Today, nearly all wireless operators in the US have the bring your own phone program. The platform is popular because it helps customers save on money. It allows you to keep your old smartphone when changing service providers. The only downfall with BYOP is that your device may not be compatible with your carrier of choice. Joining the Sprint bring your own phone program will be simple if your cellphone is consistent with their network.
Sprint is a renowned cellular company with nationwide coverage, affordable plans, and reliable customer service. But before you sign up for Sprint’s BYOP program, keep in mind that they use CDMA technology to distributed networks. If your phone is CDMA-compatible, then you can join Sprint and pick from one of its bring your own phone plans. The recent launch of LTE networks creates a bridge for GSM and CDMA non-compatible devices. It explains how customers are joining CDMA operators like Boost and Sprint with smartphones they already own. However, only the latest phones made between 2011 to date will work with LTE technology.
There are plenty of deals for new and existing customers through Sprint’s bring your own device program. The company offers financing for customers with non-compatible phones. Alternatively, you can choose to buy a new smartphone outright from their online store. In this article, we’ll be guiding you through the Sprint bring your own phone process. We will as well highlight eligible phone plans for the program, as well as many other features about Sprint Mobile.
Sprint Bring Your Own Phone: Everything You Need To Know
How do you feel about your existing carrier? If you are looking for a change, then you must be in luck. Sprint is giving away money for switching to its network through Sprint bring your own phone program. Make the switch to qualify for a prepaid MasterCard with $300. The only requirement is that you must use an online link to register. It’s a great deal because you don’t have to give up your current phone or get one you don’t need. Simply take your device to Sprint, complete the switching process, and register online for an unlimited plan. And you can even get a better deal for your Apple device with sprint plans for iPhone.
To change your network carrier from T-Mobile, AT&T, or Verizon, start by making sure your device is unlocked. If it’s still locked, call your operator for an unlock code. The process can take a couple of days since they don’t want you to leave. Enter the code to unblock your handset and visit Sprint’s website to complete the process.
Your next vital task is to ensure your phone is Sprint-compatible. There are good chances that it is if it’s a new-model smartphone. In that case, you’ll have to obtain your handset’s IMEI and key it in on the carrier’s website. Once you complete the process, all that remains is to register for Sprint’s unlimited plan.
The plans start from $35 per month. And depending on how your current provider is charging, you could also save money on these plans. Each package comes with unlimited talk-time and text, as well as data. On top of that, you’ll have extra features, including HD video streaming or using your cellphone as a mobile hotspot. You might land some bonus features such as free subscriptions to Amazon Prime, Hulu, or Tidal, based on your preferred plan.
But you must be wondering, “Does sprint use sim cards, and when do I get one when making the switch?” With the launch of LTE technology, a SIM chip is vital for your unlocked handset to communicate with the cellular network. Sprint SIM cards are available in triple-cut. Sprint plus wireless MVNOs that run on its network like Freedom Pop, Boost, and Ting use reusable chips. Existing customers can get free SIM replacements by calling Sprint customer service.
What To Know Before Taking Your Phone To Sprint
There are specific requirements for customers who intend to sign up for the Sprint bring your own phone program. If you observe their terms and conditions, you’ll have a straightforward application process. Some of the vital factors to consider include;
- You must bring an unlocked phone
- Sprint will not allow lost or devices flagged as stolen
- While most handsets are compatible, Sprint’s network band limitations might cause inconsistencies
- Sprint will only allow domestic phones
- Other limitations apply
If you are eligible, begin by calling customer support for other requirements before you start the application process.
Which Phones Will Work With Sprint?
Sprint network can accept both CDMA and GSM phones. But you should keep in mind that they only allow domestic handsets. It means a compatible device for the Sprint bring your own phone program should be US-made, and unlocked. Besides, the latest technology updates make it easier to know whether you have a Sprint-compatible phone.
You can use the IMEI checker on Sprint’s website to confirm if your device will work on its network. You can dial *#06# on your phone to access your IMEI code. Here are some of the Sprint-compatible handset manufacturers;
- ZTE
- Samsung Electronics
- Nokia
- Motorola
- Apple
Sprint Bring Your Own Phone Step-By-Step Guideline
The following is a step-by-step guide for Sprint bring your own phone program.
Step 1: Check Handset Compatibility
You can check cellphone compatibility through the IMEI code. Use the IMEI checker on Sprint’s website to complete the confirmation process. Another compatibility check is to make sure you have a US-made handset.
Step 2: Purchase Sprint Sim Card
You can buy a Sprint Sim Card from its retail or online store. The carrier provides same-day or next-day shipping for online orders. Besides, Sprint allows existing subscribers to use their old chips for the BYOP program.
Step 3: Select a Plan
Sprint has wide-ranging contract plans from which you can choose. In addition, they have an extensive selection of sprint plans no contract offers to consider. The carrier has very affordable plans, which we’ll show you later below. But keep in mind that you can only pick an unlimited plan for its BYOP program.
Step 4: Activate Your Device
You can activate your device after completing all the steps above. Visit Sprint’s website to activate your phone at no extra cost.
Sprint Bring Your Own Phone Cellphone Plans
Plans are underway for a merger between Sprint and T-Mobile. But the deal still has to clear numerous hurdles. Until then, it is business as usual for subscribers on the Sprint network.
Sprint has a selection of unlimited plans, which include unlimited monthly data. Also, there is a 2-Gig plan for those who don’t need so much data. Plans start at $35 a month, with some tiers offering free Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Tidal subscriptions.
