Are you tired of those sky-high Verizon bills? Do you dream of more affordable, yet reliable, mobile service? Well, you're in the right place! Switching from Verizon to Mint Mobile can be a game-changer for your wallet, offering significant savings without sacrificing quality service. Mint Mobile, an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator), operates on T-Mobile's robust 5G network, providing excellent coverage in many areas.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring a smooth transition. Let's get started on your journey to wireless freedom and financial savings!
Step 1: Are You Ready for the Mint Mobile Revolution? (Initial Assessment)
Before you dive headfirst into switching, let's confirm Mint Mobile is the right fit for you. This initial assessment is crucial to avoid any hiccups down the line.
Sub-heading: Check Your Current Verizon Contract Status
First things first, what's your commitment with Verizon? Are you on a month-to-month plan, or are you still tied to a contract, especially if you financed a phone through them?
Early Termination Fees (ETFs): If you're still under contract, Verizon might charge you an Early Termination Fee. This can sometimes outweigh the immediate savings of switching. It's wise to calculate if the ETF makes financial sense before you make the leap. You can usually find this information in your My Verizon account or by calling their customer service.
Device Payments: If you're still paying off a phone through Verizon, you'll need to pay off the remaining balance to unlock your device. This is a critical step for bringing your current phone to Mint Mobile.
Sub-heading: Verify Phone Compatibility and Unlocking Status
Will your current phone work with Mint Mobile? This is a common question, and the answer is usually yes, if your phone is unlocked and compatible with T-Mobile's network.
Unlocking Your Verizon Phone: Verizon generally has a policy where phones are automatically unlocked 60 days after purchase if they are fully paid off. However, it's always best to confirm this.
For Postpaid Customers: Your device will be automatically unlocked after 60 days if your account is in good standing and the device is fully paid off.
For Prepaid Customers: Prepaid phones are typically locked for 60 days after activation.
To Expedite (if needed): If your phone isn't automatically unlocked or you're unsure, contact Verizon customer service directly and request an unlock. Make sure your account is in good standing and all device payments are complete.
Mint Mobile Compatibility Checker: Mint Mobile has a handy online tool to check if your phone is compatible with their network. Simply visit the Mint Mobile website and use their "Bring Your Own Phone" checker. You'll typically need your phone's IMEI number, which you can find by dialing *#06# on your keypad.
Sub-heading: Assess Mint Mobile Coverage in Your Area
Mint Mobile runs on T-Mobile's nationwide 5G network. While T-Mobile has excellent coverage, especially in urban and suburban areas, it's essential to verify coverage in your specific locations (home, work, frequent travel routes).
Visit the Mint Mobile coverage map on their website. Enter your address or common locations to see the expected signal strength and network type (5G, 4G LTE).
Keep in mind that while Mint Mobile uses the T-Mobile network, deprioritization can occur during times of network congestion. This means T-Mobile's direct customers might get priority over Mint Mobile users if the network is very busy. For most users, this isn't a significant issue, but it's something to be aware of if you live in a highly congested area.
Sub-heading: Understand Mint Mobile's Prepaid Model
Mint Mobile operates on a prepaid model, meaning you pay for your service upfront in multi-month packages (3, 6, or 12 months). This is a significant departure from Verizon's typical postpaid billing.
This upfront payment is how Mint Mobile offers such competitive pricing. The longer the term you commit to, the lower your effective monthly cost.
Be prepared to pay for several months of service at once when you first sign up.
Step 2: Gathering Your Verizon Account Information – The Crucial Details
This is arguably the most critical step for a smooth number transfer. Do NOT cancel your Verizon service yet! If you cancel before initiating the port, you risk losing your phone number forever.
Sub-heading: Obtain Your Verizon Account Number
Your Verizon account number is a unique identifier for your account.
Where to find it:
It's typically listed on your Verizon bill (paper or electronic).
You can find it by logging into your My Verizon account online or via the My Verizon app. Look for "Account Number" in your profile or account settings.
