How To Transfer Straight Talk Service To A New Phone
There are two ways to transfer your straight talk service to a new phone or SIM. Move the SIM card from the current phone to the new one or activate your new phone or SIM from straighttalk.com.
Straight Talk is prepaid cell phone plan with no contract. They keep their prices low by using existing cell towers from other major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Your Straight Talk phone has a SIM card which connects it to one of the major carrier networks. By changing the SIM card you can switch between AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile service.
If you buy a new Android phone or iPhone from Straight Talk, it most likely uses the Verizon network. But if you started using Straight talk with an existing phone, it could be using any of the three major cellular networks. If you don’t know what network your phone is using, ask straight talk customer service and they’ll tell you or visit our post on How To Tell What Network My Straight Talk Phone Is Using.
To transfer Straight Talk service to a new phone, turn the phone off and remove the SIM card, then install the SIM into your new phone. Make sure the new phone is turned off. The SIM has to fit into the new phone and be compatible with the type and model phone you’re using. Once the SIM is installed, turn the phone on. When it boots up you should be connected to the cellular network associated with the SIM.
Transfer Straight Talk Service With A New SIM Card
If you buy a new Straight Talk phone from Walmart or their website, it should come with a new SIM card. But if you buy a Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP) or Keep Your Own Phone (KYOP) kit, you’ll need a SIM card. You can order one online, buy them at Walmart or reuse the old one.
If you buy a new SIM card, make sure it’s for the network you want to use and is compatible with your phone.
If you want to use Straight Talk with a Verizon service, check the phone’s serial number (MEID or IMEI) to make sure the phone is compatible with the SIM. To find them dial *#06#. The numbers will display on the screen. You can also find these numbers in your phone’s settings.
- For iPhone Tap Settings > General > About
- For Android Tap Settings > About Phone > Device
Once you have the numbers call 1-877-430-CELL(2355) or visit https://www.straighttalk.com/whyst/keep-your-own-phone
Ordering a new SIM online is cheaper than buying one from Walmart, however you have to wait a few days for delivery.
- If you don’t already have one, create a new account for your current phone on straighttalk.com
- From the Straight Talk website, choose Activate
- Select the Straight Talk Phone or BYOP option
- Choose I have a SIM card
- Enter your SIM card number
- Accept the terms of service
- Continue through any remaining prompts
If you’re using a Straight Talk Verizon SIM card, you may need to enter your phone’s MEID or IMEI information.
Eventually you’ll be given the option to use your existing number or be given a new one. Choose to your current number if you want to transfer service.
Does The Balance Transfer With My Service?
In most cases your service balance transfers to the new phone when you transfer the service. However, this does not apply if the new phone isn’t eligible for your current plan. If you’re using Straight Talk’s $30 plan, you may not be able to transfer your remaining service balance to a smartphone or BYOP phone. Your phone number and service will transfer, but you’ll need to purchase a new service plan for the phone.
How Long Does A Service Transfer Take?
When I transferred my Straight Talk Service to a new phone it was instantaneous. I switched my old SIM to a new phone and it worked immediately. But this isn’t always the case. Straight Talk says the process can take up to 48 hours so make sure to take this into account when planning your transfer. I recommend doing the transfer during business hours Monday – Friday in case you have to call customer service for help.
How To Transfer Straight Talk Service To A New Phone
There are two ways to transfer your straight talk service to a new phone or SIM.
- Move the SIM card from the current phone to the new one
- Activate your new phone or SIM from straighttalk.com.
Straight Talk is prepaid cell phone plan with no contract. They keep their prices low by using existing cell towers from other major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Your Straight Talk phone has a SIM card which connects it to one of the major carrier networks. By changing the SIM card you can switch between AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile service.
If you buy a new Android phone or iPhone from Straight Talk, it most likely uses the Verizon network. But if you’re using Straight talk with an existing phone, it could be using any of the three major cellular networks. If you don’t know what network your phone is using, ask straight talk customer service and they’ll tell you. To find out yourself, visit our post on How To Tell What Network My Straight Talk Phone Is Using.
To transfer Straight Talk service to a new phone, turn the phone off and remove the SIM card, then install the SIM into your new phone. Make sure the new phone is turned off. The SIM has to fit into the new phone and be compatible with the type and model phone you’re using. Once the SIM is installed, turn the phone on. When it boots up you should be connected to the cellular network associated with the SIM.
If you have any questions or comments about how to transfer Straight Talk Service to a new phone, email any time.