People often wonder if they can switch their wireless service while keeping the phone they’re currently using. After all, if you’ve already got everything the way you like it, why start over with a new phone if you don’t have to?
Every device manufacturer is slightly different, so we can’t guarantee that every phone will work with our service. But in many cases, it is possible to switch your current phone to Consumer Cellular simply by inserting one of our SIM cards.
The SIM card is like the brain of your mobile phone—it’s the tiny chip that carries all the important information that allows your phone to connect to a provider’s wireless network. Best of all, if your phone is compatible with our service, we provide you with the SIM card for free!
For the switch to work properly, you’ll need to have what’s called “an unlocked GSM phone.” Consumer Cellular’s service operates via GSM network technology. It’s the same type of network used by AT&T and T-Mobile, so you’ll have the best chance of successfully switching if your phone is from one of those carriers. Other carriers, including Verizon and Sprint, operate on a different type, called a CDMA network. Most CDMA phones use different technology, so they can’t be switched to our service, though some newer smartphones with a SIM card slot can accommodate both types of networks.
Before you can use your GSM phone with our SIM card, your current carrier has to “unlock” your phone to allow it to work with another carrier’s network. In most cases, a carrier will unlock your phone only if you’ve already paid for the device in full. In many cases, this is not done automatically, so you’ll need to make a request to begin the unlocking process. They may also provide you with a code to enter into your phone, which will unlock it to work with a different carrier.
Once your GSM phone is unlocked, the process of bringing it to Consumer Cellular’s service is pretty straightforward. Just choose a monthly plan, and we ship our SIM card to you absolutely free! You can also pick one up your local Target store, or order online here. Once the SIM card is inserted into your phone, you can connect to Consumer Cellular and start using your phone on our network, and enjoy all of the terrific benefits that we offer!
THANK YOU! for this information right on the front page. It is exactly what we needed 🙂
We’re glad you found it helpful, Samantha! Thanks for posting!
Can i switch my service from android that uses a sim card to an iphone that doesnt?
Hi Ann, that’s a great question, thanks for your post. I would advise that all of our iPhone models do actually use a SIM card. If you are looking at purchasing an iPhone from elsewhere that doesn’t have a SIM card slot, it would not be compatible since our service is supported via SIM cards. You can double-check to make sure that the model has a space for a SIM by visiting Apple’s website.
I got a target Samsung Galaxy A20 consumer cellular but with a different carrier metro pcs well the phone gets the service but it won’t let use the data or make any calls ” every time I touch the “mobile data” so it can turn on it notify me with ” security policy prevents use of mobile data” I need help please on fixing this problem
Hi William, thanks for your post! We’re not able to troubleshoot phones that are not on our network. Since the phone was originally set up to be on our network, it’s possible that it may need to be unlocked from our network to work with Metro PCS, but to do so, it would need to be active on our network for up to 180 days. Please keep in mind as well we can’t guarantee our phones will be compatible with other networks.
Going to change over from Verizon to your company. My uncle told me about your great service and I want him to get credit. Will call him tomorrow.
That’s great to hear, Mona! When you sign up for service, just mention his name and his cellphone number, and you’ll both get a $10 referral credit. Thank you for posting today!
May I have full and complete list of phones you honor. I am your customer and have no idea what phones T-Mobile or at&t use.i have a Motorola before i puchased one from you. My hubby wants t get me a phone for my birthday I do not like I phones. Not happy with Samsung either. I need a list of phone brands and models you except. Thank you so much.
Hi Tammy, thanks for your post. At this time, we do not have a full list of phones that are compatible due to the sheer number of models that are available. The main criteria for purchasing a phone that is not from us is that it needs to be an unlocked phone, meaning it can work with other carriers aside from the one it was manufactured for, and it needs to be able to take a SIM card. We cannot guarantee that all models will be compatible with our service, but our agents will do all they can to help with getting a model up and running.
Is the iPhone 8 Plus compatible with consumer
Cellular?
Does the iPhone 8 have a SIM card?
Hi Jerri, great question! If the phone is unlocked from the original provider and can take the SIM card, it may work on our network. We can’t guarantee that all models will be compatible, but we have had success in the past with iPhones switching over as long as the mentioned criteria is met. The iPhone 8 should have a spot for a SIM card, and if you’d like to double-check for that you can do so via Apple’s website here.
My phone won’t ring and I can’t make calls on my new phone.
We’re sorry to hear that, Betty. If you like, we can assist you via our chat feature here. Our representatives will be ready to help you, and work to get this issue resolved. Thank you for posting, and we look forward to speaking with you soon!
