Tracfone Says I Need a New Phone


Did Tracfone tell you that you need to buy a new phone? Many people are asking me questions about this so I thought I’d write this article to explain what is going on and answers some of the questions your questions.

Q. Why Do I Need a New Phone?

Tracfone is updating their network. If Tracfone told you to replace your phone, your current phone will no longer work once the network upgrade is completed.

In fact, it’s really Verizon that is updating their network. And many Tracfone phones use the Verizon network. Verizon is shutting down their old CDMA network and moving to all 4G LTE and 5G technologies. In order to update their network to provide better, faster, and more efficent coverage, Verizon is replacing their oder CMDA technology with new techologies.
I’d say every ten years or so, the big carriers shut down their old cell networks. Its good in that we all get better cell service but its unfortunate customers have to replace phones.

Note that Verizon and Tracfone are behind schedule on this transition. They were supposed to shut down the old network close to two years ago but have delayed a few times. Getting all the customers to switch to new phones and making sure all the cell towers across the USA is a big task and took more time than anticipated.

Q. Is this a trick just to get me to buy a new phone?

No, it’s not a trick. They are not just trying to sell you a new phone. And it reality, wireless companies make their money selling you service, not phones. I suspect in some cases Tracfone breaks even or loses money selling some phones, and when they do make a profit it isn’t a lot of money for them.

Which iPhones are Compatible with Tracfone?

The iPhone 6 and iPhone SE and newer iPhones that are compatible with Verizon will work with Tracfone’s Verizon towers and support the Voice Over LTE (VoLTE) technology required to use their Verizon towers. The iPhone 5s and older iPhones are no longer compatible. You may be able to use iPhone 5s and iPhone 5 models with Tracfone’s AT&T or T-Mobile towers.

Which Samsung Galaxy Phones are Compatible with Tracfone?

In short Galaxy S5 and newer phones are that are compatible with Verizon will work with Tracfone’s Verizon towers will support the Voice Over LTE technology required to use their Verizon towers.

While I Lose My Minutes When I Upgrade To a New Phone?

No. You can transfer both your phone number and remaining service balance of minutes, texts, and data from your current phone to your new phone.

However, if your current phone is eligible for Triple Minutes (3X) for life, your new phone might not be. If you are currently able add the $50 for 365 service days add-on your new phone may not qualify. Tracfone’s smartphone’s and BYOP phones no longer qualify for the 3x plans. Consider adding minutes or the $50 1 year add on before transferring your service to your new phone,

Where Can I Buy a New Phone

You have a choice to either buy a new phone directly from Tracfone or buy one elsewhere and Bring Your Own Phone or Keep Your Own Phone as Tracfone calls it.

Most of the phones that Tracfone sells in 2021 use the Verizon networks or towers. Tracfone sells a variety of both smartphones & basic phones. Any phone currently sold on tracfone.com is compatible. Tracfone may have sent you an email or text message offering you a deal or discount on a new phone. When you buy a SIM card from Tracfone the SIM Card is included

You can also check out my Tracfone. I post the monthly Tracfone deals here on smartphonematters.com see the Tracfone Latest Deals Here….

You can Bring Your Own Phone to Tracfone if you want. You can buy a new unlocked iPhone from Apple or Samsung phones from Best Buy if you want. When you switch to Bring Your Own Phone with Tracfone, you’ll have the option to use their Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile towers.

If you want to continue to use Tracfone’s Verizon towers, you’ll need a phone that is eligible. Once you know your phone is eligible, order a Tracfone Verizon SIM online directly from tracfone or pick one up in a retail store like Best Buy, Target, or other retailers for $1. While you may find a Tracfone SIM card in Walmart, they may charge you $10 for the SIM card.

To check to see if your phone is eligible, enter your phone’s MEID / IMEI (serial number) on tracfone.com here.

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