Sprint BYOP Unlimited Plans
You can choose from four unlimited plans for the Sprint bring your own phone deal. The plans add features at every pricing level. Like the non-unlimited offer, you can also get $5 off your monthly payments if you opt for AutoPay.
Here are the four BYOP unlimited plans from Sprint Mobile;
1. Sprint $35 Monthly Unlimited Kickstart Plan
Sprint reserves the Unlimited Kickstart plan for new customers joining with their own phones. It is also available to new subscribers that buy a handset at full retail price. You’ll want to hurry to get this plan since it’s a limited-time offer. The package doesn’t feature a mobile hotspot. Also, it doesn’t come with family plan discounts.
The main features include;
- Standard definition video streaming
- Unlimited talk-time and SMS
- Unlimited data
- Free calls and SMS to Canada and Mexico
2. Sprint $65 Monthly Unlimited Basic Plan
The unlimited basic plan offers more features, including:
- SD quality or 480-p video streaming
- 500-MB mobile hotspot data at full-speed
- 5-Gig high-speed data
- Unlimited talk-time and SMS
- Free calls and SMS to Canada and Mexico
- Free Hulu subscription
3. Sprint $75 Monthly Unlimited Plus Plan
For $75 a month, the unlimited plus plan offers;
- HD quality video streaming
- 50-Gig monthly mobile hotspot data at full-speed
- 10-Gig high-speed data
- Unlimited talk-time and SMS
- Free calls and SMS to Canada and Mexico
- Free Hulu and Tidal subscriptions
4. Sprint $85 Monthly Unlimited Premium Plan
For $85 a month, the unlimited premium plan offers;
- HD quality video streaming
- 100-Gig monthly mobile hotspot data at full-speed
- Unlimited high-speed data
- Unlimited talk-time and SMS
- Free calls and SMS to Canada and Mexico
- Free Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Tidal subscriptions
- Free Lookout mobile security application
Here’s how the unlimited plans stack up:
Overview of the Sprint bring your own phone unlimited plans
| Carrier | Plan | What You Get | Monthly Fee |
| Unlimited Kickstart | ● Unrestricted Data ● No-contract ● Offer 1: $300 prepaid MasterCard via BYOP or new outright phone purchase and switching to Sprint ● Offer 2: Free-next-day shipping for handset purchase | $35 | |
| Unlimited Basic | ● Unrestricted Data ● No-contract ● Offer 1: $300 prepaid MasterCard via BYOP or full price phone purchase and switching ● Offer 2: Free-next-day shipping for handset purchase | $65 | |
| Unlimited Plus | ● Unrestricted Data ● No-contract ● Offer 1: $300 prepaid MasterCard via BYOP or full price phone purchase and switching ● Offer 2: Free-next-day shipping for handset purchase ● Offer 3: Get $10 per month off per line via BYOP plan or full price phone purchase | $75 | |
| Unlimited Premium | ● Unrestricted Data ● No-contract ● Offer 1: $300 prepaid MasterCard via BYOP or full price phone purchase and switching ● Offer 2: Free-next-day shipping for handset purchase ● Offer 3: Get $10 per month off per line via BYOP plan or full price phone purchase | $85 |
Sprint BYOP Family Plans
The Sprint bring your own phone program is also available on the carrier’s family plans. You can add up to four lines on each of the unlimited plans, except for Kickstart unlimited. Also, Sprint lets customers mix and match its unlimited offers with different prices depending on your choice.
Sprint Non-BYOP, Non-Unlimited Cell Phone Plan
The carrier has one option for a non-unlimited subscription. The $45 monthly non-unlimited plan comes with 6GB high-speed internet. But you can get $5 off your monthly payments through AutoPay.
However, this plan is not available under Sprint bring your own phone program. Instead, you must activate a new account and get a new handset costing $450 or less. At that price range, you don’t expect to find popular models such as the Google Pixel 4, iPhone 11, or Samsung Note 10+, among others.
One of the most attractive things about Sprint is that they offer affordable plans. There’s plenty of un-throttled data regardless of subscription level. Moreover, they have tons of great deals for all unlimited plans, save for the limited-time Kickstart plan. But you’ll need to watch out for the low gaming and video streaming quality, especially on their cheaper packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own phone to Sprint?
Yes. You can transfer your current smartphone to Sprint network, provided it’s unlocked from the previous provider and supports CDMA or LTE networks.
Can I buy an unlocked phone and use it with Sprint?
While Sprint allows customers to use unlocked phones on its network, it must be a US-made handset.
What kind of phones are compatible with Sprint?
All phones that can run on the CDMA technology will work with Sprint. Also, Sprint supports the latest phone models with LTE functionality.
Can Sprint use Verizon phones?
You can use a Verizon phone on the Sprint network since both carriers use the CDMA technology to distribute network signals. But you need to make sure that Verizon unlocks the handset before you bring it to Sprint.
What network does Sprint use?
Sprint uses the CDMA network for cellphone signal distribution.
How can you tell if your Sprint phone is unlocked?
Insert a SIM card that belongs to another in your Sprint phone. If you receive a signal, it means the phone is unlocked. You may have to request an unlock code from Sprint if there’s no reception on your phone.
Bottom Line
Sprint provides not only low-cost phones and plans but also a straightforward way to use your existing phone on its network. And if you’re stuck with the Sprint bring your own phone process, the carrier has a dedicated customer support team to assist you. In addition, you’ll get discounted rates on cellphone plans for bringing your own phone. So, their BYOP program is a great offer worth trying. You can visit their webpage to get more attractive offers for new and existing customers.