If my iPhone is currently with AT&T, is an unlock required, or can I just insert the Consumer Cellular SIM card? Thank you!
Thank you for asking, Tammy! You would need to reach out to AT&T and request that they fully unlock the phone. Once that is done, we’ll be happy to send you a SIM card, or you can pick one up at your local Target store. If we can answer any other questions, please feel free to call us at 888-345-5509. We appreciate you posting!
If I want to get a phone from here with the monthly payments but I soon wanna switch to Metro will that be possible?
Thanks for asking, Krystal. When you purchase a device with EasyPay, you’ll make convenient monthly payments while on our service. If you wish to cancel, you’ll need to pay for the device in full at the time you close your account. We’re happy to answer any other questions you may have at 888-345-5509. We appreciate you posting!
My phone is from straight talk. Would it be a GSM type? And if they unlock it will it still work on their SIM until I install your card?
Hi Tim, thank you for posting. You would need to reach out to StraightTalk to see if the phone is GSM-compatible, as they use two different types of networks for their service. If they are able to unlock the phone and it can use a SIM card, then it may work with our service. However, please keep in mind that we cannot guarantee compatibility for all phone models, but our agents will do all they can to resolve any issues.
Can I keep my current phone number
Great question, Marsha! You can transfer your current phone number to our service. You’ll just want to make sure to leave your current account open until we can confirm that the transfer is complete. We’re happy to answer any other questions you may have at 888-345-5509. Thanks for posting!
Hi I can’t call my mom cell phone, when she call me I see private number. We buy a consumer cellphone Alcatel go folio. Thanks
Hi Aracelis, please have your mother call us at 888-345-5509 so that we can review why “Private Number” is displaying. She may have a caller ID block enabled that we just need to remove.
Im with consumer cellular know i would like to buy a new unlocked phone from best buy.
Is this phones comparable with consumer cellular?
Hi Argelia, great question thanks for asking. If the phone is unlocked and GSM-compatible, it may work on our network. We can’t guarantee that all models will work with our service, but we’ll do everything we can to see if we can get that connected for you.
I have Verizon and a Samsung Galaxy S7. If unlocked, will my phone be compatible with a sim card?
Thank You
Hi Marcia, in order to use your own Samsung Galaxy S7 with our service, it will need to be unlocked and able to use a SIM card. Please keep in mind that we cannot guarantee compatibility for all phone models, but our agents will do all they can to resolve any problems.
My wife and I have two iPhones, a ‘6’ and a ‘6 Plus’ on Verizon service. They are both paid for, but we’ve extended the service contract on a month to month basis only for purposes of covering phone problems or breakage problems. I’ve no idea how to change a SIM card in an iPhone. Is Consumer Cellular for us ?
Hi Ken, in order to use your own Apple iPhones with our service, they will need to be unlocked and able to use a SIM card. Please keep in mind that we cannot guarantee compatibility for all phone models, but we generally have good experiences with iPhones. You can find information on how to remove the SIM card from an iPhone on Apple’s website here.
We have some no-coverage in southern IL about 1 hour SE if St Louis. The areas are known as St Libory (62282) and Marissa (62257) IL.
We previously had device connection issues in those communities due to lack of signal strength with AT &T and to a smaller extent with Verizon. Any thoughts or guarantees there ?
Hi Ken, I’ve reviewed St Libory, and I see that we offer moderate coverage there. That means there should be outdoor service, but indoor service will be limited. In Marissa, I see that we offer Great to Good coverage, so you should have service. With our service, we use both AT&T and T-Mobile towers.
How can I unlock the phone I purchased (a year ago) from Consumer Cellular? Can I keep my phone number?
I get an “out of service” message often and I pay $49 for a phone I don’t use often, except to take photos.
Hi Robin, in order to unlock a phone you will need to call us at 888-345-5509 or chat with us here. If you’re having trouble calling, then I recommend chatting with us so that we can assist you. You also have the option of keeping your same number. In order to do so, it will need to remain active with your provider until the transfer has completed. Additionally, you will need your current account information, as it will be required when you are signing up for service, so we recommend having a recent invoice on-hand.
Why can I not see my current invoice?
Hi Brenda, if your current invoice is in the process of generating, then that would be why it’s unavailable. It should be available within 24 hours. If you still can’t see it, please call us at 888-345-5509.
How do I know if my phone is a CDMA phone? I bought at Best Buy. I’m currently use Straight Talk.
