Showing posts with label Cell Phone Money Saving Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cell Phone Money Saving Tips. Show all posts

August 12, 2020

Tracfone Data-Only Card and How to Reduce Data Use

Guide to Tracfone Data Cards and How to Buy Data for your Smartphone

Welcome to the TracfoneReviewer blog! This post will share specifics on how data works on smartphones with Tracfone.
tracfone data cards
How Data Works and How to Save on Data

Note - We created a full breakdown and comparison of Tracfone airtime in this post: New Prices/Changes to Tracfone Smartphone Cards.

Tracfone is a prepaid cell phone service provider that offers both phones and airtime cards. On their smartphone devices, you also get data when adding an airtime card which you can use to surf the web when not connected to WiFi.

Data is very useful on smartphones, but how does the data work on Tracfone smartphones, how can you get more, and what can you do with the data you have?

We are going to cover these questions and more in this post sharing all the details about how Tracfone Data works on smartphones.

Tracfone offers a number of different smartphones and you can see all the newest devices in our List of the Latest Smartphones from Tracfone.

Or you might be interested in the Tracfone BYOP program, which allows users to bring their own smartphone. Follow the link to learn more, and see a list of the possibilities.

Both the smartphones offered by Tracfone, and the BYOP devices, use data in the same way. So let's get started looking at how data works on these phones.

What is Data on Tracfone Smartphones?

Data is the term generally used to describe the amount (usually in megabytes) you can download or upload on your smartphone via the cell phone network. So data is basically information you download or upload from the internet. This can include many different activities, like checking email, posting photos on Facebook, reading webpages, or watching videos.

Data is consumed based on the amount of megabytes you download or upload. So if you download a 20 MB image, that will use 20 MB of your data. If you visit a webpage that takes 1 MB to load, you will use 1 MB of data. (further down we will share more on estimating how much different online activities will use up your data.)

On older, non-smartphone devices, data was used at a rate determined by the amount of time you were on a website, but this is not the case for smartphones which is a nice improvement.

As you can see, data works similarly to your calling minutes, in that you are charged based on how much you use. But calling minutes are based on time, rather than megabytes. (For example, if you make a 20 minute call, you will be deducted (about) 20 minutes of talk time.)

On Tracfone Smartphones and BYOP devices, airtime is split into three pools, Talk, Text and Data. Learn more about How Airtime Works with Tracfone Smartphones in our recent post.

How Can you Buy More Data for your Tracfone Device?

There are two ways to get more data for your smartphone:

Airtime Cards - You can add both Regular Airtime Cards or Smartphone Only Cards and get a certain amount of data along with talk, text and service days.
Data Only Card - You get only Data, at 1 GB for $10

For most situations you will probably want to add an Airtime card to your phone to increase all your 'buckets' of talk/text/data.

But sometimes you may only want to add data, in which case the data only cards are useful. Let's take a closer look at Data cards to better understand how to use them.

What Are Data Only Cards?

As mentioned above, the Data only card increase the amount of data for your smartphone, without adding any additional texts or talk minutes.

This is similar to the Text only cards we recently discussed.

There are some important things to be aware of the make the Data only cards unique.

First, they can only be used with smartphones, including the Android devices offered by Tracfone, and all phones offered through the BYOP program.

Second, like the Text only card, Data only cards do not triple, so you get the amount listed on the card (1 GB).

Data Card Amount and Cost Per MB Compared to Airtime Cards

Tracfone just offers one Data only card option at this time:
  • 1 GB for $10
This results in 1 cent per MB of data.

Cost per MB for Tracfone Data cards and Airtime cards Compared:

Below is a table with all of the current airtime cards from Tracfone and how much data comes with each one. We've included both Smartphone only cards and regular airtime cards.
how much data do you get with tracfone
Tracfone Data Amounts and Cost per MB
There are two key points to take note of from this Chart:
  • Smartphone only cards come with a lot more data compared to regular airtime cards
  • Smartphone only cards are a better deal for data (except the 1500 and 200 minute cards)

In general, if you only need data, the data only card is a good deal. But if you also need talk and texts, then the 300 or 750 minute smartphone cards are a good deal.

Where to Buy Tracfone Data Cards

Tracfone Data cards are available form a variety of sources, as is the case for Tracfone Airtime cards. You can find Data cards on the Tracfone website under Airtime.

You can also find the Tracfone Data cards in many retail stores, and even online through other retailers. We have found Data cards on eBay in various amounts.

Now let's cover one more question that we see asked quite often.

How Much Can you Do Online with 300 MB of Data?

A common question we see is, what can you do online with a certain amount of data? This is a very good question, because many people tend to estimate how many airtime minutes they will need, and then buy the airtime card that suits their needs best. But if you're unfamiliar with how much data is used by smartphones, it makes it hard to estimate.

It is a little hard to give a straight answer to this question, it all depends on what you do online  Take a look at this image (provided by Tracfone) to help give you a better idea:

tracfone 300mb of data what you can do
Estimated usage for 300 MB of data with Tracfone
From this table we see you can visit about 245 webpages with 300 MB of data, or send/receive about 4000 emails. Hopefully this information will help you gain a better understanding of how data is used with Tracfone, and where your data is going.

If you notice, doing certain things online, like streaming music, or even more so, streaming video, will use your data quickly, while visiting webpages or sending emails, especially those with few images, will use less of your data.

Another good resource for estimating your data usage is the Data Calculator on Verizon's website. Enter your estimated activities, and it will tell you about how much data you will use in a month.

Remember, that if you want to stop using data, you can go into the settings on your device, select data, and turn it off. Using WiFi networks, like at your home or work, does not deduct from your data.

