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T-Mobile is paying customers to swap out their Sprint SIM cards

Updated Nov 3rd, 2022 10:59AM EDT
T-Mobile-Sprint
Image: T-Mobile

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It’s been a bit over two years since T-Mobile merged with Sprint. T-Mobile discontinued the Sprint brand four months later, in August 2020, but many legacy Sprint subscribers have still yet to swap out their SIM cards. To convince those customers to make the switch, T-Mobile is offering them a $10 bill credit, as The T-Mo Report discovered.

T-Mobile will pay you to swap your Sprint SIM card

eSIM, T-mobile sprint simImage source: T-Mobile

A few months ago, a source sent The T-Mo Report a document detailing a brand new program targeting any T-Mobile customers using Sprint’s SIM cards. On June 30, Sprint started giving “targeted Sprint biller customers” a $10 bill credit per line when they swap their SIM cards. This is a limited-time promotion, but the document didn’t reveal an end date.

T-Mobile’s program for swapping out all the Sprint SIM cards is called the T-Mobile Network Experience. As the T-Mobile site explains, your Sprint account will stay the same. You’ll keep the same price, plan, and billing experience. The only difference is that your mobile device will now access T-Mobile’s network as its primary network.

Here’s what the T-Mobile Network Experience provides, according to T-Mobile:

  • Your device will show the T-Mobile network, and you’ll get the full T-Mobile Network experience.
  • You’ll access T-Mobile’s free Scam Shield app, with exciting services like free Scam ID, Scam Block, and Caller ID.
  • You even keep your current plan and billing through Sprint.

If you want to switch to the T-Mobile Network Experience, you have a few options.

The easiest is probably visiting a T-Mobile retail store, where they can help you through the process. You can also call Sprint’s customer care line at 888-211-4727 or chat with an expert on Sprint.com.

If you decide to swap the SIM card on your own, log in to your Sprint profile on Sprint.com and follow the SIM Swap flow.

Whichever method you choose, don’t swap out the Sprint SIM cards before contacting T-Mobile or before the SIM Swap flow instructions tell you to do so.

Finally, remember that every line on your Sprint account has to switch to the T-Mobile Network Experience to qualify for the bill credits.

T-Mobile’s data collection scheme

t-mobile-n-sprintImage source: T-Mobile

Once you’ve swapped out your Sprint SIM card, you may want to consider opting out of T-Mobile’s new App Insights program immediately.

T-Mobile rebranded its advertising business back in June. It changed the ad revenue group’s name from T-Mobile Marketing Solutions to T-Mobile Advertising Solutions. The carrier also launched an app-based analytics program. The program allows third-party marketers to track users’ app usage data, WiFi network connections, and browsing activity.

Thankfully, opting out is relatively simple. The program only affects Android users for the time being, but you can opt out on Android and iOS.

Set up your T-Mobile SIM card

swim-swapImage source: T-Mobile

To activate your new T-Mobile SIM cards

As a Sprint customer, your new T-Mobile SIM card either comes with a Magenta sleeve or not. The steps for activating your new T-Mobile SIM depend on which of the SIMs you got.

  • For those with Magenta SIM sleeves, visit Sprint to begin the activation process. You will be allowed to access and use the T-Mobile network instead of your Sprint network as your primary network.
  • For those without Magenta SIM sleeves, visit Sprint to activate if you will be using the new SIM on a new device. Visit Sprint If you wish to use the new SIM with your current phone.

FAQ

Will my Sprint phone work on T-Mobile?

Most likely. The more recent Sprint phones are less likely to have any issues using T-Mobile’s network. But, you may need to upgrade to a newer compatible phone if your device is much older.

Are Sprint and T-Mobile SIM cards the same?

Not exactly. But eligible Sprint customers can switch to the full T-Mobile network with a simple SIM swap. You will be allowed to access and use the T-Mobile network instead of your Sprint network as your primary network.

Why did Sprint turn off LTE?

According to Sprint, “Retiring Sprint’s LTE Network allows the company to free up resources and spectrum that will help strengthen the entire network.” Also, doing that would help Sprint to move all their customers to more advanced high-speed network technology on T-mobile.

Can I transfer my Sprint number to T-Mobile?

Absolutely! If you wish to switch to the T-Mobile network, you can do it by following either of the three steps below.
Through Customer service calls: Place a call to 1-800-937-8997 and ask to be put through. Call 1-877-778-2106 for prepaid.
Through a store: Further, you can initiate a transfer over to the T-Mobile network by visiting one of their stores. A Mobile Expert would put you through the process.
Through an online platform: This method is recommended if you don’t need to use your current phone until your new T-Mobile phone or SIM card arrives. Carefully follow the number transfer instructions in the checkout section of the payment page.

Why can’t I transfer my phone number from Sprint to T-Mobile?

On rare occasions, some customers are unable to their numbers to the T-Mobile network. To avoid this, keep your old phone and account active until the number on your new account is activated. This could ensure complete transfer with a seamless service connection.

Jacob Siegal
Jacob Siegal Associate Editor

Jacob Siegal is Associate Editor at BGR, having joined the news team in 2013. He has over a decade of professional writing and editing experience, and helps to lead our technology and entertainment product launch and movie release coverage.