What is the Difference Between GSM and CDMA Tracfones?
Tracfone Wireless offers prepaid cell phone service but does not actually have any cell networks of their own. Instead they use other major service provider networks including Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile.
Many things have changed in the last few years, including Verizon acquiring Tracfone in 2021, and newer cell phone technologies (4G and 5G) moving away from the distinction of GSM and CDMA. In the past, Tracfone offered two general types of phones, GSM and CDMA, which determined what network you would use. But now, that doesn't really matter, and we'll explain why.
Let's jump straight into our updated information, and start with a little backstory.
Why GSM and CDMA Don't Matter Anymore
GSM and CDMA are technologies that only had to do with 2G and 3G cell phone networks. And as these infrastructures are decommissioned, that distinction will become irrelevant. We now have widespread 4G LTE, and growing 5G technology beginning to emerge.
4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) has a standardized framework across all carriers (as does 5G). But until recently, 2G and 3G networks were still used for voice calls, leading to a distinction between GSM or CDMA for certain providers, still being relevant. Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile are all closing their 3G networks in 2022 and will switch users to VoLTE compatible devices.
CDMA and GSM are still sometimes incorrectly (even by us) used to refer to Verizon and AT&T's networks, but as they transition to 4G LTE and 5G, that distinction doesn't matter, and what is more important is which bands your phone is capable of using.
A band is a range of frequencies within a specific signal, and Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile each have some of their own bands, but also share some of the same ones. Some phones are compatible with enough bands to be capable of working on any network, while other phones only can access bands from a specific provider.
To summarize, GSM and CDMA are technologies that are nearly obsolete, and current and future technologies are standardized, but different networks still use different bands, which not all phones are configured to access. Most mid-to-high-end smartphones are compatible with bands for any major carrier, but many budget phones don't include that, and are only capable with certain networks and bands.
To summarize, GSM and CDMA are technologies that are nearly obsolete, and current and future technologies are standardized, but different networks still use different bands, which not all phones are configured to access. Most mid-to-high-end smartphones are compatible with bands for any major carrier, but many budget phones don't include that, and are only capable with certain networks and bands.
With that all covered, for those who are still interested, here is additional information about CDMA and GSM.
GSM, which stands for Global System for Mobile communication, is the more popular cell phone standard worldwide, but not as much here in the United States. AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM networks for all their cell phone service, and Tracfone cell phones that use GSM run off of one of those two major carriers (mostly AT&T).
CDMA stands for Code Division Multiple Access and is less popular world wide, but more popular in America. It is used by Sprint and Verizon for their cell phone service, and any Tracfone devices that use CDMA typically is using Verizon's networks..
So, GSM or CDMA cell phones are simply cell phones that run on one of those two networks.
For more general details on the differences between GSM and CDMA networks visit GSM vs CDMA on Diffen
This is a common question with Tracfone users that has a very simple answer.
For Older Tracfone Devices:
If your cell phone ends with a 'C' it uses the CDMA Network. An example is the LG 505C. Notice the 'C' at the end of the name. All Tracfone mobile devices that end with "C' use either Verizon or sometimes other CDMA networks.
If your cell phone ends with a 'G' it used the GSM Network. An example is the LG 840G. All Tracfone cell phones that end with this 'G' use the GSM network, which is either T-Mobile or AT&T. GSM phones have been very popular with Tracfone, but recently there has been a wave of Android smartphones for Tracfone and they all use Verizon CDMA service.
For Newer Smartphones:
Tracfone has also started using 'VL' at the end of some of their smartphones, which indicates it is Verizon - LTE. The Samsung Galaxy Luna Pro (S327VL) is an example.
Some Tracfone GSM smartphones also use 'AL' or 'BL' to indicate LTE service with either AT&T or T-Mobile.
Check your SIM Number:
Another way to check what carrier you are using is to check your SIM number and compare the first 6 numbers with those below:
890141 + AT&T (GSM)
890126 + T-Mobile (GSM)
891480 + Verizon (CDMA)
On most smartphones you can find the SIM number on the SIM card, or with the packaging. Here is a tutorial from Tracfone that walks through finding and checking your SIM card number.
For more on these smartphones, visit our Cell Phone Reviews page where we have a full list including all of the recent Android smartphones.
Here is what it comes down to: As mentioned above, Tracfone cell phones ending with 'C' or 'VL' use the CDMA networks of Verizon and phones ending in 'G' or 'AL'/'BL' use AT&T and T-Mobile. Thus, you should get the phone that will use the network that has the best coverage in your area.
This may take a little research to discover, you may want to talk with friends or look up information online, but when you have found which major cell phone provider works best in your area, use the cell phone from Tracfone that will use that network.
