers while Verizon came in fourth.
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Transparency and flexibility: T-Mobile offers more flexibility to upgrade devices, switch plans, or add/remove lines without unexpected fees or confusing terms. Verizon is known for pricey surcharges, activation fees, etc.
Of course, Verizon still has its strengths, like the most reliable 4G network and best coverage in rural areas. Carefully consider your priorities before making a decision. If saving money, tapping into 5G, and scoring generous perks are important to you, switching to T-Mobile could be a smart move.
How to Switch from Verizon to T-Mobile: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to take the plunge? Here‘s exactly what you need to do to switch from Verizon to T-Mobile, broken down into 8 simple steps:
Step 1: Check if your device is compatible with T-Mobile‘s network.
The first step is making sure your current phone will work on T-Mobile‘s network. You can easily check using T-Mobile‘s IMEI compatibility tool. Just enter your device‘s IMEI number (dial *#06# to find it) and you‘ll get instant results. Most newer phones are compatible but some older devices may not get full network support.
Step 2: Unlock your phone if needed.
If your Verizon phone is paid off and you‘ve had active service for at least 60 days, it should already be unlocked. You can double check your phone‘s unlock status by calling Verizon (*611 from your Verizon phone or 800-922-0204).
Step 3: Choose the right time to switch.
Planning your switch around your Verizon billing cycle can save you money. Aim to initiate your switch about 3-5 days before your next Verizon payment is due. That way, you won‘t get charged for another month of Verizon service you don‘t need.
Step 4: Pick your T-Mobile plan.
Browse T-Mobile‘s plan options and choose the one that best fits your needs and budget. If you need help deciding, you can always chat with a T-Mobile agent online or visit a store to discuss your options.
Step 5: Purchase a T-Mobile SIM card.
Once you‘ve picked your plan, you‘ll need to purchase a T-Mobile SIM card to get your device on the T-Mobile network. You can buy one online or pick one up at any T-Mobile store. The SIM card itself is free but you may need to pay for activation and/or shipping if ordering online.
Step 6: Check number porting eligibility.
Want to keep your current phone number? No problem – as long as it‘s eligible for porting. Use T-Mobile‘s number transfer eligibility checker to make sure your number qualifies. As long as your account is active, not in collections, and doesn‘t have a freeze or scheduled disconnect, you should be good to go.
Step 7: Initiate the number port & activate your SIM.
There are a few ways to activate your new T-Mobile service and port your number:
- If you ordered your SIM online, you can complete activation through your T-Mobile account once you receive it.
- If you bought a SIM in-store, a T-Mobile rep can help you activate in person.
- You can also call T-Mobile‘s activation line (1-800-T-MOBILE) to complete the process over the phone.
During activation, you‘ll be prompted to create a T-Mobile ID and provide your Verizon account number and transfer PIN to authorize the number port. The actual porting process can take anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours. Your Verizon service will automatically cancel when the port goes through.
Step 8: Expect a final Verizon bill.
Even if you time your switch perfectly, you‘ll still receive one final bill from Verizon after you‘ve switched. This should include prorated charges up to the day your number was ported out and may include an early termination fee if you left a contract early. Pay this promptly to avoid credit issues down the line.
And that‘s it! You‘re now officially a T-Mobile customer. Be sure to take advantage of any switching promotions like getting your Verizon Early Termination Fee reimbursed or free streaming service subscriptions added to your account. If you run into any issues during the process, don‘t hesitate to reach out to T-Mobile‘s support team for help.
FAQs About Switching from Verizon to T-Mobile
Still have questions about switching? I‘ve rounded up answers to some of the most common questions I hear:
Q: Is it really cheaper to switch to T-Mobile?
A: For many people, yes. On average, T-Mobile customers save over $500/year per line compared to Verizon. Of course, exact savings depends on your specific plan and needs.
Q: Can I keep my phone number?
A: Yes, as long as you initiate a number port during the switching process and your number is eligible to transfer (which most numbers are). The porting process can take up to 24 hours.
Q: Will I have to pay an early termination fee to leave Verizon?
A: It depends. If you‘re currently under a contract with Verizon, you may be charged an Early Termination Fee (ETF) for switching before the end of your term. Verizon‘s ETF is $350 minus $10 for each full month of your contract that you‘ve completed. If you‘re on a device payment plan, you‘ll have to pay off the balance to close your account. T-Mobile may reimburse some of these costs though.
Q: How long does it take to switch?
A: The actual process of activating your new T-Mobile service and porting your number is relatively quick – typically less than 24 hours. However, you should give yourself a few days to a week to check compatibility, choose a plan, get your SIM card, etc.
Q: Will I lose service during the switch?
A: You may experience a brief loss of service when your number transfers from Verizon‘s network to T-Mobile‘s. For most people this is just a few minutes. To minimize disruption, try to initiate the port when you don‘t need your phone – like overnight or on a weekend.
Q: What if I‘m not happy with T-Mobile‘s service?
A: T-Mobile offers a 30-day "Network Pass" for new customers to try out the service risk-free. It‘s a free 30-day trial of T-Mobile‘s 5G network while still using your old carrier. If you‘re not happy, you can switch back or try another carrier without penalty.
The Bottom Line
Switching cell phone providers can feel intimidating but the process of going from Verizon to T-Mobile is actually quite simple. To recap, you‘ll need to:
- Check device compatibility
- Unlock your phone if needed
- Choose your switch timing
- Pick a T-Mobile plan
- Get a T-Mobile SIM card
- Check number porting eligibility
- Activate your new service
- Pay your final Verizon bill
For the majority of customers, switching to T-Mobile is absolutely worth it for the cost savings, 5G data speeds, and added perks. Of course, make sure to evaluate T-Mobile‘s coverage in your area before jumping ship from Verizon.
Hundreds of thousands of people leave Verizon for T-Mobile each year and most are glad they did. If you‘re ready to join them, use this guide to make your transition a smooth one. And remember, if you get stuck along the way, just reach out to T-Mobile directly for help. Happy switching!