Hi Connie, a CDMA phone is one that typically is not able to use a SIM card. In order to use a phone with our service, it must be able to use a SIM card and has to be unlocked by your carrier. Please keep in mind that if you are using a phone from StraightTalk, they may not be able to unlock it and if it’s a CDMA device it is likely not going to work on our service. That being said, you are still more than welcome to try using it and our agents will do all they can to get it to work on our service.
Nicole – still long ques on Chat – I’m in India and see no Intl roaming charges so far but have received texts- can you double check my account and confirm & fully explain ?
I’m sorry about the long queues, Rob. If you are using an Apple iPhone that has iMessage and it’s connected to Wi-Fi, then any text messages received or sent would not be recorded against your usage. This would also be the same if you have an Android device with a similar app that uses Wi-Fi to send messages.
need help with opening new phone J7 my old is a J3
Hi Rhonda, if you need assistance with your new phone, you can chat with us here and we’ll be happy to help!
I have a Tracfone LG Fiesta. Will this phone be compatible with Consumer Cellular?
Hi Denise, in order to use an LG Fiesta from TracFone on our service it must be unlocked and able to use a SIM card. Please understand that we cannot guarantee compatibility, but our representatives will do all they can to get the phone working on our service.
What I need to do to make this phone unlocked for all carriers
Thank you for posting, Aniceto. To unlock a phone purchased from us, you will need to call us at 888-345-5509 or chat with us here.
I have aT mobile, can you keep same phone number??
We appreciate your interest, Meta. You do have the option of keeping your same number. In order to do so, it will need to remain active with your provider until the transfer has completed. Additionally, you will need your current account information, as it will be required when you are signing up for service, so we recommend having a recent invoice on-hand.
I have a IPhone from consumer cellular with the at&t SIM card,l live around lots of tree my phone works Great.
You didn’t answer your own question – How do you tell if a phone is unlocked?
Normally, a simple test would be to try a SIM from another carrier and see if it works. What way do you recommend?
— R CARLSON MD
Thank you for your feedback, R. We appreciate it! The most common way to test if a phone has been unlocked is to insert a SIM card from another provider into the device. In most cases, if the phone isn’t unlocked, an error will be received. However, this is not always the case with CDMA-compatible phones, as they don’t require a SIM card for service. For those types of phones, they would need to be disconnected from a network and have a SIM card from another provider inserted. You can also contact the provider of the phone directly as well and ask them the unlock status of the phone. If you have any further questions, please let us know!
I bought a phone after my phone from you feel off of the roof of my car that said it was unlocked and a consumer cellular from best buy.I have spent 2 days trying to get this phone unlocked (that I bought as unlocked!).I have talked with a customer service rep.from you,plus from total wireless(which is what it is set up on) and best buy did not unlock it either! I am very dissatisfied with all of this and I even paid for an unlock code online that I never heard back from..I’m glad your customers on here had their problems solved,but as of now I am still stuck with a broken..shattered up phone,along with another I paid for that I cant use !)!!
Hi Wendy, I’m sorry to hear about the trouble that you’re having unlocking your phone. Please keep in mind that Best Buy sells phones for other providers, not just for Consumer Cellular. Additionally, none of our phones are sold unlocked. It appears that the phone you purchased was for Total Wireless’s service instead of ours, so we would not be able to unlock the phone since it is not one of ours. Depending on when you purchased the phone, I’d recommend checking back with Best Buy to see if you can return the phone to them and purchase one of ours instead.
I have been with Verizon(GTE Mobilnet) Since 1983.Very high phone bill ,time to change.I called them today to ask about unlocking my two IPhone 7’s.Theytold me Verizon does not lock phones.Is that true?Can I go with your company by just SIM card change.?
Thank you for posting, Ed. We would not be able to speak on behalf of Verizon’s unlock policy. If they have stated that the phones are already unlocked since they don’t lock them, then the phones would also need to be able to use SIM cards to work with our service. Please keep in mind that we cannot guarantee compatibility, but we generally have good experiences with iPhones.
I left Verizon and took my phone to sprint, Verizon unlocked it and I have been using it but I am very disappointed with sprint service. Is the phone still unlocked? All I saw sprint do was put in a new SIM card.
Hi Ed, it is not common for a phone to get locked by a new provider once it has already been unlocked by the provider it was originally sold through. The phone you got unlocked by Verizon should still be unlocked at this point.
Are your phones unlocked? I want to purchase a new phone from you. Do the iPhones come unlocked?
Hi Patricia, we appreciate your interest. All of our phones are sold locked to our network, but can be unlocked upon request once they have been active for a minimum of 180 days of service and have been fully paid.
I bought a Kycera phone at Walmart in 2018 as a prepaid phone.
