There was a time you’d do a lot of things just to switch your operator. However, times have changed, and all wireless providers agreed on certain things to simplify the process for changing carriers. Boost mobile bring your own phone program, or BYOP is one of those processes. In this arrangement, Boost Mobile lets you bring a phone that you already own and activate it on their system. The company has a straightforward application process with an easy way to confirm if your phone is compatible with its network. It means you can only bring a device that supports Boost’s system.
Nevertheless, Boost Mobile’s $0 activation fee for the new device is very impressive. You will only spend your dollars to get a SIM kit or purchase a new cell phone if what you have is incompatible with their network. Even so, there is a decent selection of boost mobile used phones, or get a free phone for switching from MetroPCS to Boost. Keep in mind that Boost piggybacks on Sprint Mobile’s network. Therefore, make sure your mobile phone can use Sprint’s CDMA 4G LTE network before joining the boost mobile bring your own phone program. Since Boost Mobile is part of Sprint Mobile Company and runs off its interface, you can expect reliable network connectivity across the US.
If you are bringing a device from Sprint, the setup process will be quick and easy because it’s already Boost-compatible. Also, consider taking advantage of discounted Boost Mobile prepaid phones from its online store. In this article, we’ll be offering a complete boost mobile bring your own phone guide. You’ll learn how to qualify for Boost’s BYOP, check your phone’s compatibility, and unlock your device for activation at Boost. Besides, we’ll show you highlights of the best bring your own phone plans and some essential FAQs. But first, let’s see the BYOP process before we provide answers to frequently asked questions.
Boost Mobile Bring Your Own Phone: Everything You Should Know
Are you thinking of switching to Boost Mobile but don’t have the resources to buy a new phone? Well, you no longer have to incur the cost of a new device with the boost mobile bring your own phone service. Simply switch to Boost Mobile by bringing an unlocked phone you already own for setting up one of its unlimited plans. Moreover, deals for existing customers still apply to new subscribers who plan to switch with their own phones. You also stand to grab discounts for every new line you purchase or any other great deals on phone accessories.
However, there’s one caveat to bringing your phone to Boost Mobile. You’ll need to know how to unlock your old cellphone if you intend to use it with a new operator. After unlocking your smartphone, it won’t be tied to any contract or a specific carrier. For example, you can have the original carrier run an internal SIM unlock, letting you insert a new Boost Mobile SIM card. Active Boost users can order a boost mobile sim card replacement kit for the unlocked device.
But keep in mind that unlocking your phone does not make it interoperable on Sprint’s network. We recommend that you check online, call, go to the nearest store, or chat with support to confirm your phone’s compatibility with the Boost network.
In addition, it’s essential to restore your phone to the state it was when you bought it. It means performing a factory-reset, letting boost mobile activate it on their system. The process should wipe off all data from the previous carrier, leaving it free to accept new operator settings.
How To Qualify For BYOP Program at Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile provides some guidelines for customers who want to bring their own phones. Device compatibility is the more obvious eligibility criteria for BYOP. Other conditions to consider include:
- You should bring an unlocked device
- The phone should not be stolen or flagged as lost
- You should not bring a leased phone
- The phone should work on Spirit’s CDMA network
- The phone should be made in the US
Regardless, Boost doesn’t have intimidating processes such as credit checks.
Checking Phone Compatibility with Boost Mobile Network
The Boost Mobile BYOP ID checker makes it easy to confirm phone compatibility before activating it on their system. Visit the website and insert your phone’s IMEI number to know whether your device is compatible or not. If you don’t have the IMEI, simply dial *#60# on your phone to receive it.
What If My Phone Is Incompatible?
All phones are not compatible with Boost. That’s why checking compatibility is the carrier’s most important requirement. If your phone is incompatible, you can secure boost mobile prepaid phones available at retail stores across the country or on the internet. The devices come in different categories from the flagship to mid-range, and up-to-the-minute smartphones.
