Are you tired of your current carrier's limitations but love your phone too much to part with it? Then the T-Mobile Keep & Switch program might be your perfect solution! It allows you to switch to the Un-carrier, keep your eligible device, and get reimbursed for its remaining balance with your old provider. Ready to dive in? Let's get you set up with T-Mobile's fantastic network!
Step 1: Discover If Your Phone is Ready to Join the Un-Carrier Revolution!
This is where your journey begins! Before anything else, you need to ensure your current phone is compatible with T-Mobile's network and eligible for the Keep & Switch program. Don't worry, it's usually quite straightforward.
Sub-heading: Check Device Compatibility
Online Compatibility Tool: T-Mobile offers an easy-to-use online tool where you can enter your phone's IMEI number. This will quickly tell you if your device is compatible with their network. This is a crucial first step!
What if it's not compatible? In rare cases, your phone might not be fully compatible. If that's the case, don't despair! T-Mobile often has great deals on new phones, and you might consider their "Carrier Freedom" program instead, which often involves trading in your device.
Sub-heading: Ensure Your Phone is Unlocked
Carrier Locked vs. Unlocked: Most phones purchased through a carrier are "locked" to that carrier until you pay off the device or meet certain contract terms. For the Keep & Switch program, your phone MUST be unlocked before you port your number over to T-Mobile.
Contact Your Current Carrier: You'll need to contact your current provider to request an unlock. This usually involves paying off any remaining device balance you have. Do NOT port your number to T-Mobile until your phone is fully unlocked! This is a common pitfall that can delay your reimbursement.
Timeframe for Unlocking: The unlocking process can take anywhere from 1 to 5 business days, depending on your current carrier. Be patient, it's worth it!
Sub-heading: Meet Keep & Switch Eligibility Criteria
T-Mobile has specific requirements for the Keep & Switch program. Make sure you tick these boxes:
Eligible Previous Carriers: The program is typically available to customers switching from major postpaid carriers like AT&T, Verizon, Spectrum, Claro, Xfinity Mobile, Liberty, and UScellular. Prepaid carriers, T-Mobile Prepaid, Metro by T-Mobile, and Google Voice are generally NOT eligible.
New Voice Line & Port-in: You must activate a new voice line of service with T-Mobile and port (transfer) your existing number from an eligible carrier to that new line.
Device Payment Plan: Your phone must have been on an installment plan with your previous carrier for at least 90 days, and you must have made at least three successful minimum payments toward that plan.
Maximum Reimbursement: T-Mobile typically reimburses up to $800 per line (for up to 8 lines) via a virtual prepaid Mastercard.
No Recent T-Mobile Service: Your number should not have been used with T-Mobile service within the past 90 days.
Step 2: Gather Your Proof – The Essential Documents
Once you've confirmed your eligibility, it's time to collect the necessary documentation. Accuracy here is key to a smooth reimbursement process!
Sub-heading: Your Most Recent Bill Showing Device Financing Details
This is perhaps the most critical document. You'll need a PDF copy or a clear screenshot of your most recent bill from your previous carrier that clearly shows:
Your Phone Number: The specific number you are porting to T-Mobile.
Phone Make & Model: The exact model of the device you are keeping.
Phone Payment Balance: The outstanding balance on your device installment plan.
Phone Financing Start Date or Payments Made: Proof that you've had the device on a payment plan for at least 90 days and made at least three payments. This could be the financing start date or a clear indication of payments made.
Previous Carrier's Name: Clearly visible on the bill.
Pro-Tip: Some users on Reddit suggest taking a screenshot of your "device payoff page" directly from your old carrier's online account, as this often contains all the required information in one place. Do this before you port out, as access may be restricted afterward.
Step 3: Make the Big Switch – Activating Your T-Mobile Service
Now for the exciting part – joining the T-Mobile network!
Sub-heading: Choose Your T-Mobile Plan
Explore Options: T-Mobile offers a variety of plans, from Essentials to Go5G Plus. Consider your data needs, international travel, and included perks (like streaming services) to find the best fit for you.
New Line Activation: When you sign up, you'll be activating a new voice line on your chosen T-Mobile plan.
Sub-heading: Port Your Number to T-Mobile
Crucial Information: You'll need your previous carrier's account number and PIN/password to transfer your phone number. Have these readily available.
Online or In-Store: You can initiate the number transfer online during checkout, by calling T-Mobile, or by visiting a T-Mobile store.
