Can you use a straight talk phone with T-mobile sim card?
By
HuutiMoney
In This blog post, we will answer the question, Can you use a straight talk phone with a T-mobile sim card?. We will cover topics like the major difference between T-mobile and straight talk, key features of both network providers, and compatibility with T-mobile networks.
Can you use a straight talk phone with T-mobile?
Yes, you can use straight talk phones with a T-mobile T-mobile sim card, because these phones are compatible with T-mobile. You need to use a straight talk adapter kit to use a T-mobile sim card. This kit contains an unlock sticker and by using it you can activate a T-mobile sim card. If the phone device is on another network except for T-mobile, you need to unlock it.
What is straight talk?
straight talk is a wireless network service provider and it was launched in 2009. It offers a no-contract phone plan service.
Key features of straight talk
- The straight talk uses four major carriers namely Verizon, AT& T, Sprint, and T-Mobile. Ultimately one can expect better network coverage.
- Low-cost activation.
- It offers a large number of compatible devices.
- Offers a good selection of iPhones, even at a discounted price.
- There is no credit check.
- Offers good international options but with some additional charges.
Is straight talk with T-Mobile?
Yes, straight talk is with T-Mobile as well as it is with AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint. Straight talk is MVNO ( mobile virtual network operator). That means straight talk doesn’t have its towers, but it makes use of other wireless network towers. It has rights to use towers to T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint.
Does straight talk has its towers?
Straight talk is an MVNO. It has a joint agreement with Tracfone wireless and Walmart. Tracfone wireless provides cell phone service and Walmart is a retail outlet from where you can buy straight talk phone and cell phone plans.
Straight talk has lease agreements with other network carriers. It provides both CDMA and GSM services to its subscribers by making use of major wireless network providers.
So straight talk avoids the cost of building own network towers. Because of this, they can offer low-budget cell phone plans.
Which network is used for straight talk?
The straight talk uses four major carriers, namely Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile. But you don’t have a choice to move from one network carrier to another.
In case of network congestion, whenever there is heavy traffic, less priority is given to the straight talk subscribers compared to other major subscribers.
What is the major difference between T-mobile and straight talk?
T mobile is a major cell phone carrier. T-Mobile makes use of its network. It has roaming agreements with other major carriers to improve the network coverage.
Straight talk does not have its towers. It is MVNO(a Mobile virtual network operator). The straight talk uses four major carriers, namely Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile. But you don’t have a choice to move from one network carrier to another.
Why use straight talk phones with T-mobile?
T-Mobile is the 3rd-largest wireless network provider in the USA. T-Mobile is a German telecommunication industry and it has some investments in other mobile communication industries in the United States.
T-Mobile USA has a network sharing agreement with Cingular Wireless, an American mobile operator. Due to this, T- mobile has access to some top markets in the USA.
Key features of T-mobile
- Monthly installment plans are offered for T Mobile phones.
- More priority is always given to the T-Mobile subscribers on the network over Metro
- pcs subscribers. This is a prime important factor in case of network congestion.
- T mobile offers some better additional options, for example, international talk and
- data add-ons
- T mobile network providers have an excellent customer service record.
- Some extra perks are offered only for T-Mobile subscribers.
Perks for T- mobile subscribers
T mobile offers the following parks for their subscribers.
- On every Tuesday, Magenta and Magenta Plus subscribers are eligible for freebies. It may include movie tickets at discounted prices or free food.
- For family unlimited plans, if any one of the family members is not using the full data, then T-mobile offers an account credit.
- T mobile offers a “digits program “, where you can use one number on multiple devices, and subscribers with two or more lines will get a free Netflix subscription. T-mobile plans
- T- Mobile provides three unlimited data plans namely Essential plan, Magenta, and Magenta Plus plan.
- You will get some premium data on the Essentials plan. Magenta Max plan is the best plan for those who need huge amounts of data. It is unlimited and there is no slow down problem.
- For the magenta max family plan if you add one line then the cost per line will be reduced by $15. If you go on adding more lines, then you can bring the cost down to $40 per line.
- It’s a really good offer for totally unlimited and high-speed data. Speed up to 30 Mbps or even more can be obtained.
- T-Mobile offers its prepaid plans. The range of prepaid plans is from $45 to $75 per month.
- You can avail 4GB of LTE data for $45 and 10GB of data for $50. At the higher end,
- T-mobile offers unlimited data plans for $75.
What about 5G network coverage?
On average, the T-Mobile network provides much faster 5G speeds compared to AT&T. If you have a 5G mobile with a T mobile network, you can expect internet speeds of about 85 Mbps. While having 5G on AT&T network internet speed over just 52 Mbps. So, for 5G mobile phones, the T-Mobile network is much faster than AT&T mobile network.
What are the eligibility criteria to unlock a straight talk phone device?
A straight device may be locked to either a T-mobile or AT&T’s GSM network. If the phone device is on another network except for T-mobile, you need to unlock it. Following are eligibility criteria to unlock a straight talk device.
- The cell phone should not be reported as blocked or lost.
- An account concerned with the device must be active.