Many cities have either GSM or CDMA as the more dominant provider for a variety of reasons, so be sure to find out which will work better. You can go on the Tracfone website and shop for cell phones there, where they will ask for your zip and determine which type of phone you should get.
Many of the Android smartphones Tracfone has released use CDMA (Verizon) cell service. There are a few that also use GSM service. Check before you buy that you are getting the right one for your area.
In some cases, Tracfone may indicate that only GSM or CDMA works in your area, but in reality both may work.
And remember, you can always buy an unlocked smartphone and bring it to Tracfones BYOP program using either CDMA or GSM service. We just reviewed the Unlocked Moto G7 which can be used with either either network.
In the end, do a little research and you should find which type of phone will work best in your area.
Additionally, you can visit the Tracfone website and go to 'Shop' and they will ask for your ZIP code, and then show you currently available phones for your area.
GSM phones - AT&T and T-Mobile
(Limited Android smartphones use GSM)
ZTE ZFIVE 2 (Available on Tracfone website)
LG Rebel
LG Sunset
LG 306G
Motorola EX431G
Samsung S425G
LG 840G
LG 530G
LG 500G
Samsung S390G
LG 440G
CDMA phones - Verizon and Sprint
(Most Android smartphones use CDMA)
Motorola Moto G6
Samsung Galaxy J7 Crown
Samsung Galaxy J3 Orbit
LG Fiesta
Samsung Galaxy Luna Pro
Samsung Galaxy Sky Pro
ZTE ZFIVE
Samsung Galaxy Centura
Huawei Glory
ZTE Valet
LG Optimus Dynamic
LG Optimus Dynamic II
LG 505C
Samsung R455C
LG 501C
LG 290C
Tracfone allows users to bring GSM or CDMA smartphones (usually unlocked) to use with their BYOP 4G LTE service. Visit our Tracfone BYOP page to learn more.
There are many more cell phone options from Tracfone besides these, but this is just a sample of cell phones categorized by which network they use.
Take a look at our Latest Tracfone Cell Phones List to keep up with the newest releases.
You may also find our recent posts, Top 3 LG Phones from Tracfone and the Best Tracfone Prepaid Cell Phone interesting and useful in finding a cell phone.
We hope this helped to answer questions, and if you have any more, just ask them in the comments. Share this with others who also might find it beneficial!
What Are GSM and CDMA Cell Phones?
Let's start by giving a little more information about GSM and CDMA:GSM, which stands for Global System for Mobile communication, is the more popular cell phone standard worldwide, but not as much here in the United States. AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM networks for all their cell phone service, and Tracfone cell phones that use GSM run off of one of those two major carriers (mostly AT&T).
CDMA stands for Code Division Multiple Access and is less popular world wide, but more popular in America. It is used by Sprint and Verizon for their cell phone service, and any Tracfone devices that use CDMA typically is using Verizon's networks..
So, GSM or CDMA cell phones are simply cell phones that run on one of those two networks.
For more general details on the differences between GSM and CDMA networks visit GSM vs CDMA on Diffen
How to Tell If You Have a GSM or CDMA Tracfone:
 |
| LG 505C (CDMA) |
For Older Tracfone Devices:
If your cell phone ends with a 'C' it uses the CDMA Network. An example is the LG 505C. Notice the 'C' at the end of the name. All Tracfone mobile devices that end with "C' use either Verizon or sometimes other CDMA networks.
If your cell phone ends with a 'G' it used the GSM Network. An example is the LG 840G. All Tracfone cell phones that end with this 'G' use the GSM network, which is either T-Mobile or AT&T. GSM phones have been very popular with Tracfone, but recently there has been a wave of Android smartphones for Tracfone and they all use Verizon CDMA service.
For Newer Smartphones:
Tracfone has also started using 'VL' at the end of some of their smartphones, which indicates it is Verizon - LTE. The Samsung Galaxy Luna Pro (S327VL) is an example.
Some Tracfone GSM smartphones also use 'AL' or 'BL' to indicate LTE service with either AT&T or T-Mobile.
Check your SIM Number:
Another way to check what carrier you are using is to check your SIM number and compare the first 6 numbers with those below:
890141 + AT&T (GSM)
890126 + T-Mobile (GSM)
891480 + Verizon (CDMA)
On most smartphones you can find the SIM number on the SIM card, or with the packaging. Here is a tutorial from Tracfone that walks through finding and checking your SIM card number.
For more on these smartphones, visit our Cell Phone Reviews page where we have a full list including all of the recent Android smartphones.
Should I Buy a GSM or CDMA Tracfone?
This is also a question we get here at TracfoneReviewer quite often. Many people are unsure which type of phone to get, those ending with 'C' or 'G'?Here is what it comes down to: As mentioned above, Tracfone cell phones ending with 'C' or 'VL' use the CDMA networks of Verizon and phones ending in 'G' or 'AL'/'BL' use AT&T and T-Mobile. Thus, you should get the phone that will use the network that has the best coverage in your area.
