Everything you need to know about the Tracfone BYOP Program
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| Tracfone BYOP Phone List |
While Tracfone is adding a number of new smartphones that customers can buy directly and use with their network, there are many more unlocked phones available today that can be used with the BYOP program.
Find all the info you need to get started with Tracfone BYOP in this guide including what phones are compatible, how to get a SIM kit, and how to activate.
Before we get too far, let's start with the top smartphones to use with the Tracfone BYOP program:
Best Unlocked Smartphones for Tracfone BYOP
These are our current picks to use with Tracfone. They offer great performance while not breaking the bank.
Best Unlocked Smartphones (under $500):
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| Google Pixel 5a 5G Unlocked |
The Pixel line of smartphones from Google have been an extremely popular lineup due to their excellent specs and relatively affordable price. The Google Pixel 5a 5G features all the specs of a great phone, including a full HD 6.34" screen, Snapdragon 765G processor, 6 GB RAM, and 128 GB internal storage. It also has a dual rear camera, the latest Android OS (11, with upgrade to 12), and 5G capability. At a price of $450, it is more than many Tracfone customers might want to spend, but compared to $1000 high-end devices it sacrifices very little and is half the price.
Get the Google Pixel 5a 5G on Google $450
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
Newly available in mid-2022, the Galaxy A53 5G is a very competitive mid-level smartphone. It features the impressive Samsung Super AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate, 128 GB internal storage, and solid rear camera setup. The Exynos 1280 processor and 6 GB RAM provide great performance. Tracfone also offers this device, but it is locked to their network.
Get the unlocked Samsung Galaxy A53 5G on Amazon $350
Moto G Stylus (2022)
A big screen and long battery life are standard for the Moto G line of phones, and the Stylus (2022) offers that plus lots of updated features. It has a 6.8" full HD screen, 128 GB internal storage, 6 GB RAM and triple rear camera setup. The MediaTek Octa-core processor it comes with is good, but a downgrade from the Snapdragon processor in the 2021 model (See the 2021 Stylus below at sub $200 price). For those that like the huge screen (with improved refresh rate), latest Android OS updates, and other new features, the Stylus 2022 is a good option.
Get the Moto G Stylus (2022) on Amazon $299
Get the Moto G stylus (2022) on Motorola $299
Google Pixel 5 $G
The Pixel 5 was released towards he end of 2020, but offers some excellent features at a discounted price. It has a OLED 6" full HD touchscreen, Snapdragon 765 processor, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB internal storage and dual rear camera. While it is a slightly older device, it packs a lot of top tier features for the price, including 5G network compatibility.
Find the Google Pixel 5 on Amazon $299
Moto G Stylus 5G (2021)
The 2021 Moto G Stylus 5G is very similar to the Moto G Stylus 2021 but with the additional 5G network capability. It has a 6.8" screen, Snapdragon 480 processor, 4 GB RAM and 256 GB internal storage. It also has a quad rear camera setup and runs Android 11. If 5G network capability is an important feature, the Stylus 5G is a good option. It is more expensive than the 2022 model, but also features 5G and double the internal storage.
Get the Moto G Stylus 5G (2021) on Amazon $350
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G
The Galaxy A32 is a capable smartphone that offers 5G connectivity at a reasonable price. It has a 6.5" screen, 64 GB internal storage and quad rear camera setup. The MediaTek processor is not the most impressive but gets the job done. For those that like the Samsung experience and desire 5G capability, the Galaxy A32 is a great option under $300
Get the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G on BestBuy $279
Best Budget Unlocked Smartphones (under $200):
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| Motorola Moto G Power 2021 |
Moto G Power (2021)
Featuring a 6.6" HD touchscreen, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB internal storage and Snapdragon 662 processor, the Moto G Power 2021 is one of the best smartphone under $200 for 2022. Yes, it is odd that this year old device would still be so capable, especially with the Moto G Power 2022 just released, but the 2021 version actually features a more powerful processor, and is less expensive, making it more desirable for the majority of budget shoppers.
Get the Moto G Power (2021) on Amazon $179
Moto G Stylus (2021)
While it is last year's model along with the Power above, it does still pack quite the performance with a Snapdragon 678 that outperforms the 2022 model. It also has 128 GB internal storage, 4 GB RAM, quad rear camera setup and 6.8" screen. There's a lot to like about this device and it is also now available at a sale price of just under $200. For just $20 more than the Power, it might be a great option for those that also like the larger screen and extra internal storage.
Get the Moto G Stylus (2021) on Amazon $199
Ultra-Budget Unlocked Phones under $100:
If you're shopping for a device under $100 to use with Tracfone, consider TracFone's locked devices that are often available at subsidized prices to use exclusively with their network. View the Latest List of Tracfone Smartphones to see more options.
TCL A30
The A30 has a 5.5" screen, 32 GB internal storage, 3 GB RAM and Android 11. It is not the most powerful device, with a MediaTek processor and 3,000 mAh battery. But at under $100 there were a lot of corners that had to be cut. For most users, spending a little more, or opting for a Tracfone locked device, may be a better option.
Get the TCL A30 on Amazon $99
What is Tracfone BYOP?
The Tracfone 'Bring Your Own Phone' program is an option for users that allows them to bring many different Android and Apple smartphones to use with Tracfone's prepaid cell phone service.Tracfone already has many Android and Apple smartphones available for customers to purchase and use (and you can see them on our Cell Phone Reviews page), but phones from Tracfone are locked to their service, and this program opens the door to many more phone possibilities.
Basically Tracfone BYOP is a way for consumers to have access to many more smartphones, compared to what Tracfone offers, while still using Tracfone's inexpensive phone service.
Tracfone's BYOP program includes service for 4G LTE and 5G devices on all their networks. Continue reading to learn more, or you can check out our recent blog post specifically detailing Tracfone BYOP 4G LTE.
Tracfone was recently bought by Verizon, and that will likely lead to Verizon transferring all Tracfone customers over to Verizon's network in the near future.
General Information and Requirements for Tracfone BYOP
At this time, there are some restrictions on which phones will work with Tracfone. If you already have a smartphone and want to see if it will work with Tracfone, visit the Tracfone BYOP page and enter the serial number/MEID to find out.Almost any unlocked smartphone should work with Tracfone BYOP as long as it is compatible with either GSM or CDMA networks depending on which you intend to use. Many phones are actually compatible with both.
If you don't have a phone already, follow the basic requirements below for finding a phone:
Requirements for Tracfone BYOP:
- Can be either a 4G LTE CDMA (compatible with Verizon) phone, or a 4G LTE GSM (compatible with AT&T/T-Mobile) phone or also a 5G compatible phone
- Phone must be unlocked with a clean ESN (cannot be under contract, or reported stolen)
- iPhone 4 through 13 will work - (must still be either Verizon or AT&T compatible)
- Activation Kit and Airtime card or Credit/Debit card to purchase airtime card or $9.99 network activation card or Activation Kit
If you need help, just follow the instructions on the Tracfone website for activating a new BYOP smartphone (follow the link for our new guide).
BYOP Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
We generally see some of the same questions asked about Tracfone BYOP so we will provide some of the most common questions along with answers for them, and then some additional information below. |
| Tracfone 4G LTE Activation Kit - $6.99 |
Assuming you already have a phone, then you will need an Activation kit (like the one Pictured). You can get this on the Tracfone website or online retailers, visit our post on Getting an Activation Kit for Tracfone BYOP for the link to the page to buy the kit, and to learn more.
You can also just visit the Tracfone BYOP page and begin going through the process and they will prompt you to purchase the SIM card or Activation Kit when you need to. The Activation Kit will include a Network Access Code for your phone.
Additionally, you can find the Tracfone Activation kit on Amazon.
Do BYOP phones come with Triple Minutes?
New SIM kits do not include Triple Minutes for Life. Tracfone is working at phasing out that program, and are not offering it with new phones or SIM kits.
However, if you already have a phone with Triple Minutes for Life you should be able to keep it.
Learn more about all the changes in our Triple Minutes for Life Changes post.
Note, smartphone only airtime cards do not triple.
Can I use Promo Codes with BYOP phones?
Yes! There are promo codes for both regular and smartphone only airtime cards, see them all in our Tracfone Promo Code page.
Will a (certain phone) work?
We see a number of comments asking about specific phones. If the phone meets the requirements, then it should work, but that is no guarantee. See our list below for some of the known phones that will work, but this list is by no means complete. You may want to post a comment with your question, or read some of the other comments.
How do I Check my Airtime Balance?
On older Tracfone devices, the airtime was displayed on the homescreen. But this is not the case on smartphones. You can track your airtime by going on the Tracfone website and visiting your account, or you can download the Tracfone app and use that to check your balance.
See our full post on How to Check your Airtime with Tracfone Smartphones.
How can I tell if I have Verizon or AT&T Coverage in my Area?
AT&T and Verizon are two cell phone service providers that Tracfone contracts through to use their cell towers. AT&T uses GSM technology while Verizon uses CDMA. Most phones can only be used on one or the other, so it is important that you know which kind of phone to get.
You can go on the Tracfone website and type in your Zip code while searching for phones (or on the BYOP page) and see if CDMA or GSM phones show up in your area. If you see phones with a 'C' at the end, you should have good Verizon coverage in your Area. You can also call Tracfone and check directly.
