US Mobile cell phone plans are unique, featuring customization features, but the problem is that they are swimming in a massive sea of prepay plans from other MVNO wireless services. Furthermore, there are dozens upon dozens of MVNOs (like TracFone Wireless and Republic Wireless) available. This makes it difficult in deciding whether or not US Mobile is right for you.
To add onto this growing headache, the US Mobile website is simple to navigate but features a lot of scattered information, making the monthly plan selection and features a little difficult to digest.
Well, we understand the pain of reading through the myriad of terms and conditions to understand what exactly you're getting on your new cell phone plan. Because of that, we've analyzed US Mobile and compiled the useful details into an easy-to-read article that will tell you everything you need to know.
Inside this guide, you'll find the details on the US Mobile phone service plans, SIM cards, customer service, and more. Finally, we'll direct you to our cell phone plan comparison tool, to help you gauge whether or not US Mobile is right for you.
Compare US Mobile Plans
US Mobile operates on the T-Mobile LTE network, so you can expect to experience similar degrees of coverage.
They offer no-contract plans, meaning you can change or cancel the wireless service whenever you choose. In addition, with its many customization options, you choose the services you want to pay for and then package them into a monthly plan that works well for you. In other words, US Mobile can offer some of the cheapest cell phone plans or some fairly pricey plans it's all up to you.
For the data-conscious users, US Mobile allows you complete control over how much data you want. If you need help determining how much data you need, our data usage calculator can help.
On the other hand, US Mobile is not for those who consume data like it's water. If that describes you, then get an unlimited data plan instead. You can choose either an unlimited plan from the major carriers or an MVNO unlimited plan, like Boost Unlimited.
Furthermore, if you want long distance, US Mobile has it, as it runs on T-Mobile's network. You can make long distance phone calls, but at the same time, there are no international calling plans available with the company... yet.
Family Plans
If you want to save more money, you can do a shared family plan with both friends and family--up to 10 lines per account. This allows you to bunch together plans that give you more data for less expense per line, ultimately making for quite the attractive family plan.
The cell phone service gives you a risk-free way to try its services. Unlike major providers such as Verizon Wireless, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint, within the first month of service, if you use less than 100 talk minutes, 100 texts or 100MB of data and determine it isn't the right fit you can cancel and receive a refund--except for the costs of shipping and the SIM card.
Prepaid Plans
Where the biggest cost savings comes into play is you don't have to commit to an unlimited plan like you would with other service providers. It's the flexibility of choosing your own services and usage that makes US Mobile an appealing option, especially when it comes to not-as-flexible MVNOs like Republic Wireless and major carriers like the T-Mobile and Sprint networks.
If you begin to run low on data allowance, texting or talk you have the option to top up your account at any time. You can do this by adding money to your balance via credit or debit card. You also have the option of customizing your plan if you determine your current one isn't working out for you. To do this, simply log in to your account and change it by the beginning of the month so it takes effect for the next billing period.
This prepay plan setup also makes US Mobile more flexible than - say - the TracFone cell phone plans, which are known to be a bit on the flexible side.
Speaking of account management, US Mobile makes it simple for you to manage your account with its dashboard. The dashboard shows all your usage for talk, text, data, and international calling. It also provides you with the option to pay your next bill. You can access your account dashboard from your computer, tablet or mobile phone.
Related: To see how US Mobile's prepay options compare against the competition, check out our buyer's guide to prepaid cell phone plans.
How to Use Your US Mobile Plan
To demonstrate, say you use your smartphone to text and access data with minimal talk coverage. With this you can select the 100 minutes of talk time for $3.00, unlimited text messages for $7, and how much data you would like, which ranges from 100 MB to 6GB. Meanwhile, if you plan to use your phone for talking and texting only, you have the option to do so with US Mobile.
Unfortunately, there appears to be no option for unlimited talk, so if you need more than 5000 minutes, you may either want to opt for a service with unlimited talk or top your account with more talk minutes. However, you should keep in mind that there is, at least, an unlimited text message option.