Tips for Reducing Data Use

tracfone data saving tips

Here are some helpful tips to reduce the amount of data you use.
  • Keep track of your data use and set data use warnings to help
  • Turn off background data (learn more here)
  • Download/upload large files over WiFi as much as possible
  • If you use Google Maps often in a certain area, download the map of that area over WiFi. Here is some helpful information about using Google Maps without using data.
  • Download songs/podcasts over WiFi instead of streaming them.
  • Set your Apps to only update over WiFi.
  • Download Images/Videos only when using WiFi
As you can see, the best way to reduce data usage is to avoid using it for large downloads or uploads, which will quickly drain your data. Using free WiFi whenever possible will go a long way in extending your data.

Here is a helpful article on what online activities use data, and some other basic details about data usage from an AT&T Forum.

We hope you found this information helpful, and please leave a comment with any questions, or if you have something to add!

Learn the basics of how Tracfone works with our Beginners Guide to Tracfone.

Find us on Facebook and join over 4000 followers who get the latest news and updates.

Take a look at one of our other popular posts, the Over 30 Great Android Apps to use with your Smartphone.

And check our recent post on 7 Ways to Reduce Your Airtime Usage with Tracfone including some more tips for making your data last longer.

Thanks for visiting!

Originally published 8/2015 and Updated 8/2020

December 12, 2019

Tracfone Christmas Gift Guide 2019

Top 10 Gift Ideas for Tracfone Users in 2019

Welcome to TracfoneReviewer with all the news, reviews and promo codes!
tracfone christmas gift ideas
Tracfone Christmas Gift Ideas for 2019

Christmas lights are decorating each neighborhood, stores are playing carols nonstop, and it is time to find gifts for everyone on your list.

But don't worry! We are here to help with the ten great gift ideas for Tracfone users or anyone with a smartphone! There is something here for everyone so browse through and get your gift-list completed!

If you are new to Tracfone, start with our Beginners Guide which walks through how airtime works, what phones to get, and many more helpful tips.

Let's get to the list!


1. New Tracfone Smartphone

A new phone can be a great gift, and here are some of the latest options from Tracfone that will certainly make anyone's day.

LG Journey
Samsung Galaxy A10e
With a 5.45" touchscreen, Android 9 Pie, and an 8 MP camera, the LG Journey is a great budget option. It does run a little light on the performance side with just a quad-core processor and 16 GB internal storage, but still a great upgrade for young or old alike.

View the LG Journey on Amazon

Samsung Galaxy A10e
The A10e has the additional storage many desire with 32 GB internal storage. To go along with that it has a 5.83" screen, Octa-core processor, and Android 9 Pie.

View the A10e on Amazon

Moto G6
Also featuring 32 GB storage, the Moto G6 is a popular option that has been available for a little over a year now but still has a number of great features like a full HD 5.7" touchscreen, Octa-core processor, 3 GB RAM and dual-rear camera.

View the Moto G6 on Amazon
View the Moto G6 on HSN

See all the new phones in our Latest List of Tracfone Smartphones.

2. New Unlocked Smartphone for Tracfone BYOP

For a little more performance and greater options, take a look at these unlocked smartphone ideas which can be used with the Tracfone 'bring your own phone' program.

Samsung Galaxy A10e Unlocked
Moto G8 Play
With mostly the same specifications as the Tracfone version, the unlocked Galaxy A10e can be used with either GSM or CDMA networks through Tracfone BYOP and comes with a 5.83" screen, 32 GB storage, octa-core processor and more.

See the Galaxy A10e Unlocked on Amazon

Moto G8 Play
The next generation in the Moto G lineup, the G8 Play has a large, 6.2" screen, Octa-core processor, 32 GB storage, 2 GB RAM, and can be used with GSM networks.

See the Moto G8 Unlocked on Amazon


See more great options in our list of the Best Unlocked Phones for Tracfone BYOP.

3. Phone Cases and Covers

Keep that new phone safe and free from scratches or anything else with a cover or case! There are many different options online from simple silicone covers to waterproof housings. You can also get some really unique cases with specific designs and colors.

View smartphone cases and covers on Amazon
View smartphone cases and covers on eBay

4. Tracfone Airtime!

For Tracfone users, additional airtime is always great and a very practical gift idea. There are a number of different airtime card amounts, and some cards that are specifically for smartphones. Tracfone airtime cards can often be found in most retail stores such as Target and Walmart.

Some popular airtime card amounts:

See our popular post with 4 Ways to Check your Tracfone Airtime.

5. External Battery Pack

Solar Battery Pack
Have you ever been away from a charger when your phone ran out of power or just want to make sure you're never stuck with a dead phone? An external battery pack is an easy and convenient way to keep your phone charged and ready no matter where you are. Acting as an additional battery that you can charge your phone or other devices from, an external battery is the perfect gift idea for anyone who spends time in the outdoors, or tends to forget to keep their phone charged.

External battery packs come in a variety of sizes and storage capacities, with most smaller than a phone and capable of charging a phone several times. The Anker Powercore 10000 is one great option that is small and portable and will recharge most phones 2-3 times.

View the Anker Powercore 10000 on Amazon for price details.


Or, for the truly outdoorsy people in your life, take a look at this Solar Powered Charger on Amazon.

6. Gift Cards for Apps and Games

If you're not really sure what the latest game or online app the kids are playing a gift card can be a good option and let someone get what they really want. A gift card for Google Play store or Apple App store allows users to purchase apps or games. Amazon gift cards are also a great option as you can get anything from movies, apps, games, toys and more.

