You can definitely use a data-only SIM in your phone, just make sure your carrier doesn’t have any device restrictions placed on it. Moreso, you might want to consider getting a data-only plan if:
- You already use an alternative messaging app (like WhatsApp) as your preferred method of communication.
- You want to use a data-only plan to create a portable hotspot.
- You want a backup network for your dual SIM phone.
- You need data access for your kid’s school.
With the price of data dropping, you can find some incredible deals on data-only SIM plans to help you save on your phone bill. Although data-only SIMs are traditionally used in tablets or portable hotspots (also known as pucks) for multi-device connecting, data-only SIMs also work in your smartphone.
If you want to make the switch to a data-only plan, double-check that your carrier explicitly says whether its data-only SIMs are exclusively for use in a tablet or portable hotspot . T-Mobile is a prime example of a carrier that prohibits using data-only plans in your smartphone.
Use a data-only SIM for your mobile phone plan
Pros:
- More data for a cheaper price
- More devices can connect to hotspot
- Kid-friendly for school access
- Backup network to stay connected
Cons:
- No talk or text, meaning no phone number
- Carrier restriction on compatibility
These days, you could comfortably get away with using a data-only SIM as your mobile plan thanks to the availability of alternative messaging apps like Telegram, Skype, Viber, WhatsApp, and iMessage. These apps all rely solely on the internet to connect. If you already depend upon one of these apps for your texting and don't make a lot of calls, you could save some money by switching to a data-only plan for your phone. Warning: read your data-only plan’s fine print to make sure it’s compatible with your phone.
Data-only SIMs and regular phone SIMs both look the same. The key difference is that a data-only SIM only comes with a data allowance; it doesn't come with any talk or text inclusions. But some do come with a phone number for functional purposes. AT&T is one of the few carriers that provides a number along with your plan, although calling and texting are disabled features. Verizon, on the other hand, doesn’t give you a number. Don’t forget that you may need an active phone number for a range of products and services including verification via SMS, or even to receive recovery codes if you get locked out of your personal accounts.
Before you commit to a data-only plan, consider how much data you’ll need to get you through the month. Data-only plans offer different amounts of data, ranging from 15–150GB/month. Most Americans only need about 12GB, but if you can’t live without 4K streaming or professional-quality gaming, you might want to consider larger data plans.
Hotspot for home internet
Decided you want to use your phone as a hotspot? Take it a step further and replace your home internet with hotspot data so you only have one bill to pay at the end of every month. You can get 5G speeds and extensive coverage no matter where you live on one of the Big Three’s networks:
|
T-Mobile
Rely Internet
$50/mo
5 year price guarantee. With AutoPay. Guarantee exclusions like taxes and fees apply.
+ $35 Upfront
|
|
AT&T
Internet Air
$48/mo
Paperless billing required. Plus taxes & fees. Limited availability. May not be available in your area.
|
|
Verizon
5G Home
$50/mo
with AutoPay
|
Backup network for a dual SIM phone
Using a data-only plan as your secondary network on a dual SIM phone means even more reliable connectivity. Since it doesn’t include talk or text, it’s typically cheaper than a full mobile plan, making it ideal for backup use. If your primary network loses signal—whether due to spotty coverage, congestion, or an outage—your phone automatically switches to the data-only SIM. This seamless switching keeps you connected no matter what, especially in areas where your primary carrier has weak reception or when traveling abroad.
Note that the highlight of this setup comes from the option of a different network for your data-only SIM. Where you'll be using it and how much you're willing to pay should guide whether this backup is right for you. Other backups include satellite phones or modems for remote areas where you can't find any network signals.
A secondary data-only plan also allows you to separate your personal and business life too. Your main number might handle calls and texts to friends and family, while the backup data-only SIM supplies continuous data for cloud services, VPN access, or video calls. You’ll also have an extra layer of security in case your primary plan fails: Your fallback will keep you connected. This setup is particularly valuable for frequent travelers and remote workers who need to have a stable connection on the go.
Data-only plans for your kid’s schoolwork
In an era where digital learning is indispensable, a data-only SIM is the perfect solution so your kids or teens stay connected to their school work without unnecessary distractions. Using a data-only SIM in your kid’s smartphone makes for an academically friendlier phone plan. Unlike traditional mobile plans, a data-only plan provides mobile data for internet access, allowing your students to connect to Google Classroom or Teams, without talk or text functions. But fret not, you can still contact your kid via data-dependent messaging apps.
When combined with modern parental control features, a data-only plan creates a protected digital space where parents can customize access times, filter content, and monitor usage patterns with precision. Data-only SIMs also mean your child won’t receive any calls or texts from unknown numbers, inherently filtering out unwanted or dangerous communications. It’s a win-win: Students get access to virtual classrooms and their favorite apps, while parents rest easy knowing their child isn't exposed to spam calls or suspicious messages.
