Tracfone 10 Most Common Questions Answered

The 10 Most Common Tracfone Questions Answered!

Tracfone offers some very affordable service plans and options but there are plenty of questions surrounding how it all works, coverage area, warranties and more. Here we have the most common questions answered in one easy list.

Let's get straight to the questions!

1. What is Tracfone's Coverage Area?

Tracfone, which is now owned by Verizon, offers nationwide coverage not only on Verizon's network, but also AT&T and T-Mobile's networks.

The coverage area depends on which network the customer is on, with all of them offering good coverage in most cities.

Tracfone also offers nationwide 5G network coverage, although actual coverage areas are still limited and a 5G compatible device is required. 

Check for coverage in your local area on the Tracfone website.

2. How much does Tracfone service cost?

The cost of Tracfone can range quite a lot, from as little as $10 (or even less) per month, to $40 for their unlimited talk/text plan with 8 GB data and 30 service days.

We just shared The Cheapest Tracfone Airtime Plans and Best Unlimited Plans, so take a look at these if you are looking for the best service plans from Tracfone.

For a cheap option, get Tracfone service for around $8 per month using the 1 Year/400 Minute airtime card. Or, consider buying a Tracfone smartphone with an airtime bundle, which usually gives 1 Year of service and 1500 talk/text/data. These deals are often available from HSN.com or QVC.com. Our Monthly Deals List has the latest offers.

3. Can I keep my current phone and number with Tracfone?

In many cases, Yes! Tracfone supports the Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP) program, which allows customers to keep their current phone and number when switching to Tracfone, as long as the device is compatible with Tracfone's network.

In general, an unlocked phone is required. But many locked phones are eligible to be unlocked. Contact your carrier to learn about those specific requirements. 

If your phone is not compatible with Tracfone, you can purchase a Tracfone smartphone, or an unlocked phone, and still keep your existing number when transferring to Tracfone service.

4. What types of phones work with Tracfone?

Many different phones will work with Tracfone from all of the major manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, Google and Motorola. The main requirement for bringing a phone to Tracfone's BYOP program is that it is unlocked and compatible with T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon networks.

Check out our list of the Best Unlocked Phones for Tracfone in 2023 to get some ideas and options.

Tracfone also offers many different phones to use with their service. These phones are locked to Tracfone, and range from flip phones to smartphones, and even Apple iPhones. 

We've got the Best Tracfone Smartphones List here.

5. Does Tracfone offer unlimited data?

No, Tracfone does not currently offer an unlimited data plan. Some of the other brands under Tracfone, such as Total, Net10, and StraightTalk do offer plans with unlimited data, but the Tracfone brand does not offer any unlimited data.

The closest plan to unlimited data is their $40/mo unlimited talk/text plan that comes with 8 GB data.

We recently created a list of alternatives to Tracfone, with several offering unlimited data for around $40 or even less. Some of these options might be a good consideration for anyone using a lot of data each month.

6. How do I activate my Tracfone?

Activating is very easy, and there are several different convenient options to get started. 

The easiest way is to navigate to the Tracofne website and follow these steps:

1. Select “Activate” from the menu at the top of the Tracfone website
2. Select whether you have a Tracfone device or are using an unlocked phone
3. Select if you want to keep an existing number, or get a new phone number
4. Enter the phone’s IMEI/MEID/Serial Number (located on the red activation card that came with the phone or on the SIM card)
5. Review and accept Tracfone’s Terms & Conditions
6. Purchase/add airtime to complete activation

Other options to activate your phone including calling Tracfone customer support, or using their automated self-help feature by texting 'Activate' to 611611.

7. What is Tracfone's customer service phone number?

Tracfone's customer service phone number is 1-800-867-7183.

Tracfone also has an online chat feature on their website's contact page that can be easier to use.

Another option is to text 'help' to 611611 for an automated 'self-help' service. There are a wide variety of other things this text service can answer, see the full list of options here.

8. How do I add airtime to my Tracfone?

To add airtime to a Tracfone device, customers can use the Tracfone website, use the Tracfone app, or call Tracfone's customer service number. 

Airtime can be purchased from a variety of sources, including the Tracfone website, app, customer service, or many other retailers like Walmart and Target.

9. Does Tracfone offer international calling?

Tracfone offers international calling to select countries as an add-on service. Customers can purchase international calling cards or add international calling credit to their account through the Tracfone website or app.

Learn more about the Global Calling Card and the rates and details for each country, on the Tracfone website.

International calling is becoming much more accessible and affordable. And Tracfone even offers some international calling at no additional cost to select countries.

10. Does Tracfone offer a warranty on devices?

All new devices purchased from the Tracfone website come with a one-year manufacturer warranty from the original date of sale. All refurbished devices purchased from the Tracfone website come with a 60-day warranty from the original date of sale

For devices purchased from other retailers, contact them directly for warranty and return information.

Tracfone also offers extended device protection options on their website for an additional fee.

That's it for the top 10 most common questions about Tracfone. Still have questions? Go to our Beginners Guide to Tracfone for more help or head to our Facebook page and join our helpful community.

Don't miss our 7 Tips and Ticks to Save Money with Tracfone for more helpful info!

Also take a look at our List of the Best Tracfone Smartphones under $100!

Finally, learn how to Make your Airtime Last Longer and also check out our recent post on How Data works with Tracfone.

Thanks for visiting!