If all else fails, call Verizon customer service (1-800-922-0204 for consumer, 1-800-837-4966 for business) and request it.
Sub-heading: Generate Your Number Transfer PIN (Port-Out PIN)
This is a specific PIN required by Verizon to authorize a number transfer to another carrier. It's different from your regular account PIN or security PIN.
How to generate it:
Via My Verizon App or Online: Go to "My Profile" in the Verizon app or a mobile browser, then "Number Transfer PIN" and select "Generate PIN."
By Dialing #PORT (#7678): Dial this from the Verizon phone number you wish to transfer. You'll receive a text containing your Account Number and a link to generate the Number Transfer PIN.
Important: Ensure "Number Lock" is disabled on your Verizon account. This feature prevents unauthorized porting and needs to be off for the transfer to succeed. You can usually manage this in your My Verizon account settings under security or number lock.
This PIN is usually temporary and only valid for a limited time (e.g., 7 days), so it's best to generate it when you're ready to initiate the transfer with Mint Mobile.
Sub-heading: Confirm Your Billing Address and ZIP Code
Mint Mobile will require the billing address and ZIP code associated with your Verizon account to verify your identity during the porting process. Make sure these are accurate.
Step 3: Choosing Your Mint Mobile Plan and Getting Your SIM
Now for the fun part – selecting your new, more affordable plan!
Sub-heading: Select Your Ideal Mint Mobile Plan
Mint Mobile offers a variety of prepaid plans with different data allowances:
5GB, 15GB, 20GB, and Unlimited.
Consider your data usage habits. You can often find your average data usage in your My Verizon app or on your bill. Don't pay for more data than you need!
Introductory Offers: Mint Mobile frequently has promotional pricing for new customers, often offering the lowest monthly rate for your first 3-month term.
Payment Terms: Remember, you'll choose to pay for 3, 6, or 12 months upfront. The 12-month option usually provides the most significant savings.
Sub-heading: Choose Your SIM Option: Physical SIM vs. eSIM
Mint Mobile offers both physical SIM cards and eSIM (embedded SIM) options.
Physical SIM Card: If your phone doesn't support eSIM or you prefer a traditional SIM, you can order a physical SIM card to be mailed to you. This usually takes a few business days to arrive.
eSIM (Digital Delivery): For compatible phones (many newer iPhones, Google Pixel phones, and some Samsung models), eSIM offers instant activation. You'll receive your activation information via email almost immediately after purchase. This is the fastest way to get started.
Step 4: Activating Your Mint Mobile Service and Porting Your Number
This is where the magic happens! You'll use the Mint Mobile app or website to activate your service and initiate the number transfer.
Sub-heading: Download the Mint Mobile App (Recommended)
The Mint Mobile app (available on iOS and Android) makes the activation process incredibly streamlined. It will guide you step-by-step.
Sub-heading: Initiate Activation
For Physical SIM: Once you receive your physical SIM card, locate the 11-digit ACT code on the back of the card.
For eSIM: Your 11-digit ACT code will be in your order confirmation email.
Open the Mint Mobile app or go to
mintmobile.com/activate Enter your ACT code when prompted.
Sub-heading: The Number Transfer Process (Porting)
During activation, you'll be given two options: "Keep your current one" (transfer your existing number) or "Get a new one."
Select "Keep your current one."
You will then be prompted to enter the crucial information you gathered in Step 2:
Your Verizon phone number
Your Verizon Account Number
Your Verizon Number Transfer PIN (Port-Out PIN)
Your Verizon Billing ZIP Code
Double-check all information for accuracy. Even a single incorrect digit can delay the porting process significantly.
Once you submit this information, Mint Mobile will initiate the number transfer request with Verizon.
Sub-heading: Installing Your eSIM (if applicable)
If you opted for an eSIM, your phone will typically receive a pop-up prompt to install the eSIM profile. Follow the on-screen instructions. This usually involves a few taps to confirm the installation.
Sub-heading: Waiting for the Transfer to Complete
Most number transfers from major carriers like Verizon to Mint Mobile complete within a few hours. In some cases, it can take up to 24-48 hours. Landline transfers can take longer.