7. Bluetooth Headphones and Speakers

One of the best accessories for a smartphone are headphones or portable speakers and there are plenty of great options available. Here are some different options!
JBL Clip 3

The Panasonic in-ear headphones have surprisingly great sound while also significantly reducing outside noises. These are small, yet powerful headphones at a great deal.

For headphones with sound and noise cancelling, consider the Bose Soundlink around ear headphones which can connect to your device wirelessly and includes a long lasting rechargeable battery.

When it comes to speakers, there are many options ranging from small and portable, to large and powerful. Adventurous music listeners will find the JBL Clip 3 perfect for attaching to a backpack or belt while on the go and it has IPX7 Waterproof rating.


The Anker Soundcore is a little larger, and more suited to causal gatherings indoors or out. It has 24hrs of playback time and connects to any smartphone via Bluetooth.

8. Smartwatch

Smartwatches, paired with a smartphone, allow users to answer phone calls, send texts, check notifications and more without touching their phone. Most are also waterproof, for those with active lifestyles, and provide exercise, heart-rate, and sleep tracking.

There are many options available but here are some of the top contenders:

9. Extra Storage

A common issue many smartphone users have is running out of storage space. And with most of Tracfone's smartphones only featuring 16 GB internal storage, using a MicroSD card for external storage is a necessary option. External storage is great for adding music, videos, podcasts or more. Most smartphones accept at least 64 GB additional storage, but double check with your model.

The Samsung 64GB MicroSD Card is a popular option that comes with an SD card adapter and is at a great price.

10. Handsfree holder for your car

Stay safe while staying connected with a handsfree phone holder in your car! These holders allow you to follow GPS navigation or talk on the phone while keeping your hands on the wheel.

View smartphone holder options on eBay

That concludes our Christmas list of gift ideas for 2019! We hope this helps you find gifts for everyone on your list!

Leave a comment below if you have any thoughts or questions.

Also join us on Facebook with a growing community helpful users who answer questions, share experiences and deal alerts

Learn 4 Ways to Check your Airtime Balance including ways to check it from your phone or a computer.

And take a look at Tracfone Promo Code List which includes codes for extra minutes on almost every airtime card!

Finally, don't miss the best Deals Discounts and Sales on Tracfone Devices and Minutes.

Thanks for visiting!

August 29, 2019

Best Deal on Prepaid Minutes - Tracfone Airtime Guide

Airtime Comparison - Which Tracfone Card Should you Buy? 

Welcome to TracfoneReviewer, a blog about all things Tracfone related! 

best deal on tracfone minutes
Best deal on Tracfone Minutes
Is it cheaper to buy the 60 minute card every three months or the 1 Year Card? What is the cheapest way to buy service days? We hear these questions, and more, quite often, and wanted to share the answers to these questions, as well as others, with our readers.

Find out the cheapest way to get  talk, text or data, and we will also share details on which airtime cards offer the best value..

With Tracfone airtime cards, there isn't a 'best' card for everyone, because it all depends on how much airtime you use, and if you use your talk, text or data more.

So we have included several common scenarios, with the best airtime card for that situation.

Cheapest Way to Add Service Days:
Tracfone recently stopped offering their 365 service day card for $50 which is not good for users who just need additional service days. There are still some options for getting additional service days at a low cost.

The cheapest way to get more service days is to get the 60 minute regular airtime card for $20. It comes with 90 service days, making it about $80 for a year's worth of service days. Another good option is the 1 year/ 400 minute card that retails for $100 (but there are often $15 off promo codes available).

Cheapest Way to Add Only Talk Minutes
Tracfone just launched a new Talk-only add-on card that gives users additional talk time and nothing else. The card is $10 for 500 talk minutes which works out to be 2 cents per minute. Learn more with our Guide to the Talk Add-on Card.

Cheapest Way to Add only Texts:
The cheapest way to add texts to your phone is to buy the 1000 text card for $5. That works out to just half a penny per text.

This card is only available for smartphones. Learn more in our Guide to the Text Only Card from Tracfone and remember that there are promo codes for this card as well!

Cheapest Way to Add only Data:
The cheapest way to add data to your smartphone is to buy the 1000 MB (1 GB) card for $10. This card, like the other add-on cards gives you just data with no additional service days. It comes out to 1 cent per mb of data. Get more details and tips on using data in our guide.

Best Deal for Texts and Data (and some talk minutes):
The best deal for adding both texts and data is to add the $15 smartphone card which gives you 500 texts, 500 MB data, 30 service days and 500 talk minutes. The value of all of this airtime is $1750 not including the 30 service days, which is a fantastic deal. If you don't need service days or talk minutes, just add the text, talk, or data only cards. If you want more talk time, consider the 750 minute $35 card which also gives 1000 texts and 1000 MB.

Best Tracfone Airtime Card
The best airtime card to buy is the one that fits with the amount of minutes you use. Some cards are a better value than others, but if you're not using the airtime anyway, it doesn't really matter. Of course, airtime never expires, as long as you still have service days.

The 500 Minute ($25), 750 Minute ($35) and 750 Minute ($50) smartphone only cards are all less than $20 a month, and give the best value on talk, text and data minutes.

Tracfone also just started offering unlimited airtime cards which include unlimited talk and text, and fixed amounts of data and 30 service days. The cards are priced from $20-$30 and are great for heavy talk/text users. Get all the information on these new unlimited cards in our guide.

Conclusion:
With Tracfone, you get to monitor what you use, and purchase the airtime you need. Airtime usage may change from month to month, allowing users to purchase a different airtime card depending on the need.

