What is straight talk compatible with?
By
HuutiMoney
In This blog post, we will provide a piece of information about compatibility with straight talk. We will provide information about straight talk cell phone plans, the network used by straight talk, and compatibility checking with the straight talk network.
What is straight talk compatible with?
Straight talk is compatible with most GSM and CDMA unlocked phones. 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.
How can you switch your phone to Straight talk?
You can transfer your phone to straight talk by using the following steps.
- Check the compatibility of your phone device with straight talk.
- Select the phone plan and purchase an activation kit.
- Activate your phone device on a straight talk network.
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.
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
Does straight talk has its towers?
Straight talk 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.
Does straight talk use T-Mobile’s tower?
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.
Why straight talk doesn’t have its towers?
Straight talk is an MVNO. It offers “pay as you go on” cell phone plans. 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.
Straight talk phone plans
The straight talk offers the following three major prepaid plans.
- 3 GB plan for $35 per month.
- 25 GB plan for $45 per month.
- Unlimited plus 10GB hotspot plan for $55 per month.
The straight talk offers unlimited data plans for those who need huge amounts of data.
Practically these plans are not unlimited. These plans are for 4G LTE data speed allotment, but after reaching a certain limit the speed is reduced to 2G.
The straight talk also offers a two-line family plan that includes unlimited data, text messages, and unlimited talk.
It also offers a “30-day limited plan”. In this plan, you will get a set number of call minutes for an entire month. It also includes unlimited text messages. If you need more internet access then there is a provision of add-on plans.
Things to keep handy before checking the compatibility of your device
Before using the unlock steps, you should know the IMEI number of your phone and if you want to port the number to straight talk you should know the account number and the PIN.
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 of your phone?
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.
- Select the “settings” and then click on the option “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 does IMEI help service providers?
GSM uses subscriber identity module cards to store subscribers’ information. Customers can easily switch the SIM card from one device to another and start making calls without any problem. It helps operators identify valid customers and disable the devices from their end if reported lost or stolen.
IMEI is hardcoded by the manufacturer; it helps the carrier understand the capabilities of the device; it helps the provider to get the device to a nearby tower for connection.
If you lose your phone or if it gets stolen, IMEI will help you make sure the person who stole it won’t be able to use your device. The device can be denied service to any cellular network even if the SIM is changed.
How to get the account number and PIN?
The following table shows details about getting the account number and PIN of your current wireless network.
| WIRELESS NETWORK | ACCOUNT NUMBER | PIN |
| Verizon | On your phone bill or online account. | Log in to your account.Click on the “number transfer pin” option.Click on “generate PIN” |
| AT&T | On your phone bill or online account. | Last four digits of a phone number. |
| Boost | On your phone bill or online account. | Last four digits of a phone number |
| Cricket | Online account | are created while setting online account |
| MetroPCS | Open the website “MetroPCS.com”Open “My account’Click on the “payment” option to select any month.The account number is in the bill reminder text. | Your date of birth. |
| Sprint | On your phone bill or online account. | Call customer care at 1-888-211-4727 |
Unlock policies of some major network carriers
Some network providers offer cell phones which are already unlocked. But if the cell phone is locked then there are certain policies to unlock the device.
Verizon
4G LTE smartphones of Verizon are already unlocked. So naturally, you don’t need any code to switch the network carrier.
But if you have purchased a 3G World Device cell phone from Verizon, then it is locked.
Unlock code for 3G World Device cell phone is 000000 or 123456.
If you have a 3G prepaid phone then it can be unlocked only after 12 months.
AT&T
Prepaid phones from AT&T can be unlocked even after six months of service.
Using the device unlock portal of AT&T, one can easily unlock the device.
Sprint
The recent cell phone devices are automatically unlocked by Sprint. Along with basic criteria, an important restriction is that your cell phone device must be active for at least 50 days before unlocking.
For older phones, if you are eligible for unlocking then you will get a notification from Sprint. You will get an unlocking code from the sprint to unlock the device.
T-mobile
One can unlock T-mobile phone devices, provided that the following criteria are satisfied.
- The cell phone must be sold by T-mobile.
- The cell phone should not be reported as blocked or lost.
- An account concerned with the device must be active.
- Depending upon prepaid or postpaid plans, the device should satisfy all necessary unlock requirements.
- You cannot unlock more than two lines in a year.
- All your bills must be clear.
MetroPCS
There is a unique code word to unlock a Metro mobile phone. Using this codeword, it can unlock the mobile device. Once the phone is unlocked, we can insert a SIM card from other wireless carriers like T-mobile.
The unlocking process depends on whether your device has an unlock app or not.
How to unlock the phone using the unlock app.?
If your Metro device has an inbuilt unlock app. then by using the following steps you can unlock the device
- Open the app list and select a device “unlock app”.
- Then click on “Continue”.
- Select the permanent unlock option.
- Restart the device.
How to unlock the non-app phones?
If your Metro device does not have an inbuilt unlock app, then you need to follow an alternate procedure.
- Gather the details of your account which should include a PIN.
- Make use of an email id that is registered with a network provider.
- Contact customer care support and request unlock code.
- After receiving an unlock code, enter this code to unlock the device.
How to check the compatibility of your phone?
Even if you have an unlocked phone, you need to check the compatibility of your device. Use the IMEI number to check whether your device is compatible with straight talk or not.
You can use any one of the following methods to check the compatibility of your phone.
- Online checking
- Using text facility
- Contacting straight talk
- Visiting straight talk store
Online checking
You can check eligibility of device online by using following steps.
- Open the straight talk activation page.
- Click on the option” BYOP”
- Follow the onscreen instructions.
Using text facility
Simply text ” BYOP” to the number 611611. You will be asked for some more information, enter the necessary information.
Contacting straight talk
You can directly contact customer care by dialing 1-877-430-2355. Provide the relevant information to the representative to check the compatibility.
Visiting straight talk store
You can visit the straight talk store and confirm the compatibility of your device with straight talk.
Which phone devices are not compatible with straight talk?
Most of the devices are compatible with straight talk. But some of the devices are not compatible due to the following reasons.
- The phone device has been purchased overseas.
- The device is locked with the network carrier which is not in partnership with straight talk.
- The phone device is reported as stolen or blacklisted.
- The device is having an older GSM version.
How can I transfer my service to straight talk?
To transfer your phone service to the straight talk wireless, use the following steps.
- Text “Transfer” to the number 611611.
- Once you get the response, provide the IMEI number or sim card number of your phone device
- Provide the necessary information.
Can I bring my 5G phone to straight talk?
The list of 5G compatible phones is available on the official website of straight talk. Before purchasing a 5G phone device, refer to this list. But most of the 5G devices are compatible with straight talk
Conclusion:
This blog gives you details about compatible phones with straight talk, the different methods used to check the compatibility, and information about some phone devices which are not compatible with straight talk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): What is straight talk compatible with?
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:
What Phones Work with the Straight Talk & Net 10 Bring Your Own Phone Programs?
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How to Unlock a Phone on Every Carrier in 2021 | Digital Trends retrieved from https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/how-to-unlock-a-phone-on-every-carrier/
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