You will need to pay attention to which network you want to use when you buy a phone, and when you activate it.
Information You Should Know about Tracfone BYOP
These are some general points of information we think are pertinent and valuable if you are planning to switch to an Android smartphone with Tracfone.Triple Minutes is included for smartphones with Tracfone. So when you add a prepaid 60 minute card to your smartphone, you will get 180 talk minutes, 180 texts, and 180mb data.
When transferring your old phone number and minutes to your new smartphone with Tracfone BYOP, some users have reported experiencing some serious problems, ranging from losing their minutes balance, to even losing their phone number. So be aware that not all of the kinks and quirks have been worked out in the system and you may want to activate a new number first. As time goes on, things should get easier and run more smoothly. More recently, many users are reporting a smoother process in activating 4G devices with Tracfone. To be safe, keep some sort of record of your airtime balance before switching phones.
Activation can be done online, but may require you to call customer service if it doesn't go well, so have a phone handy to use for this purpose. You can use this number, 1-800-876-5753, to also check the MEID number to see if your phone will work.
Lastly, to check your minutes balance, there is an app you can download, or you can simply visit the Tracfone website and sign into your account to view your current balance. Your balance won't be displayed on the home screen of the smartphone. See our guide to how to check your airtime.
Hopefully this gives you a better idea of how Tracfone's BYOP program works, and some of the pro's and con's for it. As we get more information, we will add it here.
The goal of this page is to create a resource for information on Tracfone BYOP in order to answer questions and better inform consumers about their options when choosing a phone and carrier.
We have more resources available, including our Cell Phone Reviews page, and Tracfone Promo Codes list.
You can also connect with us on Facebook where we share the latest news and updates!
I activated a used droid x2 today via computer and everything went smoothly was done in less then 5 minutes chose to go with a new number at this time due to previous problems reported when activating i plan tranfering my number with tracfone as soon as I see how everything works out, I had previously tried a refurbished droid x2 but it would not allow me to, but I can say I did recive excellent customer service when I called concering the refurbished droid they were very helpful
ReplyDeletePART 2 : Update porting my old tracfone # to the new phone was anything but smooth after 4 phone calls to customer service they could not complete it once the porting took place the droid x2 lost its 3g which stopped me from completing the needed steps ,customer service then told me there was nothing more they could do and I should contact Motorola,I was at wits end .I was originally told to dial *22890 when service was transfered everytime I called it would not work as I now had no 3 g service ,so instead of calling Motorola I googled the problem .where I found I could dial *228 select option 1 and that would reprogram the phone ,this worked for me after it was reprogramed I pulled the battery out for a minute then I restarted the phone and everything was working and all minutes and service end date was correct.I believe this could have been a smoother transition had their customer service known about this option. Just thought I would share what I learned through this transition
DeleteI had similar activation problems and solved it differently. Except for activation, porting my tracfone # from my Centura to Droid X2 went smoothly.
DeleteThe activation instructions given by Tracfone seem to be generic and do not work for the Droid X2. After waiting a business day and then dialing *22890, the tracfone automated system kept telling me that my phone couldn't be activated. After reading forums and trying different things, I finally solved the problem by pressing the homescreen "Activation" button, waiting for the Verizon autosystem, dialing *22890, waiting while my phone was programmed, hanging up, waiting 15 min, the repeating the process. After the 2nd programming my phone was all set.
Can anyone tell me if they know whether a vintage Nokia CDMA phone can be put on BYOP?
ReplyDeleteI have a box full of Nokia 3585i handsets. Some are branded US Cellular, some are Sprint, and some are Alltel. I tried to activate one of them. It was originally an Alltel phone, but Alltel was bought out by Verizon. Went on the BYOP web page, bought a network access code, also bought a minutes card, and did the process.
When the system asked me to enter the handset serial or MEID number, I entered the ESN number because there is no identifiable MEID number (on label under the battery) for these Alltel 3585i phones. The BYOP system took that, listed the phone in my online Tracfone account, and told me to dial *22890 for OTA programming. Tried that and got the message "we are unable to program your phone. Please try again later". Tried again next day, then tried again with Tracfone tech support coaching me on a landline. No dice. I continued to receive the "we are unable to program your phone" message.
Sadly, I asked Tracfone to delist the phone and refund me the charges for network access code and a minutes card. They claim to have done so, but I'm waiting to see a monthly statement.
Meanwhile, I saw a relevant post here, -excerpted below:
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I was originally told to dial *22890 when service was transfered everytime I called it would not work as I now had no 3 g service ,so instead of calling Motorola I googled the problem, where I found I could dial *228 select option 1 and that would reprogram the phone. This worked for me after it was reprogramed I pulled the battery out for a minute then I restarted the phone and everything was working and all minutes and service end date was correct."
***
Does *22890 require 3G service? I think my Alltel-branded Nokia 3585i is a 1X or 1G phone. Does anyone know of a successful registration for one of these handsets using that trick (dialing *228 instead of *22890)? I might try again, but need some assurance.
The 22890 uses 1x. THERE isnt voice over 3G yet. All.calling and texting uses 1X.service
DeleteThanks. It appears Tracfone would have to provide me by email the appropriate data so that I could manually program the handset, -not something they are likely to do.
DeleteHas anyone received that kind of info from Tracfone for the purpose of manually programming a handset, or is there a web site hack that can produce the data for a user?
You see, I was only provided with the phone number Tracfone thought was assigned to my handset after I processed a cancellation order.
My husband & I have been a Tracfone customer for a long time but have to use GSM (AT&T) service because of where we live. I have called, emailed, & commented on surveys numerous times to "please" include this service with the smartphones. I would love to have a smartphone but for some reason they only offer that service with CDMA/Verizon service. Does anyone have information on when they might offer this to their customers. If Straight Talk, & Net 10 can use it why not Tracfone?? I have a good bit of minutes built up & don't want to lose them. Makes one wonder what kind of deal they have with Verizon??
ReplyDeleteThe minutes you have is tracfone minutes not at&t's so I do not see why it would not transfer to your smartphone.
DeleteAs far as I know, a few GSM phones that work on AT&T networks (as opposed to Verizon's) they just came out for Tracfone. But, you cannot buy them on the tracfone site - yet.
DeleteOne I considered is: LG L31 Access LTE, (L31L) Am not sure if it only runs on GSM 4G or if it also runs on 3G? But, it doesn't have much memory, etc. so I am here considering getting a better phone and attempting to BYOP.
So far I've collected...
Tracfone Bring your own 4G LTE GSM Phone List:
Samsung Galaxy S5 - 16 GB
Samsung Galaxy S3
LG G3 - 32 GB
Motorola Moto X 4G LTE - 16 GB
Motorola Moto G 4G LTE - 8 GB
HTC 1X - 16 GB
Blu Stdio 6.0 - 16 GB
Asus ZenFone 2 - 16 GB
Good luck!
( haven't made my decision on this yet so far. Want a phone that will work both on 3G AND 4G...)
I bought iphone 4s used from amazon - e-mailed seller & they verified meid would work in my zip code. only 2 sellers would do this. Tried to do the online registration & port. The registration worked but when I tried to port my number from net10 it told me I needed a tracfone card pin. I didn't have a card so I called tracfone's number provided for paying by credit card. I talked to 2 different people. The 1st one hung up on me. The 2nd woman was very helpful but couldn't get it to work. She ended up telling me to go to the store & buy a tracfone card & call back. She gave me a direct # & pin. I called back & after the person couldn't get it to work she went to her supervisor & they said it worked. My old phone stopped working about an hour later but I couldn't get the new one to work with the * numbers they gave me. I had to wait until the next morning when they re-opened to speak to someone. They told me to try 2 different #s & when that didn't work they had me reset the settings on the phone, turn it off & back on. It then worked. So far it's working fine & iphone is great. It was worth the few hours it took to get it working on tracfone.
ReplyDeleteI went to Tracfone BYOP website Sat. Aug, 23, 2014 to activate & transfer my old tracfone #,text & data. to a iPhone 4s. (bought off ebay). After about 3 min. I was told to call their 800 number. I called the number and received a live person in about 1 min. About 15 min. later it was all done. Unbelievable !! After another 20 min. to allow the transfer to go thru, I was talking on the iPhone. Checked my min., text & data online to see if they were correct. All transferred correctly. I have had tracfones for many years and never had a transfer done so quick. Maybe Tracfone is getting better.
DeleteI activated my iPhone 4s (Verizon) and transferred my old Tracfone phone # in about an hour. It went very smooth. Anybody know the name of the app to download and check minutes? All I could find was the StraightTalk app.
ReplyDeleteThat worked great, thanks so much! Now I can check the minutes on my phone.
Deletedoes any one know if you use an unactivated (not previously used on any network provider) smart phone for the BYOP program?
ReplyDeleteTry entering the MEID # on the BYOP page and see if it takes it.
DeleteI called Tracfone and tried to add my iPhone to our existing Family Value Plan as a secondary phone but they will not allow it. I had to sign up for a separate Value Plan.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know how to add minutes from a card to the iPhone since there is no app?
You would have to go online, make an account (unless you already have one), click add airtime and then you can add the minutes from there. I do wish that Tracfone would create an app for iPhone since they are allowing them on their service now, it would make it a lot easier and faster.
Deletein your browser type mobile.tracfone.com/view/page/p/103249/tracfone-homepage on iPhone save as favorite, on Windows7.5 IE save as favorite and pin to start and you will have a direct link to check balance, add/buy airtime, add to your plan.
DeleteJim/Wiz1
Isn't that a HTC One in the Tranfone advertisement for bring you own phone, and isn't the HTC One a 4G phone. Or did they make a 3G only version that I don't know about.
ReplyDeleteIf it is a 4G HTC One and they don't support 4G phones than wouldn't that be false advertising?
Apparently you can turn off 4G and just use 4G CDMA:
Deletehttp://support.sprint.com/support/tutorial/Turn_4G_on_or_off_HTC_Onereg/47845-665
I bought a used Iphone from the Verizon store after checking the IMEI on the byop tracfone website. I have not been able to activate the phone despite 5 hours on the phone with customer service. Today, I tried to add a phone to my tracfone account and I got and got the message that the serial number is under another account (the number was in no way similar to the one on the phone). I went back to the Verizon store and they told me the phone was inactivated less than a month ago. Is there a period of time that the phone has to be off the Verizon network? Any suggestions? My Valet ZTE is constantly giving me problems and I want to switch. Help!!
ReplyDeleteUpdate: I finally got my iphone activated and it works great-however, when I transferred my minutes and account, the numbers are all wrong. I really don't have more that 1.5 million texts! On the "my account" page on the website, the numbers are correct, but the message that comes to the phone is incorrect. I tried emailing tech support, but they told me to call CS. I just can't face that again. Which will my account follow?
DeleteThe numbers on the Text are not correct. Check your balance on website.
DeleteFrom what I have read, the Galaxy S Fascinate is compatible with the service. But I am quite curious about activating the phone. It confuses me, what are the steps to activating the phone? Should I keep it shut off until activation is complete etc.?
ReplyDeleteIf I buy a brand new Samsung Galaxy s Fascinate but it has no contract, and CDMA will it work?
ReplyDeleteI have gotten a Galaxy S on the Tracfone network. I bought it on eBay. It was previously a Verizon phone. I needed to buy a $9.99 network certificate from Tracfone. The Tracfone folks told me I needed to go to a store and buy one. They were oblivious to the fact that it could be done online.
DeleteAfter that, I put the Galaxy S on Tracfone.
However. Verizon problems ensued. Verizon hobbles this phone with their firmware. I couldn't install any sort of streaming audio like TuneInRadio. I couldn't go to a website and stream any audio. Ironically, I could run Netflix which is many times the bandwidth.
Verizon had a policy a while ago where they would have phone manufacturers install "special" firmware that disabled features that were standard in phones. I still have a Verizon flip phone where they disabled USB charging, USB up/download of photos and the likes for profit. The standard Motorola phone had the function but again, VZW disabled it for profit.
The Galaxy S has similar firmware in that you can't even go to a website and stream their audio.
I tried re-flashing the Operating System to Cyanogen Mod (7, 9 and 10). NONE of them would allow Google Play to run. I could install it successfully but it wouldn't show up in Apps. I've done this successfully with tablets so I know how to do it but a "previous Verizon phone" won't allow a CM OS to co-exist with Google Play.
So here I am again. Only crappy choices of "smart phones" with Tracfone.
I don't understand why Tracfone won't allow premium phones to be bought for a price, only bottom of the line phones.
Perhaps that's their business model. If they had good phones, more people would use them. Or... perhaps because they're "in bed" with Verizon with their CDMA towers, Verizon doesn't want the competition.
will a HTC DNA work? its CDMA but the site wont let me check if i can plz help
ReplyDeleteYes worked for me is what I'm using now.
DeleteJust called tracfone--they said the Galaxy Ace Style has been released but would not work in my zip code. We have Verizon coverage here. What is the story ?
ReplyDeleteM
Tracfone just told me they have released the Galaxy Ace Style but it would not work in my zip code. We have Verizon here so what is the story?
ReplyDeleteI am up and running on my refurbished Verizon unlocked htc incredible 2 that I bought on ebay. The whole process was great but now I don't have as good of service as I did with my regular tracfone android (Less bars) Figures, I might have to switch back. I just wish tracfone would sell better phones themselves, maybe one day they will
ReplyDeleteLess bars on a different phone doesn't necessarily mean you don't have as good service. It just reads the signal differently. I've seen two identical phones on the same network at the same location show as much as two bars different signal strength.
Deletewhere is the ace style available? it's not on amazon yet. although they did cut the price of the dynamic II down by $5
ReplyDeleteWarning! Samsung Galaxy S3, sch-i535 - doesn't work!
ReplyDeleteYes, because it is 4G too! Unless you decide to go only the 3G route and never activating it.
DeleteI was wondering if my LG Optimus Exceed 2 would work on Trafones BYOP program. Please reply :)
ReplyDeleteI just tried to activate a Samsung Galaxy Nexus, which supports both LTE and CDMA. The tracfone website just fails (don't say no, gives a generic error) but the customer support rep told me the phone was not in their system and there was not supported.
ReplyDeleteIf I use an I Phone will it act just like it does now or be slower? What about map quest will it work?
ReplyDeleteHow long after I cancel my Verizon account wil I be able to join Trac fine?
ReplyDeleteamazon is selling blu studio 5.5s quad band that can be used at tracfone. is this true? anybody tried it yet?
ReplyDeleteI have two Samsung Convoy U640s that are CDMA ready and 3G. Would I be able to transfer them to Tracphone? I like these since they are rugged and we have had them for several years.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Convoy-Verizon-Wireless-Rugged/dp/B005DNSXGW
I use Verizon and get two bars and that works fine can I expect the same signal strength if I use the same phones at Tracphone?
Or would it be better in the long run to buy a flip phone at Tracphone since some of them have double or triple lifetime minutes?
I have thought about a smartphone to use for occasional navigation or in case of a break down to find a tow truck etc but when I read the reviews it says they are not allowed to roam and not sure if a smart phone wouldn't be reliable since it is not able to roam and find a signal.
The details for the phones are not very detailed. I want a phone that has better sound/clarity quality since I have hearing loss on the higher sounds and want to be able to adjust the sound.
I have talked with support people a few months ago but not that impressed with the knowledge these folks have of the products. I have been hesitant to deal with Tracphones problems and their support too after reading so many reviews but lately I don't think Verizon is any better : /
Anybody know if it is possible to port a phone number from a straight talk service to a tracfone service?
ReplyDeleteI'm getting the following message when trying to check an IMEI of a Verizon iPhone 4S -- "We are unable to process your transaction at this time." when I enter the number on the TF verification site.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to verify an out of contract phone and I selected the "I want to upgrade my active Bring Your Own CDMA Phone to another Bring Your Own CDMA Phone" option and put in the MEID of my current ZTE Valet phone.
Anyone else had trouble verifying IMEI of iPhones on the
entered m eid # of my used x2 they (tracfone) asked me for activation code money so i assume this x2 will work i hope so, just ordered it from amazon (havent got it yet) when i get it i will pay the 10 bucks and it should(?) work
ReplyDeleteWill my 2 year old Net10 LG Optimus work as a BYOP, and has anyone figured out if the Triple your minutes applies to your BYOP or must you buy a new phone from Tracfone,
ReplyDeleteTriple your minute Works with all android phones as long as you can activate it
DeleteWill a Verizon iPhone 4s 64 gb work? The only ones listed are the 16 gb and the 32 gb.
ReplyDeleteYes. I activated one for my wife. Just check the MEID first.
DeleteOK, I think I want the impossible.
ReplyDeleteI have a relative who wants an Iphone but doesn't want to pay a regular carrier, and with her usage she would be perfect for Tracfone. The Iphone4 is just fine for her.
She currently has an old phone on Sprint, and would like to keep the number. She does not have a Iphone now.
I'm wondering if I can a) buy off of Amazon or Ebay a used Iphone4s that was used on Verizon, b) clean it of all the old Apple stuff to re-register it with Apple store c) activate this on Tracfone using her old phone number, and d) do this all by remote from another state from where the phone ultimately will be used.
Crazy?
Not impossible. The Tracfone link http://www.tracfone.com/includes/content/questions/General.jsp?enId=FA10060&esId=FA10061
Deletehas most of the instructions. You would have to find a good iPhone, check the EMEI, pay for the activation, have a minute card and the required info in hand then call Tracfone. Use HER zip code, not yours. I did not do anything with Apple stores. Good Luck
Jim/Wiz1
Good Luck.
Are there any Windows Phone that can be used with the BYOP program?
ReplyDeleteI have the HTC Trophy which runs Windows Phone 7.5 and it activated and works with no problems.
DeleteHi! So what if I bought a Apple iPhone 4S 16GB - Black (Verizon) Clean/Good ESN would it work on tracfone's BYOP? Thank you
ReplyDeleteI believe it needs to be a used phone, but yes it should work. However, not all phones that meet the requirements work with Tracfone BYOP, and sometimes phones that didn't get accepted at first, were accepted after additional tries.
DeleteMy Samsung Galaxy i535 I just ordered for Tracfone is verizon cdma and says it is 3g and 4g. Because it has 3g will it work?
ReplyDeleteAnonymousSeptember 3, 2014 at 8:23 AM
DeleteWarning! Samsung Galaxy S3, sch-i535 - doesn't work!
