- Home
- Shop Phones
-
SIM-Card Savings
 and save big&media=http://explore.t-mobile.com/BYOD/images/byod-facebook.jpg "Pin It")
Bring your own phone to T-Mobile
and save up to $49.99/month
Pop in a T-Mobile SIM, add a no-annual-service contract Simple Choice Plan with the unlimited 4G Data option, and use your unlocked GSM phone (including any AT&T iPhone®) on our Nationwide 4G network.
Single-line plan
Bring your own phone to T-Mobile and save $49.99 per month on unlimited talk, text, and data versus AT&T's Individual Plan.*
AT&T
Two-line family plan
Bring your own phone to T-Mobile and save $90 per month on unlimited talk, text, and data versus AT&T's Family Plan.**
AT&T
Step 1: Check your phone
Check to see if your phone is compatible and to find out what type of SIM card it uses.
Check your phoneStep 2: Select your plan
Choose a SIM card and our Simple Choice Plan. Then select the amount of data you need.
Our Simple Choice Plan:
- Unlimited talk, text and web
- No annual service contract required
- No overages
Step 3: Receive your SIM
We'll send your ready-to-use SIM card by mail.
Frequently asked questions
SIM-card questions
What is a SIM card?A: The SIM card is the brain of a digital phone. It is a card with a computer microchip that can easily be inserted into the phone or transferred to other phones. It will retain your phone book and personalized service information.
NOTE: A non T-Mobile phone needs to be an unlocked GSM phone in order to work with a T-Mobile® SIM card on the T-Mobile network.
A: To find out if your phone uses a SIM card, a micro SIM card or a nano SIM card, check your phone.
A: Your SIM will be sent to you by mail, already activated. There's no need to worry about activating anything. All you have to do is open the package, place the SIM card in your phone, and you're ready to go.
Phone questions
What is GSM?A: GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) is the world's most popular wireless phone technology. GSM offers global roaming capabilities, as well as excellent voice quality. Its easy-to-use data capabilities deliver mobile service that's comparable to your experience when you're working on your home or office computer.
A: Certain cell phones from nearly every manufacturer (Apple, HTC, Samsung, etc.) will work on our network. To find out if your GSM phone is compatible with T-Mobile's network, check your phone.
A: Most GSM providers in North America ship their phones with a SIM subsidy lock that prevents the phone from working on other carriers. In some instances, customers may request their phone be unlocked, so that it can be used with another carrier's SIM card. If you are purchasing a new phone, we recommend that you purchase it already unlocked.
You may also visit a smartphone unlocking website, like http://www.releasemycode.com. Before unlocking any device, check your warranty and contract with your carrier to see what conditions apply to unlocking your device.
A: No, you can use any compatible unlocked GSM phone no matter what kind it is or where it's from.
A: Once you have a T-Mobile Simple Choice Plan and have received your activated T-Mobile SIM card, you can put it in any compatible, unlocked GSM phone you choose.
A: Yes, AT&T will unlock the iPhones of any off-contract customers in good standing who request such. Once unlocked, a T-Mobile SIM can be ordered, a plan selected, and the the AT&T iPhone will work on the T-Mobile network. To check which type of SIM you need, click here.
Verizon and Sprint iPhone 5 devices are compatible with our network. Previous iPhone models from Verizon and Sprint are not compatible with T-Mobile's network.
You may also visit a smartphone unlocking website, like http://www.releasemycode.com. Before unlocking any device, check your warranty and contract with your carrier to see what conditions apply to unlocking your device.
A: Yes, T-Mobile's Simple Choice Plan enables owners of GSM-compatible iPhones (those compatible with AT&T) to use their iPhone and save money.
To set up an unlocked compatible iPhone on T-Mobile's network, you simply need to order a SIM car and select the T-Mobile Simple Choice Plan and data option that fits your needs.
T-Mobile is enhancing its network by adding high-speed 4G data capabilities on the AWS 1900 band (used by AT&T iPhones and all iPhone 5s). In areas where the network has not yet been updated, iPhones will operate at 2G (EDGE) speeds. Check at your local T-Mobile store on network status in your area.
A: AT&T will unlock the iPhones of any off-contract customers in good standing who request it. Call AT&T customer service for assistance. Once unlocked, a T-Mobile SIM can be ordered, a plan selected, and the iPhone will work on the T-Mobile network.
- If you have an unlocked iPhone 5, you will need a nano SIM card.
- If you have an iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S, you will need a micro SIM card.
- For other iPhone models, you will need a regular SIM card.
You may also visit a smartphone unlocking website, like http://www.releasemycode.com. Before unlocking any device, check your warranty and contract with your carrier to see what conditions apply to unlocking your device.
A: T-Mobile cannot and does not guarantee the functionality or performance of any phones or devices that were not sold by T-Mobile or an authorized dealer of T-Mobile ("Non-T-Mobile Devices") for use on the T-Mobile network. Nor do we guarantee the functionality of any phones or devices that do not have a software version that was sold or updated by T-Mobile (for example, rooted devices).
A: Apple requires an AppleID in order to download applications from the App Store. You can create one either through the setup process for your iPhone or by launching the App Store and signing up for an AppleID.
A: If your contacts are stored on your SIM card, in-store reps can help you transfer contacts from your old SIM to your new SIM. Otherwise, the iPhone supports multiple contact syncing methods like Exchange, Google and iCloud.
A: iMessages between iPhones do not count against your SMS total each month; instead, they are part of your data allotment.
