Can I keep my current phone number?

Yes, Consumer Cellular makes it easy to port your existing phone number. Simply follow their instructions during sign-up, and they will seamlessly guide you through the porting process.

Can I bring my own phone to Consumer Cellular?

If your phone is unlocked and compatible with the AT&T and T-Mobile networks, you can bring it to Consumer Cellular.

Can I change my plan if my needs change?

Absolutely. Consumer Cellular offers flexibility for switching plans. You can easily upgrade or downgrade if your needs change.

How to Switch to Consumer Cellular

3 min read

Updated October 30, 2023

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Are you tired of paying full price on your cell phone bills? Ready to save money?

Consumer Cellular phone plans could cut your cell phone bills by up to $600 a year without sacrificing anything in terms of quality and coverage.

In this guide, I'll cover how to switch to Consumer Cellular, a wallet-friendly carrier that won't break the bank.

Plus, I'll show you how easy it is to bring your own phone and share the variety of low-cost plans they offer.

How to switch to a Consumer Cellular plan

Here's what you need to know when switching to Consumer Cellular:

Coverage: Before switching, check our Consumer Cellular coverage map to make sure coverage is available in your ZIP code.
Determine your needs: Decide what you need from your phone plan in terms of data, talk, and text. Also, consider any additional essential features, like international calling or mobile hotspot access.
Compare plans: Compare Consumer Cellular plans to find the one that best suits your needs.
Porting your number: If you want to transfer your current number to Consumer Cellular, you can do that when activating your SIM card. But don't cancel your current contract until your port request is complete with Consumer Cellular.
Bring your own phone or upgrade: If you love your current phone, you can bring it with you as long as it's unlocked and compatible with the AT&T or T-Mobile network. If you'd prefer a new device, Consumer Cellular offers deals on the latest popular cell phones.
Buy your SIM card: When you've chosen your plan, your Consumer Cellular SIM card kit will be mailed to you in a few days. Or if you've chosen an eSIM, your new plan should be live within a few minutes.

Bring your own phone to Consumer Cellular

One of the things we love most about Consumer Cellular is that you can bring your own phone (BYOP). So if you're happy with your current phone, you just need to check a few things to ensure it's compatible with Consumer Cellular.

Unlock your phone: If your device is locked to your previous carrier, you'll need to contact them to unlock it. Once unlocked, it should be compatible with Consumer Cellular.
Phone compatibility: If your current device is compatible with AT&T or T-Mobile and is unlocked, it should be compatible with Consumer Cellular. If you have any doubts, just put your IMEI number into our phone compatibility checker.

Consumer Cellular plans

Consumer Cellular offers affordable and customizable plans to suit various budgets and usage preferences. Whether you're a heavy data user, a prolific texter, or someone who only needs minimal connectivity, they have a plan for you. Here are some popular options:

Choose your data plan: Offering several versions so you can opt for the amount of data you need.
Family plans: Save money the more lines you get! You'll get a discount on additional lines with Consumer Cellular family plans.
Shared data plans: Share a set data allowance across multiple devices.
Talk & text plans: All Consumer Cellular plans come with unlimited talk & unlimited texting. No overage fees or extra charges to worry about.

Activating your Consumer Cellular SIM card

Whether you bring your own device or buy a new phone, activating your Consumer Cellular SIM card is easy.

Create a Consumer Cellular MyAccount and log in.
Activate through your MyAccount or enter the activation number that came with your Consumer Cellular SIM card kit.
This is when you can choose to have your existing number transferred over.
The process will be much faster if you've signed up for a Consumer Cellular eSIM card. Use the provided QR code to be up and running within minutes.

Why choose Consumer Cellular?

Low-cost plans: Consumer Cellular offers competitive prices and can help you save hundreds on your cell phone bill. Plus, they offer an additional discount for AARP members.
Flexible plans: You're not locked into a long-term contract with Consumer Cellular, allowing you to change your plan or switch carriers anytime without any early termination fees.
Reliable coverage: With service on the AT&T and T-Mobile networks, you'll get the same quality coverage at a discount over the major carriers.
Excellent customer service: Consumer Cellular provides solid customer service with phone and chat options.

Switch to Consumer Cellular FAQs:

Recap

Switching to Consumer Cellular is a simple, painless process.

Consumer Cellular gives you big savings without sacrificing quality because they offer coverage on the same major networks. Their range of SIM cards includes several data allotment options, allowing you to find the perfect plan to fit your needs.

The flexibility of bringing your own phone and outstanding customer service further make Consumer Cellular the ideal service provider for cost-conscious consumers.

To learn more about this MVNO, check out the hands-on research in our Consumer Cellular review.