ReplyDelete
Hi! So I just wanted to say I went to eBay and searched for iPhone 4s tracfone and I was in luck there was a iPhone 4s already on tracfone with 16gb! I bought it for 130.00 dollars and it was prefect I did have to buy the Network Carrier $10 when i called tracfone but that went very well :) I didn't have any problem with getting it started only had to call once. I will leave a link to some iPhone 4 already with tracfone (dont forget you have to pay $10 dollars for the Network Carrier, that means you do have to call) very simple. I was lucky to find the iPhone 4s when i did right now i only see iPhone 4 for you guys.
ReplyDeleteLINKS TO EBAY IPHONE 4 (TRACFONES) ( lowest prices I could find) #BuyItNows
~ ($ 124.99) http://www.ebay.com/itm/Apple-iPhone-4-Straight-Talk-Net-10-Tracfone-Verizon-Prepaid-Page-Plus-/171483880780?pt=Cell_Phones&hash=item27ed3c5d4c
~ ($119.99) http://www.ebay.com/itm/Apple-iPhone-4-Straight-Talk-Net-10-Tracfone-Verizon-Prepaid-Page-Plus-/171475778137?pt=Cell_Phones&hash=item27ecc0ba59
(IF YOU REALLY WANT AN IPHONE 4s) ~( $224.99) http://www.ebay.com/itm/Apple-iPhone-4s-Straight-Talk-Net-10-Tracfone-Verizon-Prepaid-Page-Plus-Extra-/171484183610?pt=Cell_Phones&hash=item27ed40fc3a
Will iphone 6/6 plus work?
ReplyDeleteNo, it's not 3g .
DeleteI have heard of iphone 5c to work because its with 3g capability :)
Deleteso all statements are not true to all extent i bought a new droid x2 "mb870"? no contract phone witch according to this post wont work anyway my steps to make it work step one set up with tracfone this alone wont work it will get activated to your account but the phone will not go through the activation to get that to work i had to call the (verision prepaid activation number "*number" when i did this i receaved my telle (to let you know at this point i was completely pssed with tracfone and was just going to go to vrw) when i got my numbet i thought at first it was a vrw # so i went to the vrw site and entered the number but it said it wasn't a vrw number so i called back the tracfone support they said this is a tracfone number my best guess is that when i called the vrw act number it sent the unlock code well after a few min with tracfone the phone works. sory for bad English not my native laungage
ReplyDeleteUnlocked post paid verizon Moto G worked no problem. I am guessing this phone was flashed by ebay seller. It was advertised as being good for "PagePlus" also
ReplyDeleteDoes it work with the iPhone 5?
ReplyDeleteWould be interested in having a response to this question as well. It worked for my Iphone 4 but I could not update to ios 8 with iphone 4, so I am looking for a version 5 now.
DeleteWould this MOTO G work with Tracfone?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ebay.com/itm/221586913398?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Anyone know if BYOP on Tracfone will work wiht an older Jitterbug (5 years old) that was on a Verizon network? Jitterbug is not a Smartphone with no text or data plan that was connected to it. Just deactivated last month after 5 years with Jitterbug.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.amazon.com/5-Inch-Windows-Camera-Unlocked-Phones/dp/B00NQGFQ7C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414746103&sr=8-1&keywords=blu+win+hd
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know when we will be able to use the Blu Win HD on Tracfone? also, does anyone know when it will be sold on Tracfone? I would prefer using a window phone.
I was talking to tracfone customer service about the zipcode that's required when you sign up to look at activation. I started talking about using the data portion while away from that zipcode and was told that the data option could only be used in the zipcode the phone is activated in. I travel to other city's, and states and if this is the case the tracfone would be useless to me. Can anyone shed some light on this. It is a 3g use versus Wi-Fi??
ReplyDeleteI have been trying to get a Moto G that works on Tracfone where I have a lot of time stored up and I found something out, that there are Page Plus phone that are usable, like Moto G Verizon and Page Plus that I probably Can use with Page Plus. I will loose my mins. and time but I will have a phone I want. I was told by Customer service that the phone numbers are transferable.
ReplyDeleteI will keep you posted. I going to try Tracfone again but if that fails, then HELLO Page Plus.
I tried the BYOP on Tracphone for my 3 year old? IPhone 16 GB. It only lists an IMEI number and no MEIM number. Tracphone responded that they could do the check to see but it never said specifically that the phone was not transferable. Do you know off hand if this older IPhone will even work with Tracphone at all? Want to give it to my son to use.
ReplyDeleteUpdate on:November 2, 2014 at 3:38 PM My Moto G came today and I am on Tracfone, no problems and did it on-line too. This is a fantastic phone clear picture loud sound and it is like greased lightning. $9.99 for BYOP transfer and if you have an account just pick transfer you number to new phone. Look for Moto G refurbished and Verizon and Page Plus, clean ESN and right now going for less than $70.00 on Amazon. What a buy! Now it is learn how to operate this baby!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info. I'm tempted to give it a try, but can a flashed phone benefit from the Lollipop update? I would guess not so I might wait for the Moto E and then decide.
DeleteOn a side note, we don't even know if the Moto E is actually going to get the Lollipop update. It's confirmed on other carriers but tracfone is a whole different story.
What did you do for a new sim card, did it come with one?
DeleteI wanted be better phone, like Moto G. I read some comments that some people bought "Motorola Moto G Smartphone - 8GB - For Verizon and Page Plus" from Amazon, they could transfer their number by BYOP program. They mentioned they bought refurbished for $70 (but now it is $90) from Mango Wireless. However, I wanted try the ones that claims new phone. I sent emails to all the sellers, asking MEID to check it with my carrier (Tracfone BYOP website). Only one of them sent me MEID, and I checked it, and it was accepted in the website. I ordered the phone for $103 as new (which is not in original sealed box for sure) and send an email to seller to send me exactly the same MEID number. I got the phone, which is not in original box, but it looks like a new phone. I transferred my number, minutes and days to new phone, however I had to have a airtime code to do the transfer because I was transferring from a smartphone (Samsung Centura) to BYOP, CS said. Any way, my number was transferred but the new card I added during transfer didn't add up. However, problem solve with a few calls to CS.
ReplyDeleteMy phone is KitKat 4.4.2 and now the phone downloaded KitKat 4.4.4 over wifi and ask me to update it. I am afraid the phone is a flashed boost mobile, and updating it may break the flash and phone may not work on Tracfone any more. I contacted the seller, and got answer the He GUESSES it would be ok, but double check with pageplus. Does anyone have been in this situation?
Yes indeed, the BYOP program is the best thing to come along to Tracfone. Now for the question for the year??? Check out this web page for yourself. http://www.saveontracfone.com/Phones/ Am I the only person to wonder how a Tracfone reseller can offer a 4G phone (Samsung S3, 4,or 5 4G LTE or a iPhone 5 4G LTE) over the same Tracfone network interface? Then Tracfone doesn’t invite the same phones into their BYOP program. The first thing I noticed is that Quality One Wireless does not mention anything about which carrier is used. Hummm, no mention that all phone must have come from a Verizon provider. Is this a royal web page screw up or does this mean that Tracfone has expanded their smart phone network affiliation and not told anyone? Or is Tracfone throttling back the LTE access and not saying anything? I sure would like to hear more information from anyone in the know.
ReplyDeleteDo you get "triple" minutes with 'BYOP'?
ReplyDeleteYes, you get 3x minutes 3x text and 3x data with BYOP Tracfone.
DeleteJust switched my iphone 4s 16gb over to the BYOP at tracfone. Here are a few tips to save yourself some headaches and save a few bucks (actually...quite a few)!
ReplyDeleteFirst:
http://www.saveontracfone.com/TracFone-CDMA-Activation-Kit.html
Use this link to purchase a network activation card. The actual tracfone site offers to ship a card to you for use. The site above will email you a code within an hour after purchase. Its $7 and worth it in the time you will save.
Next:
My call to Verizon requesting an unlock went surprisingly well. Literally... just request your phone to be unlocked from the call rep. Most likely they will try and sell you on another plan...but stay strong and don't take the bait lol.
The port and conversion process took about an hour....it was pretty painless.
Next steps....very important!...Choosing a phone plan!
https://www.tracfone.com/direct/Purchase?app=TRACFONE&lang=en&fromPopup=yes&payGo=true&promoId=69980&cardType=TSAPP4001Y
Tracfone is currently running a promotion that doubles your airtime minutes you purchase. I purchased two of the 1 year plans at $199....I also purchased a $20 double your minutes on future purchases card (also listed on the page)
That's a total of $420.....this is where it gets interesting. At this point..I'm sitting at 3000 minutes and two years of continuous service. BYOP members get triple the points though, correct? So I was actually credited 9000 minutes and even more text messages (somewhere in the millions) lol.
9000 minutes for $420 is a deal unmatched anywhere! To put this in perspective I used the data from my old Verizon account:
On average I use 300 minutes a month talking on the phone. Over 1yr that is 3600 and 7200 over a 2yr period. My bill was $130/mo or roughly $1500 yearly. I literally purchased 3 years of minutes with tracfone ($400) for roughly 3 months worth of Verizon contractual service($390). Lol...so insane! The tracfone staff my not be the easiest crew to work with...but the headache has a huge payoff!
Thank you for reading....hope this helps someone out there!
They changed the "Bring your own phone" sign up page.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone found a way to check if they phone's serial number that they want to use is accepted or rejected by tracfone?
