How to Switch from Verizon to Xfinity Mobile: The Ultimate Guide for Savvy Shoppers

Are you tired of overpaying for cell phone service? If you‘re a Verizon customer looking to save money without sacrificing quality, switching to Xfinity Mobile could be a smart move. In this ultimate guide, we‘ll dive into everything you need to know about Xfinity Mobile and walk you through the steps to make the switch from Verizon. Plus, we‘ll share expert tips and insights to help you maximize your savings and get the most out of your new service. Let‘s get started!

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What is Xfinity Mobile?

Xfinity Mobile is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) owned by Comcast, one of the largest cable and internet providers in the U.S. It leverages Verizon‘s nationwide network for cellular coverage and Xfinity‘s millions of WiFi hotspots to help keep costs down for customers.

Key features of Xfinity Mobile include:

Mix-and-match data plans with the flexibility to switch between By-the-Gig and Unlimited data
Free unlimited talk and text on up to 5 lines
4G LTE and 5G coverage on Verizon‘s network
Access to over 20 million Xfinity WiFi hotspots nationwide
Bring your own device or buy a new phone, interest-free
24/7 customer support via app, website, and phone
Xfinity Mobile app for easy account management

Xfinity Mobile vs. Verizon: A Detailed Comparison

Before making the switch, it‘s important to understand how Xfinity Mobile stacks up against Verizon in terms of coverage, plans, pricing, and features. Let‘s take a closer look.

Coverage

Xfinity Mobile runs on Verizon‘s network, which means you‘ll get the same nationwide 4G LTE and 5G coverage as Verizon customers. According to OpenSignal‘s July 2023 report, Verizon currently leads the pack in 5G reach with availability in over 8,700 cities across the U.S.

In addition, Xfinity Mobile customers can connect to over 20 million Xfinity WiFi hotspots for seamless service. These hotspots can be found in public places like parks, shopping centers, and transit stations, as well as in many residential areas.

Plans and Pricing

One of the biggest advantages of Xfinity Mobile is its affordable and flexible plan options. Let‘s compare Xfinity Mobile‘s plans with Verizon‘s:

As you can see, Xfinity Mobile‘s plans are significantly cheaper than Verizon‘s, especially for lighter data users. A family of four using a shared 3GB of data per month would pay just $48 with Xfinity Mobile compared to $140 on Verizon Start Unlimited. That‘s a savings of over $1,100 per year!

Even for unlimited data, Xfinity Mobile comes out ahead. A family of four would pay $120/month ($30/line) with Xfinity Mobile and at least one Xfinity Internet plan, versus $180/month ($45/line) on Verizon Start Unlimited. Plus, Xfinity Mobile‘s unlimited plan includes 720p video streaming compared to 480p on Verizon‘s base unlimited plan.

Of course, heavier data users may prefer Verizon‘s more premium unlimited plans for the higher data allowances before slowdowns and added perks like included hotspot data and entertainment subscriptions.

But for the majority of users, Xfinity Mobile offers unbeatable value. According to Glen Hale, senior telecom analyst at GHI Insights, "Xfinity Mobile‘s unique combination of rock-bottom pricing, a top-tier network, and customer-friendly policies make it a very compelling option for cost-conscious consumers."

Phone Options

Both Xfinity Mobile and Verizon offer a wide selection of the latest iPhones, Samsung Galaxy devices, Google Pixels, and more. You can choose to buy a new phone outright or finance it over 24-36 months at 0% APR.

The main difference is that Verizon offers more specialized devices like rugged phones, flip phones, and mobile hotspots. They also have a wider range of 5G phones due to their mmWave coverage.

However, Xfinity Mobile has a generous bring-your-own-device (BYOD) program that‘s a great option if you already own a compatible phone. Most unlocked Verizon phones from the past few years will work, and you may be able to keep your current device even if you‘re still making payments on it. The Xfinity Mobile app has an easy IMEI checker to confirm compatibility.

Customer Service

In recent years, Xfinity Mobile has consistently outranked Verizon in customer satisfaction. The latest J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Wireless Customer Care Study found that Xfinity Mobile leads the industry in overall satisfaction across all support channels (web, app, phone, and in-store). Verizon placed 5th out of 9 carriers.

"Our top priority is providing an outstanding experience for our customers," said Beth Bresnahan, VP of Marketing at Xfinity Mobile. "We‘re committed to delivering personalized support through whatever channel is most convenient, whether that‘s our highly rated app, 24/7 call center, or in-person help at over 500 Xfinity Store locations nationwide."

How to Switch from Verizon to Xfinity Mobile: Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you know what sets Xfinity Mobile apart, let‘s go through the steps to make the switch.

1. Check your Xfinity Internet eligibility

Visit the Xfinity Mobile website and enter your address to see if you qualify for service. You‘ll need at least Xfinity‘s Performance Starter Internet, which starts at $20/month.

2. See if your current phone is compatible

If you want to bring your own device, check its compatibility using the Xfinity Mobile BYOD page. You‘ll need an unlocked Verizon phone made within the past few years. Otherwise, you can easily purchase a new phone through Xfinity Mobile.

