Tracfone is an affordable prepaid cell phone carrier that makes it easy to bring your own phone (BYOP) when you switch. Most modern smartphones are compatible with Tracfone plans, which you can easily sign up for online or pick up at your local Walmart.
In this article, we'll go over everything you need to know about switching to Tracfone, including how to check your device's compatibility. Let's dive right into it.
Before you switch to Tracfone
Before you make the switch to Tracfone, there are a few important things you'll need to do, starting with checking your phone's compatibility.
Check your phone's compatibility
TracFone runs on Verizon's 4G and 5G networks, but should be able to accept phones from any major carrier. This extends to the MVNOs that run on these networks as well. What that means is that you'll be able to BYOP from virtually any carrier, whether you've got an iPhone, a Samsung Galaxy, a Google Pixel, or another phone.
You can easily check your current device's compatibility on Tracfone's website.
Unlock your phone
Even if your phone model is compatible with Tracfone, you may need to unlock or "jailbreak" your phone before you can switch providers.
As long as you meet your current carrier's eligibility requirements (check your carrier's website), you should be able to unlock your phone by contacting the company's customer service. Some carriers will even allow you to unlock your phone online or through an app.
Pick a Tracfone plan
Tracfone offers a smorgasbord of simple and affordable plans. And, if the whole family wants to switch, you can easily add extra lines! Here's a look at what we think are Tracfone's best plans.
Best Tracfone plans
| Plan | Best for | Price | More information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited talk, text & 10GB | Value | $30/mo.* | See plan |
| Unlimited talk, text & 20GB | Heavy data users | $40/mo.* | See plan |
| Unlimited talk, text & 1GB | Low data users | $15/mo.* | See plan |
* Does not include introductory or temporary discounts.
Once you've checked your device compatibility (or picked out a new Tracfone flip phone) and chosen a plan, you're ready to sign up.
How to switch to Tracfone
Switching to Tracfone is simple. You can either go into a brick-and-mortar store that sells Tracfone SIMs (like Walmart) or go to Tracfone's website.
If you're switching online, first select your plan.
Indicate that you're a new customer, then choose whether you want to keep your current device or buy a new phone from Tracfone.
Finally, select a phone SIM option. Tracfone offers a physical SIM card kit with three different SIM options: Nano, Micro, and Standard Tracfone SIM cards, as well as eSIM support for customers with an iPhone 11 or newer only.
How to activate your Tracfone plan
If you're eligible for and have opted to use a Tracfone eSIM, you'll receive activation instructions via email. You'll need your iPhone's IMEI and a reliable Wi-Fi or data connection. Make sure your phone's battery is at least 50% before you get started.
If you've opted for a physical SIM, you'll find an Activation Card inside with step-by-step instructions for getting your service up and running. You can activate your plan online or by phone at 1(800) 867-7183.
To activate your Tracfone plan online, select whether you've kept your own phone or purchased a new device. Then follow the activation instructions as they appear. If you're going the BYOP route, you'll need to decide whether to keep your old number or get a new one.
To port in your old number from a previous carrier, you'll need to provide your:
- TracFone SIM card number
- Phone's serial number or IMEI
- Current phone number
- Account number with your previous carrier
- Number transfer PIN from your previous carrier
To request a new number, you'll need to provide your:
- ZIP code
- TracFone SIM card number
- Phone's serial number or IMEI
- Current phone number
Why switch to Tracfone?
Tracfone offers a variety of advantages, especially for those looking to ditch the expensive "Big Three" carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon).
The most obvious benefit of switching to Tracfone is its low prices. Plans start at $15 per month. It's easy to customize a plan to fit your exact needs, with options ranging from 1GB to 20GB of carryover data. And you can pay as you go with Tracfone, so you won't need to worry about a credit check or data overage fees.
While Tracfone doesn't offer all of the bells and whistles that pricier carriers do, like free international data usage or big discounts on new phones, it does let you use your phone as a hotspot. And Tracfone has great coverage, relying on Verizon's powerhouse network to deliver 5G and 4G speeds nationwide. Check out the carrier's full coverage map to see how good coverage is in your area.
Compare Carriers to Find the Perfect Cell Phone Plan
Angelo Ilumba
Senior Writer
Find a better phone plan
Thousands of cell phone plans unpacked. All the facts. No surprises.
.png?w=280&h=280&usm=20&usmrad=0.8&fit=crop "Best Cell Phone Deals for June 2026: Get the New iPhone 17 for Free")