If you prefer not to worry about purchasing more airtime every few months, Tracfone's auto refill might be a good option. We have already created a Guide to Tracfone auto refill which includes a look at the best value.

Tracfone Airtime Comparison - Smartphone Cards, Regular Cards and Unlimited Cards

Tracfone has been making some changes to their airtime card offering and adding some new options. Here is a breakdown of all the current airtime card options available to Tracfone users.

tracfone airtime cards breakdown
List of Tracfone Airtime Cards - Regular, Smartphone-Only and Unlimited Airtime Cards
Tracfone now offers three types of airtime cards (not including their add-on cards). Any of these cards can be added to a smartphone, but a non-smartphone can only use the regular airtime cards.

Looking at which options are the best value, the smartphone cards generally offer more talk, text and data compared to the regular airtime cards. The $15 smartphone card is a great deal if you need more of everything, with the value of all that airtime at $17.50 (not including the 30 additional service days!).

Finding the best airtime card is all about managing and tracking your airtime usage. And if you are running low, choose the card that makes the most sense depending on what you need. We will sharing a cost breakdown of each card soon.

-  -  -

We hope this information is helpful, and please leave a comment with any thoughts or questions. Be sure to also follow us on Facebook with a growing community of Tracfone users.

If you're still new to Tracfone, consider our Beginners Guide to Tracfone which will share a variety of information to get you started.

Make your airtime stretch even further with 7 Tips to Make your Airtime Last Longer.

Finally, see what phones are new with our List of the Latest Phones from Tracfone.

Thanks for visiting!

November 29, 2018

Tracfone Christmas Gift Guide 2018

Top 10 Gift Ideas for Tracfone - 2018

Welcome to TracfoneReviewer, with news, reviews and Tracfone promo codes!

best cell phone gift ideas 2018
Tracfone Christmas Gift Guide 2018
Christmas is almost here which brings holiday lights, eggnog and friends and family together.

It is also a time where we must find gifts for everyone on our list, and that can be a real challenge! But we've got plenty of ideas with our annual Christmas gift guide 2018.

In this list we share some great Tracfone related gift ideas, and more general smartphone accessories and options for almost anyone to enjoy and use!

If you are new to Tracfone or not sure how it works exactly, be sure to visit our Beginners Guide to Tracfone.

Now let's see the gift ideas for 2018!

Tracfone Gift Guide - Christmas 2018

Browse these 10 ideas to help find gifts for everyone on your list!

1. New Tracfone Smartphone

Christmas is a great time to get someone a new smartphone, or even their first cell phone. And Tracfone has recently released a variety of new phones with the latest Android OS (8.0 Oreo) and a number of other great features for $100-200.

LG Rebel 4
Some of the top choices include:

LG Rebel 4
The Rebel 4 has a smaller, 5" screen, quad-core processor, 16 GB storage and 2 GB RAM. It is a great option for people who prefer a smaller device and are low to moderate users. It might be a good option for first time smartphone users and it has been found for as low as $50 in some cases. Learn more about the LG Rebel 4 in our Review.

View the Rebel 4 on Amazon for $51
View the Rebel 4 on HSN

Samsung Galaxy J3 Orbit
Another phone with a 5" screen, the J3 Orbit also features an Octa-core processor, 16 GB storage and 2 GB RAM. The Orbit is a great all-around smartphone with signature Samsung design elements including a matte black back and relatively small screen bezel. See the full specs and more in our Samsung Galaxy J3 Orbit Review.

View the J3 Orbit on HSN

Moto E5
For those looking for a larger screen, the Moto E5 packs a 5.7" touchscreen, Quad-core processor and 16 GB storage with 2 GB RAM. It also has excellent battery life and is available for just over $100. It is a great option for new smartphone users or as an upgrade from an older devices as it offers good performance at a reasonable price. Learn more about the Moto E5 with our Review.

View the Moto E5 on Amazon
View the Moto E5 on HSN

Moto G6
Long awaited by Tracfone users, the Moto G6 has a 5.7" full HD screen, Octa-core processor and 32 GB storage, 3 GB RAM. The additional storage and RAM make this phone great for everyday users who want to load a variety of apps and media onto their phone. The G6 is a solid balance between performance and price, retailing for around $200. See all the features and more in our Moto G6 Review.

View the Tracfone Moto G6 on HSN

For more great options, visit our List of the Latest Phones from Tracfone

2. Unlocked Smartphone for Tracfone BYOP

For consumers who want a little more performance form their phone, or simply want more control and flexibility, an unlocked smartphone is a great option and can be used with Tracfone through the BYOP program. Here are some of our top picks:

Moto G6
Moto G6
Although you can now get the Moto G6 through Tracfone, the unlocked version has a few benefits such as, it will work with either GSM or CDMA networks and it will receive OS updates. It basically gives the user a little more control and flexibility. As for specs, the Moto G6 has a 5.7" screen, Octa-core processor and 32 GB storage/3 GB RAM. See the full specs and details in our Moto G6 Specs and News listing.

Buy the Moto G6 on Amazon

Nokia 6.1
Made from a single block of aluminium, the Nokia 6.1 brings some very nice finishes at a budget friendly price. It has a 5.5"full HD touchscreen, Octa-core processor, 32 GB storage and 3 GB RAM. It has dual SIM card slots and is compatible with GSM networks like AT&T and T-Mobile.

View the Nokia 6.1 on Amazon

There are lots of other great unlocked phones that will work with Tracfone and to learn more visit our Tracfone BYOP page.

3. Phone Case/Cover

Moto G6 Case
It is always a smart idea to keep your smartphone safe with a case or cover for it and there are many different options online from simple silicone covers to waterproof housings. You can also get some really unique case with specific designs and colors.


