It met the requirements to be unlocked, but because it is an old phone, it can't be unlocked. To get the cash refund, you have to send the phone to Tracfone, and you lose any remaining airtime on the device. We also tested an LG Ultimate 2, which is an Android smartphone.
Check Cell Phone Compatibility. TracFone runs on the four major networks (i.e. Sprint, T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon), and accepts devices from all of them.
With TracFone's Bring Your Own Phone program, you can get TracFone service on your current phone as long as it is compatible. Compatible phones include: GSM Unlocked phones, AT&T-compatible phones, T-Mobile-compatible phones, Verizon-compatible phones, and some CDMA Technology compatible phones.
Yes. You can transfer the minutes and phone number into your new TracFone by going to the TracFone main page and clicking on the "Activate" tab. Then, select the option that you need (phone, SIM, or Bring Your Own Phone CDMA).
Assuming your TracFone SIM has no locks of any type (ie lock to the network or to certain hardware or any other type of restriction ), then you just insert the phone into the unlocked smartphone, turn it on and you should have a signal.
While some TracFone phones do come with SIM cards, these SIM cards aren't interchangeable with other GSM-enabled phones. This is because TracFone SIMs are programmed to recognize only TracFone phones. The real issue is that TracFone phones can only accept TracFone SIM cards.
You can often switch your SIM card to a different phone, provided the phone is unlocked (meaning, it is not tied to a particular carrier or device) and the new phone will accept the SIM card. All you need to do is remove the SIM from the phone it is in currently, then place it into the new unlocked phone.
Editor's note: We will continually update the list of best Tracfone smartphones.
- Samsung Galaxy S7. Even with its age, the Samsung Galaxy S7 still keeps up with modern flagships.
- Samsung Galaxy A10e.
- Apple iPhone 7.
- Motorola Moto G6.
- Motorola Moto E5.
- Samsung Galaxy J7 Crown.
SIM card doesn't expire unless the carrier decides to remove a batch from it's system. That's good to hear. H2O will cancel your SIM card and phone number after 30 days of inactivity, but a lot of T-Mobile MVNO's will allow it to 90. Then there's tracfone's legacy phones which are hard coded to each other.
Tracfone users can get a replacement SIM card by calling Tracfone customer service.
- Call TracFone customer service at (800) 867-7183.
- Listen and follow the automated voice menu prompts until you get an option to speak with a live customer service representative.
The wireless phone number can be changed only up to 4 times per year. Please contact our Customer Care Center at 1-800-867-7183 to change your number.
How to Reactivate an Old TracFone
- Visit the TracFone website and click on the "Activate Phone, Add or Buy Airtime" option.
- Click on "Activate/Reactivate Phone."
- Select the "Activate my TracFone with a new number, or Reactivate my TracFone" option.
- Select your phone from the list of available models to reactivate and click "Submit."
If you do not purchase and add airtime prior to the Service End Date, your Tracfone Service will be deactivated on the Service End Date and you will lose your phone number even if you have minutes remaining. If your Service is deactivated, your Service can be reactivated by purchasing and adding an Airtime Card.
If you have a TracFone that has expired, it is not useless. You can reactivate your phone with TracFone service and get back to making and receiving calls before you know it. Reactivate your phone and get back to talking.
Slide the screen up. Tap "About phone." Tap "Status." Locate the row that says "My phone number." The number in the field is your Phone Number.
Select "Delete" or "Remove" from the menu to remove that phone number from your TracFone cell phone.