Will this work on the Consumer Cellular network ?
We appreciate your interest, Lorraine. In order to use your own phone with our service, it will need to be unlocked and able to use a SIM card. Since the Kyocera was purchased through Wal-Mart, you would need to contact the provider that the service was set up through to have it unlocked. Please keep in mind that we can’t guarantee compatibility, but our agents will do all they can to get the phone working with our service.
Hi I would like to ask when will or will you ever get unlimited data I do appreciate the 20 data but as for me and for many others would love to have unlimited data plan ty
Hi Hayley, thank you for posting. We don’t have plans at this time to be offering unlimited data, as we find that with most providers that offer unlimited data, there is a limit on the 4G LTE data speeds, and once that limit has been reached the speeds are significantly reduced. Instead, we would like to be transparent about how much 4G LTE data is available with our plans. That being said, we do appreciate your feedback.
But are the phones you sell unlocked? I already have your service and am planning a trip to Europe.
Hi Tony, our phones are sold locked to our network. If you are going to be travelling outside of the US, we do have international roaming services available and you can find details here. Additionally, if you don’t want to use our international roaming and you have an iPhone with our service then it would not need to be unlocked for use with a SIM card from another country. If you have an Android phone instead, you can call us at 888-345-5509 to review eligibility for it to be unlocked.
All explained. Very well.
Hi-I have an old Pantech flip phone with AT+T as the service provider. I’m pretty sure I can get AT+T to unlock this phone. How can I find out if this phone is compatible with your new SIM card? Do you have a list of models that are compatible? I’d also like to keep my phone number.
Great question, Greg! In general, most phones used previously with AT&T are a good fit with our service, as long as they have been unlocked. It’s also easy to keep your phone number when you switch! We’ll walk you through that process, so make sure to leave your account open until we’ve confirmed the transfer. We’re happy to help you get started at 888-345-5509 when you’re ready! Thank you for posting, and we hope to speak with you soon.
Do you have to call consumer Cellular to take off a person off on your account that has a#and phone on that account
Great question, Harlan! We can help you make those types of account changes over the phone at 888-345-5509, so please give us a call when you have a chance. Our account advisors will be happy to assist you. Thanks for posting, and we hope you have a great day!
Hello, I have an iphone 4S that I do not use any longer. It used to be on Verizon’s service. If I get them to unlock the phone, will I be able to get it to work on Consumer Cellular?
Thank you for posting, Marie. We appreciate your interest. To use your own Apple iPhone 4s with our service, it would need to be able to use a SIM card in addition to being unlocked. If you’re unsure if the phone has a SIM card slot available, then you should be able to verify this with Verizon directly if they sold you the phone. Please keep in mind that we cannot guarantee compatibility for all phone models, but our agents will do all they can to get the phone working on our service.
Would I be able to bring my Samsung/att phone int a Taft store, get the appropriate SIM there, and expect to use it ight away? Or do I have to “discnnect” fro att first?
Hi Joy, thank you for posting. If you are interested in transferring your service from AT&T to our service and keep your number, your AT&T service would need to remain active. If you are signing up for service while at a Target store, they would be able to provide you with a SIM card for your phone. Additionally, to start the transfer, your AT&T account information would be required if you want to keep the same number so we recommend having a recent invoice on-hand.
MY wife and I have ATT prepaid, but she wants to keep her phone and I’m going to need a new phone. I think hers is a samsung galaxy. Will we need ATT to unlock it to use with Consumer Cellular?
Thanks in advance.
Thank you for posting, Gerald. AT&T would need to unlock the phone before it can be used with another provider. Please keep in mind that we can’t guarantee compatibility, but we generally have good experiences with phones previously used with AT&T.
Thanks Nicole. Will be trying to unlock her phone later today and I’ll be getting a new phone. She got me one at Family Dollar but it was cheap and have had problems with it. Our friends talked to use about consumer cellular but I don’t have3 their cell number for them to get credit. Thanks again Nicole you have been most helpful. The ATT acount is mine which I added the wife as a second line. Will that be the same?
Thanks for asking, Gerald. If you transfer both your and your wife’s phone numbers to our service, they can both be on the same account. Have a great day!
Thanks Nichole, I talked to customer service and we are switching from att prepaid to consumer cellular. Her sim card and my new phone is on the way and we have the unlock code for her phone. So we now have a consumer cellular account and the representative I talked to was extremely informative and she helped me out on the new phone for myself. I am so elated that we finnally decided to switch. Thank you all
I switched my service on my iPhone 7 from AT&T last week. It seems to be ok, except I can’t SYNC it with my car so that I can call and answer through the car’s system. Is there something I need to do to get it to work. My Bluetooth is turned on and I keep trying to SYNC it but no luck.
