Bring Your Own Unlocked Phone | IMEI Compatibility Check & Activate Online | T-Mobile (original) (raw)

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Look up your IMEI to see if your phone is compatible with the T‑Mobile network using our checker tool below.

Every phone has a unique number—15 digits that tells you the make, model, and if it’s ready to use on our network. Most phones are compatible.

IMEI STATUS CHECK: Dial *#06# to get your phone's IMEI, or .

Compatible device

Your device is compatible with the T‑Mobile network and can take advantage of our most powerful signal, Extended Range LTE.

T-Mobile cannot and does not guarantee the functionality or performance of any handsets or devices that were not sold by T-Mobile or an authorized dealer of T-Mobile (“Non-T-Mobile Devices”) for use on the T-Mobile network, or that do not have a software version sold or updated by T-Mobile (e.g., rooted devices). We are not able to test Non-T-Mobile Devices’ call quality, performance, data speed, feature compatibility, or other functionalities, so please be aware some experiences may vary greatly depending on, e.g., the settings from the customer’s original carrier. We strongly recommend that customers contact the manufacturers of their Non-T-Mobile Devices with any questions or problems regarding the functionality, operation, or performance of their Non-T-Mobile Devices.

Partially compatible device

To take advantage of our best coverage and fastest speeds, we recommend upgrading to a 5G device.

Incompatible device

Sorry, this device can’t be used on the T-Mobile network. Please upgrade to a device that can access our most powerful signal, Extended Range LTE.

Next Steps

Device Blocked

Your device is blocked to be used on our network.

Next Steps

Unknown compatibility

We couldn't confirm this device's compatibility. Please check that the IMEI number you entered is correct, and if you'd like help, call us or visit a T-Mobile store.

Next Steps

Here are your results:

Your device is compatible with the T‑Mobile network and can take advantage of our most powerful signal, Extended Range LTE.

However, we need a little more information about this device to make sure it can be used on our network. See details below.

Sorry, we’re having technical difficulties.

We can’t check this device’s compatibility right now — please try again later.

Next Steps

Your phone is locked

Your device is locked to your previous carrier and we need to unlock it to bring it over to T-mobile.

Next Steps

1. First, use the IMEI number to check if your Verizon phone is unlocked and compatible with T-Mobile's network. Most Verizon phones are unlocked, but the phone also needs to be compatible with the T-Mobile Network.

Devices purchased on or after January 27, 2026 are automatically unlocked once the full device price is paid, either at the time of purchase (full retail) or after the remaining balance on a device payment plan is paid in full.
Devices purchased before January 27, 2026 are automatically unlocked 60 days after the purchase or activation date.
2. Once your compatible phone is unlocked, purchase a T-Mobile SIM card and choose a T-Mobile plan.
3. Replace the existing SIM card in your phone with the new T-Mobile SIM card.

Using the IMEI is the fastest and most accurate way for us to determine compatibility with T-Mobile's network and check whether a device is locked or unlocked. Many phones appear to work the same way across different carriers, but they can have significant internal differences with their technology and software. By using your device IMEI, we can better understand the device’s capabilities on our network and see if it’s unlocked.

Once you know that your phone is compatible and unlocked, follow these steps:

Purchase a T-Mobile SIM card and choose a T-Mobile plan.
Replace the existing SIM card in your phone with the new T-Mobile SIM card. Want help?
Want to keep your existing phone number? After you install the new SIM card, you transfer your number to T-Mobile.
If you have questions, please call 1-800-T-MOBILE or visit your nearest T-Mobile store.

1. First, use the IMEI number to check if your AT&T phone is unlocked and compatible with T-Mobile's network.
2. If your phone is locked, you can request that it be unlocked at the AT&T Device Unlock Portal.
3. Once your compatible phone is unlocked, purchase a T-Mobile SIM card and choose a T-Mobile plan.
4. Replace the existing SIM card in your phone with the new T-Mobile SIM card.

Using your own phone with T-Mobile is fast, easy, and economical. If you want to bring your own phone, you’ll first need to check if your phone is compatible with the T-Mobile network and see if it’s unlocked. Some phones have network hardware that may not work well with T-Mobile's network. We want you to have a great experience using our network, so if your phone isn’t compatible, we recommend an upgrade to a new T-Mobile phone. If your phone is locked, contact your current carrier to request unlocking.

If your phone is locked, you’ll have to have it unlocked by the original carrier. In some cases, the phone may have a finance agreement that needs to be paid off before the carrier will unlock it. It may also take a few days to unlock the device.

The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number is a unique 15-digit number that identifies a specific mobile device. IMEI numbers are issued by the GSM Association, which supports mobile operators and device makers. An IMEI number can be used to determine the device make and model, and whether the device is locked or unlocked. If a device has been lost or stolen, the IMEI can also be used to block it from being used on most carrier networks, including T-Mobile's.

Most phone numbers can be transferred to T-Mobile, but check the transfer eligibility of your existing number before switching to T-Mobile. After you've installed your new T-Mobile SIM, call us at 1-866-304-0960 or visit a T-Mobile store to complete the transfer process. To get started, you'll need the following information:

Previous wireless company name
Previous wireless account number
Previous account PIN
Existing phone number
We recommend backing up your contacts, voicemail, and text messages before transferring your number to T-Mobile. During the process, you may have dual service for up to 24 hours, meaning your device will be active on both carrier networks. Please do not cancel your previous wireless service until you receive a confirmation text message from T-Mobile saying that the number transfer is complete.

SIM stands for Subscriber Identity Module. The SIM card is a tiny plastic card with an integrated chip. When you insert it into your device, the SIM card identifies the device to the network. You'll need a T-Mobile SIM card to connect to the T-Mobile network.

Yes, the T-Mobile SIM card will fit all GSM phones. The SIM card actually includes adaptors for three different card sizes. When you remove the previous SIM card, you can match it to the correct size T-Mobile SIM.

Yes, if your device uses technology that’s compatible with the T-Mobile network. Refer to the device manufacturer’s website for details. If you have questions, take your device to the nearest T-Mobile store and we’ll be happy to help you.

Enter your device’s IMEI into the T-Mobile device compatibility checker at the top of the page, and we’ll check to see if we can determine whether it’s locked or unlocked. In most cases, we can tell a phone’s status, but we can’t guarantee we have information for every device. If we’re not able to determine whether your device is locked or unlocked, you may need to contact the previous carrier.

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