Use a data-only SIM to create a portable Wi-Fi hotspot
A portable hotspot, often referred to as a mobile hotspot, is a device that acts as a wireless modem to supply internet to other devices, such as laptops, tablets, or game consoles. It connects your other devices to your mobile network and uses your plan’s data. This connection means you can use it anywhere you get 4G or 5G coverage—in a cafe, in the park, in your new house before the internet is set up.
While many carriers now have data-only plans, only a few sell unlocked SIMs to use in the device of your choosing. Some carriers require you to purchase a compatible portable hotspot device or pocket Wi-Fi hotspot—and they aren’t cheap. Purchasing a network-locked hotspot device usually means expensive fees and a hefty upfront payment.
So you might ask, can you use a data-only SIM in a spare smartphone instead of having to buy a very expensive puck? And yes, you can. Just make sure your phone is compatible with your carrier’s network. For example, type in your phone’s IMEI at Verizon’s device compatibility checker or AT&T’s “Check Compatibility” tool to be sure.
Get unlimited data for half-price
If you can’t quite say goodbye to your phone number or still need to make the occasional call, consider switching to a cheaper unlimited plan for great coverage at a fraction of the price. That way you can keep your number and get unlimited hotspot data. For more details, check out the best unlimited hotspot plans of the year.
|
#1
|
Visible
$25 Visible Plan
$25.00/mo
Taxes & Fees included
|
|
#2
|
Mint Mobile
Unlimited Data Plan
$25.00/mo
$75.00 upfront payment for 3 months (equals to $25.00/month). Intro pricing for new customers only.
|
|
#3
|
XFINITY Mobile
Mobile Select Plan
$0.00/mo
(for the first year of service) <br>Regular rate of $30/mo. thereafter
|
|
#4
|
US Mobile
Unlimited Starter Plan
$25.00/mo
$20/mo. for 6 months; $25/mo. thereafter
|
|
#5
|
Twigby Mobile
Unlimited Talk, Text and 2GB Data
$5.00/mo
for the first 3 months then $15.00/month
|
How to use your phone as a portable Wi-Fi hotspot
Using your smartphone as a portable Wi-Fi hotspot is easy, but the steps will vary depending on if you've got an iPhone or an Android device.
On an iPhone, you'll want to follow these steps to turn on your hotspot:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Personal Hotspot.
- Toggle Allow Others to Join to On.
You can now connect to a Wi-Fi network created by your iPhone. It will have the same name as your iPhone, and the Wi-Fi password will be listed under the Personal Hotspot settings menu. You can change both of these.
Turn on hotspot on your Android phone, following these steps:
- Open the Settings app.
- Depending on your device and software, tap Connections and then Hotspot & Tethering.
- Tap on Mobile Hotspot. This page lets you turn on your hotspot, and configure settings if you need to change them.
If you can't find these options, use the search pane at the top of your settings app and type in "hotspot".
If you're using an old phone, you may even consider keeping it plugged in. Using your phone as a hotspot is a battery-intensive task and the older your phone, the weaker the battery will be.
Compare data-only SIM plans
Between the major carriers in the United States, Verizon and AT&T offer the best data-only plans that are compatible with an old smartphone. However, Tello offers less data for a budget-friendly data-only option. It all comes down to how much data you’ll need. If you want to replace your phone plan, you might want to choose between Verizon and AT&T. Whereas if you want a data-only plan for your kid’s schooling, a low-data option should be fine.
For smaller data allowances, Tello works on T-Mobile’s network and offers cheap data SIMs that are compatible in an old smartphone. You can then use that phone as a portable hotspot or let your kid use it for school access.
Tello Data-Only plans
Verizon’s data-only options are ideal if you prioritize streaming quality and want more than one data-only line, since additional lines are almost half-price. Verizon also offers the highest data allowance at 150GB/month, making it the top choice for heavy-data users. While plan pricing may seem expensive, remember, these data-only plans include premium data that won’t suffer slower speeds. And they boost the number of devices you can connect at a single time (up to 30).
Verizon Data-Only plans
| Data-Only plan | Streaming | Price | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5GB |
✓HD streaming | $40/month Additional lines at $10/month |
View plan |
| 25GB |
✓HD streaming | $60/month Additional lines at $30/month |
View plan |
| 100GB |
✓4K UHD streaming
✓HD streaming |
$80/month Additional lines at $50/month |
View plan |
| 150GB |
✓4K UHD streaming
✓HD streaming |
$100/month Additional lines at $70/month |
View plan |
That said, AT&T offers cheaper data-only plans than Verizon, but you’ll only get standard definition streaming and there aren’t any multi-line discounts either.
AT&T Data-Only plans
Jessica Santero
Staff Writer
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