How To Switch To Mint Mobile: Save Money, Keep Your Number

By switching to Mint Mobile, you can cut your phone bill in half without skimping on service. As a T-Mobile MVNO, Mint Mobile provides excellent service on T-Mobile’s network and gives you access to the largest 5G network in the nation. All you need to make the switch is a compatible (unlocked) phone, your current account details, and a few minutes to activate your new plan.

1. Check compatibility: Make sure your phone is unlocked and works on Mint's network.
2. Pick a plan: Choose from 5GB, 15GB, 20GB, or Unlimited data plans. Then decide if you want 3, 6, or 12 months of service. 
3. Gather your current account information: Have your account number and transfer PIN ready to go from your current carrier.
4. Activate your service: Use the Mint app to activate your Mint Mobile eSIM instantly, or wait for your physical SIM to arrive in the mail.

How to Switch to Mint Mobile

---

Switching to Mint Mobile is straightforward: Just bring a compatible phone, choose a plan, and activate your service. You can keep your current number and switch even if your phone isn't fully paid off.  

Here’s how to sign up for Mint Mobile in a few simple steps:

1. Check coverage in your area

Mint Mobile operates on T-Mobile's 5G network, which covers 49.24% of the nation. But before you sign up, check Mint's coverage map to confirm you'll have a strong signal at your home, work, and other frequented locations. 

In our testing, staff reviewer Daphne Kelly was impressed with Mint's seamless service and consistent 5G speeds—which stayed around 60Mbps without dropping to 4G LTE. Having left T-Mobile after seven years, she noted, "Because Mint uses T-Mobile’s towers, I’ve had virtually no hiccups in coverage."

2. Bring your phone to Mint

You can bring your current phone to Mint Mobile as long as it's unlocked and compatible with Mint’s network. Use the Mint Mobile compatibility checker to double-check it’ll work by entering your device’s model or IMEI number. 

If you switch from T-Mobile to Mint, your phone should work since both carriers use the same network. That said, Verizon and AT&T customers should check compatibility before switching to Mint. 

3. Keep your current number or get a new one

You can bring your current phone number with you when you switch to Mint Mobile. To make the transfer faster, make sure you have this information from your current carrier ready: 

• Billing zip code.
• Account number. 
• Number Transfer PIN (a unique security passcode also known as a Port-out PIN). 

However, do not cancel your existing service until the transfer is fully complete. Otherwise, you won’t be able to keep your number and will have to memorize a new one. If you’d rather start fresh, you also have the option to select a new number with Mint.

4. Pick your plan

Mint Mobile offers cellular service in multi-month data packs, including 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month plans. Choose between 5GB, 15GB, or 20GB allowances, or opt for Mint’s Unlimited plan for stress-free usage all month long. 

Just remember: The longer you commit to Mint’s service, the cheaper your monthly bill. In fact, you can snag a full year of unlimited data for as little as $30/month. That’s $10/month cheaper than the 3-month Unlimited plan.

Look no further. Here are Mint’s most popular phone plans:

5. Choose your preferred SIM option

You have two options for activating your Mint Mobile plan: an embedded SIM (eSIM) or a physical SIM card. We recommend Mint Mobile eSIM activation since they are digital—which means you get instant activation. 

If your phone isn’t eSIM-compatible or you prefer a physical card, a traditional SIM can be shipped to your address. However, it’s worth noting that many of the latest phones are designed for eSIM only.

6. Activate your Mint plan

You can activate your plan through the Mint Mobile app or Mint's website. Both provide step-by-step instructions to set up your eSIM or physical SIM quickly. This is also where you can transfer your existing phone number, or select a new one. 

Once you’ve finished activating your Mint Mobile service, check that your data works by disconnecting from Wi-Fi and opening up apps or your browser. If they work, that means you’re connected to Mint’s network.

Activate multiple lines with a Mint Family Plan

---

Mint Mobile’s Modern Family Plan simplifies multi-line savings by letting you secure the lowest possible monthly rate. You get the same low price as a 12-month individual plan, without paying for a full year upfront. 

For example, instead of a single payment of $1,080 for three year-long lines of Unlimited data, you only have to pay $270 every three months. This makes it easier for families or groups of two to five people to access Mint’s best pricing without the usual long-term obligation. Plus, you can manage multiple Mint Mobile lines from one primary account.

Mix and match data plans with a Mint Family Plan

You also have the flexibility to customize each Mint Mobile line. One member can be on an Unlimited plan for heavy data streaming, while another uses a lighter 5GB option, so no one pays for data they won’t use. 

You can even add Mint Kids lines to your family group, which gives parents control over a child’s phone activity while choosing any of Mint’s standard data plans.

How to set up a Mint Family Plan

To set up a Mint Family Plan, visit the Mint Mobile website or app. Within your account, select how many lines you need and choose the right data plan for each person. 

Once your main account is established, you can directly add more lines or invite others to join your plan. If you're adding a line for a child, you can designate it as a Mint Kids plan during setup for easy parental oversight.

Why switch to Mint Mobile?

---

Switching to Mint Mobile can instantly cut your phone bill in half while still giving you amazing nationwide coverage. You pay for premium network access without wasting money on unnecessary perks you don't use. 

"Switching to Mint lowered my monthly phone bill by $45," said Daphne Kelly, a WhistleOut staff member. She was previously paying $75/month for her T-Mobile plan, but realized she wasn't using enough data to justify the cost—especially since she was always connected to Wi-Fi at home anyway.

Every Mint Mobile plan includes essential features like unlimited nationwide talk and text, mobile hotspot capability, and free calls to Mexico and Canada. All plans are powered by T-Mobile’s 5G and 4G LTE networks, ensuring you get reliable coverage without the premium price tag. 

Plus, Mint Mobile actively helps you save money. Daphne was surprised when Mint reached out and suggested she downgrade to a cheaper plan. "Mint sent me monthly emails letting me know that, based on my data habits, I could switch to a cheaper plan and still have plenty of data.” After testing the service herself, she was so pleased with the savings and experience that she convinced her husband to make the switch as well.

Mint Mobile FAQs

---

Is it easy to switch to Mint Mobile?

Yes, it is easy to switch from AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, or an MVNO to Mint Mobile. Follow our step-by-step instructions above to switch to Mint Mobile.

Can I bring my own phone to Mint Mobile?

Yes, you can bring your own device (BYOD) to Mint Mobile—as long as it’s compatible. Activating a phone from T-Mobile (Mint's parent carrier) should be seamless once it's unlocked. But if you switch from AT&T or Verizon to Mint, you should check phone compatibility.

Can I switch to Mint Mobile if I still owe money on my phone?

Yes, technically, you can switch even if you still owe money to your previous carrier on your phone. However, your phone must be unlocked to work on Mint, and most carriers will not unlock a device until the remaining balance is paid in full.

How long does it take to switch to Mint Mobile?

Switching to Mint Mobile typically only takes a few minutes if you opt for an eSIM, but it could take a few hours to complete if you have any issues bringing your phone number to Mint.

Do I need to cancel my current phone plan before I switch?

No, you should not cancel your current phone plan before you switch to Mint Mobile, particularly if you want to keep your phone number. Once you activate your Mint Mobile service, your previous account should cancel automatically.

Can I buy a new phone from Mint when I switch?

Yes, you can buy a new phone from Mint when you switch. Mint offers a variety of the latest 5G devices, including the newest Samsung devices and the latest iPhones, which you can purchase directly during the sign-up process.

Decide to wait and get a new device later? A Mint Mobile transfer to a new phone is as easy as activation with the Mint Mobile app.