This may take a little research to discover, you may want to talk with friends or look up information online, but when you have found which major cell phone provider works best in your area, use the cell phone from Tracfone that will use that network.
Many cities have either GSM or CDMA as the more dominant provider for a variety of reasons, so be sure to find out which will work better. You can go on the Tracfone website and shop for cell phones there, where they will ask for your zip and determine which type of phone you should get.
Many of the Android smartphones Tracfone has released use CDMA (Verizon) cell service. There are a few that also use GSM service. Check before you buy that you are getting the right one for your area.
In some cases, Tracfone may indicate that only GSM or CDMA works in your area, but in reality both may work.
And remember, you can always buy an unlocked smartphone and bring it to Tracfones BYOP program using either CDMA or GSM service. We just reviewed the Unlocked Moto G7 which can be used with either either network.
In the end, do a little research and you should find which type of phone will work best in your area.
Tracfone Cell Phones for GSM and CDMA Networks
Tracfone cell phones use either GSM or CDMA. Below we will share a list of cell phones from Tracfone organized by which type of network they use. This list does not include all of Tracfone's devices, but many of the most popular ones with newer devices listed first.Additionally, you can visit the Tracfone website and go to 'Shop' and they will ask for your ZIP code, and then show you currently available phones for your area.
GSM phones - AT&T and T-Mobile
(Limited Android smartphones use GSM)
ZTE ZFIVE 2 (Available on Tracfone website)
LG Rebel
LG Sunset
LG 306G
Motorola EX431G
Samsung S425G
LG 840G
LG 530G
LG 500G
Samsung S390G
LG 440G
CDMA phones - Verizon and Sprint
(Most Android smartphones use CDMA)
Motorola Moto G6
Samsung Galaxy J7 Crown
Samsung Galaxy J3 Orbit
LG Fiesta
Samsung Galaxy Luna Pro
Samsung Galaxy Sky Pro
ZTE ZFIVE
Samsung Galaxy Centura
Huawei Glory
ZTE Valet
LG Optimus Dynamic
LG Optimus Dynamic II
LG 505C
Samsung R455C
LG 501C
LG 290C
Tracfone allows users to bring GSM or CDMA smartphones (usually unlocked) to use with their BYOP 4G LTE service. Visit our Tracfone BYOP page to learn more.
There are many more cell phone options from Tracfone besides these, but this is just a sample of cell phones categorized by which network they use.
Take a look at our Latest Tracfone Cell Phones List to keep up with the newest releases.
You may also find our recent posts, Top 3 LG Phones from Tracfone and the Best Tracfone Prepaid Cell Phone interesting and useful in finding a cell phone.
We hope this helped to answer questions, and if you have any more, just ask them in the comments. Share this with others who also might find it beneficial!
89 comments :
This was the first thing I learned today that was of any use to me, thanks
Boy, I wish I had seen this a couple of days ago when I first started researching Tracfone. Great info on this website. If I know that the better service is from Verizon in my area, just East of Mesa, AZ, but the only phones that say they will work in my area are GSM, is there a way to get a CDMA phone for Verizon to work here? When they ask me my zip won't that force me to go with a GSM phone? I really like the Samsung S380C, but I'm not sure how to verify whether it can be activated in my area. Actually it looked like the whole Phoenix valley was GSM.
This is excellent information! Thank you!!!!
We just ordered the new 840g which shows it works in our area and even though my other phone were Cdma phone the tracfone website shows it works in my area but what a mistake. I pd full price for this phone and after sending me 3 sims cards and even a replacement 840g phone the end result was a headache for me and many hrs and confusing phone calls with Tracfone which has gone on for 2months now. Bottom line they finally told me the 840G phone would not work in my area and they were sending me another phone that would work in my area . received it today and it had recoditioned on the box which sells for 20.00 on line. My husband is at this moment trying to get his minutes and airtime transferred wish us luck .
I live in a rural area where Verizon CDMA service is OK and all the GSM services bite. But TracFone insisted my zip "has" GSM service. But to the earlier poster who thought your ZipCode would tie you to TracFone's decision, do what I did. Keep entering zip codes in rural parts of nevada, idaho, coastal CA/OR, etc until you find CDMA phones being offered to you. Then call and talk to a person and explain that you want the phone for your work that takes you to those remote areas frequently. They will sell it to you.
Wow, challenging situation! Hope things got straightened out in the end!
Yep, this is a good tip if you know you need a CDMA cell phone.
I had the same problem where I live. I wound up buying a brand new unopened tracfone on EBAY.
Can I buy a GSM Trackphone and put my AT&T SIM in the phone?