Unfortunately, Boost Mobile doesn’t have any financing options at this time if the device you want breaks your budget. However, there is a host of boost mobile free phones, which you can get instead. Boost Mobile is giving new subscribers up to four devices at $0 for switching with their current phone numbers and activating a family plan. Porting in for a free phone doesn’t sound like a bad deal, especially when the phone you already have is incompatible with Boost’s network.
How To Prepare Boost Compatible Phone For The Switching Process
Before bringing your device to Boost from a different operator, ensure it is unlocked. Most US carriers lock the smartphones they sell to their networks. If you are trying to swap carriers with such a phone, you must unlock it before activating it on the new system. Unlocking a device that you purchased from one of the major operators should be simple. AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Sprint have an agreement to unlock carrier-subsidized phones for customers who fulfill all contractual requirements, including payments.
If you have one of the latest models, you can probably move to Boost from any operator under the boost mobile bring your own phone program. The reason is that most recent phone models are universally compatible. But if you are looking at an older model, you can only switch to Boost if the device was running on a CDMA network carrier like US Cellular, Verizon, Sprint, or other MVNOs using that network.
How To Unlock Your Phone For Boost Mobile Activation
There are various ways to unlock US wireless carrier-locked phones.
- You can unlock an operator network-locked phone if you bought it at full-price with no subsidy, and it is one year after the initial activation.
- You can unlock a carrier-locked subsidized device, purchased on a 2-year agreement, which is ready for renewal.
- You can unlock an operator-locked phone you bought through an installment plan, whose payments are complete.
In all three cases above, you must make sure your account is in good standing. It shouldn’t reflect illegal use or unpaid bills. The four major US carriers also have a deal allowing them to unlock phones for their previous subscribers.
You can call your carrier to unlock your device if you meet the above criteria. But there’s no guarantee that your device will be interoperable with boost mobile bring your own phone program. The rule of thumb is to first confirm with Boost Mobile, to be sure that your phone will operate with its system.
How To Tell If Your Phone Is Already Unlocked
It’s not uncommon to see consumers searching the web for ways to confirm if their smartphone is already unlocked. Some sites will even ask for your personal information or apply a cost to tell you if your phone is unlocked. We don’t recommend these methods since some websites are not genuine. Scammers can quickly get your details using such avenues.
There is a simple, free, and surefire technique to tell if the device you have is unlocked. The method comes with no hassles, and it should only take a couple of minutes to verify.
- Find a friend with a different wireless operator and borrow their phone.
- Replace your phone’s SIM card with your friend’s SIM.
- An unlocked phone should get service on a different wireless carrier’s SIM card.
If your phone does not receive service, it means it’s locked, and you need to consider the next section.
How Tonlock U Your Phone
Each mobile service provider needs a phone or visiting its official site to initiate the unlocking process. As you make that call, ask the customer representative to help you unlock your phone’s network.
Here’s how to contact different US mobile operators. Take time to read the fine print for more details:
| Carrier | How To Unlock | Other Details | Company Policy |
| Virgin Mobile | Calling 888-322-1122 | ▪ Runs on Sprint’s CDMA network | Unlocking Policy |
| Verizon | Calling 800-711-8300 | ▪ Latest 4G LTE models have unlocked SIM slot ▪ Older models only work on Verizon CDMA network even after unlocking | Unlocking Policy |
| US Cellular | Call 888-944-9400 to unlock 3G devices | ▪ Most 4G LTE phones already unlocked ▪ Visit the nearest store to unlock locked 4G LTE models | Unlocking Policy |
| T-Mobile | Calling 877-746-0909 or Starting a chat online | ▪ None | Unlocking Policy |
| Sprint | Calling 888-211-4727 or Starting a chat online | ▪ Phones use CDMA technology ▪ Can work with its MVNOs like Boost and Virgin Mobile | Unlocking Policy |
| MetroPCS | Calling 888-863-8768 | ▪ Will unlock device three months after the first activation | Unlocking Policy |
| Cricket Wireless | Calling 800-274-2538 or Starting a chat online | ▪ Will unlock device six months after the first activation | Unlocking Policy |
| AT&T | Visit their Unlocking Site to start the process | ▪ None | Unlocking Policy |
No need to worry if you don’t find your cell phone provider on our list. We could only list a few. But the procedure for unlocking your phone is relatively the same across all carriers, including:
- Calling the mobile operator
- Visiting its webpage
- Going to the nearest store
Unlocking your device is vital before starting the boost mobile bring your own phone process. And you could also get more cash if you intend to sell your phone in the future.