We appreciate you taking the time to reach out to us, Maureen. Switching to our service shouldn’t affect your Bluetooth feature on your phone, so we recommend trying to “forget” your car’s information within your iPhone, and then try connecting to the car again. You may need a PIN, which can usually be found within your vehicle’s manual. If you run into any issues, please don’t hesitate to call us at 888-345-5509, and we’ll be happy to walk you through it. Thanks again, and we hope you have a great day!
Sprint gave me an unlock code, how do I unlock my phone (I-6se) to bring it to Consumer Cellular for your service? Is this something your people can do at the store or can I do it at home?
Hi Jeanette, once you’ve received an unlock code for your phone, you will generally need to enter it into the device when prompted. This usually happens when you insert a SIM card from another provider into your phone, so this is something that you should be able to do on your own.
Hi, I have an older AT&T flip phone which I no longer use and would like to give it to my son and install your service on it with a new phone number. Would that be possible? If so, what would I have to do to “unlock” the phone since it hasn’t been used for several months and I no longer have service with AT&T?
Thank you for posting, Marilyn. Even if the phone hasn’t been in use with AT&T’s service for a few months, they should be able to assist you with unlocking it per their terms so we recommend contacting them directly. Once the phone has been unlocked, then you can order one of our SIM cards here or by calling us at 888-345-5509. Please keep in mind that we cannot guarantee compatibility for all phone models, but we generally have good experiences with AT&T phones.
I have a Samsung S4 I have never used for phone service. It was bought through Ebay, as a Straight Talk phone. It was advertised in my area as compatible, but it ended up, not. I believe our area is more compatible with ATT. How would I find the status of my phone, if it is locked or unlocked?, and how would I find out if it is viable for Consumer Cellular? Is there a Consumer Cellular outlet that people can go to for someone to look at a phone? TY.
Thank you for posting, Curt. To check your Samsung Galaxy S4’s unlock status, you would need to contact StraightTalk directly as the originating provider is the only party that would have access to that information. In order for a phone to be used on our service, it would need to be unlocked and able to use a SIM card. The only way to check compatibility for our service is to insert an active SIM card from our service into the phone. If the phone ends up not being compatible, then you can either purchase one of our phones or cancel the service within our 30-day Risk-Free Guarantee for no charge. You can order one of our SIM cards online here, by calling us at 888-345-5509, or you can purchase one in-store with one of our retail partners, found here.
A few days ago I bought a new Motorola E5 smartphone from Target. Consumer Cellular helped activate my phone, set up my account and transfer my phone number from my prior carrier. During this process there was no discussion of a SIM card. Do I need a SIM card for the Motorola E5 phone?
Hi Kathy, all of our phones come with a SIM card pre-installed, including when they are purchased through Target, so you will not need to get a separate SIM card. Thanks!
I have a Samsung galaxy s5 Mimi. Will your SIM card work in my phone. Or did I have to have it unlock.
Thanks for asking, Gordon. In order to use our SIM card with another device, it will need to be fully unlocked by the previous carrier. In general, GSM phones, such as those used previously with AT&T or T-Mobile work best. You can learn more about our SIM card option here on our website. We appreciate you taking the time to learn more about this great option!
My name is Pat I have a att Samsung Gaxaly S6.Do I have to have my phone unlock before I put your SIM card in my phone I want to keep and if it does work I have phone number that I want to keep will they be erase when I put in your SIM card.
I’m happy to help answer your questions, Pat. Before you try our SIM card with your phone, you’ll want to make sure it has been fully unlocked by the previous carrier. As for your phone number, you can keep it when you make the switch! Just be sure to keep your old cellular account open until we’ve confirmed that the transfer is complete. If we can answer any other questions or help you order a SIM card, just give us a call at 888-345-5509. We appreciate you taking the time to post today!
I have purchased a huawei honor 8x phone. It says it is gsm and factory unlocked will this phone work with consumer cellular? Please, please, say yes
Thanks for posting, Mary. In general, fully unlocked GSM devices work well with our SIM card, so it sounds like your phone could be a good fit. We’re happy to get a SIM card on the way to you, so visit our website here to place the order, or pick one up at your local Target store. We appreciate you taking the time to reach out to us, and we hope you have a great day!
I have 6 Samsung Galaxy s7 Actives currently with AT&T. Can I switch all 6 to Consumer Cellular and will they work on your network?
