The main difference between a monthly and a prepaid phone plan is how you pay for them and how much you pay. A monthly plan is, as you’d expect, paid monthly. … Prepaid plans are also monthly, except you’re paying upfront at the beginning of each month. This means there’s no penalty for canceling or switching networks.
Besides, What is a prepaid phone and how does it work?
Prepaid phones are cellphones that have a monthly service that is not contract-based. Instead, you purchase the airtime and data you need one month at a time. If you don’t want to buy any one month, you can skip it and then renew the next month if you like.
Keeping this in mind, Can you use a prepaid phone as a regular phone? Pre-paid cell phone plans are convenient because they allow you to have a cell phone without being tied down to a contract or having to deal with monthly bills. … You can even use a pre-paid cell phone on an existing Verizon plan, if your original phone is lost, damaged or stolen.
What are the disadvantages of a prepaid phone?
DISADVANTAGES
- Prepaid cell phones are not free, as is the case with phones when you sign a year-long contract. This means a larger initial investment. …
- The phones are more expensive to use. …
- Unless you are organized and keep track of your credit, you run the risk of running out of minutes when you most need them.
Can any phone be used as prepaid?
The short answer is yes, you will be able to use a prepaid GSM service with a GSM unlocked phone like the Samsung Galaxy S II. … Certainly make sure the phone you’re using is a quad-band GSM phone at least.
Does a prepaid phone come with a phone number?
Every prepaid account comes with a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card. … Each SIM card also contains a number that once registered, provides you with a personal phone number.
Are prepaid phones unlocked?
For prepaid plans, you can unlock your phone after 12 months of service. You can also unlock it if it’s had more than $25 in refills for basic phones or $100 in refills for smartphones. If you have an Android phone, you can use T-Mobile’s Device Unlock app to request T-Mobile unlock your phone.
Can you transfer a prepaid phone number to a contract?
Prepaid account numbers can be ported, but service must be active at the time you wish to transfer the service. You cannot port a number to an existing line—porting only works when you are activating a new line with a carrier.
Can you activate a prepaid phone on a Verizon account?
Set up Verizon Prepaid Service – Androidâ„¢
If powered off, press and hold the Power button until the device powers on. Tap Activate. You can also activate your device online.
Do prepaid phones have Internet access?
Prepaid internet is internet service that you pay for before you use it. It’s just like prepaid cell phones, except instead of paying for minutes, you (usually) pay for the amount of data you want to use. However, in some cases there is the option to prepay for internet on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
What are the benefits of having a prepaid phone?
The Benefits of Prepaid Phone Plans
- Pricing. Generally speaking, prepaid phone plans are cheaper. …
- No Credit Checks. When you sign up for a prepaid plan, you’ll pay upfront for what you plan to use, and you won’t have to sign a contract. …
- Flexibility (No Contracts). …
- No Overage Fees. …
- Coverage and Features.
What is the advantage of a prepaid cell phone?
The main advantage of a prepaid cell phone is the control it offers. With a prepaid cell phone, you can talk as long and as often as you want until you run out of minutes. However, any unused minutes accumulated each month will automatically be rolled over into the next.
How can you tell if a phone is prepaid?
How To Know Someone Has A Prepaid Phone
- Recording Equipment And/Or Applications. …
- Look For Cellular Connections In The Area. …
- Trace The Number (If Available) …
- Check Receipts And Pay Statements. …
- Use A Cell Phone Detector.
Can I use an old iPhone as a prepaid phone?
Apple’s iPhone is a popular product due to its many features. … If you want an iPhone but don’t have the budget for a plan, you can easily turn an iPhone into a prepaid phone by removing the SIM card and replacing it with one activated for an AT&T prepaid plan.
Can I use any phone with AT&T prepaid?
You can use any phone compatible with ATT’s network on prepaid. This includes any phone ATT sells as well as unlocked phones from other carriers.
When you buy a phone Does it come with a phone number?
Get a New Phone Number
When you sign up for a new cell phone, your new provider will typically give you the option to keep you old number or receive a new phone number. In the event you are in need of a new phone number, simply select the option to receive one.
Does a new mobile phone come with a phone number?
This means there will be a temp phone number associated with your new phone, and you will need to get a PAC code from the provider you are leaving. Once you have this code, give it to the new provider, and they will bring your existing phone number over to your new handset and contract.
What information is needed for a prepaid phone?
This generally includes your name, address, phone number and PIN (usually a 4-digit number), along with the activation number/code that comes with the prepaid kit, the SIM card serial number and the phone’s serial number or IMEI number, a form of identification for the cell phone device.
Can you unlock a prepaid AT&T phone?
Unlocking an AT&T Prepaid Phone
You need to have the device fully paid off. You can’t unlock your AT&T phone with a payment plan—it needs to be paid off in full. The phone you want to unlock can’t be reported lost, stolen, or involved in fraud. … The phone needs to have been active for at least 60 days.
How do I unlock my Verizon prepaid phone?
How to unlock a Verizon prepaid phone
- Insert a new SIM card into your device and power it on.
- Once prompted, you’ll have to enter one of two codes: 000000. 123456.
- All done! Those are the only two codes that Verizon uses for unlocks. If either one did not work, call Verizon support service at *611 for manual help.
How do you unlock a Verizon prepaid phone?
You’ll need to contact the service provider that made your device (Apple, Android, Google, etc.) and make an unlock request. A service rep should give you a code to unlock your wireless device.
Can I port a prepaid number to postpaid?
The process is expected to be completed within 24 hours. Porting a number from prepaid to postpaid will however subject a subscriber to the same policies and requirements asked of new plan applicants. Mobile number portability is free of charge.
How do I transfer my Verizon prepaid number to straight talk?
How to Convert Verizon Wireless Phones to Straight Talk
- Enter *#06# into your phone’s keypad. …
- Contact Verizon Wireless. …
- Reboot your phone. …
- Remove the protective cover from the back of your phone. …
- Contact Straight Talk at 877-430-2355. …
- Choose a plan. …
- Insert the Straight Talk SIM card into your phone. …
- Turn on your phone.
Can I transfer my AT&T prepaid number?
Yes, you can port your number to a different carrier, prepaid or not. You will need your prepaid account number and pin. You must call for your account number, it is not available online.