Unfortunately, no. Tracfone cell phones don't allow this, they are very tough to unlock or use on any service besides tracfone.
Can a GSM Tracfone be used in Europe? Thanks for this info.
No, Tracfones don't work outside the US.
How about if you get a SIM card in the other country from another provider and change it out while in that country that has GSM service will Tracfone work?
Thanks,
Joey
Tracfone doesn't really care where you are, they just use the zip to determine which type of phone to send you when ordering on their website, but this sometimes has problems. In my area for example, for GSM they think AT&T and T-Mobile are equivalent in coverage, but they are not. I'd always had AT&T which works great, but one time they sent me a T-Mobile and it was terrible. It took a major effort to finally get them to change me back to AT&T. There was a way to tell from the SIM serial which service it was, I assume this is still true. I've been considering the Centura phone but there is a similar problem in my area with CDMA phones, Verizon works great but Sprint not so much. I don't really know how to make sure to get the Verizon other than just ask and hope for the best. At one time I had a list of ZIPs to use for getting the type phone/service wanted but can't find it now.
I just signed up for Tracfone a few hours ago, when I entered the main ZIP code for my hometown of Portland, OR (97201), I was presented with both GSM and CDMA phones. Switching the billing/shipping address to the actual ZIP code I'm in was as simple as keying it in. If it isn't this easy for others, Portland's a semi-major city and the 'I travel there often' tip should work easily.
P.S. Thanks for the updated, truly helpful, informative website!
Nope. Tracfone locks down their phones so you can't use them with any other service.
Other than entering your zip code, can you find out which carriers support TracFone in various markets? For example, can you find out where a T-Mobile supported TracFone will work?
Trackfone worked in Puerto Vallarta on AT&T
So am I correct in assuming that my LG800G will NOT work in Canada?
Which other brands can use Tracfone service?
Does CDMA windows phone work with this? More specifically the Nokia Lumina's
Have a very old, still very useable, cellphone but looking for a newer model. I will switch # to new phone & reactivate old one with a new #. My question is: It is a Motorola C261 phone - is this GSM or CDMA? Would like to know, because I get great service with it where I am located when some people with smartphones don't always have good service, and want the new phone to be the same network. Thanks!
I have never been able to use my Tracfone in Canada, even only a short distance from the border.
Having the same issue with them on the same phone.
Great information here, thank you. Now that I know I want a cdma phone where I live. How do I tell if the phone is Verizon or Sprint? I've read that the sim cards ending letters can clue you in on this. I can't find the details for sprint/verizon - any body know?
How exactly can you tell from the Sim card which service it is?
Try doing it the other way. Tracfone has a purchase a SIM program, If not, it's Net10. I read you can buy a PREPAID AT&T phone or Verizon at a retail store. After you buy a month's service on that phone through the provider (by the day is cheap) you should be able to use the phone on another service. You may be able to buy a SIM from Tracfone and BYOP.
If you look at the unofficial coverage map from this blog you can see there are a few areas like Vancouver where two people get service on Tracfone. FIDO service in Vancouver and other parts of Canada use the Verizon LTE service. They wanted a LOT $100 for a clamshell phone from them. Might be able to get a Verizon prepaid phone and use FIDO service on that. Canadian cell plans are limited and expensive.
Can you use any GSM phone on Tracfone if you buy a SIM card from Tracfone and install it in the phone? There are lots of cheap but really nice unlocked GSM smartphones coming out now and it would be great to just buy a SIM from Tracfone and buy their service.
Google the first digits. I think it is the first 5.
I'm currently using an LG Tracfone ending with G. They are selling the 800G for my zip. BUT... they don't offer the 840G. Do you know the reason for that?
Not all Tracfone's ended in G or C. Example of some is LG3280 or Motorola V170. But now they starting to. I had to contact Tracfone regarding my old Motorola V170 and they ask me for info from cell and told it runs off Verizon.
I had to replace an LG800G phone with another LG800G phone. I noticed that the second phone didn't have all the features (missing email & 4 digit # capability) that the first one had. Later found out that the original phone had the AT&T carrier and the second phone had the T-Mobile carrier. The reception on the AT&T carrier phone was better and it had more features. How can I request the carrier when I buy a G model phone???
Can you tell me which local stores carry the 'Big Easy' Tracfone? I can tell from the packaging code which carrier comes with the phone. I live in Delaware.
In my area only Verizon will work. I had gobs of problems with Tracfone. Sent me wrong phones. I bought a number Tracfone said would work, which would not. Made many long expensive calls to Tracfone trying to get problem solved. Now I understand they simply sent me wrong phones. Plus they refused reimburse my lost minutes, which I had bought from them. Problem with Tracfone - you can only "hope" you get a phone that will work. So now I have 5 Tracfones which will not work in my area. Tracfone indifferent to problem.