Thanks,
.
Yes they did. They also lowered the price to get activation code. But until they fix the site, you can use http://www.saveontracfone.com/Bring-your-own-phone/ to check you MEID or ESN. then, if it is good, use the tracfone site, buy your code, and set up your phone.
DeleteJim/Wiz1
Thanks for the reply and instruction, will do.
DeleteSuccessfully registered a pre-owned Verizon iPhone 4s online last night. I entered the MEID and paid $10+tax during registration to get an activation code. Note that the MEID number should be entered as the serial number for Tracfone, not the serial # in the phone, otherwise you will get an error. I had to enter the MEID more than once during registration and activation. It gave me the option to get a new phone number for my area, transfer an existing number from another Tracfone, or transfer a number from another carrier. You'll need to enter an airtime card to complete the activation. I purchased a 1000-min card from Tracfone's website for $160 and everything was tripled to 3000 minutes, 3000 texts, and 3000 MB data. That's still an unannounced deal that works with Android smartphones and apparently iPhones too. Great deal, everything done online, very happy.
ReplyDeleteAny one being told can not get on? have Tracfone with Verizon service now. the iPhone I have is good with Tracfone on web site and by phone but told not available in my zip
ReplyDeleteI'm planning on getting used htc droid incredible from verizon but i'm not sure how the byop works. i have over 2500 mins on my current tracfone and i'm afraid that i'd loose it. can someon please tell me the steps/process on how to transfer from tracfone to htc. thanks!
ReplyDeletehas anyone registered sprints CDMA devices yet? i just chatted with tech support and they didn't say ANYTHING about how it only has to be verizons phones and that it needs to not have LTE... i've been looking at the sharp aquos crystal, and its a CDMA phone so according to the restrictions on the website, its fair game...
ReplyDeleteIs it true you can get a Galaxy s3-s5 through tracfone byop? I saw it on a website.
ReplyDeleteThe link is: http://www.saveontracfone.com/Samsung-Galaxy-S5-4G-LTE.html
Or: http://www.saveontracfone.com/Phones/
Thanks.
DOUBLE DUCE
ReplyDeleteI HAVE A IPHONE 4S WILL IT WORK IN THE 44039 ZIP CODE AREA?
http://tracfonewireless.com/byop/ is working properly again on 17 Dec 14. Go to that link, enter your ESN (MEID) and your 44039 zip. If both are good it will tell you and ask if it is active. Your NORTH RIDGEVILLE, OH area is covered for service according to Tracfone.
DeleteGood Luck
Jim/Wiz1
Activated two refurbished Moto G phones from:
ReplyDeleteebay seller cellularstream. They were like new - Very Nice Phones
Paid $50 each and then $10 each to activate less than $6 for nice DURA-FROST Fosmon cases from Amazon - Buy 1500 minutes online trippled to 450 minutes - Best deal going for Tracfone!
Happy Holidays
Edit: 1500 minutes tripled to 4500 minutes plus 4500 texts and 4.5 GB data from Tracfone website
DeleteMerry Christmas
I went perusing through PhoneArena's list of Verizon phones and filtered it to "budget" android phones. Almost all of the phones are 4G but there was one I found that may not be. It's the LG G Vista. According to one comment on Verizon's website it is a 3G phone. It has a 5.7" screen with a quad-core processor.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.phonearena.com/phones/carriers/Verizon
http://www.phonearena.com/phones/LG-G-Vista_id8737
http://www.verizonwireless.com/smartphones/g-vista/
Never mind. I just watched a video review which says the G Vista is 4G LTE and it even says so on the back of the phone.
Deletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCEfTauE5eg
I'm trying really hard to find a way to get a better phone than Tracfone's current offering. Has anyone tried using a 4G phone but turning 4G off? http://teckfront.com/force-3g4g-android-4-4-kitkat-device-commands/
ReplyDeleteI never took my SIM card out of my 4s. Everything works fine.
ReplyDeleteWILL A NET 10 SIM CARD WORK ON A TRACFONE BYOP?
ReplyDeleteSadly no, because Net10 uses the GSM network, while tracfone uses cdma technology which is imbedded on the phone itself. Largely depends on the phone and what you are trying to activate.
DeleteIs this link true? http://www.phonerated.com/new-tracfone-phones-and-plans
ReplyDeleteMoto X and Samsung galaxy J are listed here as new 2015 phones.
Samsung Galaxy J DoCoMo is a great phone, but at $350-$400 ?
DeleteWe're talking Tracfone where $35-$40 is more the real world norm.
Do you guys think that Project Ara (Google's modular phones) will work with tracfone? I read somewhere that you would be able to choose between 3G and 4G chips, so to me it looks like it is possible.
ReplyDeleteI tried to activate a used/refurbished iPhone 4S; the experience was frustrating, time-consuming, and unsuccessful. I started with TracFone's web site. Upon entering the phone's serial number, I received the go-ahead and entered the number of my current TracFone (LG Android). The next step would have been to port the number, but I received a warning that there was no "data service" in my area. I found that odd; the LG Android phone transfers data via Verizon. So, I stopped and sought tech advice from TracFone. The tech advisor was helpful, but the process was almost endless because of time needed for him to download some info. In the end, he told me to ignore the on-line info because it pertained non-smart phones (not sure about that). He then offered to complete the process on the phone. However, when he did it, he said that TracFone would not accept the iPhone's serial number. So the process stopped. I decided to try again on-line, but when I entered the iPhone's number I was informed that it was already registered. Yes, I'd registered it, but apparently it was not possible to go back and start anew with that number. I'm sending the phone back to Amazon, but might try again. The phone was too nice not have it.
ReplyDeleteSecond time was the charm. The process was quick and seamless. My TracFone number ported to the iPhone 4S in less than an hour. Process of syncing email accounts, calendars, contacts, etc. all accomplished in short order. I learned that voice mail is accessed via *86 not "1" as with the LG. Cheers.
DeleteOriginal Message Follows:
ReplyDelete------------------------
Mark: I have a HTC Droid Incredible 2 That your online tool says is
compatible with Tracfone, but I don't want to switch unless I can get
triple time, text & Data like you're offering on website to people who
upgrade to an Android phone!
Mariam: Hi Mark.
Mariam: Thank you for visiting TracFone Wireless.
Mark: Good morning
Mariam: Good morning.
Yes, with our Bring Your Own Phone Program you will be able to get
Triple Minutes benefits. Every time that you add an airtime card to your
phone you receive Triple Minutes, Text Messages and Data.
Mark: That is a definate Guaratee
Mariam: Yes.
Mark: guarantee
Mark: Kool, thanks so much for your help
Mariam: You are welcome.
Mariam: Thank you for chatting with TracFone Wireless. If you have any
further questions or concerns, please contact one of our customer care
representatives at 1-800-867-7183. For your convenience, our
representatives are available Monday-Sunday from 8:00 AM to 11:45 PM
EST.
Mark: can this chat go to my email
Mariam: Yes, I will send you the transcript to your e-mail.
Mark: thanks so much, Happy New year
Mariam: You are welcome.
Thanks for sharing confirmation on this!
DeleteRegarding network activation: The activation card BYOP is $10.50, not $9.99 aa stated above.
ReplyDeleteI recently activated an iphone 4 through the bring your own phone program and transferred my number and units from an older double minute tracfone. No additional airtime was purchased. After the transfer, all the units transferred to my new phone, only now they were labeled voice, text and data. Will the direct transfer of my number cause the byop iphone 4 to use double minutes instead of triple minutes?
ReplyDeleteJust added my 80-year-old mom's Jitterbug (MEID) phone from her previous Tracfone Big Easy Alcatel phone and it transferred easily --- all done online in 30 minutes or less! Since Jitterbug is simple it doesn't have a text or email feature but I set her up a Tracfone account prior to the transfer and verified the minutes balance and they carried over accurately plus it gave the account an additional 30 days!
ReplyDeleteNew Tracfone cell phones. Alcatelonetouch.us shows Tracfone to have one 4 g LTE, one LTE, and 4g cell phones. The cellphone store opens on January 28, 2015. Question, how soon does Tracfone offer 4g service? Then we should be able to bring other 4 g cell phones.
ReplyDeleteI have an Alcatel one touch, it works great but it is the 3g tracfone version.
DeleteThey, Alcatel might make a 4g version, but it's not the tracfone Verizon version
Looks like there will be a new phone for tracfone by LG. It's call LG Access. This phone will have a 4.5 inch screen, Android 4.4, 1.4 Dual Core.
ReplyDeleteThe link you can view is: http://www.lg.com/us/cell-phones/lg-L31L-access-lte
Interesting !
DeleteThe carrier is listed as Tracfone, but the technology is listed as GSM, LTE.
Tracfone might be up to something new.
"Tracfone" as a carrier also means Straight Talk and Net10. They are always ahead of native Tracfone on changes and new models. This phone is already available there and a Verizon 4G LTE network variant the L30L is coming soon.
DeleteIt'd be great if Tracfone would get them soon though!
This service should be called Ruin Your Own Phone.
ReplyDeleteI had a perfectly good Verizon iPhone 4s with a clean ESN that I tried to transfer to TracFone. Have been a long time and loyal Tracfone customer. Called to activate the iPhone and transfer my existing pre-paid TracFone plan with over a year of service left on it and the end result was that TracFone registered the ESN with Net10 (one of their sister companies) and tell me that it can not be undone. So my previously perfectly good and sellable iPhone 4S is now a worthless piece of shit. Thank's TracFone.
