How Do I Switch My Phone to AT&T?
Whether you are looking for a better deal, better coverage, or you are moving to an area your current carrier doesn't cover, you've chosen AT&T as your new carrier. You have the option to bring your AT&T compatible device to your new plan, and can switch online or in an AT&T store.
Whether you've moved to a predominantly AT&T service area, become dissatisfied with your current carrier, or you are getting a great introductory offer, you've decided to switch your phone to AT&T. How do you switch your phone to AT&T? You can get assistance and information from AT&T customer support here, and you can read on for steps to switching your phone.
Before You Switch
If you are taking your own device with you on your new AT&T plan, you must make sure it is compatible with AT&T's network. You must purchase a compatible device if you find your current phone will not work on the AT&T network. This can be done by completing an IMEI check on your phone. To get the device number for the IMEI check, do the following:
- Open settings on your phone.
- Tap on "General Settings."
- Choose "About Phone" to get information about your device.
- Scroll down to IMEI for the 15-digit code.
Once you have confirmed the phone is AT&T compatible, you also want to ensure the device is unlocked by its current carrier. Contact your current carrier to request the phone be unlocked. The current carrier will determine if you have met all the criteria for unlocking your phone. Unlocking criteria could include the following:
- Have you paid for the phone in full? If you had an installment plan on your phone, have you made your final payment? If not, how much do you still owe to pay off your device?
- Are you under contract for your service? If so, your carrier may not unlock your phone.
Can you keep your current phone number or will you need to switch numbers? You can check your phone number at AT&T's website to see if it is eligible to transfer to your new plan.
Making the Switch
Now that you have confirmed your phone is compatible and unlocked, you are ready to make the switch to AT&T. To complete the switch, follow these steps:
- Open AT&T's website in your browser.
- Select "Wireless" in the menu at the top of the page.
- Click on "Bring your own."
- Select "Get started" in the middle of the screen.
- Select the type device you are switching to AT&T.
- If you have a SIM card ready or you have a device that doesn't use a SIM card, click on "start your activation" to begin the process.
- If you aren't quite ready to activate your device, click on "Continue" at the bottom of the screen.
- Select the option that best fits in the pop up window that appears.
- Choose a plan.
- Click on "Finish AT&T Universal SIM Card set-up" to complete the process.
If you are unable to make the switch online, you can take your phone to an AT&T store near you and a customer service representative will be able to help you switch your device. If you need more information or assistance, contact AT&T customer support here.
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