Thank you so much !
Can you get minutes transferred from a GMS Tracfone to a CDMA Tracfone?
Yes, that should work fine.
Which AT & T sim card do I need for a Motorola EX431G ?
TY, just what I was looking for!
can you use any gsm phone on tracfone?
MacD
Can I get a track phone SIM card to work on my old sprint htc evo phone ??? Thanks...
Can you just take a sim card out of one phone and put it in an unlocked gsm phone?
Tracfone's website asks where the phone will primarily be USED! To the best of my knowledge you can live in Timbuktu and ask for a phone to be used in Siberia (joking here of course), and Tracfone will sell you whatever you desire. So, if you need a "C" phone, find a zip that will support it, and order away. A great tip though, is to ask friends, relatives, or whatever that live in your area to ascertain what cell service works best where. Tracfone website states I should use a GSM type phone, but that service is terrible, and I cannot make or receive calls from my home. My wife had old fashioned "candy bar" Motorola (C type) which she never had an ounce of trouble with. I ordered a LG 301C and reception is fantastic. Check carefully folks, as trying to correct the problem will give you a gigantic headache. Trust me, no joke!
I have had 2 CDMA phones, neither of which used a Sim card. My GSM phone did, in fact, have one. Do CDMA phones use Sim cards?
I have a Samsung galaxy g4, how can I tell if it's a gsm or CDMA and if it's a gsm can I be unlocked to be used on any gsm network if itz a gsm phone
Can you change your tracfone from gsm to cdma network
No. Its different hardware. Works on different frequencies.
WOW MANY!!!!!! thanks
I live in Oklahoma and in the area that I live the Verizon Sprint companies have a very week coverage while ATT or T-Mobile are the ones that cover it better, your article really
help a lot to decide what phone I need. Big help.
USA GSM phones only work in UK/Europe if they are 3-4 band phones. USA GSM is 800/1900 mHz and UK/Europe is 900/1800 mHz.
Just tell Tracfone that you need to use your phone in Beulah ND 58523 and they will sell you a CDMA phone. Before you buy, check the phone prices on Amazon
Same freqs but different protocol
I purchased an LG 800G tracphone a couple years ago. Got service fine. All of a sudden about 4 months ago, I quit getting signal in my area. Now they are saying there is NO service in my area. ARGH. All I need is a phone for emergencies when I drive. I dont need an ANDRDOID. I have a tablet and computer for that.
my tracfone LG 440G reception is ok in metro n.y. however,poor reception in las vegas.looking to replace lg 440g.
I have an interesting dilemma. My husband has an old LG200c. which works fine in our rural house. I have an LG220c. I seldom get any bars in the house and texting is iffy. I usually have to wait and see a few bars, then send. I don't understand why his older than dirt phone has great reception, but mine doesn't. His phone was activated in another area since we hadn't moved yet. I purchased the phone with the intention of using it where we moved. Mine was activated in the house or nearby. I forget, it's been a while. Could this be the reason? I was considering a smartphone so I can use the wi-fi for texting/web surfing. I have read wi-fi will still eat up minutes since you can't disable 3G. Can you help me on these matters? I would really like a smartphone that would work in the house, both texting and voice if I needed it.
I recently went from a simple but trusty LG 420 G Tracfrone (GSM) to the newer Moto E (CDMA). The MOTO E definitely does not have the reception that the 420 G did in our area. Buyer beware. Coverage maps can be misleading. It is the quality of the signal strength that counts in day to day use. I am now unable to receive signals inside of retail stores and at many locations I formerly took for granted. A friend of mine, a long time HAM radio operator, explained that carriers often share cell towers and even antennas. Essentially, the carrier who has the best contract with the cell tower owner often comes out as top dog with regard to signal strength irregardless of what the cell carriers claim. Be very careful, talk with someone who has a CDMA phone in your area before you switch. If you are at all familiar with the issue of the old analog cell phones vs the modern digital ones this is a very similar issue.
I've had fairly good luck with tracfone until recently when I had them transfer me from a CDMA to GSM phone .. they didn't tell me the min's data etc were not transferable .. and even though their policy states that if you reactivate your phone within 6 months you will receive min's assigned to that phone they where able to loose over three thousand min's that I never was able to recover .. I spent days and sent a formal written request ( that in itself is a adventure) for my min's uses ect. I'll probably stay with Tf but will never think of them the same again.
Correct. The way to use your phone while overseas (including Canada) is to use a VOIP app like Skype. Buy $10 of call credit and all you have to do is get wifi and then you can call any number worldwide. Only drawback is you can't receive a call unless someone else is also on Skype.
