How to switch phone carriers

Early termination fees for smartphones are a thing of the past with phone installment plans. AT&T was the last of the four major carriers to end two-year contracts for smartphones, and you’ll face early termination fees if you are still stuck on a two-year contract. You’ll still have to pay off the rest of your device before you switch or turn it back in, however.

But how do you actually swap cell phone carriers? How do you take advantage of the current cash incentives? And is it possible for new customers to stick with their old phone? We’ve put together a guide on how to switch phone carriers, including how to get out of cell phone contracts without paying the early termination fee.

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Note: Before you do anything, we recommend backing up your important data. Phone carriers can “port in” some of your data to new providers, but it’s always a good idea to back up yourself. Here’s how to back up your iPhone or back up your Android phone. Furthermore, when you switch wireless carriers, beware — you’ll most likely have to trade in your current phone. Here are a few steps to take on the path to liberation from your current carrier.

The first steps

Compare wireless providers

Before you make any drastic decisions, you should first compare all the major carriers’ plans. Here are a few things to consider:

Research phones and plans

Do you need a large screen and a high-end camera? Do you need the latest operating system? Decide beforehand what matters most. Then, reference our best smartphones list to find which phone and carrier is best for you. T-Mobile and

are now willing to pay your early termination fee or part of your remaining phone payment balance when you switch networks (check each provider’s website for details). Before switching, it’s always good to reread your current phone plan and compare it to your desired new plan.

Now that two-year contract plans are dead, you’ll have to pick a monthly phone installment plan. Previously, when you had a two-year contract plan, you’d pay a one-time subsidized fee, and then the phone would be all yours. For example, the iPhone used to cost you a $200 down-payment on two-year plans with AT&T and Verizon before contracts were phased out. That’s over $500 less than the non-contract price. Now, you don’t have that option if you get a new plan.

Here’s how your new monthly payment plan will work: