BYOP switch - preparation & what to expect?

[ShaggyKids]

Hi there,

Planning to try out TMO with my VZW Note 5 and have never switched providers with the same phone.

Should I backup and reset my phone before putting the SIM in and activating on TMO?

Wondering what will change on my phone itself as far as will it affect apps I already have? Will activating the phone install all TMO's stuff?

Or is this more like switching out power plugs, out with VZW and in with TMO and nothing changes other than the source of the incoming data kind of thing?

I'm hoping for a smooth transition, is there anything I need to be aware of or do before/during the switch?

Thanks,
Deb

 

[Ry]

Wondering what will change on my phone itself as far as will it affect apps I already have? Will activating the phone install all TMO's stuff?

What do you mean by T-Mobile's "stuff"?

 

[NougatDude]

What do you mean by T-Mobile's "stuff"?

I'm assuming T-Mobile apps etc

 

[ShaggyKids]

Yes that's what I mean, sorry.

 

[IHateMyTreo]

Nothing from T-Mobile should load onto your phone. I test drove my VZW G3 on TMO before switching. It was just putting in the new SIM card (like doing that when traveling to Europe) and setting the new APN. Nothing changes other than the bands you use. And you lose access to VZW apps and features of course, like VZW Messenger and VM. You may not have use of all of TMO's features, maybe wifi calling, or some of the bands. May depend on your device.

 

[Almeuit]

Only phones bought from T-Mobile come loaded with the "bloat" -- If you bring another phone and slap the SIM in the only thing T-Mobile will do is authenticate and allow it to connect to the network.

 

[ShaggyKids]

Thanks, folks!

 

[IAmSixNine]

MMS may not work on your phone. Verizon in the past has had the manufacturers cripple that feature to try to limit their phones being used on other carriers.
Also for "best" wireless performance its recommended to get a TMo branded phone. Keep that in mind during your testing of TMOs network using a Verizon phone.

 

[ChromeJob]

Have you verified that your phone supports the T-Mobile radio frequencies? I'm not familiar with the Note 6.

 

[Almeuit]

MMS may not work on your phone. Verizon in the past has had the manufacturers cripple that feature to try to limit their phones being used on other carriers.
Also for "best" wireless performance its recommended to get a TMo branded phone. Keep that in mind during your testing of TMOs network using a Verizon phone.

I don't recall them doing this so it must have been a long time ago. Any modern Verizon phone should work on another network without issue... Just as long as you have the SIM/APN settings setup properly.

 

[IAmSixNine]

I agree it may not be an issue but it was. Just something to consider.