I had an LGDynamic II and decided to go to a Sunset model. So far I have been without cell service since the 29th of July, as of this post it is Aug 2nd. I went online to transfer my # and min/text/data, to the new phone. Got a message that an error had occurred. Called the number given was told it could take 48 hrs for info to transfer. called back after 48hr, it had not transferred, spent 1 hr and 22 min on phone, before tracfone determined that the new phone was registered in the wrong zipcode. Will need to send me a new SIM card, which I probably won't see til Aug 4 or 5, then will need to start all over again trying to get info transferred. How the phone got registered in the wrong zipcode is beyond me? Any ideas anyone. I hope after I get the new SIM card things get transferred ok. Always had tracfones, and was happy, this sure has soured me!
CDMA-only phones do not use SIM cards. If any hybrid CDMA/GSM phones exist, the GSM side would require a SIM card.
There is a reason for that, Anonymous. Your previous phones were CDMA (by your own admission); in other words, Verizon or Sprint. The 840G is a GSM phone; which will require AT&T or T-Mobile. Your Verizon service (CDMA) was probably great (it usually is for 3G). Your 840G relies on the local AT&T or T-Mobile service. The SIM card determines which service. So if the SIM provided was for the poorer local service provider -- which Tracfone really has no way of determining -- then you will have mucho problems. If you wish to continue with a GSM phone, find out who (AT&T or T-Mobile) has better service in your area and ask for a SIM card for particular service provider. Frankly, if you had good service with your CDMA phones, I'd look at CDMA phones only (like the L22C). The service test only recognizes that Tracfone has an access contract with the service provider in your area; it does NOT indicate what the quality of that service might be.
I'm so glad I found this blog!
Living in Chicago, Tracfone works well and has been a great bargain for me. However, I go to Europe 3X a year for a couple of weeks and would like to have a mobile for occasional use there. I contacted Tracfone tech support twice and was told the first time that if I bought an upgraded unlocked Tracfone I could buy a SIM card in Europe and use it there and then switch it back when I got home. The second expert said I couldn't. Which one is right and what are the potential unexpected consequences of trying this?
Well, I just placed my order for the refurbished Note 4 from Amazon! It is the black, 32 Gb unit on Verizon. I sure hope this will work, when I try to get this on the Tracfone BYOP (bring your own phone) plan. (I now have an LG L41C, a pleasing unit.)
I just found the following info:
http://tracfonereviewer.blogspot.com/2013/07/tracfone-gsm-vs-cdma-phones.html
This link has the following: "jimAugust 3, 2015 at 11:54 AM
CDMA-only phones do not use SIM cards. If any hybrid CDMA/GSM phones exist, the GSM side would require a SIM card."
So... Being that this is a Verizon phone that does not use or need (?) a SIM, maybe this is a non-issue for me?
(My wife did need a SIM card for her failed attempt to get her iPhone 5 onto the Tracfone BYOP plan.)
If I do need a SIM card for the Tracfone BYOP plan: Can I get a SIM card from eBay at a small savings? -Or, WILL TRACFONE JUST SEND ME A NEEDED SIM CARD at no cost???
Thank you; -Mike-
Will the phone only receive a signal from one or the other or both? For example if it is a G phone will it receive service from either ATT or T-Mobile or both?
When I get a new SIM card for my phone (T-Mobile doesn't work in my area, so they're sending me an AT&T SIM), do I have to reactivate my phone to get my number to transfer, or does that happen automatically?
Am really disgusted with Tracfone at the moment, they have sent me 2 replacement phones because I couldn't change the phone # to my zip code on original, these are GSM phones and do not work in my zip at all, now they have me waiting for a new SIM saying the phone will work, have family who work for at&t, phone will not work, nearest tower is 50 miles away, why didn't they just send me a cdma phone? Since they are the ones they sell for my area anyway
I use to have great results with tracphone, the basic model, only used for emergencies while living in rural area in CO mts...only phone that seemed to work at all in the remote rural area. I moved to Idaho, cell phone was set up in CO with the area code for Idaho...once I got here, have had nothing but problems with the new phone and reception. This explains a lot. Good luck having customer service DO anything, they are horrible. I called in on my landline for issues, I was working with 'several reps that were clueless, couldn't understand anything, read from a script. I had just added mins. a day before. I was on a call when I got a call, it dropped my call, and then I couldn't get any service...my vc mail rings busy, all my calls ring busy, all I get is a busy dial tone. Bars are fine, but something is wrong with the phone. I had minutes before I called in, and I wasn't calling on their phone, and even though they didn't do ANYTHING to help, other than tell me I had service in my area, and they asked me if I had put my phone in water recently, they couldn't/wouldn't DO anything. I finally said this is stupid, you aren't helping. After I hung up, I got a call back on my landline to ask about the service, I replied WORTHLESS...guess what, ALL my recently added minutes disappeared. I HATE TRACFONE, THEY HAVE NO CUSTOMER SERVICE, THEY STOLE MY MINUTES AND MY PHONE IS NOW USELESS AND I CAN'T RETURN IT, IT IS BARELY A MONTH OLD. STAY FAR AWAY FROM THEM!!!!