The easiest way to find a case or cover is to search on Amazon your cell phone name and see what options are available. For more popular phones like the Moto G6, there are plenty of options available but for older or less popular devices it can be harder to find a case or cover.

4. External Battery Pack

Solar Powered Battery Charger
Have you ever been away from a charger when your phone ran out of power or just want to make sure you're never stuck with a dead phone? An external battery pack is an easy and convenient way to keep your phone charged and ready no matter where you are. Acting as an additional battery that you can charge your phone or other devices from, an external battery is the perfect gift idea for anyone who spends time in the outdoors, or tends to forget to keep their phone charged.

External battery packs come in a variety of sizes and storage capacities, with most smaller than a phone and capable of charging a phone several times. The Anker Powercore 10000 is one great option that is small and portable and will recharge most phones 2-3 times. View the Anker Powercore 10000 on Amazon for price details.

Or, for the truly outdoorsy people in your life, take a look at this Solar Powered Charger from Hilucky Outdoor on Amazon.


5. Tracfone Airtime Card

Tracfone 120 Minute Card
For Tracfone users, extra airtime is always convenient and a very practical gift idea. There are a number of different airtime card amounts, and some cards that are specifically for smartphones. Tracfone airtime cards can often be found in most retail stores such as Target and Walmart.

Here are some popular airtime card options:
  • 60 Minute Card for $20 adds 60 minutes to any Tracfone devices and 90 service days. Doubles or Triples on eligible devices.
  • $20 Smartphone Only Card adds 300 talk minutes, 1000 texts and 1000 MB data, 30 service days. 
  • 1 GB Data Card for $10 adds an extra 1000 MB of data to any smartphone

Look for airtime cards in store or on the Tracfone website.

And view our post on the Best Deal on Tracfone Minutes to learn which cards are the best deal.


Amazon Gift Card

6. Gift Cards for Buying Apps/Games on Google Play Store or Apple App Store

If you're not really sure what the latest game or online app the kids are playing a gift card can be a good option and let someone get what they really want. A gift card for Google Play store or Apple App store allows users to purchase apps or games. Amazon gift cards are also a great option as you can get anything from movies, apps, games, toys and more.


7. Headphones or Speaker

Some of the best accessories for a smartphone are headphones or portable speakers and there are plenty of great options available.

Bose Soundlink headphones
The Panasonic in-ear headphones have surprisingly great sound while also significantly reducing outside noises. These are small, yet powerful headphones at a great deal.

For headphones with sound and noise cancelling, consider the Bose Soundlink around ear headphones which can connect to your device wirelessly and includes a long lasting rechargeable battery.

When it comes to speakers, there are many options ranging from small and portable, to large and powerful. Adventurous music listeners will find the JBL Clip 2 perfect for attaching to a backpack or belt while on the go and it has IPX7 Waterproof rating.

The Anker Soundcore is a little larger, and more suited to causal gatherings indoors or out. It has 24hrs of playback time and connects to any smartphone via Bluetooth.


8. Extra Phone Storage

Samsung 64 GB MicroSD Card
A common issue many smartphone users have is running out of storage space. And with most of Tracfone's smartphones only featuring 16 GB internal storage, using a MicroSD card for external storage is a necessary option. External storage is great for adding music, videos, podcasts or more. Most smartphones accept at least 64 GB additional storage, but double check with your model.

The Samsung 64GB MicroSD Card is a popular option that comes with an SD card adapter and is at a great price.


9. Camera Accessories and Lenses

Camera Lens Kit
Most smartphones come with pretty good cameras but they are limited by the lens already built into the phone. However, there are a number of lens attachments which can change the view to make it wide-angle, telephoto or even macro! This Camera Lens Kit on Amazon offers a variety of different lens options to try out on your phone.

If you're looking to improve your photos don't miss our Guide to Better Cell Phone Photography.


10. Smartwatch

Our final gift idea is a popular choice these days that packs a huge number of features and convenience into a device that fits on your wrist and acts like a watch.

Apple Smartwatch
Smartwatches, paired with a smartphone, allow users to answer phone calls, send texts, check notifications and more without touching their phone. Many are also waterproof, for those with active lifestyles, and provide exercise and heart-rate tracking.

Popular Smartwatch Options:
Apple Watch Series 3
Huawei Watch 2 Sport Smartwatch
Samsung Gear Sport Smartwatch

That concludes our gift guide for 2018! We created this to offer inspiration and ideas for popular gifts in 2018 and we hope it was useful to you!

Leave a comment below if you have any thoughts or questions.

Also join us on Facebook with a growing community helpful users who answer questions, share experiences and deal alerts

Learn 4 Ways to Check your Airtime Balance including ways to check it from your phone or a computer.

And take a look at Tracfone Promo Code List which includes codes for extra minutes on almost every airtime card!

Finally, don't miss the best Deals Discounts and Sales on Tracfone Devices and Minutes.

Thanks for visiting!

October 11, 2017

Tracfone Deals and Sales - October 2017

Best Deals and Discounts on Tracfone - October 2017

Welcome to TracfoneReviewer, a blog about all things related to Tracfone. Deals updated for October!

tracfone discount cell phone october 2017
Tracfone Deals - October 2017
Looking for a new phone? Or just curious about any good deals? We have collected some great deals and discounts on Tracfone devices here for you!

Tracfone sells their phones through a wide variety of methods, including most retail stores like Walmart and Target, and many online retailers such as HSN, Amazon and eBay. You can also buy directly from Tracfone.