This appears to be nothing more than a bait and switch marketing plan, making TracFone customers loose the balance of their prepaid TracFone service and 'upgrading' them to a crappy $35/mo Net10 service plan.
Will an ipad2 with 3G and CDMA work under the Tracfone BYOP program?
ReplyDeleteI just switched over from an LG420 (flip) to a 64gb iphone 4s. This phone was a used Verizon that had no service when I received it. The hardest part was locating the 'code' on my old phone to plug into the website. I did everything online and it took about an hour after I got offline for the service to drop on my old phone and be picked up on my new phone. pretty seamless. I got the phone off ebay and though a lot of people absolutely refuse to send the IMEI or MEID number to the phone that they are selling, there are more than plenty who will, so don't get upset, just move on to the next one. At one point, I was watching 12+ iphones that would work on the tracfone network. Oh, and UNLOCKED is no guarantee that it will work on the tracfone network. Just verify the number before you buy, and you're good. Most people would think that a 3.5 inch screen is pretty small, but coming from a screen that was only 1.75, this is more than enough for me.
ReplyDeleteI am currently using an iPhone on the BYOP plan, but am looking for an android option as well. I'm looking at the Samsung Galaxy S5, and read a review on Amazon that said it is NOT a 4G device. Has anyone tested to see if it can be activated on Tracfone?
ReplyDeleteI was able to activate a Moto G 1st Gen on Tracfone.Works great!
ReplyDeleteI was able to upgrade my old LG 800G phone to HTC Incredible 2 on Tracfone using their BYOP web page with no problems. I got the phone unlocked with a clean MEID on Ebay. I was able to keep my same phone number by just transferring my existing account to the new phone upgrade. The only problem with the transfer was that I lost a ton of minutes (over 1400 min) down to 178 min. during the process. I am currently trying to contact Tracfone Customer support on this matter.
ReplyDeleteActivated a Motorola Moto G 1st gen to Tracfone BYOP. Simple and quick!
ReplyDeleteHow did you get the MEID number before you bought the phone? Who was the seller?
DeleteI just purchased a Moto G which was used barely over 6 months. I had no problem activating it transfering my Tracfone number to it. It works great with tracfone now.
ReplyDeleteBought a new iPhone 4s from BestBuy. Called Tracfone to set it up, Tracfone customer service, sorry, but useless and told me to call Verizon because they couldn't "find" my phone. Called Verizon, and they actually ended up going on the Tracfone website and walked me through. If it was worth it for me switch I would've. But you just have to type in your EISN number, go through the tutorial, and pay the $9.99. Try to go through the website, and not call customer service, and you can set it up fine, as long as it's a Verizon or unlocked phone.
ReplyDeleteI received this email from Tracfone today:
ReplyDeleteThank you for your interest in TracFone Wireless. We are responding to your recent inquiry.
You can bring a 4G LTE phone but you will not get the 4G LTE network since we only offer 3G.
For further information please go to www.tracfonebyop.com.
If you have any further questions or concerns, you may contact us via Chat or contact one of our customer care representatives at 1-800-867-7183. For your convenience, our representatives are available Monday-Sunday from 8:00 AM to 11:45 PM EST.
Thank you for being a TracFone Wireless customer. We appreciate your business.
Sincerely,
TracFone Wireless
I also had it confirmed in a chat, after they first told me no, but then checked for updates.
Can anyone actually confirm it with a 4G LTE phone?
FLASH!!! I was just on the TF site. They changed the BYOP page. It now shows 4 colored boxes.
ReplyDeleteBox one says "at&t compatible or unlocked" (blue)
Box two says "T mobile comp. phone" (purple)
Box three says "Sprint comp. phone" (yellow)
Box four says "other carrier/don't know" (red)
Looks like TF now accepts phones by other carriers other than Verizon!!!!!!!!!!
I'm worried. No mention of Verizon.
I activated a used Moto G (Verizon non-contract) phone to the TracFone service. My account and phone number transferred over with the use of customer service (15 minutes) and TracFone added 2 months of service time (no additional time though).
ReplyDeleteIt looks like Tracfone is going 4G LTE, I just saw this in a popup-tracking Ad.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.saveontracfone.com/Phones/
Anyone know what's going on with Tracfone?
This forum needs an update as some 4G LTE phones qualify for BYOP.
ReplyDeleteTracfone now has 4G LTE available, has anybody tried it?
ReplyDeleteWhich phone did you use?
http://tracfonewireless.com/byop/
I just purchased an iPhone 6 unlocked. Finally found the Sim card for 4G LTE at www.saveonTracFone.com. Should arrive a couple of days I will up date this site after I get it installed . I did find someone on YouTube that successfully installed TracFone on a iPhone 6+ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MPm933snRU
ReplyDeleteFiling got my iPhone6 up and running on TracFone. One problem is there is no app for iPhone to check your time and data usage. So I downloaded a android tablet on my PC: Called Andy.and installed the TracFone app. Which works fine. it Pings my iphone and give me up-to-date minute and data left. Unknowingly I purchased a Sim card from TracFone with a new number to make sure the phone was going work before transferred my existing TracFone number to the iPhone6.
DeleteDuring the whole process with TracFone Tech support did not mention that the transfer my existing phone number that they had to send me another Sim card!!
TracFone Teck support is pretty bad !!! hard to under stand. One other problem I ran into was they suggested that I using WY-Fi for data to turn off the cellular connection. I was trying my voice mail and wasn't getting a response on the iphone for messages. Come to find out that cell phone data has to be on to receive Voice mail messages.
I hope this information helps.
Where did you purchase it from? I am thinking about purchasing an iPhone plus unlocked from apple would that be compatable?
DeleteWouldn't any VZW CDMA phone work? I know there is a Verizon CDMA Galaxy note 4...
ReplyDeletei bought a used 1st gen moto g verizon prepaid phone, and just switched over to tracfone...piece of cake!!!
ReplyDeleteHow did you do that??? I just talked to a tracfone representative and they told me I could never use my new Moto G on tracfone even if I had it on a Verizon program for six months.
DeleteCan someone explain the difference between "must be a Verizon phone" and an unlocked 3G or 4G phone that may work on BYOP? Can an unlocked, former Verizon phone be activated without getting locked back ?? I have a Droid3 3G phone which works fine except I would like to still be on tracfone but have it unlocked to use when I travel outside the US. I found out last year in England that it is still locked so was of no use except on wi-fi.
ReplyDeleteAny recommendations for reputable sellers on Amazon for a Galaxy S4 of S5 for BYOP?
ReplyDeleteWill the One Plus One every going to work with this program?
ReplyDeleteDid you ever get it to work?
DeleteHello, I checked compatability for my LG 2, no luck. I would appreciate any ideas from those you had success with LG 2. Tracfone would only say the software was not compatable
ReplyDeleteI've had nothing but trouble trying to get a sim card purchases through tracfone for my Moto Razr M 4G LTE. Their website will let you submit an incomplete form by accident and to top it all off none of their phone or chat support seem to know anything about this process still. I'd maybe go somewhere else, but then customer support in this country is below techsupport when it comes to their corporate budgets...sigh
ReplyDeleteI bought a manufacturer refurbished Droid Mini on Ebay and got it working perfectly with Tracfone
ReplyDeleteI got a Moto X to work. It was a hassle, and took a whole week from the time I received a SIM card from Tracfone. They sent me the wrong size SIM card, so I had to cut it down. Getting past Tracfone's customer support staff to a technician was a chore, but that's what I needed to do to get the SIM card activated. Then I had an SMS problem, but they fixed that after a couple days. If you are not patient, Tracfone's BYOP program may not be for you. In the end, Tracfone came through and fixed everything for me. Everyone was very polite and tried to be as helpful as they could be. I have a working phone now.
ReplyDeletewill a moto g 2nd gen and a moto e 2nd gen work
ReplyDeleteI bought a verizon iphone 5 off ebay. The meid number is ok and so was my zip code. I got an activation kit from tracfone. I put in the new sim card and got an error. I called several reps and they got errors. If I try to make a call it says not activated with verizon. Do I need to unlock from verizon? If so, how do I do that? I am willing to pay reliable party to get it done.
ReplyDeleteI have a similar problem with an unlocked Verizon Moto E bought on Ebay. The Tracfone website said that it was compatible, and as a matter of fact they sell a Tracfone Moto E on their wesite. However, they do not say if it is Gen 1, which I suspect it is. Mine is a Gen 2. I have had several trouble tickets and discussions with various customer service people. Besides the ridiculous statements they make, they have not yet been able to activate this telephone. Although it was originally noted as compatible via their website tool, they now seem to be saying it is not listed. I just can not understand their problem. I will try again in a few days. Maybe they will figure out what they need to do.
DeleteThey also said that the SIM card number in the Tracfone activation kit was incorrect and the last __ digits must start with a 1 not a 0. Well it starts with a 0. If you look at the BBB website you will see thousands of complaints, and a settlement with the FTC for false advertising. This company needs to get its act together. The bring your own phone is not rocket science, and they should be well-versed in doing this by this time. There is no excuse for all this chaos.
DeleteWill Verizon LG Lancet work on Tracfone BYOP?