Best Bring Your Own Phone Plans at Boost Mobile
You are probably wondering how to choose the best bring your own phone plans with this company. Any of Boost Mobile’s prepaid plans can work for you, depending on your needs. But if you’re on a budget, Boost covers you with amazing unlimited deals, including Boost Mobile plans with free cell phones.
The following is a quick rundown of boost mobile bring your own phone plans.
$25 Per Line Plan for 4Lines
This is an excellent family plan that we recommend for anyone. The deal packs various features, including:
- Unlimited domestic talk-time and text
- Unlimited high-speed internet
- 4G LTE internet speeds with no throttling
- Unlimited SD quality video-streaming
- Mobile hotspot
We’ll not dwell much on this plan since it is a limited-time offer.
Boost Mobile has other unlimited plans starting from $35 to $80 a month. You’ll want to bring more lines if you intend to save with Boost Mobile.
Boost Mobile 3 Gigs of 4G LTE Plan
You’ll get 3GB of high-speed data plus unlimited nationwide calling and texts with this plan. Moreover, there is a mobile hotspot that uses your data allotment. It is also available as a family plan with up to 5 lines.
For just $35 a month, this plan carries the following features:
- No contract
- SD quality video streaming
- Tidal 6 month
- Unlimited High-Definition music streaming
- 3GB of high-speed data
- Unlimited talk and text
The price is inclusive of taxes and fees. Also, after you hit the 3GB data allocation, Boost slows down your connection with no overages.
Boost Mobile Unlimited GIGS Plan
You’ll get unlimited nationwide calling, texts, plus 4G LTE data with this plan. Moreover, there is a 12-Gig mobile hotspot data allotment. Also, the plan is available as a family plan with up to 5 lines.
For just $50 a month, this plan carries the following features:
- No contract
- SD quality video streaming
- Up to 2Mbps gaming
- Tidal 6 month
- Unlimited High-Definition music streaming
- Unlimited high-speed data
- Unlimited talk and text
The price is inclusive of taxes and fees. You may experience deprioritization with network congestion.
Boost Mobile Unlimited Plus Plan
You’ll get unlimited nationwide calling, texts, plus 4G LTE data with this plan. Moreover, there is a 30-Gig mobile hotspot data allotment. Also, the plan is available as a family plan with up to 5 lines.
For just $60 a month, this plan carries the following features:
- No contract
- High-Definition video streaming
- Up to 8Mbps gaming
- Tidal six months
- Unlimited High-Definition music streaming
- Unlimited high-speed data
- Unlimited talk and text
The price is inclusive of taxes and fees. You may experience deprioritization with network congestion.
Boost Mobile Ultimate Unlimited Plan
You’ll get unlimited nationwide calling, texts, plus 4G LTE data with this limited-time plan. Moreover, there is a 50-Gig mobile hotspot data allotment. Also, the plan is available as a family plan with up to 5 lines.
For just $80 a month, this plan carries the following features:
- No contract
- Unlimited landline calling to over seventy countries
- High-Definition video streaming
- 200 mobile talk-time to over fifty countries
- Up to 8Mbps gaming
- Tidal premium
- Unlimited High-Definition music streaming
- Unlimited high-speed data
- Unlimited talk and text
The price is inclusive of taxes and fees. You may experience deprioritization with network congestion.