But how can you find the best prices on a new phone with so many different sellers? Right here!

We spend a lot of time checking and monitoring different phones available for Tracfone and the prices, and are sharing some of the best deals on a variety of phones here with our readers.

Often the best deals for a new phone are airtime bundles, where you can get a certain amount of airtime along with a new phone. In some cases, the airtime comes preloaded, so be aware of that.

Tracfone has made some Changes to Triple Minutes for Life. Follow the link to learn more about these changes, and how it may affect you. Some newer phones offered by Tracfone no longer include triple minutes.

We have included some smartphone options that you can bring to Tracfone's BYOP program, which is a great way to choose a smartphone that really fits your needs but continue to use prepaid service from Tracfone.

Let's take a look at the deals.

Tracfone Deals and Discounts List for October 2017

Remember that some of these deals go quickly!

LG Fiesta - $119 with 1500 Minutes Bundle
The LG Fiesta (L64VL) comes with Android 7.0,  a 5.5" touchscreen, 16 GB memory and a 1.4 Ghz processor. It is a nice upgrade over many of Tracfone's other smartphone options such as the LG Rebel, and uses CDMA network (Verizon).

At $119 including a 1 year/1500 minute airtime bundle on HSN, this is a fantastic deal.

The LG Fiesta is also available on Amazon at $139 with 1000 talk minutes, 2000 texts, and 2 GB data.

Be sure to read our Review of the LG Fiesta to learn more about the specs and features on this phone.


iPhone SE from Tracfone $159
tracfone deals and discounts
iPhone SE from Tracfone
Tracfone is offering the iPhone SE for use on their prepaid CDMA network for just $159 which is a great deal for this device.

The iPhone SE has a small, 4" screen, abut excellent 12 MP camera, 32 GB internal memory and runs Apple's iOS which gives users access to the Apple App store. It is a powerful device known for good performance. At just $159, it is a good price (originally retailed for $399)

Visit the Tracfone website, and select 'shop' from the menu and continue to their list of phones to view the iPhone SE. If it is not listed, it could be out of stock or not available in your area.

There are unlocked iPhone SE devices available on Amazon, but they are a little more expensive (but are capable of using GSM networks).


Samsung Galaxy Luna Pro (S327VL) - $89 with 1200 Minutes
The Luna Pro is a recently released smartphone that comes with several nice upgrades over the original Galaxy Luna such as a larger screen and more internal memory.

You get a 5" touchscreen, Android 6.0,1, 16 GB memory, 1.5 GB RAM and much more. Plus with the deal on HSN you also get 1200 talk/text/data and a year of service (worth $99) for just $99 (now $89). The Luna Pro does not appear to include Triple Minutes for Life.

See the deal on HSN. And on QVC for $99 with 1500 minutes bundle.

The Galaxy Luna Pro is also available on Amazon for $99 with a $40 airtime bundle that includes 1000 talk, 2000 texts and 2 GB data. For some users, this is actually a better deal!

Read our Samsung Galaxy Luna Pro Review to learn more about this phone.

Great Deals on Unlocked Smartphones for Tracfone BYOP

For those who are looking for a little more flexibility, and performance, here are a couple great options on unlocked smartphones that can be used with Tracfone BYOP.

Moto E4 (Unlocked) - $129
tracfone cheap phone
Moto E4 (Unlocked)
The E4 from Motorola is a low cost smartphone that still packs a punch when it comes to performance and the latest OS. The E4 features a 5" touchscreen, 2 GB RAM, 16 GB Memory, quad core processor and Android 7.1. It comes unlocked and can be used with either CDMA or GSM networks.

While just a little more expensive than some of the Tracfone smartphones, it is a step above in terms of performance, but still geared towards moderate cell phone users who want to run a handful of apps.

It is currently available from Amazon for $129 but Prime members can get it at a discount.


Moto G5 Plus (Unlocked) - $219
If you are looking for daily demands including a variety of apps and games, the Moto G5 Plus is a great option. It has a 5" touchscreen, 32 or 64 GB Memory, 2 or 4 GB RAM, an octa core processor, and Android 7.1. Learn more about this phone, including how to bring it to Tracfone BYOP, in our Moto G5 Plus Specs and Info post.

The G5 Plus is available for $219 from BHphotovideo or also available from Amazon (at a discount for Prime members).

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That concludes the deals for this month, we hope these give you some options and ideas if you're shopping for a new phone.

Leave a comment below with any great deals we missed, or if you have questions.

Join us on Facebook for the latest news and posts, and feel free to ask questions to our helpful community, or message us directly.

See the latest Tracfone Cell Phones in our recently updated list.

And if you have ever had problems with signal strength and dropped calls, take a look at the 10 Tips for Improving your Cell Signal.

Thanks for visiting!

July 24, 2017

Tracfone WiFi Calling - How it Works and More

How WiFi Calling Works with Tracfone and How to Make Free Calls

free calling wifi tracfone
Tracfone WiFi Calling
Is WiFi Calling Free? How does it work? We are here to help answer questions about WiFi Calling, and share an option for free calling using WiFi. If you're not sure how WiFi Calling works, if you have it or if you want it, this is the article to read.

Information about WiFi Calling with Tracfone is not completely clear, but we've tried to collect and share the most accurate details below. If you have anything to add, or if we made a mistake, let us know in the comments.

If you're new to TracfoneReviewer, take a look around. We offer lots of Tracfone related tips, news, info and reviews. A great place to start is our Beginners Guide to Tracfone.

Now, let's take a look at WiFi Calling with Tracfone.

What is WiFi Calling?