A: At this time, iPhone users should not be experiencing issues with FaceTime. To ensure FaceTime works properly, we recommend registering for it using your email address. If you are having issues with FaceTime, we recommend contacting Apple for support.
A: EDGE is a 2G data service that provides coverage in some areas where 4G service is not available, and for GSM devices operating on a 4G band not supported by T-Mobile in those areas. Enhancements in data capability over the GSM network are provided with EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution) service. With typical speeds of approximately 70 to 135 Kbps, advanced mobile services are possible.
A: T-Mobile will continue to add new compatible phones, so check back often.
A: Yes. Phones will be available for you to purchase at full price. In addition, you may be able to upgrade by financing using our Equipment Installment Program.
A: T-Mobile cannot and does not guarantee the functionality or performance of any phones or devices that were not sold by T-Mobile or an authorized dealer of T-Mobile ("Non-T-Mobile Devices") for use on the T-Mobile network. Nor do we guarantee the functionality of any phones or devices that do not have a software version that was sold or updated by T-Mobile (for example, rooted devices).
A: As a courtesy, we provide the T-Mobile Internet and picture messaging (MMS) settings for some Non-T-Mobile Devices, including the iPhone. However, device troubleshooting that is not related to the T-Mobile network (T-Mobile Internet and picture messaging settings) is not provided for such Non-T-Mobile Devices. T-Mobile does not provide troubleshooting on Non-T-Mobile Devices for any issues not related to the T-Mobile network. T-Mobile cannot guarantee the effectiveness of these settings, nor their placement in the device and therefore does not assume any liability for the lack of effectiveness of these settings for non-T-Mobile devices. We strongly recommend that our customers contact the manufacturers of their Non-T-Mobile Devices with any questions or problems regarding the functionality, operation, or performance of their Non-T-Mobile Devices.
A: T-Mobile provides 4G data services nationwide on the AWS 1700/2100 bands, and is in the process of adding service on the PCS 1900 band. Today, phones with both AWS 1700/2100 bands (not just one or the other) work nationwide on T-Mobile’s 4G network. PCS 1900 band phones (sold by AT&T and others) work on the T-Mobile 4G network in cities where 1900 service has been added. Check with your local T-Mobile store or call customer service to learn about the network status in your area.
Plan questions
What plans can I add to my own phone?A: Add the amount of data you need to our Simple Choice Plan.
A: Our new Simple Choice Plan includes:
- Unlimited talk, text and web - up to 500MB of high-speed data
- No annual service contract required
- No overages
- Free domestic long distance and no digital roaming charges across the US
For full plan details and selection, check out our SIM-card plans page.
A: To estimate the amount of data you will use, visit our data calculator.
A: Yes, you add a line to any unlocked, compatible GSM phone.
WANT TO KEEP THE PHONE
YOU LOVE?
If you need to unlock your phone, contact your carrier or visit a smartphone unlocking website.
Learn More
Not sure how much
data you need?
Find your data service with our data calculator.
Try our data calculator
*Savings based on comparison of T-Mobile mo Unlimited Talk, Text, and Data plan against AT&T Unlimited Talk, Text, and 3GB Smartphone Data plan as of April 26, 2013; does not include taxes, fees, or promotional offers. Plan features and limitations vary. Compatible device required.
**Savings based on comparison of T-Mobile .00/line (2 lines) per mo Unlimited Talk, Text, and Data plan against AT&T smartphone family plan (2 lines/3GB) as of April 26, 2013; does not include taxes, fees, or promotional offers. Plan features and limitations vary. Compatible device required.
Device unlocking: Check your warranty and contract with your carrier to see what conditions apply to unlocking your device. T-Mobile is not affiliated with and does not endorse releasemycode.com. Use at your own risk.
Only T-Mobile and AT&T’s iPhones, and Verizon’s & Sprint’s iPhone 5 will work on our network; other iPhones may have limited functionality, including coverage limitations. Capable device required for 4G speeds; capable iPhone may achieve 4G speeds in limited areas. iPhone is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.
Limited time offer; subject to change. Taxes and fees additional. Not all plans or features available on all devices. Unlimited talk & text features for direct U.S. communications between two people. General Terms: At participating locations. Domestic only. Credit approval, $10 Sim Starter Kit and deposit may be required. If you switch plans you may be bound by existing or extended term (including early termination provisions) and/or charged an up to $200 fee. Regulatory Programs Fee of $1.61 per line/month applies. Taxes approx. 6-28% of bill. Partial megabytes rounded up. Full speeds available up to monthly allotment; then, slowed to up to 2G speeds for rest of billing cycle. On-network and domestic roaming data allotments differ: 500 MB full-speed plan includes 10 MB roaming; 2.5 GB, 4.5 GB and Unlimited 4G full-speed plans include 50 MB roaming; 6.5 GB and 8.5 GB full-speed plans include 100 MB roaming; and 10.5 GB and 12.5 GB full-speed plans include 200 MB roaming. Unlimited text includes unlimited nationwide text, and picture and video messaging. Family Plans: Limit five lines. All lines must be activated in same T-Mobile market with same billing address and area code. Device and screen images simulated. Coverage not available everywhere. Network Management: Data traffic of postpaid plans with limited high-speed data allotments greater than 2GB will be prioritized over other currently offered plans during periods of congestion. Service may be slowed, suspended, terminated, or restricted for misuse, abnormal use, interference with our network or ability to provide quality service to other users, or significant roaming.