Now You Can Use Any CDMA Android Smartphone with Tracfone Prepaid Service
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| Tracfone Android News! |
There were rumors that Tracfone would soon allow users to bring their own Android Smartphones to use on Tracfone prepaid networks, and we recently noticed confirmation of this.
Tracfone states on their website that you can now bring your own phone when switching to Tracfone.
Yes, this means you don't have to use one of Tracfone's cell phones to use their prepaid service! While Tracfone recently released four Android Smartphones for use on their prepaid network, these phones are a few years behind modern smartphones. But now you can pick the latest and greatest smartphone, and still use it with Tracfone.
Unfortunately you can't bring any phone, but you can bring any CDMA Android Smartphone, which gives you some pretty advanced options, like the Samsung Galaxy S3. Tracfone does mention that Apple and Blackberry phones won't work.
UPDATE: More information has become available, and we have made a page dedicated to information about the Tracfone BYOP program. Visit the page to learn about the phone requirements and see a list of phones that will work.
The iPhone 4 and 4S will work with Tracfone BYOP, but unfortunately no 4G LTE compatible phones will work at this time. (so the Samsung Galaxy S3 mentioned above can't be used yet).
For all the latest information and details, visit the Tracfone BYOP page.
How You Can Use Your Existing Smartphone with Tracfone
Here is a quick guide for how you can pick a cell phone and use it with Tracfone prepaid service.If you already own an Android Smartphone, and want to check if it will work with Tracfone, start by checking if it is a CDMA cell phone. If you use Verizon service, then it is CDMA. You can also check by looking for a SIM card (sometimes under the battery). If the phone has no SIM card space, it is CDMA. (learn more about the Difference between CDMA and GSM here)
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| Screenshot about using any Android Smartphone with Tracfone |
From there you can simply follow the steps as Tracfone will have you purchase an access code, transfer your number (you get to keep it), and buy airtime.
What This Means for Tracfone Customers
This is exciting news for Tracfone customers and non-customers alike, because it means that you will have access to a much wider range of cell phones to use with Tracfone prepaid service. Do you like the features of an Android Smartphone, but don't want to pay the high costs for a contract service? Now you have some options.This also means that Tracfone is moving towards allowing more and more different cell phones for use on their prepaid service.
You can still purchase their existing Android Smartphone offerings, the Huawei Glory, ZTE Valet, Samsung Galaxy Centura, and LG Optimus Dynamic. These phones come at a relatively low price compared with other smartphones on the market. But if you want the best Android Smartphone to use with Tracfone, now you can do that!
We will keep this updated as more information becomes available, and details are clarified. Please be sure to leave a comment with any questions or thoughts.
You can also take a look at our Holiday Tracfone Gift Guide or check out our most popular page, the Tracfone Promo Codes.
Don't forget to share this with friends and family who might want to know about this exciting Tracfone news!
43 comments :
out of the four smartphones they had out for some time, what do you think is the best quality for wifi and calling?
Hard to say, but the least number of complaints for those things has been with the Huawei Glory, but it could just be because not many people have purchased that phone.
Is tracfone going to sell newer, more updated android phones soon? Hoping for a better camera ... still love the service!
If I buy a used Samsung Galaxy S II (Sprint CDMA) on eBay, will I be able to transfer my existing TracFone number and minutes to this not actives smartphone based on the new TracFone rules regarding CDMA android smartphones? That would be amazing!!!
Yes, it should work! But you should verify this with tracfone by following the process on their website (link above)
Will triple minutes/text/data be available for any Android smartphones brought for service that are not offered by Tracfone?
This is a little of topic, but I wanted to know about airtime. I've noticed that the 800 minutes per year card is a lot less expensive than the 1000 minute card (120 vs 160). However, the 800 card comes with double minutes. I don't need the double minutes, so is it possible to just use the 800 minutes, or is it one code for both?
Are there promo codes for android tracfones? I have a Samsung galaxy centura and I was told by tracfone that no promo code is available for android phones......
This is a very important and valid question. Will TracFone honour the triple minutes when purchasing more minutes on an android phone brought over from another provided??
This seems likely, that you will automatically get triple minutes for life, but there is no confirmation so we will have to wait and see.
I want to sign up with TracFone and want to purchase the LG 840G, but the "details" of this phone don't seem to include voice mail, call-waiting or caller ID. I want a phone with WiFi capabilities and am in the 97524 zip code area. Thank you for any suggestions offered.
It has call waiting, caller ID and voicemail. You will need to set up your voicemail. You can call it by dialing 1 and holding it down until it calls. It is a great phone for the price,
Hi,
I had the lg840g and it had all three of those features. As in all of the tracfones I have had (about 30!) the caller's name will only show up if the caller is in your contacts. It is a GSM phone so as long as that service works for you this phone will have what you want.
The first time I called and asked, the tracfone lady said that byop was straight minutes. The second time I called and asked, a different tracfone lady said that byop was triple minutes.
