Make a Cell Phone Prepaid
Want to save money with a prepaid plan but don't want to buy a new phone? Learn how to make your existing GSM (SIM-compatible) phone in a prepaid cell phone in a few easy steps.
Steps
- In order to make your current GSM cell phone prepaid, it must be out of contract. If it is not out of contract, reach out to your current provider and ask to terminate your existing contract. There is usually an early termination fee associated with cancelling your existing service.
- Choose a prepaid service with a "Bring Your Own Phone" (BYOP) program, sometimes also referred to as a "Bring Your Own Device" (BYOD) program. Some popular service providers that offer this are Net10, Straight Talk and Simple Mobile.
- Order a SIM card from your prepaid service provider of choice. This can be done online at their website. Sometimes the BYOP program will be on a different site than the providers main one. Check to make sure you're on the right site.
- Purchase a prepaid contract from your prepaid service provider of choice. Make sure you choose the contract that best supports your phone usage. If you're a heavy user go with an unlimited talk, text and data plan. If you're a lighter user choose a plan that reflects that.
- Once you receive your new SIM card, simply remove the old SIM card and replace it with the new one. The process is generally quite easy with the SIM card usually located at the back of the phone. For more information, see the wikiHow article "How to Switch SIM Cards" in the Related wikiHow section at the end of this article.
- Activate your new phone. This step is particular to your chosen service provider. Your new SIM card should come with activation instructions. Activation can generally happen both in store and online.
- Enjoy your new prepaid phone! Add more minutes as needed.
