Switching Phone Plans? A Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Plan

Ready for a change? Here’s how to make the switch stress-free!

‍

So, you’re thinking about switching phone plans? Whether you’re looking to save money, get better coverage, or finally ditch that outdated plan, changing phone plans can feel like a big deal. But don’t stress—we’ve got you covered.

‍

Switching your plan is easier than you think, and it can unlock better deals, newer technology, and even stronger network coverage. Follow this simple step-by-step guide to make the switch without the headaches.

Step 1: Assess Your Current Needs

Before you dive into a new phone plan, take a step back and figure out what you actually need. Everyone’s phone usage is different, so switching to the right plan starts with understanding your habits. Ask yourself:

• How much data do I really need?
  
  • Are you a casual user who mostly sticks to Wi-Fi, or do you stream videos and games online, and scroll endlessly while out and about? If you barely use data, a smaller (and cheaper!) plan might be the way to go. But if you’re always running out before the end of the month, it’s time to upgrade.
• Do I travel often and need international calling?
  
  • If you frequently call or text internationally, make sure your plan includes free or low-cost international calling. Some plans also offer international roaming or eSIM options, making it easy to switch to a local network when traveling.
• Do I care about perks?
  
  • Some plans bundle in extras like free streaming subscriptions (Netflix, Disney+, Apple Music), hotspot data, or discounts on family plans. If you’re already paying for these services separately, switching to a plan that includes them could save you money.
• Are there any hidden costs I need to cut?
  
  • Check your last few bills for sneaky fees or unused services. Are you paying for phone insurance on an old device? Extra hotspot data you never use? Cutting unnecessary add-ons might help you save without switching at all.

Once you know what you actually need (and what you don’t), you’ll be ready to find a plan that fits your lifestyle—without overpaying for features you’ll never use.

Step 2: Research & Compare New Plans

Now that you know what you need, it’s time to shop around. And no, you don’t have to visit 10 different carrier websites—there are way easier ways to compare plans!

• Use online comparison tools (like Goji!) to find the best options in seconds.
• Check coverage maps to make sure you’re going with the carrier with the strongest service where you live, work, and travel (try Goji’s coverage map).
• Look beyond price—some plans include perks like free streaming or hotspot data. If you’re already paying for those separately, bundling them into your phone plan could save you money!
• Read reviews to see what real customers say about network reliability and customer service.

Step 3: Determine Phone Compatibility & Unlock Status

Thinking of bringing your current phone to a new carrier? Smart move—but first, make sure it’s compatible.

• Check if your phone is unlocked. If you bought it from a carrier, it might be tied to their network. Contact them to unlock it before switching.
• Make sure your phone works on the new carrier’s network. Some phones only work with specific networks, so double-check compatibility.
• Decide if you want a new phone. Sometimes, switching carriers comes with great trade-in deals or discounts on new devices!

Step 4: Understanding Costs

Switching can save you money—but don’t let unexpected fees catch you off guard. Here’s what to look out for:

• Early termination fees – If you’re breaking a contract, check if there’s a fee.
• Activation or setup fees – Some carriers charge a one-time fee when starting a new plan.
• Device costs – If you’re upgrading, factor in the price of a new phone or monthly payments. If you’re still paying off your old phone, check if you’ll need to pay the remaining balance before switching.

Pro tip: Many carriers offer switching deals that cover termination fees, provide bill credits, or even pay off your old phone if you’re still financing it. Keep an eye out for promos that can help cut costs!

Step 5: Making the Switch

Ready to make the leap? Here's how to switch carriers smoothly without losing service:

1. Back Up Your Phone: Before making any changes, back up your contacts, photos, and important data. This ensures you won't lose any information during the transition.
   
   
2. Gather Necessary Information: Your new carrier may need your current account number, password or PIN, and your phone’s ESN/IMEI number to process the switch. Requirements vary, so check with your new carrier to confirm what’s needed.
   
   
3. Choose Your New Plan and Sign Up: Select a plan that fits your needs and sign up either online or in-store.
   
   
4. Unlock Your Phone (If Bringing Your Own Device): Ensure your current phone is unlocked to be compatible with the new carrier. Contact your existing provider to unlock it if necessary.
   
   
5. Port Your Number: To keep your existing phone number, inform your new carrier. They'll handle the transfer process. Ensure your old plan remains active until the porting is complete, as canceling it prematurely can disrupt the transfer.
   
   
6. Activate Your New Service: Follow the activation steps provided by your new carrier. This may involve inserting a new SIM card or activating an eSIM.

Step 6: Set Up & Test Your New Service

Time for the final touches! Once your new plan is activated, follow these steps to ensure everything is working properly:

1. Insert Your New SIM Card or Activate Your eSIM
   
   • If using a physical SIM, power off your phone, insert the new SIM, and restart your device.
   • If using an eSIM, follow your carrier’s instructions to activate it in your phone settings.
2. Test Call Quality, Texts, and Data
   
   • Check that your mobile data is working properly—try loading a website or streaming a short video.
   • Make a test call and send a few texts to ensure everything is functioning.
   • If you experience issues, restart your phone or reset network settings.
3. Set Up Voicemail, Carrier Apps, and Extra Features
   
   • If required, set up your voicemail with a new PIN and greeting.
   • Download any carrier apps for managing your plan, checking data usage, or enabling features like Wi-Fi calling.
   • Enable additional services like hotspot data or international roaming if they’re included in your plan.
4. Monitor Your Service in the First Few Days
   
   • Keep an eye on coverage and performance, especially in key locations like home and work.
   • If anything seems off (e.g., slow data, missing features), contact your new carrier’s customer support for troubleshooting.

Step 7: Notify Contacts and Update Information

If you got a new number, don’t forget to update your info!

• Tell friends & family so they don’t wonder why you ghosted them.
• Update your phone number on bank accounts, social media, and important apps.
• Set up call forwarding (if possible) to catch any calls to your old number.

Step 8: Enjoy Your New Plan

Congrats—you did it! Now, make sure your new plan is living up to your expectations.

• Check your first bill to confirm there are no surprise charges.
• Monitor your service quality and contact customer support if anything feels off.‍
• Stay on top of new deals—carriers change offers all the time, and you might find an even better one down the road (use Goji to stay on top of the latest phone deals)!