Already have a T-Mobile phone that you need to activate—or have an
unlocked GSM phone you want to use on the T-Mobile network? Just get a
SIM card and choose a plan. Slip the ready-to-use SIM Card into your
phone and you’re ready to go.
What Is a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Card?
The SIM card is the brain of a
digital phone. It is a card that comes with T-Mobile phones, featuring a
computer microchip. You can easily insert the card into the phone or
transfer it into other phones, retaining your phone book and
personalized service information.
NOTE: A non T-Mobile phone needs to be an unlocked GSM phone in order to work with a T-Mobile SIM card on the T-Mobile network.
What is an unlocked device?
Most GSM providers in North America
ship their phones with a SIM Subsidy Lock that prevents the phone from
working with SIM cards from other carriers. This is done to offset the
cost of the discount customers receive on phone purchases as well as
prevent fraud. In some instances, customers may request their phone be
unlocked. Once unlocked, the phone can be used with any carrier’s SIM
card.
What is the difference between GSM vs. CDMA, etc.?
GSM and CDMA are two different
technologies used by wireless carriers. The primary difference is in how
voice and data transmitted wirelessly is handled by the network. GSM
also adds the use of a SIM card, which adds security, making it more
difficult to clone phones. It also allows customers to easily switch the
phone they are using. With CDMA, if a customer wants to use a different
phone, they have to contact their carrier and have the new phone
activated. GSM customers can simply move their SIM card from their old
phone to their new phone.
How do I switch my SIM card?
If you simply want to move your
existing SIM card into a new phone, instructions for removing and
inserting SIM cards can be found in the user manual