The "by e-mail" answer was that byop is triple minutes and triple minutes transfer from triple minutes phones (in other words, you don't lose minutes).
According to what I just read on Tracfone's own website only Verizon CDMA phones with work on the BYOP program. Lots of people have tried to switch or check if their phones are compatible only to find out they are NOT. BEWARD, CHECK CAREFULLY, Their website is not very straight forward with this information.
would an off contract verizon droid razr m work?
I have a tracfone currently and I'm planning to switch phones. If I am to purchase any android phone now, without activation, will I be able to activate it as a tracfone? Can I transfer my minutes and phone number?
I went to the http://tracfonewireless.com/byop/ website. Then I called Tracfone customer service,they said that Tracfone does not have a 'bring your own phone' program.
I did buy a new Verizon Moto G CDMA smartphone from Best Buy for about $100 to use with Tracfone. I tried to use it with Tracfone, Net 10 and Straight Talk. I was turned down by all because it is a "LOCKED" smartphone. I could only use the phone with Verizon. Their cheapest plan was to use a $50 Verizon Smartphone card you can buy at Walmart and it is only a temporary offer. One thing to try is to find the smartphone you want in a store, look on the box for a MEID # or Serial #, write it down and call Tracfone and ask them if that smartphone can be used on Tracfone.
That's a good tip.
Hi Peter, I have just purchased on line, Hawei Glory about 3 wks ago, I am still getting used to programming it, but now I have to add more minutes, can I get more minutes without buying the card or can I set it up to add more minutes on my credit card each month?
Trish
There have been mxed reports as to whether or not this works, but you might be able to sign up for the monthly family value plan (or just the value plan) which will give you a certain number of minutes, and 30 days of service, each month automatically.
Two days transferred my phone number from my current Tracfone to a Palm Pixi Plus with absolutely no problems. All happened within an hour. My mins all transferred into three different pots ie. 100/100/100. Min/Texts/Data MB. Then today I added it as the main phone on the Family Plan. It not only let me do that but also said it added 150/150/150. So it gave me the triple minutes bonus I had with my previous Samsung 390.
Needless to say I'm very pleased and excited. I've also been able to work out the issues of updates on the Pixi so right now things look really good from the BYOP program. The Pixi Plus is a Verizon phone BTW.
I urge you all to not buy from Walmart.com - just anywhere but there for now, until they get their pricing in a range that reflects the 'old technology' that Tracfone's Androids are pushing. Walmart.com has the 'nads to charge $100+ for LG Optimus Dynamic which only has 140 MB of system memory for apps.
Same here..no problems at all. Bought 3 motorola droid x mb810. ( 2 from ebay and 1 from Deals of the Day.) all less than $55 each. All were prior verizon phones. Transfered one of my old Tracfone's with lots of min's in it. Kept my old number and all min's came to the new phone.. Service time was about up on my old phone. Bought a 400 min 1 year card. When it added.. it added 1200 min to each Min/Text/Data MB. along with the over 2000 min's I had, to each of the M/T/D. Use the phone on WiFi, with all Apps. Been with Tracfone forever..now I'm so happy. Just follow the steps set up by Tracfone and in less than an hour u will be on your SmartPhone. Right now buying a 1year card on eBay and my phone bill is a little over $6 a mo. Did notice price on eBay for Phones and Min. are going up a little. If you search for a phone on eBay (Search for phone not Tracfone) Remember the only one I can tell you that I know works, is MOTOROLA DROID X MB810. I'm sure others will work, but check everything you can before buying. GOOD LUCK.
Was just told by Tracfone that the unlocked verizon Samsung Galaxy that I just bought on ebay is NOT eligible for the BYOP program because it has 4G LTE capability. This was after I was told by 2 different Tracfone reps that it would work with no problems. I wish that their site was more informative and that their reps were more knowledgeable about this program,
Personnally the LG Optimus Dynamic II. It was recently added to tracfone, has a larger screen. Has the has Android 4.1.2 (which is not the latest android [currently 4.4 is] but it is the latest android os on tracfone, I also have the ZTE Valet phone but the LG Optimus Dynamic II seams to run faster even though it is rated as the same speed. The color on the screen is a lot better. The ZTE Valet seams to lag a lot but it is faster than their other phones. At the time I am writing this, the LG Optimus Dynamic II is well worth the price difference. Note: you can get a deal with a 3 month card, + a car charger at hsn. The ZTE Valet is Android 4.1.1 (which has a Heartbleed bug), Android 4.1.2 does not have the issue.
I also like the LG keyboard and LG's enhancements to the Android OS.
I have used the tracfone family value plan for many years. Works great. You get 50 minutes a month for the primary phone and 40 for the second phone and 30 days extended time for less than $18. With triple minutes phone this translates to 150 minutes primary and 120 minutes secondary. Great deal. Less than 7 cents a minute.
