Are you considering making the jump from T-Mobile to Verizon? Whether you‘re looking for better coverage, different plan options, or enticing deals and promotions, switching cell phone carriers can seem like a daunting process. But don‘t worry – we‘ve put together the ultimate guide with everything you need to know to make the switch from T-Mobile to Verizon as seamless as possible.
Why Switch from T-Mobile to Verizon?
There are a number of reasons why you might be thinking about switching from T-Mobile to Verizon. Here are a few of the most common:
Better Coverage – Verizon is known for having the most extensive 4G LTE coverage in the country. If you‘ve been experiencing a lot of dead zones or dropped calls with T-Mobile, Verizon‘s coverage may be a big draw. Verizon covers over 70% of the country and consistently ranks high in independent studies of network reliability and speed.
More Plan Options – Verizon offers a wide variety of plan options for every need and budget, from basic talk and text to unlimited everything. They also have more plans for connected devices like tablets and smartwatches compared to T-Mobile. If you‘re looking for a plan that T-Mobile doesn‘t offer, Verizon likely has you covered.
Enticing Deals for Switching – To attract new customers, Verizon frequently has special promotions for people who switch from another carrier. Deals can include hundreds of dollars in Verizon gift cards, a free year of a streaming service like Disney+, or discounts on new phones. These incentives can help offset any costs of switching.
Better Perks and Benefits – Verizon plans come with a lot of extra perks that you may not get with T-Mobile, such as free subscriptions to services like Apple Music or Disney+, more entertainment options with Verizon Up rewards, and greater high-speed mobile hotspot data allowances on unlimited plans. Depending on your needs, these extras can provide a lot of added value.
Of course, T-Mobile has its own unique selling points too, such as lower prices on unlimited plans and great international travel benefits. Consider what factors are most important to you in a carrier and plan before deciding to make the switch.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Switch to Verizon from T-Mobile
Once you‘ve decided that Verizon is the right carrier for you, it‘s time to start the switching process. Here are the steps you‘ll need to take:
1. Check Your Device Compatibility
First, you‘ll need to make sure that your current phone will work on Verizon‘s network. Verizon uses CDMA technology, while T-Mobile primarily uses GSM. Some newer phones support both, but many are still limited to one or the other.
To check if your device is compatible, you can use Verizon‘s online Bring Your Own Device tool. Simply enter your device‘s ID (IMEI, MEID, or ESN number) and it will tell you if it will work with Verizon. You can usually find this ID in your phone‘s Settings.
If your device isn‘t compatible, you‘ll need to purchase a new phone to use with Verizon. Luckily, Verizon offers many deals on new devices when you switch, which can help offset this cost. More on that later.
2. Check Device Unlock Status
Next, if you‘re planning to bring your own device to Verizon, you need to make sure it is unlocked from T-Mobile‘s network. "Locking" is a process that carriers use to ensure devices can only be used on their network until a customer‘s contract or payment plan is fulfilled.
To unlock your phone from T-Mobile, it must meet the following requirements:
- The device must have been active on the T-Mobile network for at least 40 days
- If the device was financed or leased through T-Mobile, it must be paid off in full
- The account associated with the device must be in good standing (no fraudulent activity or unpaid balances)
If your device meets those criteria, you can unlock it using T-Mobile‘s Device Unlock app, or by contacting T-Mobile customer service. Follow the instructions carefully to complete the unlocking process.
Keep in mind that if you‘ve been leasing a device through T-Mobile‘s JUMP! On Demand program, you‘ll likely need to purchase the device outright or return it to T-Mobile before switching.
3. Choose Your Verizon Plan
Now the fun part – picking out your new Verizon plan! Verizon offers several unlimited plans, as well as shared data plans for those who don‘t need as much data each month. They also have plans for connected devices like tablets and smartwatches.
Take some time to browse Verizon‘s plans and decide which one makes the most sense for you. Consider how many lines you need, how much high-speed data you typically use in a month, and which extra features are most important to you.
If you want to do a more detailed comparison between Verizon and T-Mobile‘s plans, we have a full Verizon vs T-Mobile comparison guide. It breaks down all the key differences in network coverage, plan prices and features, and perks to help you feel confident about switching.
4. Check for Deals & Promos
Before starting your switch, make sure to check Verizon‘s website for any current deals and promotions for new customers. Verizon frequently offers some amazing incentives to switch, which can make the transition even easier.
Some recent promotions have included:
- Up to $500 in Verizon e-gift cards per line you switch (Virtual Prepaid Mastercard® after port-in)
- A free year of AMC+, Disney+, discovery+, Apple Arcade or Google Play Pass with certain unlimited plans
- Waived activation fees
- A free 5G phone when you switch (with a new line and eligible unlimited plan)
Deals change frequently, so check Verizon‘s promo page for the latest offers. Keep in mind that most promotions require you to port-in your current number from T-Mobile, purchase the service on a new line of service, and/or purchase a new device. Make sure you read the fine print!
5. Place Your Verizon Order
Once you‘ve picked out the Verizon plan and device that are right for you, it‘s time to place your order. This typically involves the following steps:
- Create a new Verizon account by providing your name, address, and billing information
- Enter the device ID for any device you‘re bringing with you, or purchase a new device through Verizon
- Select your plan and any add-ons like insurance or international service
- Agree to the terms and submit your order
During this process, you‘ll be asked if you want to transfer your current phone number from T-Mobile. In most cases you‘ll want to say yes in order to keep your number – more on that in the next step.