Thank you for asking, Keith. In most cases, fully unlocked phones used previously with AT&T or T-Mobile are a good fit with our SIM cards. You can order these via our website here, over the phone or you can pick them up at your local Target store. If we can answer any questions, please don’t hesitate to chat with us here. We appreciate you posting, and we hope you have a great day!
I am thinking about switching to your company. I am a us cellular customer. Will consumer cellular work with my phone?
Thank you for reaching out to us today, Kim! We would love to welcome you to Consumer Cellular, and in many cases, you can keep your phone and take advantage of our SIM card option. The SIM card can be used with most fully unlocked GSM smartphone, such as those used previously with AT&T or T-Mobile. You can learn more about this great option here. We’re happy to assist you with any other questions at 888-345-5509. Thanks again for posting, and we hope you have a lovely day!
Ashley, My wife and I have iPhone6s plus with Tracfone. We signed up for Consumer Cellular and were sent sim cards to install. We installed them but were not able to switch over. I called Tracfone and they said we have to wait until we have had our fully paid phones we bought from them for 1 year until they could switch them over (unlock) !
Since we bought them from Tracfone we now have to wait till the end of 2019 till we can activate our phones on Consumer Cellular. We can not wait to change over, Tracfone never told us that the iPhones could not be unlocked for a year when we purchased them. What would you do in this case? We want to change over ASAP.
Hi Bill, to use the phones with our service they need to be unlocked first. If TracFone has a time frame that needs to be adhered to before they will unlock the phones, then you will have to wait, unfortunately. The only other alternative would be to purchase phones from us directly to use with our service.
I’m thinking of checking ebay for unlocked phones but want to make sure if I buy one I would be able to use it, such as the LG V30. I’d hate to spend money on something just to find out it can’t be used. So I guess my question is, if I got an unlocked phone, could I use it on my CC account?
Thank you for posting, Cheryl. To use a non-Consumer Cellular phone on our service, it will need to be unlocked and able to use a SIM card. We can’t guarantee compatibility for all phone models, but our agents will do all they can to get it working on our service. If you’re concerned about buying a phone and it not working, we recommend looking to a return policy with the seller.
I have Consumer Cellular as my carrier and an iPhone 6s I purchased from Consumer Cellular. I just bought a new unlocked iPhone 6s elsewhere and I when I get it I expect to have the SIM card transferred from the old to the new phone. Is there anything I need to do to continue my Consumer Cellular service—or otherwise to use my new phone? Thank you.
Thank you for posting, Richard. All that you need to do is swap the SIM card from your old iPhone 6s to the new one to continue the service, and I see that one of our agents were able to help you with that.
Could I buy a Cons Cellular phone and use another service even if the phone is not paid off? I understand the monthly payments will be deducted until the phone is paid off.
Hi Juliho, thanks for your post! The phone would need to be paid off in full before it can be unlocked, and it would also need to be active on our service for 180 days before it can be unlocked and switched to a different carrier.
Can I use consumer cellular SIM card to unlock any phone
That’s a great question, KM, thanks for posting! Our SIM card does not actually unlock a phone, you will need to contact the provider that the phone was purchased from and request them to do it.
Hi: I have been with virgin mobile for many years. I now have an iPhone 6s and want to upgrade to an iPhone 11, but, virgin does not have it in 128 GB. Also have a galaxy J9 with tracfone that I use, just in case of emergency. Maybe 100 minutes a year. Can you offer me an alternative with the iPhone 11?
Thank you for posting, Syd. We do have the Apple iPhone 11 with 128GB available and you can find it here. We also have a variety of plans available depending on your usage, and you can review them all here and find the one that best fits your usage for the iPhone.
We’ve been with Consumer Cellular for about a year. At the time, we bought a new phone from you for my wife, but I was able to have AT&T unlock an old iPhone 6 so I could use your SIM card in it. I’ve recently upgraded to a new iPhone 11, and would like to donate or sell my old iPhone 6. I’ve removed the CC SIM card; is the phone still considered unlocked? Thanks!
That’s a great question, Eric! We would not have locked the phone to our network since it wasn’t originally purchased from us. The phone should be unlocked still so that you can definitely sell it or donate it.
Thanks, Jacob! Much appreciated.
Currently use a Verizon Motorola Droid Turbo smartphone. Can that be used in the Consumer Cellular system?
Hi Herbert, thanks for your question. If the phone is unlocked and GSM-compatible, it may work on our network. We can’t guarantee that all models will be compatible, but we’ll do all that we can to see if we can get that working for you.