ReplyDeleteI bought a new unlocked Verizon Galaxy S4 and connected it to Tracfone. No problems getting it hooked up. I now get 4G.
ReplyDeleteOnly problem thus far is determining balance of minutes/data. Tracfone"s My Account application does not work. When I check my balance online the numbers displayed are different than the amount texted to me.
IMHO the quality of the phone overrides this inconvenience.
I purchased a new Moto G phone and was told by a Tracfone Customer Representative that it will never work on Tracfone. I asked if I used it on a Verizon Program for 6 months then could I use it on Tracfone. They emphatically said No! This goes against everything I have read on their websites.
ReplyDeleteI just activated a samsung galaxy S3 and it works great, the only problem is the my account app doesn't work. I got my sim on ebay for $3.99 just type in tracfone 4g.
ReplyDeleteAny GSM Smartphones that will work with the BYOP service?
ReplyDeleteI do not see any for sale other than old LG 306 that is not even an Android phone.
I see on the site it says only CMDA phones, but when I talked to a rep they said I could bring an unlocked GSM phone. As you know reps do not always have things straight. I am looking to buy a smartphone to use instead of my Alcatel One Touch Pop that worked fine in Texas, but in northern Wisconsin not getting any service near home. Wife has a basic GSM phone on Tracfone that works fine in home area.
Is anyone using a Verizon Iphone5 on TracFone?
ReplyDeleteCust Svc tells me that I cannot get Triple min for this non-android byo phone.
Not only that, the $20 double minutes card will not work either.
Is this true?
The iPhone 5 works great, you still get the triple minutes, you just aren't able to view them on your phone, your have to access your balance on the website!
DeleteIt wasn't on the list, so I wanted to post that I recently activated a Verizon Galaxy S3 as a 4G LTE phone. It's working great, and my number and balance carried over fine (though my balance was rounded down to 300 each of texts, minutes, and MBs of data from about 360; maybe because I was coming from a flip phone without data?). I got the phone for $100 on ebay, and it's pretty great.
ReplyDeleteNew Windows Phone Activated on BYOP
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to share a happy outcome. After wondering about using a Windows Phone on BYOP, I invested in a "Bring Your Own Smartphone Sim Kit" for 4G LTE phones through the online store for $6.99 which was delivered to my New York address via Fed Ex with free shipping
I had researched registering a new Go Phone (GSM on AT&T) or an unlocked new phone Windows Phone (Microsoft Lumia 935) via chat with two Tracfone representatives and both confirmed that this will work. My long term experience (good and bad) with Tracfone representatives left me a little dubious.
I called a couple of stores selling Go Phones to inquire and got answers that suggested this would not work, but I thought about it and realized I could return the phone within 14 days if things did not go well so I decided to give it a try
I ended up at a Walmart store in the Middletown, NY area where I found and purchased Microsoft Lumia 640 Go Phone (GSM), a newer and a larger model for $79.86.
I used the web site to transfer my service and number. Within a few minutes, the SIM card showed up in my Tracfone account as a transfer in progress and my old phone was already showing up as inactive.
About two hours later, the phone was active and I was able to make calls and connect via WiFi. My phone number and minutes were successfully transferred as well. When I signed into may Tracfone account, because it is not a "Tracfone", the entry shows as a registered SIM card (with image) with the nickname I selected.
To summarize, you can buy a brand new cellphone and use it with an existing or new account on the Tracfone network. It does not need to be unlocked and may not need to have been activated (my phone was brand new (unopened) and was not previously registered with AT&T). Based on my experience, the list of compatible phones is now much larger that suggested.
As for the phone itself, in this case, this AT&T Go Phone with Tracfone's SIM card boots up with the AT&T logo and had AT&T apps pre-installed for used on this Windows which is uses Windows Phone 8.1 OS and will be upgradable to Windows 10 Phone. If you never looked at a Windows Phone, you may be pleasantly surprised compared to Android or even IOS. Note that there is no Windows Phone app for Tracfone, but I was able to check on my account by going to the web site and logging into my Tracfone account on the phone via WiFi (saved as a favorite).
I had looked for others writing about upgrades to the BYOP program that began at about the end of June, 2015 to support 4G LTE phones and found nothing. I'm hoping this post will encourage others to consider phones other than those offered by Tracfone to find one that you really want whether it's an Android, Apple or Windows phone.
dr bug
Will this phone work on Tracfone service ?Samsung Galaxy S3 SCH-S968C 16GB - Carrier Tracfone..
ReplyDeleteSuccessfully setup my droid DNA with tracfone! Was just 94 dollars on eBay! Refurbished excellent condition.
ReplyDeleteCan't get from a May 4, 2014 @ 8:18 PM entry to the next page that you supposedly push "Load More" and it changes to "Loading..." and never goes anywhere! It has been like this for at least 5 or 6 days now . . . PLEASE HELP Someone!
ReplyDeleteAny GSM byop's???
ReplyDeleteConnected an unlocked AT&T iPhone 3GS, successfully transferring the account from a Tracfone Umax Patrioit. Everything working connected to a tower called "HOME" everywhere here in NE Ohio. Only thing not working is MMS Pictures...but I can live with that, I will just send them via WIFI. Process took ~6 hours once I requested it via the Tracfone BYOP WWW page, tech support was useless to make it happen.
ReplyDeleteI have a current tracfone. Want an Iphone 6. Will minutes still triple on an Iphone 6? Will existing minutes and phone number move over to the Iphone 6?
ReplyDeleteThank you.
I have an iPhone 5 on the tracfone BYOP that has been recalled due to the defective sleep/wake button, has anyone had any luck with converting back to their old phone or knows whether it is possible!
ReplyDeleteI have a iPhone 5s unlocked, will it work with the byop, and will i get triple minutes?
ReplyDeletedoes tracfone work with a Samsung galaxy edge s6 unlocked.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone tried to activate an Amazon FIRE phone, AT&T GSM on tracfone ? Did it work ?
ReplyDeleteI'm writing this comment on a Nokia Lumia Icon over Verizon LTE with Tracfone BYOP. There's no real distinction at Tracfone between Windows phone and Android, so you can just go through the regular Android procedure to activate one. Don't expect help from tech support if you break something, but it all just works if you go through the procedure correctly.
ReplyDeleteThe first sim card I got didn't work for some reason (I think it might actually have been hardware damage), but I called Tracfone and they sent me a free identical replacement. The replacement worked out of the box - I activated the sim online, popped it I the phone, and 30 seconds later I had 4g LTE service through Tracfone.
You don't get the Tracfone app with Windows Phone, but the Tracfone app never worked very well for me anyway. I just pinned the websites that let you check your balance and add airtime to my start screen, and it's been working fine so far. Data sense lets you manually enter a data limit, so I just type it in every three months when I add a card.
Data speeds have been as advertised, call quality has been acceptable, text messages have come through reliably and on time, and voicemail works just like you would expect it to. MMS can be a little dodgy at times, but it was dodgy when I had an android Tracfone as well, so it may just be a network issue on tracfone's end.
Overall, Tracfone BYOP works just fine with a windows phone. Be aware that tech support probably can't help you if you have a problem, but I've been using it for a few months now without any major issues.
I just activated a Moto X Pure Edition on Tracfone. It took a bit of finagling, but it works really well now.
ReplyDeletedoes this phone work it says its only lte bands but i want to know
ReplyDeletehttp://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K15KRV6/ref=psdc_2407749011_t1_B00K15Q2B0
My Galaxy Note 3 (Verizon) works like a charm with Tracfone! I bought my own Tracfone activation kit from www.saveontracfone.com (which comes with a micro-sized SIM card) and just followed the steps in the manual for activation. The only problem I encountered was that I lost my minutes, texts, and data. However, I was prepared for this to happen and had already taken a picture of my account balance on my old phone. I contacted Tracfone's online customer service and sent them the picture along with my explanation. Not only did I get my minutes, texts, and data back, but they DOUBLED the amount! Plus, I was able to keep my old phone number. I'm also loving the Note 3. It may be a couple generations old, but it's a HUGE upgrade over the LG Ultimate 2 (1080p video playback, high screen resolution, 32GB space, 4G, and more). The only drawback is that you can no longer use the Tracfone app on a BYOP phone. You have to check your account balance on the website from now on. I encourage others to give the BYOP program a try! :D
ReplyDeleteHas anyone with a Verizon Moto G (1st Generation) running on Tracfone been able to upgrade Android to KitKat or beyond? My phone always tells me my version is current. Will it upgrade over WiFi or do I have to used Tracfone's wireless connection?
ReplyDeleteSo the Samsung galaxy 3 MINI would connect ?
ReplyDeleteOK I have a question,
ReplyDeleteThis phone is on your list, its one I'm looking at
Tracfone BYOP 4G LTE GSM Phone List:
Samsung Galaxy S5 - 16 GB on Amazon
Now here's my question, (btw TF can't seem to answer it in a clear cut manner.)
On the TF site it says, "Compatible OR unlocked" I'm still trying to pin down what the hell "compatible OR unlocked" means to TF when it comes to a GSM At&T phone for their BYOP program Does it mean the same thing or not. I know about the SIM kits, but I need a verification from TF that ANY GSM At&T weather locked or unlocked phone can be registered and used on TF.
IF TF had compatible AND unlocked, that would be clear enough, so I assume even if the phone is "locked" to At&T, it's considered "compatible" and should work.