If you‘re not purchasing a new device, Verizon will send you a new SIM card in the mail to insert into your current phone. Activating the SIM card will automatically begin the process of transferring your service from T-Mobile to Verizon.
6. Transfer Your Phone Number
Transferring your current phone number from T-Mobile to Verizon is a pretty seamless process. As mentioned above, you can request to port-in your number as part of your Verizon order.
Before Verizon can transfer your T-Mobile number, the following requirements must be met:
- The number must already be active on the T-Mobile network
- The name and address on your Verizon order must match what is on your T-Mobile account
- Your T-Mobile account should be in good standing (no overdue balance or pending termination)
After your Verizon order is placed, porting your number should start automatically and should be completed in under 4 hours in most cases. You‘ll get an email and text to let you know the port is complete.
It‘s important to note that you should NOT cancel your T-Mobile plan during this process. You must keep your T-Mobile plan and number active until the transfer to Verizon is complete. Once your number is active on Verizon, T-Mobile should automatically cancel your line of service so you won‘t be double-billed.
7. Cancel Any Other T-Mobile Lines or Services
If you have any other lines or services through T-Mobile, such as a tablet data plan or wearable device, you‘ll need to cancel them separately with T-Mobile. Keep in mind that cancellation of these services may be subject to an early termination fee (ETF) if you‘re still under contract.
If you were leasing a device through T-Mobile‘s JUMP! on Demand program or making payments on an Equipment Installment Plan (EIP), you‘ll need to call T-Mobile after your switch to either return that device or pay off the remaining balance.
Choosing a Time to Switch
You can switch to Verizon from T-Mobile at any time, but to minimize your payments to T-Mobile, we recommend switching about halfway through your current T-Mobile billing cycle. That way, you won‘t end up having to pay for a whole additional month of T-Mobile service you won‘t be using.
For example, if your billing cycle with T-Mobile ends on the 5th of each month, you may want to activate your new Verizon service around the 15th or 20th. Just don‘t wait until the last couple of days of your cycle, as the number transfer process can take up to 24 hours to complete in rare cases.
Enjoying Your New Verizon Service!
And that‘s it! With your phone number and new device active on Verizon‘s network, you‘re ready to start enjoying the extra coverage and perks. Here are a few tips to make sure everything goes smoothly:
- Make sure to set up Voicemail and customize your voicemail greeting on your new Verizon line
- Download the MyVerizon app to view and pay your bill, check your data usage, and access Verizon support
- Enable Verizon‘s Call Filter service to block spam and robocalls
- Check out the rewards and deals available through the Verizon Up program
- Transfer any photos, contacts, and other content from your old device if needed
If you run into any issues during the switching process, don‘t hesitate to contact Verizon‘s support team. You can also take your device to a Verizon store for in-person assistance with activating and setting up your new service.
FAQs About Switching to Verizon
Still have questions about switching from T-Mobile to Verizon? Here are answers to some common questions:
Will I have to pay any early termination fees to T-Mobile?
It depends. If you are currently under contract with T-Mobile or making payments on a device, you may be subject to an early termination fee (ETF) for canceling your service early. Before switching, you may want to call T-Mobile to find out the amount of any fees you‘d owe. Verizon may offer a prepaid card to help cover those costs.
Can I keep my current phone?
In many cases, yes! Many newer phones are compatible with both T-Mobile and Verizon‘s networks. You can check compatibility using Verizon‘s Bring Your Own Device page. Keep in mind the phone must be carrier unlocked to use with Verizon.
Does Verizon charge an activation fee?
Verizon typically charges a one-time $35 activation fee when you start a new line of service. However, the fee is often waived if you‘re switching from another carrier and/or ordering online. Check Verizon‘s website for current promotions.
Will Verizon pay off my current device or contract?
No, Verizon does not offer incentives to pay off your device balance or remaining contract with your current carrier. However, you may qualify for up to $500 in Verizon gift cards per line you switch, which can help offset those costs.
What happens to my voicemail and text messages?
Unfortunately, your voicemail and texts can‘t transfer from T-Mobile to Verizon. Before you switch, make sure to check your T-Mobile voicemail and forward yourself any messages you need to save.
What‘s the difference between T-Mobile and Verizon coverage?
Verizon is known for having the most extensive and reliable 4G LTE coverage in the country. However, T-Mobile has been expanding and improving its network significantly in recent years, especially when it comes to 5G. Depending on where you live, the difference between the two networks may be more or less noticeable.
How long does it take to transfer my number?
In most cases, transferring your number from T-Mobile to Verizon takes just a few hours. According to the FCC, simple ports must be processed in one business day. You‘ll get a notification from Verizon when the process is complete.
What if I have a problem after I switch?
If you run into unexpected problems or charges after switching to Verizon, reach out to Verizon‘s customer support team at 1-800-922-0204 or chat with them online. If you feel that Verizon is not addressing your issue, you can file a complaint with the FCC.
We hope this guide has given you all the information you need to confidently switch from T-Mobile to Verizon! By carefully following the steps outlined and taking advantage of Verizon‘s offers for switching, you can make the transition as smooth and painless as possible.