I am about to buy an Apple I phone7 through Consumer Cellular and connect with your service. Will my phone be setup to only use one network (AT&T or T-Mobile) or will it go through whichever has the strongest signal wherever I am at.
Great question, Lynn, thanks for asking! You will only use one set of towers, but our system does check to see which ones will work best for your area.
I am a new customer. My phone was locked but now it’s unlocked, however I still can’t make or receive calls.
Can anyone help me?
Hi Jackie, thanks for your post! I see that we were able to speak with you over the phone and that a new phone has been ordered for you. If you have any questions about your order, please let us know.
I wish to unlock my phone.
The phone has been paid for in full.
Hi Waynon, thanks for your post. I see that you were able to speak with one of our agents this morning and the phone has been unlocked for you. If any other assistance is needed, just give us a call at 800-686-4460 or chat with us here for further assistance.
What about phones I buy from Consumer Cellular? Are they typically unlocked and if not, what is your policy to get them unlocked?
On a related note, I have a Consumer Cellular wireless home phone base (2017 model) and a ZTE wireless home phone base. Are these shipped unlocked or is it the same way as the phones?
Hi Mikey, thanks for your post. All of our phones are locked to our network and remain so for up to 180 days. The phones must also be paid off and the account would need to be in good standing payment wise to unlock them.
So it’s basically impossible to unlock the phone?
Not at all, Brian. As long as you pay for the phone in-full, your account isn’t past due, and the phone has been active on our service for the required amount of time, it’s easy to get the phone unlocked.
how do I unlock consumer cellular
Hi Japheth Larry, if you have a phone that you purchased from us and you need it unlocked, all you have to do is call us at 888-345-5509 or start a live chat here.
If I have a consumer cellular phone which is an iphone 11 and I bought it out right. Will consumer cellular unlock it for me to use another carrier ?
Hi Abdul, for your iPhone 11 to be unlocked it would need to be fully paid, have active service for at least 180 days, and the account must be in good standing. This is something we can process if that criteria is met if you give us a call at 888-345-5509 or chat with us here.
We have a Samsung Galaxy S6 and S9, both on Verizon. Will they both work with your Sim cards? And do you have a Sim card for both of these. They are not the same size. Since neither of these phones is new, I assume you have experience by now with Verizon customers attempting this transition.
Great questions, Kenneth. Our SIM cards are 3-in-1 so that they can fit into any phone. Both of your phones will need to be unlocked by Verizon, and both VoLTE and GSM compatible. We can’t guarantee compatibility, but we’ll do all we can to get both phones working on our service.
I have an iPhone XS that was released in 2018 and my current carrier is Verizon. I’d really like to switch to Consumer Cellular and be able to keep my phone, as I own it. Has anything changed in the years since this article was published that would allow me to do so if I have Verizon unlock my phone, or will it still not work due to the GSM/CDMA difference?
Hi Danielle, thanks for your interest! The phone does still need to be unlocked, GSM-compatible, and VoLTE capable. We can’t guarantee compatibility for all models, but we’ve had good experiences in general with iPhones switching over as long as the mentioned criteria is met.
I have a new GSM unlocked phone that’s still in the package (Microsoft Lumia 640). It should work with your SIM card, right? The phone that I’ve been using has an AT&T SIM card. If I want to use that number with the new phone, how would that work? Do you just enter the number when setting up the phone?
Hi Jeff, thanks for your interest! If you are currently a customer with us, what you would need to do is move your existing SIM card into the phone that you want to use and this will move your phone number into that device. We can’t guarantee compatibility for your phone, but if it’s GSM-compatible, completely unlocked, and VoLTE compatible, it may work on our network. If you need to sign up for service, we will need to get a SIM card with your number programmed onto it ordered so that way we can transfer your number over to our service and get it activated on the phone. If you need any help with this process, give us a call at 800-686-4460 or you can also chat with us here.
my name is jahlil and i recently paid off my iphone 11 and wanted to unlock my phone so i called and the lady told me to “connect to “itunes”. Can someone tell me what that means?
Hi Jahlil, thank you for your question! What this means is plugging the phone in and connecting it to the iTunes program that is available through Apple. The phone is unlocked though and you shouldn’t need to do this unless you’re having issues with the phone.
Hi i have the Samsung Calaxy A11 and it is unlocked–i want to switch to consumer cellular–from TMobile. T-Mobile works so seldom any more has lots of emergencies–thanks
We appreciate the interest, Dorothy. If you’re interested in bringing over your own phones, it will need to be a VoLTE-capable, unlocked, and GSM-compatible phone. We can’t guarantee compatibility, but we generally have good experiences with phones previously used on T-Mobile’s service.