- The phone device must be active for at least twelve months.
- All your bills must be clear.
- The device must have been activated after February 2015.
- Your phone device must be in working condition.
- You can unlock the device only once a year.
How to unlock straight talk phones?
To unlock a straight talk phone, use the following steps.
- Call customer care T 1-877-430-CELL(2355).
- Request for unlock code. The unlock code usually consists of 10 to 15 digits.
- Purchase a T-mobile sim card.
- Switch off your phone.
- Remove the old sim card and insert a T-mobile sim card.
- Switch on the device.
- Enter the unlock code and click on the “unlock” option.
How to unlock straight talk iPhone devices manually?
You can also unlock different phones manually. Especially for LG devices, AT&T doesn’t allow you to unlock the phone. In such cases, a manual method is used.
Following are the steps to unlock different phone devices manually.
You can use the back and erase method to unlock your iPhone device.
- Firstly, create a backup of your phone in iCloud.
- Erase the phone device.
- Restore the device using backup files.
Unlocking straight talk iPhone using iTunes
Even after satisfying all eligibility criteria, your iPhone may still not be unlocked. In this case, use the following steps to unlock the iPhone using iTunes.
- First, complete the iTunes backup.
- Reset your iPhone.
- Once the welcome screen gets opened, reinstall the backup files by connecting the iPhone to iTunes.
- Try this using Unlock features.
How to check the compatibility of your straight talk phone?
Even if you have an unlocked phone, you need to check the compatibility of your device on the T-Mobile network. Use the IMEI number to check whether your device is compatible with T-Mobile or not.
What is International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI)?
IMEI is a special identifier associated with Global Mobile Communications System (GSM) phones IMEI is used to identify a device on a cellular network. GSM phones are assigned with 15–17-digit identifiers. It is your device’s social security number. It identifies the device uniquely and the network it is being used on.
How to get the IMEI number?
The simplest way is, you will get an IMEI number on the label of the mobile battery. If it is not clear then use the following steps to retrieve the IMEI number of your phone.
- Dial *#06# on your phone device.
- Click on the “settings” and then click on “General”.
- Click on the “change device” link then select your device and enter “find IMEI number”.
- The article will be displayed for your device, follow the instructions.
How to get an account number and PIN from the straight talk?
An account number is the IMEI number of your phone. To get the PIN use the following steps.
- Log in to your account.
- Click on “update personal profile.
- Click on the “current security pin” option.
How to activate SIM with T-Mobile?
To activate your SIM card, use the following steps.
- Log in to your T-Mobile account.
- Provide the security verification details.
- Select the option either SIM or eSIM.
- Enter the EID number of your phone. It is the serial number of your device.
Below are other T-Mobile articles you may be interested in:
Is T-mobile better than Boost?
Conclusion:
This blog explains to you how to use the straight phone with T-Mobile. This blog gives you details about unlocking the straight talk phone, checking compatibility with the T-Mobile network, and steps to activate a sim card with the T-Mobile network.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Can you use a straight talk phone with a T-mobile sim card?
Is straight talk an MVNO?
Straight talk is an MVNO. It also offers the user a “pay as you go on” cell phone plan. It has a joint agreement with Tracfone wireless and Walmart. Tracfone wireless provides cell phone service and Walmart is a retail outlet from where you can buy straight talk phone and cell phone plans.
Straight talk has lease agreements with other network carriers. It provides both CDMA and GSM services to its subscribers by making use of major wireless network providers.
Is a straight talk SIM card compatible with unlocked GSM phones?
Straight talk makes use of a SIM card. So you can easily switch to a straight talk network from other network carriers. If you have an unlocked GSM or CDMA phone then you can use a straight talk SIM. But unfortunately, all GSM phones will not work with straight-talk SIM.
If you have an unlocked phone which already uses a GSM card then generally it should work with straight talk. The CDMA phones which make use of the 4G LTE are compatible with straight talk. Because such phones have a SIM card slot.
What are the cons of straight talk?
- Limited primary plans and family plans are not available.
- Hotspot connectivity is available only on one plan ($ 55 plan).
- Below average customer care service
Can T mobile track IMEI?
Yes, whenever you make a call your identity is represented by two numbers, one is the IMEI(International Mobile Equipment Identity) number and IMSI( International Mobile Subscriber Identity) number
Can you check your carrier with IMEI?
IMEI provides only device-related information and not any personal information of the owner. But it does provide a location and some network-related information.
How to check whether the cell phone is already unlocked?
Some network carriers provide cell phones which are already unlocked. To check whether your cell phone is already unlocked or not there are some simple methods.
Call your current network carrier and ask for the information, whether your cell phone is locked or unlocked.
If you have a GSM cell phone then the simplest technique is; to remove the original sim card, insert another SIM card and check whether you can make calls or send a text. if you are in a position to make a call or send a text then your phone is unlocked.
References
How to Switch to T-Mobile
06 November 2020
By Lauren Hannula
The 9 Best Straight Talk Phones to Buy at Walmart in 2022
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By Yoona Wagener Updated on May 5, 2021
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