3. Review your current contract

Check your Verizon contract for any early termination fees or device payment plan balances. Xfinity Mobile will reimburse you up to $650 ($350 for ETF, $300 for device) via prepaid card if you port-in your number and purchase a new phone.

4. Back up your important data

Before making any changes to your service, it‘s always a good idea to back up your contacts, photos, messages, and other important data. You can use cloud storage, transfer files to a computer, or use a third-party backup app.

5. Order your Xfinity Mobile SIM card

Once you‘ve verified your eligibility and chosen a plan, order your free Xfinity Mobile SIM card through the app or website. You can have it shipped to your home or pick it up at an Xfinity Store. Shipping usually takes 3-5 business days.

6. Activate your new service

After receiving your SIM card, activate your new service through the Xfinity Mobile app or website. You‘ll be guided through the process of creating an account, porting your number (if desired), and setting up payment.

During activation, you can choose to transfer your existing number from Verizon. This will automatically cancel your Verizon service once the port-in is complete (usually within 24 hours). Note that you‘ll receive a final bill from Verizon for any outstanding charges.

And that‘s it! With your Xfinity Mobile service activated, you can start enjoying premium cell phone coverage at a fraction of the cost of Verizon. The Xfinity Mobile app makes it easy to manage your account, monitor data usage, switch plans, and pay your bill.

Xfinity Mobile FAQ

Still have questions about making the switch? We‘ve compiled answers to some of the most common ones below.

Does Xfinity Mobile charge taxes and fees?

Yes, Xfinity Mobile charges a one-time $10 activation fee per line as well as monthly state and local taxes and regulatory fees. These vary by location but are typically around 10% of your monthly charges.

Do Xfinity Mobile plans include hotspot allowance?

Yes, all Xfinity Mobile plans allow you to use your phone as a mobile hotspot to share internet data with other WiFi devices. Speeds are capped at 1.2Mbps on By the Gig plans and 600Kbps on Unlimited plans after 5GB of mobile hotspot data.

Does Xfinity Mobile support visual voicemail?

Visual voicemail is available on all Apple devices and a select number of Android devices purchased through Xfinity Mobile. You can check the full list of supported devices here.

Can I make WiFi calls with Xfinity Mobile?

Yes, Xfinity Mobile supports voice calling and text messaging over WiFi on all compatible devices (most iPhones and Android phones). When connected to WiFi, all calls and texts are free and don‘t use your cellular plan‘s data.

What happens if I cancel my Xfinity Internet service?

If you cancel your Xfinity Internet service, a $25/month per line charge will be added to your Xfinity Mobile bill. You can avoid this fee by reactivating your Xfinity Internet service within 90 days.

Does Xfinity Mobile support eSIM?

Yes, Xfinity Mobile offers eSIM activation on select iPhone and Android models. You can check if your device is eligible and view step-by-step setup instructions here.

Tips for Optimizing Your Xfinity Mobile Service

To make the most of your Xfinity Mobile experience, try these expert tips:

Minimize cellular data usage: Take advantage of Xfinity‘s millions of WiFi hotspots to reduce your data consumption. You can also adjust app settings to restrict background data. "Data Saver mode built into Android and Low Data Mode on iPhone are great ways to reduce unnecessary data drain by apps," advises James Cooper, tech editor at Consumer Reports.
Monitor bundled services: Check to see if you have any complementary mobile service subscriptions through your Xfinity Internet plan, such as #FlexAnywhere. These can give you additional mobile data at no extra cost.
Set up WiFi Secure: Xfinity‘s WiFi Secure automatically connects your phone to 20 million+ Xfinity hotspots for a fast and secure connection. Turn it on in your Xfinity Mobile app settings.
Download content in advance: If you know you‘ll be streaming music, podcasts, or videos on the go, download them to your device while connected to WiFi. This will save you cellular data and keep your speeds from lagging in areas with poor coverage.
Troubleshoot connectivity issues: If your device is having trouble connecting to the cellular network or Xfinity WiFi, try restarting it, checking for a carrier settings update, and resetting network settings. You can also contact Xfinity Mobile support via the app for personalized assistance.

The Bottom Line

Switching from Verizon to Xfinity Mobile is a smart move for savvy shoppers who want premium cell phone service at a lower price. With plans starting at just $15 per month for 1GB of shared data, Xfinity Mobile can save you hundreds per year on your wireless bill.

Plus, with features like free unlimited talk and text, no contracts or activation fees, and access to millions of WiFi hotspots, Xfinity Mobile makes it easy to stay connected for less. And if you‘re not satisfied with the service, you can always switch back to Verizon or another provider at any time.

As David Pogue, tech columnist at The New York Times, puts it: "Xfinity Mobile‘s plans are so cheap, it almost seems like a mistake. But it‘s not. If you‘re already an Xfinity Internet customer and looking to save on cellular data, it would be silly not to switch."

So what are you waiting for? Follow the steps in this guide to make the switch from Verizon to Xfinity Mobile and start saving today. Your wallet will thank you!