Will my just purchased Plum Ram 8 4G be compatible with consumer cellular?
Thanks. I have been with Consumer Cellular several years..
Hi Jerry, thanks for your question1 If your phone is completely unlocked from other providers, is GSM-compatible, and VoLTE capable, it may work on our network. We can’t guarantee compatibility for all models, but we’ll do all we can to see if we can get it connected for you.
i have been with Consumer Cellular several years. I hope to be able to continue with Consumer Cellular several more years.
jerry L. Cox
will consumer cellular unlock my phone when I pay it in full?
Hi Souhaibou, thanks for your question! The phone does need to be active on our service for up to 180 days, as well as being paid off, before we can unlock it from our network.
Will an unlocked Iphone 6 accept a consumer cellular sim card?
Hi Tim, thanks for your interest! If the phone is completely unlocked from other carriers, is GSM-compatible, and VoLTE capable, it may work on our network. We can’t guarantee compatibility for all models, but we have had good luck in the past with iPhones switching over as long as the mentioned criteria is met.
Hi my name is Elizabeth and have this iPhone that I had paid in full upfront and would wish to unlock it. I have tried to contact y’all but it’s not working and I paid over $260 for this phone and really want to unlock and am not happy with the service. And wish someone would please help me.
Hi Elizabeth, thanks for your post. I’m sorry to hear about the trouble you’ve been experiencing with unlocking the phone. I would advise we are not able to unlock a phone until it has been active on our network for up to 180-days as outlined in our terms and conditions. If it has been active with us for that amount of time and is completely paid off, give us a call at 800-686-4460 or chat with one of our agents here and we’d be happy to help.
I have a phone that was given to me. Originally consumer cellular phone. I put my tmobike Sim card, in the phone it says and I selected that from list of networks, however won’t let me make calls or anything! Help!
Hi Mike, thanks for your post. It sounds like the phone is still locked to our network. To get that unlocked, I would reach out to the person who gave it to you and ask for them to contact us to get the unlock code if they are the account holder the phone was originally associated with.
How can I get an Unlock code for a ZTE WF723CC Home Base phone that’s locked to Consumer Cellular? I want to use it on H2O (pay-as-u- go) that uses the AT&T network just like Consumer Cellular does. The person who had the unit before me does not know anything about the unlock code. I’ll pay a nominal fee so long as it is reasonable. Otherwise, I’ll have a unit that I can’t use, and becomes a dust collector, or goes to a re-cycler.
Hi James, thanks for your question! We’d be happy to check and see if we can get this unlocked for you. Keep in mind though, we can’t guarantee that the base will work with other networks outside of our own. Give us a call at 800-686-4460 or chat with one of our agents here for further assistance.
Hi. I have two questions. Does consumer cellular work in Bear Valley Springs, CA? The zip code is 93561. Also, does the contract include mobile hotspot? Thanks
Hi Bryan, thanks for your interest in our service! We do show coverage in that area, but the service strength can vary from moderate to good depending on your exact location. If you’d like, you can check out our coverage map located on our website here for more details. We do offer a hotspot feature that the smartphones can connect to as long as there’s a cellular connection.
I have unlocked GSM phone when i put in the number for the phone it comes back non compatible. I have the same phone for a year or so and it worked fine. ?????
Hi Hobert, thanks for your post. It sounds like the phone is not VoLTE capable or compatible with that feature that we use in order to continue working on our network so it does sound like it’s time to upgrade the device.
I have a Sonim XP5800 for several years that worked great on your system. When the 5G switch was made it stopped working even though it is listed as working with 4G. I have a backup Doro 7050 which is working and would like to go back to one of the Sonim rugged phones. Do you know of a Sonim model that will work on your system. I am looking at models that are ATT unlocked GSM phones. Thank You
I received a phone from a neighbor who bought a new one, how do I get the sim unlock code so I can use it with MetroPCS?
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I bought this phone fromy mother in laws and it’s gsm locked to consumer cellular I woul like to get it unlocked to use on straight talk if there is a way to do this cheaper than I been told please let me know imei# 351637111255265
If I switch my Verizon CDMA phone to Consumer Cellular GSM service, will I still be able to make Wi-Fi calls on my home Verizon Wi-Fi network? This is crucial since the wireless signal at my home varies between very weak and non-existant. Without wi-fi calling, my cell phone is useless at home.
Hi Herb, thanks for your question! We do offer WiFi calling as a feature for our service. I would just recommend contacting us once your service is up and running so that way we can make sure that the feature is enabled on our end for the phone to access.