Will a Verizon Phone Work on T-Mobile? (Full Guide)

Are you thinking about switching to a T-Mobile plan but are unsure about which phones you can use with T-Mobile? Specifically, do you want to know if Verizon phones work on T-Mobile?

If so, continue reading below to find out what I’ve discovered about Verizon phones on T-Mobile to have all of your other questions answered before you switch!

Will Verizon Phone Work on T-Mobile In [currentyear]?

A Verizon phone will work in most cases on T-Mobile, even though Verizon is a CDMA network and T-Mobile uses GSM in [currentyear]. However, the Verizon phone must be a newer 4G LTE device to work on T-mobile. T-Mobile has a compatibility tool that you can use to verify if your Verizon phone will work on the network.

Do you want to know even more details about how to use your Verizon phone on T-Mobile? If so, keep reading to find out the answers to all of your important questions!

Will a Locked Verizon Phone Work on T-Mobile?

You cannot use a locked Verizon phone on any network besides Verizon. Therefore, in order to use your Verizon phone on T-Mobile, you’ll have to own an unlocked phone before switching.

However, if you just purchased the Verizon phone, your phone will be locked for the first 60 days, so you cannot switch until after this 60-day window has passed.

Can I Use a Verizon iPhone on T-Mobile?

You can use a Verizon iPhone on T-Mobile as long as your device is compatible with T-Mobile, and you can use the T-Mobile compatibility tool to verify that your iPhone will work.

Can I Use the Verizon iPhone 6S on T-Mobile?

You should be able to use your Verizon iPhone 6S on T-Mobile, although there might be some features or functions that don’t fully work.

For example, the Verizon iPhone 6S is missing bands 66 and 71, which are part of the 4G LTE network bands, which could limit functionality depending on what you’re doing on the device.

Can You Use a Verizon SIM on T-Mobile?

Unfortunately, you cannot use your Verizon SIM card if you’re switching to T-Mobile and will instead need to purchase a T-Mobile SIM card before you can use your phone.

How Do You Switch a Verizon Phone to T-Mobile?

How Do You Switch a Verizon Phone to T-Mobile?

There are a few steps you need to take to switch a Verizon phone to T-Mobile, which are listed here below:

  • Ensure that your Verizon phone is unlocked and that your device is compatible with the T-Mobile network by using the IMEI checker tool
  • You’ll need to get a screenshot of the current Verizon payment plan you’re on if you’d like to get a rebate that’ll help you pay off your remaining balance with Verizon
  • Purchase a T-Mobile SIM card, and once your card arrives in the mail, you can either purchase a T-Mobile plan from the website or get a T-Mobile card from almost any store
  • Begin the activation process by following the online setup guide, which includes making a T-Mobile ID, and the option to keep your mobile number or get a new number

If you have any issues with the switch, you can always contact T-Mobile Customer Care, who will help guide you through the process or troubleshoot any issues you have.

However, it’s important to note that you should not cancel your Verizon plan until the porting process has been completed, especially if you want to keep your Verizon number.

How Long Does it Take to Switch from Verizon to T-Mobile?

On average, it will take between 10 minutes and one day to switch from Verizon to T-Mobile if you’re porting over your number.

In contrast, if you’re porting over multiple lines to T-Mobile, it could take up to 10 days, although it will usually take about 6 days for multiple lines to be ported successfully.

Is Switching From Verizon to T-Mobile Worth It?

If you want to lower your expenses, then switching from Verizon to T-Mobile is completely worth it, as T-Mobile has cheaper unlimited plans when compared to Verizon.

However, there are drawbacks to T-Mobile that may make you change your mind, such as T-Mobile having significantly worse coverage in rural areas and lower data caps.

In fact, if you live in an area where Verizon has issues with coverage sometimes, then switching to T-Mobile wouldn’t be worthwhile at alll.

However, it should be noted that T-Mobile has better download and upload speeds than Verizon, albeit, the difference is not huge unless you’re into mobile gaming.

As well, T-Mobile also has unlimited data and texts in a majority of countries, so it’s better if you’re an avid traveler, as Verizon charges for this service.

Overall, switching to T-Mobile depends on what you’re looking for in a cell phone provider, such as whether you’re on a budget and need a cheap plan or you live in an area where coverage can be spotty.

Verizon is the most reliable carrier and you can’t beat the coverage, but the prices and throttling can be enough of a reason to switch and it will be worth it for some people.

To know more, you can also check our posts on Verizon competitors if Verizon offers free Hulu & Netflix, and if Verizon phones work with Straight Talk.

Conclusion

Verizon phones will work on T-Mobile as long as the phone is unlocked, and is compatible with the T-Mobile network, which shouldn’t be an issue for newer Verizon phones.

However, you’ll need to get a T-Mobile SIM card and purchase a plan before you can begin using your Verizon phone on the T-Mobile network.

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Florence Howard

Florence Howard has been freelance writing for over a decade, and has a vocational background in retail, tech, and marketing. Outside of work, she enjoys listening to rock and metal, and playing with her dog and cat.

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