Max McCaskill Sr. Staff Writer

Updated 12 December 2024

Contents

In this guide:

Switching checklist
How to switch to Consumer Cellular
After switching
Why Consumer Cellular?

Consumer Cellular is an MVNO offering discounted access to AT&T’s and T-Mobile’s networks. With customization options, AARP discounts, and a competitive unlimited plan, the carrier is an excellent option for customers who simply want a no-nonsense phone plan

If you’ve found a Consumer Cellular plan you like, you can rest easy knowing that switching is easy. The carrier allows new customers to bring their old devices and keep their phone numbers. If you’re looking for a fresh start, Consumer Cellular can also provide a new phone number or smartphone.

Follow our guide to learn how simple it is to switch to Consumer Cellular and if this is the right carrier for your next phone plan.

Switching checklist: Before switching to Consumer Cellular

There are several tasks you need to complete before switching to Consumer Cellular.

Check phone compatibility with Consumer Cellular

Most newer smartphones will work with Consumer Cellular’s networks. That said, if you have an older device, it’s a good idea to make sure it's compatible. Consumer Cellular uses the GSM network (similar to AT&T and T-Mobile).

This is easy to do using Consumer Cellular’s IMEI compatibility checker. Simply enter the IMEI of your phone into the box and Consumer Cellular will tell you in seconds if your phone will work on its networks.

If your phone is compatible, move on to the next step to unlock your device from its current network. Unfortunately, if your phone isn’t compatible with Consumer Cellular, you’ll need to purchase a new phone to switch.

Unlock your phone from your current carrier

If you purchased your phone through your current carrier–like through a monthly installment plan–the phone is probably locked to its network. This means it’s programmed to only work with its current carrier. You won’t be able to switch to Consumer Cellular until the device is unlocked. The good news is unlocking your phone is an easy process.

You’ll need to follow these steps to unlock your device from most carriers:

Pay off your device: If you purchased your phone on an installment plan, you’ll need to pay any remaining balance on the phone.
Make sure your account is in good standing: Carriers won’t let you unlock your device if you still owe them money for your monthly phone plan. Your bills must be up to date.
Contact customer service: Once you’re fully paid up, contact customer service and request they unlock your device. You’ll likely need to provide your account information and the IMEI of your device.

Don’t cancel your old plan yet! You still need to pick a Consumer Cellular plan and activate your phone on its new network. If you cancel your old plan before that, you may not have phone service until Consumer Cellular ports in your number and turns on your plan.

Select your new Consumer Cellular plan

The final step to complete before switching is to pick a new Consumer Cellular plan. Consumer Cellular has several options, so it’s a good idea to measure your data usage before picking a plan. Otherwise, you may end up overpaying for data you don’t need.

If you’re a heavy data user, Consumer Cellular’s best option is the Unlimited Talk and Text + 20GB starting at $45/month. It includes unlimited talk, text, and 20GB of priority data. It also includes free calls to Mexico and Canada.

Unlimited Talk & Text + 20GB Data Plan

20GB of 4G LTE/5G data
Available on 2 Major 5G Nationwide networks in select areas with compatible devices
20GB mobile hotspot data

$45.00/mo

($5 Autopay/ E-bill discount included)

View Plan

$45.00/mo

($5 Autopay/ E-bill discount included)

View Plan

For customers who don’t need as much data, Consumer Cellular has some great limited data plans at affordable prices. Two of the best options are the Unlimited Talk, Text + 5GB plan and Unlimited Talk, Text + 10GB plan. These plans start at $25/month and $35/month respectively and include unlimited talk, text, and priority data allotments. They also offer mobile hotspot connectivity, but your data usage comes out of your overall allotment. These plans are excellent options for low-data users or customers who have access to Wi-Fi most of the time.

If you only need data for emergencies, Consumer Cellular also offers an Unlimited Talk, Text, + 1GB plan starting at $20/month. While it is the cheapest option, remember that 1GB of priority data is a very small amount. Unless you almost exclusively rely on talking and texting, we recommend spending a few more dollars to get access to the 5GB plan.