Thank You, this has solved a great mystery as to why my new replacement tracfone is garbage.The maps for our area are inaccurate and I have yet to find a really great service in our rural community. My old "G" tracfone was iffy sometimes, but acceptable considering the cost of service.When it broke they sold me a "C" phone which is useless.It took their support techs 4-5 tries just to activate it. I am going to return this new phone (At my expense), and hope the refund process isn't too painful.But!!! before I send it back I will buy a new "G" phone and transfer my service so I can keep my minutes. At least I know how to avoid this problem in the future.Thank You Again.
You have one serious error here... (OK, TWO..)
GSM phones use ATT towers and SOMETIMES (very rare) use t-Moble towers... ATT is completely GSM, so any GSM TracFone will be able to access their towers, but T-mobile is different SOME of T-moble's system is GSM, and some is TDMA... similar to Verizon's CDMA, but not compatible with it..
GSM phones will work with ALL of ATT's system, but only with the T-moble towers in areas were t-moble uses GSM instead of TDMA
On the CDMA side, it's simpler, but you have another mistake... ALL of TracFone's CDMA phones use Verizon towers exclusively. They do not ever use Sprint towers, as sprint uses the PCS format, NOT the CDMA format as you stated.
Sprint is 100% PCS, but since Sprint only has PCS towers in more populated areas, SOME sprint phones also have the ability to ROAM to Verizon's CDMA towers in the majority of the country, where sprint has no presence...
TracFone has no contracts with Sprint, and no PCS phones... TracFones that are GSM almost always are using the ATT system & TracFones that are CDMA ALWAYS use the Verizon system
OK ??
I recently acquired a very nice used Microsoft Lumina 640 XL LTE phone that had been an AT&T phone. I got it unlocked and used it for about a month over in Thailand with one of my wife's SIM cards from her service there.
I'm now back in the USA and seriously thinking of switching my Tracfone flip phone service to this new smart phone for myself. As I read thru these pages it appears as though that is no problem?...its a GSM phone that is unlocked.
1) Do I need to get the SIM card kit that is specifically for AT&T (former) smartphones?
2) I presently use a cell phone VERY little as I'm retired,...and it appears as though I can utilized either of 2 plans with Tracfone,...the std phone program that gives triple minutes, or the Smartphone plan?
3) I anticipate that the great majority of my use of the smartphone will be in ordinary phone conversations, its great camera, and likely a (little bit of GPS, a little bit of internet when in hotspots), and very little texting.
So what is my best plan to be on with this new smartphone?, and does this Microsoft phone qualify in the BYOP program offered by Tracfone.
Sorry for being a little uneducated in this new tech, Brian
No replies to my questions?
Brian
Re: Brian
Seems like the Lumia should work. You will need a GSM SIM kit, You can start by picking up a SIM kit either online or some sotres have them too for $1. Then just go to the Tracfone website and check that your imei/esn is accepted by Tracfone and you should be fine.
You can buy any airtime card and use it with BYOP phones. Hard to say which would be the best in your situation. You can try different cards and see which one ends up the best fit.
Hope that helps answer your questions1
If you plan on getting the best use of your phone in West Virginia, get the GSM Tracfones. I live here and have had both.
I have an older BYOP-Smartphone SIM kid never used I bought at BB last November 2016 that only has GSM & CDMA SIMS. The newer SIM kits have the T-Mobile SIMs, GSM and CDMA. (I don't care about T-Mobile SIM.)
I have a new, still in the box iPhone SE I'm debating using with GSM(ATT&T) or CDMA (Verizon) because the phone can run on either one.
But, my question is; are these BYOP SIM cards I've never used still compatible, or do I need to buy the newer kit that has T-Mobile included?
I notice the 6-numbers you posted for the GSM and CDMA SIM cards are the same as mine. Are those numbers you posted from the newer kit SIMs, or an older kit? And or does it matter?
I'm just trying to save myself some time and trouble.
Thanks,
-S
RE: S
Using a SIM card from an older BYOP kit should be just fine.
Hi
I have Galaxy J3 SM-S327VL ... it’s works Sim CDMA only can I used it by GSM SIM ?.. if yes? Please give me the code or method to switch the network mode between CDMA and GSM .
Thanks in advance for your reply.
VERY helpful article! My bank wants to know which cell network/carrier I use to activate text alerts and, of course, Tracfone leases with several. Because I have a LGL51AL and know the SIM number, I as able to determine that my phone uses ATT(GSM) LTE network. Thanks so much!