However, while a lot of US Mobile's features and no contract plans are sunshine and rainbows, you have to take into account a monthly service charge. Fortunately, the monthly service charge is only a couple of dollars, so it won't create a hefty dent in your bank account.
What Phones Can You Get with US Mobile?
US Mobile gives you the option to bring your phone with you if it's on the GSM network and unlocked. All you need to do is buy one of its SIM cards to start service. Meanwhile, if you don't have an unlocked GSM phone, you can find a great option through its shop.
US Mobile carries a wide selection of current and affordable phones. You can buy the Apple iPhone SE, the HTC One M10 and more of the latest offerings at full price. So if you happen to be an iPhone user, you don't have to part with the iPhone. Well, if you're a major iPhone user, you probably would either want to bring your own iPhone.
The carrier also has an open box section where you can receive a discounted price on a pre-owned phone, meaning that US Mobile offers some of the cheapest cell phones (and cheapest cell phone plans to complement) among the MVNO market. When you order a phone with US Mobile, you receive a free SIM card and free shipping on ground orders. It's important to note US Mobile doesn't sell phone insurance, so if you want it, you'll have to buy it through an insurance service provider.
Related: You can use our smartphone comparison tool to see the specs and features of the most popular phones.
Phone Activation
Activating service through US Mobile is hassle free. You can complete service activation online by visiting www.usmobile.com/activate. When you reach that page, you'll need the following information:
- Your SIM's ICC-ID number--you can find this on the SIM card
- Your first and last name
- Your zip code of residence (your zip code is important here)
- Email address
- A password to set up online account access
- Create your plan
After you accomplish these things, you'll make the first service payment and agree to the terms and conditions. After submitting the information, it takes a few minutes to set up service. During this time insert the SIM card into your phone. You can also contact the customer service phone number at 1-888-878-1488 to complete activation if your preference is to speak with a representative.
SIM Card
US Mobile operates on the GSM network, meaning you'll need a SIM card for service. If you plan to bring your own unlocked GSM phone you can buy a SIM card online. Do note that you can port your phone number with US Mobile. If you buy a phone through US Mobile, your SIM card comes free.
Deals, Promotions & Discounts
The US Mobile phone company offers a student discount where you receive a free SIM card.
Additionally, if you are a student at Yale, UC Irvine, Northwestern, Stanford, Vanderbilt, Emory, Harvard, Brown, the American Aviation Academy or the University of Chicago, you can pick up your free SIM card at your student services office.
US Mobile Customer Service
US Mobile offers customer support 24 hours a day seven days a week.
In addition, it touts its average response time to a customer's email is 10 minutes. Most customers love US Mobile's attentive service, customizable plans, and the easy service activation. If you need to contact US Mobile you can do so through live chat, calling its helpline, or emailing its staff.
Read More: US Cellular may sound similar, but these two providers are very different plans. Check out our guide to US Cellular to see why.
How to Change Your APN Settings
If you're switching to US Mobile, you may need to change your APN settings. You'll find the information you need below. Don't know how to change your APN settings? Go here.
| APN Settings | Solution |
|---|---|
| APN Name | US Mobile |
| APN | pwg |
| Proxy | |
| Port | |
| Username | |
| Password | |
| Server | |
| MMSC | http://pwg.mmsmvno.com/mms/wapenc |
| MMS Proxy | |
| MMS Port | |
| MCC | 310 |
| MNC | 260 |
| Authentication Type | |
| APN Type | default, supl, mms, admin |
| APN Protocol | IPv4 |
| APN Roaming Protocal | |
| Bearer | |
| MVNO Type |
Recap
US Mobile differs from other prepaid providers in that it allows you to build a plan that aligns most with your needs. This means you don't have to overpay for unlimited plans where you might not use all the features enough to warrant the cost. Coupled with the phone company's outstanding customer service, US Mobile is a great no-contract carrier.
So if you're thinking about a flexible prepaid carrier, you may want to reconsider a Verizon plan (Verizon plans are more expensive anyway) or TracFone cell phone plan and instead head on over to US Mobile.
Want to see how US Mobile stacks up against the competition? You can use our cell phone plan comparison tool.