how to use a verizon phone on t-mobile

Are you thinking about switching to a different carrier? We’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll teach you how to use a Verizon phone on T-Mobile. 

In most cases, a Verizon phone will work on T-Mobile. You only need to verify your device is unlocked and compatible with T-Mobile so you can use it on their network. 

We’ll discuss the above steps in the section below. But first, here are a few things you need to consider. 

Can You Use a Verizon Phone on T-Mobile

can use a verizon phone on t-mobile

If you love your Verizon phone, good news! You can bring it to T-Mobile. Switching is easy and affordable.

Simply follow the steps and verify the following. 

✅ Phone Compatibility

You can use your Verizon phone on T-Mobile as long as it’s compatible with T-Mobile. You can use the T-Mobile compatibility checker to verify that your phone will work with the network. 

✅ The Phone Needs to Be Unlocked

You cannot use a locked Verizon phone on any network. Therefore, you need to get your device unlocked if you want to switch to T-Mobile. 

✅ Port Your Verizon Number

If you decide to port your number away from Verizon, you must generate your transfer PIN and cancel your plan.

This can take up to a few days, but once completed, you can use your old number with T-Mobile. 

✅ Use T-Mobile’s Network Settings

It’s vital that you change your phone’s network settings the moment you switch networks. You will not be able to connect to the internet if you don’t.

Now that you know you can use a Verizon phone on T-Mobile, let’s proceed to the actual steps of the switching process.

You’ll need to purchase a plan before you can start using the device on the T-Mobile network. 

Full Guide on How to Use a Verizon Phone on T-Mobile

full guide to use verizon phone for t-mobile

It is possible to keep your Verizon number when switching to T-Mobile. Almost all carriers have introduced this service.

T-Mobile, however, offers cheaper plans and allows you to bring multiple devices across platforms. 

If you just purchased your Verizon phone, it will be locked for the first 60 days, and you can only make the switch if the 60-day window has passed. 

You can always contact customer support if you are new to switching carriers and need to learn more about technology.

Otherwise, you can proceed with our full guide on how to use a Verizon phone on T-Mobile. 

1. Verify Your Verizon Phone’s Compatibility with T-Mobile 

verify the phone compatibility

There are a few steps you need to work on before you can use your Verizon phone on the T-Mobile network.

The most important one is to determine if your phone is compatible with the T-Mobile network.

It’s best to do this step while you’re still deciding whether to move to T-Mobile or not.

You want to verify that your current phone can run on their network so you don’t have to get a new device.

Here are the steps to know your phone’s compatibility with T-Mobile:

  1. Open the Phone app on your device.
  2. Dial *#06# to get your phone’s IMEI number.
  3. Visit the T-Mobile website at T-Mobile.com.
  4. Open the Menu, Phone’s and Devices, Bring your own device.
  5. Enter your phone’s IMEI number and wait for the results.
Note: Most newer phones are compatible with both Verizon and T-Mobile, but it helps to verify.

2. Request Verizon to Unlock Your Phone

request to unlock your phone

After checking that you can use your Verizon phone on the T-Mobile network, the next thing you need to check is its unlock status.

You’ll also have a general idea if your phone is locked or not as its eligibility requirements are easy to remember.

Once you’re sure that you can unlock your phone, all you need to do is contact Verizon and they’ll take care of everything for you.

Here’s how to know if your Verizon phone is unlocked:

  1. Your Verizon account must be active.
  2. Your Verizon phone needs to be active.
  3. Keep your account in good standing for 60 days.
  4. Your phone isn’t reported stolen.
Note: If you meet these requirements, you can contact Verizon and they will unlock your phone for you right away.

3. Port Your Current Number to T-Mobile 

port the current number to tmobile

Sometimes moving from one carrier to another is more than just the devices. There are instances when you would want to move your number as well.

Luckily, you will be able to do that and move your Verizon number to T-Mobile.

Before you proceed with this step, you want to verify that your account is in good standing and you can unlock your phone.

If you meet these requirements, Verizon will also unlock your number and prepare it for transfer.

Here’s how to port your number to T-Mobile:

  1. Contact T-Mobile and let them know you want to transfer your account.
  2. Choose a plan that’s suited to your needs and activate it.
  3. Provide them with your Verizon account number and other details.
  4. They will coordinate with Verizon to move your number.
  5. Wait for a confirmation email or message to arrive.
Pro Tip: Only cancel your Verizon account once T-Mobile has successfully received your number.

4. Obtain a T-Mobile SIM Card

obtain a tmobile sim card

At this point, all the hard steps are done and it’s going to be smooth sailing from here.

Now that you have verified that you can use your phone and transfer your number to T-Mobile, it’s time to do it.

One of the first steps you need to take is to get a T-Mobile SIM card. You can get one online or from one of their stores. You’ll also need to sign up for a plan if you don’t have one yet.

Here’s how to get a T-Mobile SIM card:

  1. Order online through the T-Mobile website.
  2. Visit a T-Mobile store and get a SIM card.
  3. Call T-Mobile customer service at 1-800-937-8997.
Note: Make sure that you have a payment method handy as you're getting your SIM card so you can also sign up for a plan.

5. Replace and Activate Your T-Mobile SIM Card

replace and activate tmobile sim

Now that your SIM card has arrived, you can now set it up on your phone. As long as your phone is unlocked it should be able to use the T-Mobile SIM and find the signal so you can use it. 

Replace your current Verizon SIM with the one from T-Mobile and set it up so it switches networks.

Here are the steps to replace the SIM on your phone and activate it:

  1. Switch off your phone.
  2. Take out your Verizon SIM from your phone.
  3. Insert your new T-Mobile SIM.
  4. Turn it on and wait for it to detect the T-Mobile network.
  5. Dial 1-800-T-MOBILE to complete the process.
Tip: You can also activate your SIM through their website and log into your account and choose Activate SIM.

6. Change Your Phone’s Carrier Settings

The final step so you can successfully switch your Verizon phone to T-Mobile is to configure its settings.

change phone carrier settings

You want to select the T-Mobile network on your phone and change the settings so it can connect to it.

Your phone’s settings are not automatically set up, especially when you’re switching carriers on your own. You want to set it up yourself so you can connect to the internet.

Here’s how to change your phone’s carrier settings manually:

iPhone:

  1. Go to your phone’s Settings.
  2. Select General.
  3. Go to About.
  4. Tap on Update Carrier Settings.

Android:

  1. Open your phone’s Settings.
  2. Tap on More and Mobile Networks.
  3. Choose Carrier Settings.
  4. Select Update Profile.
Pro Tip: Make sure that your T-Mobile SIM is inserted into your phone so it updates with the new settings.

By following these steps you should be able to use your Verizon phone on the T-Mobile network.

If you run into any issues with moving your phone to your new network, you can contact T-Mobile customer support.

Bottom Line

How to use a Verizon phone on T-Mobile? Now that you know the different steps that you need to take, you can easily set up your phone for T-Mobile.

It should not take long before you switch everything including your account.

Read Next: How to Generate Verizon Transfer PIN in Easy Steps?