Your information was very helpful! Thank you! :)
I use phone on the mountains. This area not serviceable, sometimes one or two bars, I install satellite internet an use phone via wifi, it worked, but resend past Tracfone company gave me notice that 2G no more available in my area, even my phone is 3G it stop working, and I call to activate. after that my phone stop working via wifi, I chatting with tech support and they told me I need phone with GSM, not CDMA. I didn't understand if I use wifi service what the difference between those two types of network? Actually area where I am located covered with verizon service, which is CDMA, He suggested to buy new phone, but not told which one. I'll appreciate any suggestion which phone I need to buy for call and text via wifi network
Thanks this is extremely informative. I'm currently looking for a GSM Tracfone (an Android smartphone if possible) since my LG840G has been acting up (furthermore 95% of websites I visit I can't access anymore on my LG840). Thank you again for posting this. I'm on a very tight budget so getting a phone that uses the CDMA network won't work for me.
Let me add my thanks for the great info. I bought an Alcatel Flip phone (Wife likes that kind), and wanted it to be CDMA. The Tracfone site said it was, but BestBuy, where I bought it, said it was GSM. Your trick with the SIM card numbers settled that (it is CDMA).
I have the ZTE Cymbal T which is an Android Flip phone. ZTE website says it is a GSM phone Tracfone tells me it should work on GSM network but the model # has VL and SIM # is the CDMA type according to this article. I got the phone unlocked by TF and want to use it in Canada. Is this a CDMA phone or GSM or both?
I'm considering a smart phone from Jitterbug but would like to be able to transfer my minutes as well as my phone number from my current Tracfone LG flip phone. Will Tracfone do this? And what do you think of the Jitterbug smart phone? How about the iPhone for Seniors?
Me too. Only thing, Verizon doesn't use cdma anymore. They only use lte. My phone is saying 3g. It was bought cause HSN said it was 4g lte
?? My Luna pro sm-s327vl tracphine on st. Talk has imei#, unable to locate meid# this Contradicts the cdma help? Buying new phone soon. New att tower blocked Verizon tower, but is lightning fast 2-5 a.m.
Doesn't compute... why does my Luna pro have imei#, it is a sm-s327vl.. is it both and meid# somewhere else.. I dunno .. New att tower is 1 kilometer away and give me lightning fast speeds 2-5 am.. slow ALL the time b4 because Verizon tower 3 mi. SPLAIN WAYNE...???
Unfortunately you cannot pick either CDMA or GSM phones when you purchase from Tracfone. I have three tracfones that all need to be replaced. My zip code shows that Verizon (CDMA) works in my zip code, but it does not work within 1 mile of my house because of the terrain (hills). Anyone thwt comes to my house with a Verizon cellphone has no servive either inside or out of my house. I have purchased three different cellphones from Tracfone recently telling the salesperon at Tracphone that they must be GSM, either AT&T or T-Moble, they both work at my house. All three pones sent to me were Verizon (CDMA) despite me insisting that they have to be GSM. I transfered service to one of the new phones and of course it did not have service because it was Verizon. I aske the tech to transfer the service back to my old phone and was told that it could not be done because that phone would be obsolete and not work in a few months. I was told to return all three phones, including the one that was activated using one of my active phones. All three were returned. I was concerned because the one that was transfered to the new phone had 7 gb data, over 6000 minutes and over 6000 texts. I was told not to worry about it as the cell number and all of the data, talk time and texts would be saved until I could purchase a new GSM phone to transfer my cell number to. When looking at my account on line one day I was very upset to find out that My cell number and all of the data, talk time amd texts were gone. LOST! Tracfone to;d me that no matter what type of phone you want or need in my case that noone at Tracfone has any control of it. The shipping dept. looks at you zip code and sends you what that want NOT what you want or need. I have tried to prchase a GSM Tracfone locally, Walmart, Best Buy, Target, CVS etc. over twenty stores and none of them have GSM phones for sale. Time to look for a new cellphone company. Apparently there is no solution with Tracfone as I have spent about thirty hours on the phone with them and their only solution is to buy unlocked GSM phones and Keep Your Own SMARTPHONE sim kits from someone else other that them. Adios Tracfone!
Another difference is that you can use Wi-Fi calling and text only on the GSM (AT&T) network. I have one bar of signal strength at my home so that is the only way I can use my phone. I got a Samsung Galaxy A10E unlocked which was supposed to do Wi-Fi calling but it did not appear - I got an AT&T chip, switched them out and it has worked fine. When Tracphone drops AT&T that will be a new problem in the future.
I bought a phone ,said it was compatible to total wireless but when called them to hook up its not compatible!it's gsm.can I hook up with tracfone?how?
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