Was on the phone with Tracfone.Gave them a meid number for the Samsung Galaxy Nexus that we were watching on Ebay.They ran the number and said the phone was good for the bring your own phone program.With 1 minute left on the Ebay bidding we placed a bid and won the phone so I told TF Rep that I still had on the line to finish the phone registration transaction.So He says everything looks good and asks for my zip.I gave him zip code and he says there is no coverage in the area.We then gave him zip codes from the biggest cities in the united states and they still said they couldn't process because of no coverage.Now we we have to put the Galaxy back on Ebay and we haven't even received it yet.I would have thought it would have rejected us right away being it's the LTE
If I wanted to transfer minutes from a tracfone to a samsung galaxy s4 would it be possible to use it as my new tracfone, like without any contract? Answers would be greatly appreciated! Thank you:)
Not if it is 4G and I believe it is. They are a 3G company for now.
I have a HTC DRIOD ERIS 6200 Smartphone (CDMA) Verizon was the provider. Can I use this phone and will my TRIPLE MINUTES stay with me. I have to transfer to that phone because their SAMSUNG Galaxy Centura SCH738C locks up looses calls and freezes all day. I have to take the battery out and restart the phone more than 8 times a day and sometimes it won't dial out of the address book (which I thought was the purpose of the address book, lol.) Then the Tracfone rep said they would send me a new one, we'll see. Also can I transfer it back once my NEW Tracfone comes in the mail?
Not true. I got a one year card and got the 400 minutes (triple)=1200 minutes and 250 bonus (PROMO CODE)=250 straight time=1450 minutes.
just finished process here over phone but activating takes me to verizon activation? anyway around this or should I just have to wait
I am writing February 2015. I call Tracfone; they tell me to connect with a package. I tell them let me check to see if clean ESN. I call Verizon, let me tell you, Verizon knows nothing! Absolutely nothing. The ESN is clean. I call Tracfone, now they tell me I have to call Verizon to get unlocked. I don't even know if it is locked. Verizon says they don't know if it is unlocked, and that they do not know how to unlock it. I tell them by law, that they have to unlock it at my request. They tell me that I have to sign up with Verizon service before I can have it unlocked! What hogwash. I have been given the run around for weeks. Back and forth between Tracfone and Verizon. No one knows anything! One Verizon girl told me to unlock on the Verizon website at www.verizonwireless.com/unlock, which of course is not a proper address. It makes me so mad that no one knows anything. It would seem to me that Tracfone could unlock it, since Verizon refuses to cooperate, and are massively ignorant. It seems, since it is not a stolen phone, that I would be able to go on Tracfone's website and get it activated like that. Someone please help me; I have wasted so much time. It is absurd.
That "no coverage in your area" thing is bologna. They say that because there may be verizon towers in your area, and it is an ATT phone, something like that. But sometimes they say it is not compatible when the phone is Verizon and the towers are Verizon. There list is so many times wrong. You should have hung up and talked with someone else. It would use the towers tracfone used. I don't think the employee knew what he was talking about.
I bought an iPhone 4 on eBay for $30 and switched my Android TracFone # and Minutes over, Worked Perfect the First Time.. Took about 45 Mins on the Phone and $10 for the Network Access Code to get it Switched. Great Deal, Now I've got a $7/Month iPhone..! It's certainly not the newest tech but for a person who's only ever had Androids it's better than Great..! Couldn't be Happier.. BTW it was a Previously Used on Contract Verizon iPhone.
I say Beeee Esssss with a capital B !!!! I have an Android Centura and access to an LG Optimus Fuel, both Android Smart phones, and BOTH boot to a Tracfone splashscreen. Yet when you enter the MEID / serial at the tracfone website, The Centura phone says to go to straighttalk and the LG phone go to Net 10, both Tracfone subsidiary companies. I even called Tracfone to confirm this, and spoke to their 'loss and prevention' department, there is simply no way I can use these ANDROID CDMA phones with Tracfone service, They even have a Tracfone STICKER under the battery. beeeeee esssssssss :(
If you live in a semi-rural area, good luck! We live less than an hour from Washington, MO and can't use anything but a SIM card phone.
I have the 840G, be prepared to have it on the charger more you use it. Terrible battery life, won't hook up with Google mail. Don't even use the voicemail because I only get a signal when I am far from home.
Unfortunately, if you live in a semi-rural area you won't be able to take advantage of this. I bought a LG Ultimate 2 & tried to transfer, they told me I can only get phones that have SIM cards.
The 840G is a nice, small phone - typing is a chore compared to the previous Blackberry clone. It has triple minutes. Using voice mail is a direct minute for minute charge - I never activated it, and told family to send text. Text is received almost immediately and only costs 1/3 of a minute each. Pics and video is up to 7-8 minutes each, be aware. The larger screen is helpful viewing radar weather, etc, but it's not a smart phone. Downloading Opera allows some versatility, it's wifi capable so you can do some stuff, but don't count on streaming video.
When Tracphone finally gets CDMA non sim phones to work then their service will be a lot more attractive. Until then Verizon Minutes is about the next most attractive.
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