Crucial: Do NOT cancel your Verizon service until your Mint Mobile service is fully active and your number has successfully transferred. You'll know it's complete when your Mint Mobile service is working and your Verizon service stops.
You may experience a brief period of no service during the transfer (a few minutes to an hour). This is normal.
Mint Mobile will usually send you a text or email confirmation once your number has been successfully transferred.
Step 5: Confirming Your New Service and Canceling Verizon
Congratulations! You're almost there.
Sub-heading: Test Your Mint Mobile Service
Make a few calls and send some texts to ensure everything is working correctly on your Mint Mobile plan.
Test your data by Browse the internet or streaming a video.
Verify Wi-Fi Calling is working if your phone supports it and you intend to use it.
Sub-heading: Formally Cancel Your Verizon Service (AFTER Porting is Complete)
Once your Mint Mobile service is fully active and your number has successfully ported, your Verizon service will automatically terminate for that line.
You do not need to explicitly call Verizon to cancel the line you ported. The porting process handles the cancellation of that specific line.
However, if you have other lines on your Verizon account that you are not porting to Mint Mobile, you'll need to decide what to do with them. You might choose to keep them with Verizon or port them to Mint Mobile later. If you're only keeping some lines with Verizon, you might need to adjust your Verizon plan.
Keep an eye out for a final bill from Verizon, which might include any prorated charges or remaining device payment balances.
Step 6: Enjoying Your Savings and New Freedom!
You've done it! You've successfully switched from Verizon to Mint Mobile. Now you can enjoy:
Significantly lower monthly bills.
Access to T-Mobile's nationwide 5G network.
The flexibility of prepaid service.
Welcome to the Mint Mobile family!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to check if my Verizon phone is unlocked?
You can usually check your Verizon phone's unlock status by attempting to insert a SIM card from a different carrier (like a friend's AT&T or T-Mobile SIM). If it connects to the network, it's unlocked. Alternatively, call Verizon customer service and directly ask if your device is unlocked for use on other networks.
How to find my Verizon account number and Number Transfer PIN?
Your Verizon account number is on your bill or in your My Verizon online account/app. For the Number Transfer PIN, dial *#PORT (#7678) from your Verizon phone or generate it in the "Number Transfer PIN" section of your My Verizon app/online profile.
How to know if Mint Mobile has good coverage in my area?
Visit the Mint Mobile website and use their interactive coverage map. Enter your address to see detailed 5G and 4G LTE coverage information based on T-Mobile's network.
How to activate a Mint Mobile eSIM?
After purchasing an eSIM plan from Mint Mobile, you'll receive an 11-digit ACT code via email. Download the Mint Mobile app, enter the ACT code, and follow the on-screen prompts to install the eSIM profile on your compatible phone.
How to keep my current phone number when switching to Mint Mobile?
During the Mint Mobile activation process (either via the app or website), you'll select the option "Keep your current one" when prompted about your phone number. You'll then enter your Verizon account number, Number Transfer PIN, and billing ZIP code.
How long does it take to switch from Verizon to Mint Mobile?
For most number transfers from Verizon, it typically takes a few hours to complete once you initiate the porting process with Mint Mobile. In some cases, it can take up to 24-48 hours.
How to avoid losing my phone number during the switch?
Crucially, do NOT cancel your Verizon service before your number has successfully ported to Mint Mobile. The porting process itself will automatically terminate your Verizon line once it's complete.
How to check my phone's compatibility with Mint Mobile?
Mint Mobile provides an online compatibility checker on their website. You'll need your phone's IMEI number, which can be found by dialing *#06# on your device.
How to get a Mint Mobile free trial?
Mint Mobile sometimes offers a free trial to test their service. Check their website for current promotions. These trials often come in the form of a starter kit with a small amount of data and talk/text.
How to contact Mint Mobile customer service for help with the switch?
You can reach Mint Mobile customer service by calling 1-800-683-7392. They also offer online chat support on their website.