Do NOT Cancel Your Old Service Yet! This is paramount! Your old service needs to remain active until your number is fully transferred and activated on T-Mobile. Cancelling prematurely can result in losing your number. The transfer process is usually quick (10 minutes to 3 hours for wireless numbers), but can take longer for landlines.
SIM Card Activation: If you're bringing your own unlocked phone, you'll insert your new T-Mobile SIM card (or activate an eSIM) and follow the on-screen prompts or contact T-Mobile customer service to complete the activation.
Step 4: Submit Your Reimbursement Request – The Finish Line!
You've successfully switched and are enjoying T-Mobile's network. Now, let's get you that reimbursement!
Sub-heading: Access the T-Mobile Promotions Website
Timing is Everything: You must submit your rebate request within 30 days of activating your new T-Mobile line and porting your number. Don't delay!
Where to Go: Head to T-Mobile's dedicated promotions website (often promotions.t-mobile.com or switch2t-mobile.com).
Log In: You'll typically need to log in with your T-Mobile ID and account credentials.
Sub-heading: Complete the Submission Form
Select Your Offer: Choose the "Keep & Switch" (or "Carrier Freedom" if applicable) option.
Provide Details: You'll be prompted to enter the phone number(s) you're submitting for reimbursement.
Upload Documents: This is where that carefully prepared PDF or screenshot of your previous carrier's bill comes in. Upload it as instructed. Ensure the image is clear and legible, showing all the required information.
Agree to Terms & Conditions: Read and accept the terms and conditions of the promotion.
Submit! Once everything is filled out and uploaded correctly, submit your request. You should receive a confirmation.
Sub-heading: Awaiting Your Reimbursement
Validation Period: T-Mobile typically takes up to 15 days to validate your submission.
Virtual Prepaid Mastercard: Upon successful validation and meeting all qualifications, you will receive your reimbursement via a virtual prepaid Mastercard. This is usually sent via SMS to the contact number you provided.
Check Status: You can often check the status of your submission by logging into the T-Mobile Redemption Center.
Remember: This is a reimbursement! You are responsible for paying your previous carrier for your final bill. T-Mobile does not directly pay your old carrier. You will use the virtual prepaid Mastercard to pay off your old phone's balance.
Congratulations! You've successfully navigated the T-Mobile Keep & Switch program. Enjoy your un-locked phone and the benefits of the Un-carrier network!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to check if my phone is eligible for T-Mobile Keep & Switch?
You can check your phone's compatibility by visiting T-Mobile's online compatibility tool and entering your device's IMEI number. Ensure it's on their eligible device list.
How to unlock my phone from my previous carrier?
Contact your previous carrier's customer service or visit their website for instructions on how to unlock your phone. You will typically need to pay off any remaining device balance.
How to get the necessary documents for Keep & Switch submission?
Download a PDF of your most recent bill from your previous carrier's online account, ensuring it clearly shows your phone number, device make/model, remaining payment balance, and proof of 90+ days on the installment plan. Screenshots of a device payoff page can also work.
How to port my phone number to T-Mobile?
You will need your previous carrier's account number and PIN/password. You can initiate the porting process online during T-Mobile checkout, by calling T-Mobile customer service, or by visiting a T-Mobile store.
How to activate my new T-Mobile SIM card?
Once you receive your T-Mobile SIM card, insert it into your unlocked phone and follow the on-screen prompts. You may also need to call 1-800-T-MOBILE to complete the activation.
How to submit the Keep & Switch reimbursement request online?
Go to T-Mobile's promotions website (e.g., promotions.t-mobile.com or switch2t-mobile.com) within 30 days of activation, log in with your T-Mobile ID, select "Keep & Switch," and upload your required documents.
How to know if my Keep & Switch submission was successful?
After submission, you should receive a confirmation. You can also check the status of your submission by logging into the T-Mobile Redemption Center on their website.
How to receive my Keep & Switch reimbursement?
Reimbursement is typically provided via a virtual prepaid Mastercard, sent to you via SMS within 15 days of successful validation.
How to use the virtual prepaid Mastercard?
The virtual prepaid Mastercard can be used to pay off the remaining balance on your old phone with your previous carrier, or for other purchases wherever Mastercard is accepted online.
How to get help if my Keep & Switch submission is denied or I have issues?
If your submission is denied or you encounter problems, contact T-Mobile customer service directly, either by calling 611 from your T-Mobile phone or 1-800-T-MOBILE. You can also reach out to @TMobileHelp on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) for assistance.