#1	Consumer Cellular	Consumer Cellular Unlimited Talk & Text + 1GB Data Plan 1GB of 4G LTE/5G data Available on 2 Major 5G Nationwide networks in select areas with compatible devices 1GB mobile hotspot data $20.00/mo ($5 Autopay/ E-bill discount included) View Plan	$20.00/mo ($5 Autopay/ E-bill discount included)	View Plan
#2	Consumer Cellular	Consumer Cellular Unlimited Talk & Text + 5GB Data Plan 5GB of 4G LTE/5G data Available on 2 Major 5G Nationwide networks in select areas with compatible devices 5GB mobile hotspot data $25.00/mo ($5 Autopay/ E-bill discount included) View Plan	$25.00/mo ($5 Autopay/ E-bill discount included)	View Plan
#3	Consumer Cellular	Consumer Cellular Unlimited Talk & Text + 10GB Data Plan 10GB of 4G LTE/5G data Available on 2 Major 5G Nationwide networks in select areas with compatible devices 10GB mobile hotspot data $35.00/mo ($5 Autopay/ E-bill discount included) View Plan	$35.00/mo ($5 Autopay/ E-bill discount included)	View Plan

How to switch to Consumer Cellular

The process for switching to Consumer Cellular is easy whether you are bringing an old device or snagging a new one.

Bring your own phone and number to Consumer Cellular

Bring Your Own Device option during Consumer Cellular signup process. Image credit: Consumer Cellular.

If your old device is compatible and you’ve unlocked your phone, you can bring your phone when switching.

Select your new Consumer Cellular plan and go to Checkout.
Select Bring Your Own Device.
Type in your IEMI number.
Select Keep Your Existing Phone Number.
Select a physical SIM card or eSIM.
If eSIM: Device will automatically activate and connect to Consumer Cellular.
If physical SIM: Wait for the SIM card to arrive in the mail. Install it in your device to activate Consumer Cellular’s service.

Get a new number from Consumer Cellular

If your old device isn’t compatible or you want a fresh start, Consumer Cellular also offers new phones and numbers to its customers.

Select your Consumer Cellular plan and go to Checkout.
Select your device of choice from the Consumer Cellular store.
Choose between a physical SIM card or eSIM.
Wait for the new device to be shipped to your address.
If eSIM: Device will connect to the Consumer Cellular network as soon as you turn it on the first time.
If physical SIM: SIM card will ship at the same time as the device. Install the card in the new phone to activate Consumer Cellular service.

After switching to Consumer Cellular

You’ve officially switched carriers once you’ve activated your new SIM card and hooked up to the Consumer Cellular network! However, don’t forget about your old plan.

If you switched with your current number, your old carrier should cancel your plan as soon as you activate with Consumer Cellular. That said, you should check with your carrier anyway to make sure the old plan is officially canceled. Otherwise, you could be charged for a plan you’re no longer using.

Why switch to Consumer Cellular?

Consumer Cellular is a great option because it offers discounted coverage with both the T-Mobile and AT&T networks. T-Mobile offers the largest 5G network in the nation while AT&T has some of the best rural 4G LTE coverage of any carrier.

Consumer Cellular offers this access at a lower price than any postpaid unlimited plan available from AT&T or T-Mobile. For example, Consumer Cellular’s 20GB Plan at $45/month offers more priority data at a cheaper price than AT&T’s Unlimited Starter SL plan ($65.99/month). and T-Mobile’s Essentials Plan at $60/month.

Apart from low prices, Consumer Cellular also offers device deals for new customers on some of the most popular smartphones on the market. It also has award-winning customer service and a 5% monthly AARP discount. For this reason, Consumer Cellular is our pick for the best overall provider for seniors. That said, young people can find great service and low prices too.

Max McCaskill

Sr. Staff Writer

Max is a Senior Staff Writer at WhistleOut, specializing in mobile plans, operating systems, and carrier news. He regularly tests and reviews dozens of phone plans firsthand, evaluating real-world data speeds, coverage reliability, and plan features. He's been featured in publications such as Yahoo Finance, AARP, AP News, and GoBankingRates.

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