The following table summarizes the unlimited plans at Boost Mobile;
| 3 Gigs | Unlimited Gigs | Unlimited Plus | Ultimate Unlimited | |
| Minutes and Texting | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Tidal Offer | Six months | Six months | Six months | Six months |
| Mobile Hotspot | uses data | 12-Gig | 30-Gig | 50-Gig |
| Streaming Video quality | SD | SD | HD | HD |
| Single Line | $35 | $50 | $60 | $80 |
| From 2,3,4, and 5 Lines respectively | $60, $90, $120, and $150 | $80, $110, $140, and $170 | $100, $140, $180, and $220 | $140. $200, $260, and $320 |
Step by Step Guide To Bring Your Phone To Boost Mobile
Changing the operator and bringing the cellphone with you is a simple process that you can complete in a couple of minutes. Similarly, the boost mobile bring your own phone procedure shouldn’t be difficult. Here are easy-to-follow steps to connect your phone on the Boost Mobile network.
Step 1: Checking Your Mobile Phone Compatibility
We already mentioned how you could use the IMEI checker on Boost’s webpage to confirm your phone’s compatibility.
Step 2: Unlock Your Phone
If your phone is compatible, the next thing is to unlock it. You can ask your carrier’s customer care to do this for you.
Step 3: Order The Boost Mobile Sim Card
The SIM card is an essential tool as it stores your provider’s network data. You can get this from Walmart stores or online.
Step 4: Restore Your Phone To Factory Settings
It is vital to restore your device to the condition it was in when you bought it brand new. It helps to erase all network settings from the previous carrier and prevent inconsistencies with Boost Mobile’s configurations.
Step 5: Pick Your Phone Plan
We looked at the best boost mobile bring your own phone plans. Choose one that matches your needs and budget.
Step 6: Activate Your Mobile Phone
Finally, go to the nearest Boost Mobile store to activate your device. Alternatively, you can do it online by logging into your Boost Mobile account and following the available instructions.
That’s nearly everything concerning the process of bringing your phone and activating it on the Boost Mobile system. Before we wrap it up, let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this process.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to activate boost mobile phone without paying?
You can activate a boost mobile phone online and avoid incurring costs. Simply follow the on-screen commands to complete the activation process.
2. What phones are compatible with Boost mobile sim cards?
Boost Mobile uses Sprint’s CDMA 4G LTE network. So, any phone that interoperates with Sprint’s system should be compatible with boost mobile SIM cards.
3. How to flash a Verizon phone to boost mobile for free
Verizon Wireless runs on the CDMA system technology similar to Sprint. You need to check whether the phone is unlocked. If not, call Verizon customer care and request them to unlock it for you. After that, perform a factory reset, pick a Boost Mobile plan, get your SIM card, and activate the line on the internet without paying.
4. How can I tell if my phone is compatible with Boost Mobile?
Visit the official Boost Mobile webpage and navigate to the ‘Bring Your Phone’ section. From there, key in your phone’s IMEI number to see if it is compatible. Alternatively, you can go to the nearest Boost Mobile store for assistance.
5. Where can I get a Boost Mobile SIM card and activate my phone?
Boost Mobile SIM cards are available at Walmart retailers, Boost Mobile stores, and on the internet.
6. How much is a SIM card at Boost Mobile?
A Boost Mobile bring your own phone SIM card a kit goes for $9.99.
7. What plans are available when I bring my own phone?
You can choose any of the available prepaid plans at Boost when bringing your phone for activation.
8. Can I bring a Sprint or Virgin Mobile phone and activate it on Boost Mobile service?
No. The boost mobile bring your own phone program only accepts non-Sprint and non-Virgin cellphones. Phones from the two operators have a different activation process at Boost Mobile.
9. Can I buy a used phone and bring it to Boost Mobile?
Yes. Provided the device is unlocked and interoperable with the Boost Mobile system. However, you have no means of ascertaining the device is not previously stolen or lost. We recommend that you limit yourself to new phones or certified pre-owned devices.
The Bottom Line
Boost Mobile is an excellent deal. The carrier provides excellent prices on data, which include hotspot internet. Keep in mind that the mobile virtual network operator runs on Sprint’s 4G LTE network. So, you are guaranteed of high-speed unlimited data all the time. And with boost mobile bring your own phone program, you can switch to its network and still keep your phone. Also, bringing multiple lines is the best way to save on Boost Mobile, making it the perfect package for you and your family.