I see the Samsung s5 on this list , now my question is, was this for a GSM At&T "locked" phone, or did it have to also be "unlocked" to work with a kit?
I have seen Samsung S5 900A's listed as locked to At&T and also listed as unlocked, I need to know which TF will accept.
I just set up using the BLU Studio C Super Camera phone (4G GSM). It only took 5 minutes to set it up. Awesome phone with a fantastic camera!
ReplyDeleteWell this just blew my hopes. Been looking at IRULU's great new v3 victory, 100% unlocked phone with a 6.5 screen and appears it's not gonna work with Tracfone. I've been very satisfied with their service for many years but trying to find a great phone I really like is impossible if I stay with them. Thanks guys, and ladies for helping clear up some of the mess.
ReplyDeleteSomeone have Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge? Whatever GSM or CDMA.
ReplyDeleteI don't find this phone Unlocked CDMA.
I successfully purchased a Verizon LG G2 and got it on tracfone. Thank you very much for the articles and forum!
ReplyDeleteHow does this phone get Android updates now? I'd like to get 5.1.1 as there are some Lollipop bugs on the phone.
I am confused, my phone is a nokia lumia 635 Windows phone, previously with tmobile, now unlocked. I have called Tracfone multiple times and have never gotten the same answer. I am told yes Tracfone will work and I have been told no. Also if it's eligible for double or triple minutes, and the same answers. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteI recently activated an LG V10 on Tracfone's BYOP 4G LTE CDMA service. I had to purchase through Verizon wireless. Paid retail price upfront and had to make a decision on a month to month phone plan. Once I received the phone, I activated it through Tracfone and canceled my service with Verizon. LOVE THIS PHONE!
ReplyDeleteTried calling TracFone (USELESS). I want to upgrade to the iPhone 5S but want to know if I can still just buy regular TracFone airtime cards, or will I have to sign up for Straightalk or other monthly service for $45.00 a month?
ReplyDeleteAlso, I will be buying this used unlocked iPhone 5S on eBay. TracFone said I need to know who the "previous service provider" was (Verizon, ATT, Net10, Sprint, etc) in order to find out if I can use it with TracFone.
I don't know who the previous service provider is.
I haven't bought the iPhone yet.
I need to know this BEFORE I buy it (so I know which one to buy). For some reason, the TracFone agent said he can't tell me who the previous service provider must be until AFTER I buy the iPhone(???).
Surely I don't have to "cross my fingers" and hope the used unlocked iPhone 5S I buy on eBay will work with TracFone lol! So FRUSTRATED!
Recently transferred phone number and minutes from another android 3g phone to a used Verizon G3 cdma 4g lte. Transference was flawless and fast. Couldn't be happier with the process. Highly recommend.
ReplyDeleteCan I buy a Verizon gsm lg g4 and put it on tracfone service?
ReplyDeleteThanks to the advice from this website, I just upgraded from my ZTE tracfone to a Samsung Galaxy S5, and everything worked right away. Let me tell you what I bought and what I did.
ReplyDelete1. I bought the Tracfone Galaxy S5 for Verizon used from Amazon.com.
2. I bought the Tracfone Verizon 4G LTE Activation Kit from saveontracfone.com. It came with GSM (AT&T) or CDMA (Verizon) and all sizes of sim cards. I punched out the Dual SIM CARD Micro for use with CDMA LTE Compatible devices.
3. I didn't put the sim card into my phone right away.
4. I Charged the battery on the Samsung and mostly set it up my new phone just using WiFi.
5. I was able to transfer over my apps and content, partly by moving my 32 Gig SDE memory card over from the ZTE to the Samsung.
6..I called Tracfone (1-800-706-3839) and told them I wanted to transfer my minutes and phone number from the ZTE to the new Samsung. Most of the numbers that I needed were in the activation kit. I found the IMEI number under the battery in the Samsung.
5. About 20 minutes after I hung up, my ZTE stopped being able to make or receive phone calls. That's when I installed the SIM card in the Samsung and tried making a phone call and everything worked.
I left a comment almost a month ago, but it hasn't appeared yet? I used the BYOP and added an LG V10, bought new through Verizon. Transfer of service was easy and I love my new phone!
ReplyDeleteHi, I've wanted to use an iPhone on tracfone and I would really like to use a 4G LTE phone. I've never owned an iPhone before and I've never used the BYOP plan before. I'd probably go with the iPhone 6 now that I can. But with a newer phone is the price still $7 a month on the tracfone plan? Or does it cost extra? Also would an iPhone 6 have to be unlocked to use it on the plan?
ReplyDeleteJust checked my IMEI for a new unlocked iRULU V3 on tracfone's BYOP site..they SAY it will work..I will update if I decide to use their service.
ReplyDeleteIf I BYOP, do I still buy the minutes on the tracfone site (or purchase a card) like I normally would? Also, do the BYOP's qualify for triple minutes/data/texts?
ReplyDeleteNon Android CDMA phones CAN be used with the BYOD program! I had two older Samsung Juke phones that Page Plus was no longer able to activate anymore. So, I thought as a last resort. I'll try Tracfone. I tried one at a time. And yes, I had to buy the activation card for around $10. So, they transferred my regular cdma Tracfone minutes and due date to the 2006? Samsung Juke. It took minutes. And the minutes I had were placed into the 3 different "buckets" that Tracfone does when one buys minutes for androids....Only drawback is (as was with Page Plus), is that only talk and text features will wor on a "regular" cdma phone. Even though they send an amount to your data bucket it is useless as you are unable to use Verizon's features, like music player etc. And Tracfone's CSR's think you are using an android or some other Smartphone. So if you ever decide you want to switch back to another phone...you have to get lucky and hope the CSR you speak with will understand you are not using an android phone. Tracfone, for some unknown reason, will NOT allow you to get your android minutes BACK if you want to go back to a regular phone. You have to beg. You have to try and convince them that you are unaware of this "policy" they have. Sometimes you just have to hang up on a CSR that is not "working with you" and call back. Then pray that this new CSR will actually permit you to have the minutes you are entitled to BACK!
ReplyDeleteAny1 know if the new nexus lg 5x can work on tracfone its
ReplyDelete299 not bad for a cell thats 16gb any tried making it work
I purchased a Nexus6 64GB UNLOCKED phone to use with Tracfone BYOP. This phone works on both the Verizon CDMA and AT&T GSM services. The AT&t set up was easily done online, but I wanted to use Verizon CDMA towers, for some reason I kept getting an error when trying to set up for Verizon. I called TracFone Customer service and they had my phone service set up for Verizon CDMA in about 5 mnutes!
ReplyDeleteJust remember everyone, if you've never had smartphone or use one and decide to go back to a simple talk and text Tracfone for whatever reason Tracfone will not transfer any minutes back to a regular cdma "old skool" device. They can and will transfer your phone number, but that's it.No minutes. They say "that's their policy"!!!! On another positive note though they were able to transfer my minutes and number to an older model Samsung u-470 JUKE phone....I had to by a byod card for $10, but the transfer worked...please note you'll only get talk and text features, but Tracfone DOES make it a TMFL phone!!!.......for what it's worth .
ReplyDeleteEarlier today I purchased a Moto G 3rd generation unlocked cell phone at Best Buy. Using a Tracfone BYOP sim kit I was able to activate the phone using the Tracfone website and following instructions. The only problem that I encounted related to installing the micro SIM card upside down and getting " No Sim Card. Emergency calls only" message on the phone screen.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI have successfully activated and used a Pantech Flex P8010 AT&T phone with Tracfone
Greetings everyone, does anyone know if a Nexus 5 D5820 32GB REFURBISHED phone will qualify for the Tracfone BYOP program? So, two separate questions really. Will a Nexus 5 D5820 work, second will a refurbished work. Thanks for your help. Love the site!
ReplyDeleteare you allowed to use a old nokia flip phone on this service that is unlocked and att not blacklisted.
ReplyDeleteWill I be able to keep my number if I change from my cdma s3 to a gsm blu phone?
ReplyDeleteI have a galaxy s4 straight talk phone and was told I couldn't use as a tracfone, but when I turn on the phone it has the tracfone logo?
ReplyDeleteConsidering giving my iPhone 6 a try, but I'm unsure if I will retain all the functions that I currently have, Call Forwarding, Text with Pictures etc...
ReplyDeleteHave any out there made the jump with an iPhone 6?
I was considering moving my iPhone 6 to the BYOP, but I'm still unsure about losing any of the features that I now have... It is unlocked. Is Anyone out there using the BYOP with a iPhone 6?
ReplyDeleteI activated a Amazon Fire phone 6 months a go and it's getting the 4G LTE service. I've been very happy with it
ReplyDeleteJust purchased an iPhone 6 Plus and I'm trying to transfer my old tracfone number to it, the 6 plus is att and not unlocked. I purchased the sim kit and tried using the website to do the transfer but it kept saying sim number error or something so I called tracfone instead. On my first call they told me the imei # on my new phone wasn't coming up in their system so I eventually hung up. On second call they said the same thing and then asked for my sim number and eventually said that they completed the process. They said it could take up to 2 business days for my phone to transfer over but my old phone is still working and my new one isn't. Any help?
ReplyDeleteIt would be nice if the comments were "Newest Comments" first! or at least have a way of changing the order. No interested in reading a message that is 2 years old.
ReplyDelete