WiFi Calling is a feature that allows you to send and receive both calls and texts over a WiFi network instead of the cell network. The main benefit is that you can stay connected with calls/texts when cell service is not available but WiFi is, such as in the basement of a large building, or in a rural area.

WiFi Calling doesn't give you the ability to make free calls and texts. (Read further along to learn how to do this with Google Voice.) You are still charged the normal rate for calls and texts by Tracfone.

WiFi Calling works on both Android and iOS devices, although not all phones support it, and not all cell phone service providers support it.

Tracfone does support WiFi Calling, but only on some smartphones, and certain BYOP devices. It appears to depend on the phone and your location, as not all the networks Tracfone users support WiFi Calling.

To see if your phone is capable, take a look at the requirements for WiFi Calling:

Basic Requirements for WiFi Calling

There are a few basic requirements for WiFi Calling
  • SIM Card/Network that Supports it
  • Cell Phone with WiFi Calling Capability
  • e911 Registration
The first two requirements can be a little tricky to figure out. The easiest way is to just try and enable WiFi Calling to see if it will work. Tracfone uses several other cell phone networks, and a variety of different smartphones, so not all are capable or compatible.

You can visit https://e911-reg.tracfone.com/wps/portal/home/ and enter your phone number and last four digits of your SIM card number (located on your SIM card for BYOP devices).

Testing with an unlocked Moto G4 Plus with GSM SIM was unsuccessful.

How to Setup WiFi Calling

If you're phone is eligible, then follow these steps for WiFi Calling:
  1. Register an E911 address, which requires you to submit your home address, by visiting http://e911-reg.tracfone.com 
  2. Enable WiFi Calling on your device (if it isn't already enabled) by going to Settings > More > WiFi Calling. Here is a Tracfone tutorial for enabling WiFi Calling.
  3. If you run into problems, try double checking each step and if that doesn't work, contact Tracfone directly or leave a comment below.
If you're phone is capable of WiFi Calling, it should be a fairly quick and easy process to enable it.

But what if you can't enable WiFi Calling, or you want to make free calls using WiFi? Well we've got the answer!

How to Make Free Calls using WiFi

If you were expecting WiFi Calling to make it possible to make free calls and texts, you are probably disappointed. But don't worry, there are other options for free calling and texting, and we will share one of the more popular methods here.

Using Google Hangouts/Hangouts Dialer and a free phone number from Google Voice, you can make free calls from WiFi. Anyone you call will see your Google Voice number, not your Tracfone number, but you can port your Tracfone number to Google Voice if you prefer that.

Steps to Make Free Calls with Google Hangouts Dialer:
  1. Visit Google Voice and sign up for a free phone number. You are able to choose a phone number from a large variety available from many different area codes.
  2. Download Google Hangouts Dialer app on your smartphone
  3. Connect your Account and Verify your Phone Number
  4. Make a Test Call using the Google Hangouts Dialer app to check that everything is working.
Now you should be able to send and receive phone calls to your Tracfone smartphone using your Google Voice phone number and the Dialer app.

Here is a helpful YouTube video that also explains more about Google Hangouts Dialer and how it works.

If you are looking for free texting, there are a number of texting apps such as Whatsapp, Line App, and more, that allow free texting with anyone else who also has the app.

Using a Google Voice number and the Hangouts Dialer app is a great way for anyone to make calls using WiFi without using any Tracfone airtime.

We hope this information is helpful and leave a comment with any thoughts or questions.

Check out the latest Tracfone Deals, Discounts and Sales if you are shopping for a new phone, or just want to see what is available.

Also take a look at our List of the Best Apps for Android, which includes several free texting apps.

And learn which Tracfone Airtime Card is the Best Deal with our comparison guide.

Thanks for visiting!

April 25, 2017

Tracfone Triple Minute Cell Phones (And How it Works)

Tracfone Cell Phones with Triple Minutes for Life

A list of Tracfone cell phones that come with Triple Minutes for Life conveniently organized by TracfoneReviewer for our readers to see which phones are the best deal on minutes.

tracfone triple minutes
List of Triple Minute Tracfones
UPDATE: We can confirm that certain newer devices, such as the LG Fiesta, do not come with Triple Minutes for Life. Tracfone is no longer including that feature in certain phones released after April 2017. This may include all phones with Android 6.0 or newer, and BYOP devices activated after April 2017.

Read our new post, Facts about Triple Minutes for Life Changes to learn more.

Tracfone is a prepaid wireless cell phone company that provides both phones and service. Many of their phones come with a special bonus of Double or Triple Minutes. In this post we will share many of the phones that have Triple Minutes, and help provide details on how Triple Minutes work.

Let's start with our first question:

How Does Triple Minutes Work with Tracfone?

The way Tracfone service works is you buy airtime cards that come with certain amounts of minutes, like 60, 120 200 etc.

When you add the airtime card to your phone with Double Minutes, you will get twice the number of minutes. If you have Triple Minutes, you get three times the number of minutes.

So, for example. if you add a 200 minute card to your Triple Minute phone, you will get 600 minutes total (200 minutes plus 400 bonus minutes). And that's before you add a Promo Code!

Feature phones (non-smartphone) have all the airtime in one 'pool' but smartphones split up the Talk/Text/Data into three different pools. Many Tracfone smartphones come with Triple Minutes, so you end up getting 3x Talk minutes, 3x Data and 3x Texts. (example: if you add a 200 minute card, you will get 600 talk minutes, 600 texts, and 600 MB data.)

Note: Smartphone only airtime cards do not triple, and can only be used with smartphones, but they are a good deal as we found in our smartphone airtime comparison chart.

