If you haven’t already read my article on Straight Talk Wireless, you might not be aware that Straight Talk is one of the best deals in cellular.
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There is some mystery around Straight Talk, and I hope to answer today one of the most frequently asked questions regarding Straight Talk:
Can I use my existing Verizon / AT&T / T-Mobile / Sprint / Tracphone / etc cellular phone?
The answer depends on the type of phone that you have. Keep reading for more information
AT&T, T-Mobile or Unlocked GSM Phones
You can now take advantage of Straight Talk SIM, to use your existing phone on Straight Talk’s no-contract plans. To take advantage of this, you simply order a SIM card from Straight Talk, place that SIM card into your phone and follow a few simple instructions.
Note: This does not include AT&T Go Phones.
Verizon, Sprint or Unlocked CDMA Phones
Much like AT&T/T-Mobile, it is possible to take your Verizon or Sprint Wireless device and use it with Straight Talk on the Verizon or Sprint network through Straight Talk’s Bring your own CDMA Phone Program.
Note: This does not include Verizon Prepaid phones or Sprint prepaid phones.
Other Unlocked Phones
Unlocked phones will almost always work on Straight Talk as long as they support the bands needed to communicate with the Straight Talk towers. You might try contacting Straight Talk Customer Support to verify before purchasing a SIM, to make sure you purchase the correct one for your device.
Anything Else
If you have a locked phone that is not from postpaid AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint the answer is: Probably not; proceed at your own risk.
Here is a list of the types of phones that won’t work unless they are unlocked:
- US Cellular Phones
- C Spire Wireless Phones
- nTelos Wireless Phones
- Metro PCS Phones
- Verizon Prepaid Phones
- AT&T Go Phones
- Total Wireless Phones
- TracFone Phones
- SafeLink Phones
- NET10 Phones
- Straight Talk Phones
- Boost Mobile Phones
- Virgin Mobile Phones
- Cricket Phones
- Republic Wireless Phones
- PagePlus Phones
- BlackBerry Phones (may not work even if unlocked)
- Nextel Phones (may not work even if unlocked)
What if my phone won’t work?
- Sell your old phone on eBay, Craigslist or Amazon Marketplace.
- Buy a compatible phones on Amazon, eBay, or you can buy one directly from Straight Talk. Your best bet will be unlocked phones, but you can also find some good deals on phones that are locked to Verizon, Sprint, AT&T or T-Mobile.
Get up and Running on Straight Talk
As you read above, many phones are eligible to run on Straight Talk, but there are some that will not work. If you have any questions about if your phone will work, see our article what phones work with Straight Talk and Net 10 BYOD SIM cards.
Printer-friendly versionIn order to mitigate theft and other fraudulent activity, newly purchased devices are “locked” to work exclusively on the Verizon network. We have separate device unlocking policies that cover postpay and prepaid devices, as well as special rules for deployed military personnel.
“Unlocking” a device refers only to disabling software that would prevent a consumer from attempting to activate a device designed for one carrier’s network on another carrier’s network. Due to differing technologies, an unlocked Verizon Wireless device may not work – or may experience limited functionality – on another carrier’s network.
Postpay Device Unlocking Policy
Devices that you purchase from Verizon are locked for 60 days after purchase. Devices that you purchase from our retail partners are locked for 60 days after activation. After 60 days, we will automatically remove the lock. Following the 60 day lock period, we do not lock our phones at any time.
Prepaid Device Unlocking Policy
Devices that you purchase from Verizon and certain devices purchased from our retail partners are locked for 60 days after activation. After 60 days, we will automatically remove the lock. Following the 60 day lock period following device purchase, we do not lock our phones at any time.
If you purchase a 4G Phone-in-a-Box from our retail partners, you should review the back of the box to determine the lock period applicable to that device.
Unlocking Policy for Deployed Military Personnel
If you are a Verizon Wireless customer in the military and receive relocation orders outside of the Verizon Coverage Area, we will unlock your device at your request, even during the 60-day-lock period following the purchase of your device.
Updated on: July 19, 2019