We have several full posts providing further details on this including, How Do Minutes Work on Android Tracfones.

You can also learn about How Data Works on Tracfone Smartphones, and How to Buy More Texts for your Tracfone.

Now, here is the list of cell phones form Tracfone with Triple Minutes for life.

List of Tripe Minute Cell Phones from Tracfone

Because of recent changes by Tracfone, we are including a list of Tracfone prepaid cell phones that come with Triple Minutes for Life and a list of phones that do not have that feature. Found a phone that isn't listed here? Share it in the comments below.

what phones have triple minutes
Tracfone Triple Minute Phones
To get more info on each of these phones, and read our reviews of them, simply follow the links.

Tracfone Smartphones released after April 1st 2017 do not come with Triple Minutes.
We are including the phones from Tracfone that do not come with Triple Minutes. The full details on exactly which phones come with triple minutes is not perfectly clear, but it appears that phones with Android 6.0 or newer do not include triple minutes feature.

Some phones that initially had triple minutes, appear to not include that on new purchases (this appears to be the case on the LG X Style).

Android Phones without Triple Minute
LG Fiesta
Samsung Galaxy J7 Sky Pro
LG Rebel 2

All Android Smartphones released before April 2017 have Triple Minutes for Life - Older smartphones will continue to have Triple minutes, but we expect Tracfone to phase these phones out. These are good options to choose if you're looking to maximize your minutes using the regular airtime cards. Remember, the newer, Smartphone Only cards are generally a better deal (especially for data and texts). Visit our Cell Phone Reviews page or Android Phone List to see more smartphones available from Tracfone.

If you already have a phone with triple minutes, you will not lose that.

Top Android Phones with Triple Minutes:
Samsung Galaxy Sky
Samsung Galaxy Luna
Alcatel Onetouch Pixi Glory
LG Rebel
LG Premier
LG Sunset
LG Power
Samsung Galaxy Stardust
Moto E
Alcatel Onetouch Icon Pop
LG Ultimate 2

BYOP Smartphones have Triple Minutes for Life - Any phone already activated with Tracfone BYOP program automatically gets Triple Minutes for Life! You can bring a wide variety of phones to use with Tracfone, and learn more about this on our Tracfone BYOP page.

Some popular phones to bring to Tracfone include:
Moto G5 Plus
iPhone 6S
And take a look at our list of the best BYOP devices for more options.

New Tracfone BYOP SIM kits may not include triple minutes, so be sure to carefully read the packaging to see if it includes that feature.

Below are additional devices that are not smartphones, but come with Triple Minutes.

tracfone triple minutes for life lg 505c
LG 505C
LG 306G - One of the newest of the options listed below, this non-Android feature phone has a 3.2" touchscreen, GPS connectivity, and plenty of useful features. Might be your best choice if you're avoiding upgrading to a smartphone.

LG 530G - This phone comes with a great QWERTY keyboard making texting fast and simple. It also has lots of other good features like an MP3 Player, and long battery life. This phone has a solid construction and is very durable.

LG 505C - A phone with both a touchscreen and slider qwerty keyboard, this phone is very modern and sleek. It also uses the CDMA network, typically Verizon towers, so it is a good option if other GSM Tracfone cell phones won't work in your area. Tracfone Reviewer will be reviewing this phone soon, but until then, you can check it out on Amazon.

LG 800G - A slightly older Tracfone mobile device that features a touchscreen and many other good features. This phone, while not the best, can often be found at deep discounts and serves well as a back up or temporary phone.

tracfone triple minute phone lg 840g
LG 840G
LG 840G - A big upgrade from the LG 800G, this stylish touchscreen phone comes with WiFi and 3G connectivity making it a great value and one of Tracfone's best cell phones. This phone also comes with a MicroSD card, and lots more. Read our full review to see all the great features and the best deals.

Samsung S390G - This phone is another great option from Tracfone that comes with a QWERTY keyboard for fast texting, and WiFi connectivity for free internet browsing from the phone. Anytime you are connected to a wireless internet network, you can browse the web without using your prepaid minutes, adding huge value to this phone. Be sure to read our full review by following the link to learn more.

Samsung R455C - Another cell phone from Tracfone that uses CDMA networks instead of GSM, this phone has very good features such as a sliding qwerty keyboard, and is a good option for those in areas where Verizon networks have better coverage than AT&T. View this phone on Amazon to learn more about it.

samsung t404g triple minutes for life tracfone
Samsung T404G
Samsung T404G - A slider QWERTY keyboard style phone that is similar to the R455C except that this phone uses GSM networks, like AT&T. Tracfone Reviewer hasn't reviewed this yet, so view this phone on Amazon to learn more.

Samsung S425G - An updated version of the T404G, this phone features 3G connectivity making browsing the web faster and easier. It has a full sliding QWERTY keyboard that allows for fast and simple texting, and impressive battery life.

Motorola Ex431G - A cell phone built for texting, the Moto EX431 is fairly similar to the LG 530G listed above. It has all the basic features you expect, like MP3 Player, Voicemail and MMS. This phone can sometimes be found for less than $10, making it a great deal. But pay close attention because some versions of this device only come with Double Minutes.

Know of another phone not listed here that comes with Triple Minutes for Life? Leave a comment so we can add it!

Learn more about the phones Tracfone offers by visiting our Cell Phone Reviews page.

And you might be interested in viewing the phones from Tracfone that have WiFI.

New to Tracfone? Start with our Beginners Guide to Tracfone which includes lots of helpful details and tips or you can also join our online community on Facebook!

Thanks for visiting!


This post was originally published in May 2013, and Updated August 2017