Sprint has been one of the leading wireless carriers for years and has a very good reputation. It offers great services, various plans with a lot of beneficial features, Sprint Bring Your Own Phone option, and more. In 2020, Sprint joined the T-Mobile family, which also means they transitioned from CDMA to GSM, however, this does not have a noticeable impact since 4G LTE operable phones are interchangeable between CDMA and GSM networks.
In today’s article, we will focus on Sprint Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP) option also known as Sprint Bring Your Own Device (BYOD). We will explain what this option is, who is it for, how to qualify, and more. We will answer a lot of common questions in the following sections, which will enable you to determine whether the Sprint Bring Your Own Phone option is something you should consider.
Why Switch to Sprint?
These days most leading carriers have pretty great coverage all across the US. And since Sprint joined the T-Mobile family, their coverage is even better than before. They promise the best 5G coverage nationwide. Thus the coverage might be one reason to switch to Sprint.
Secondly, they also offer great plans, especially their unlimited offers for several lines that are extremely affordable.
However, the main reason why most users decide to switch to Sprint is their special offers for new customers. With a specific plan selection, you can get phones like iPhone 11 or Samsung Galaxy S10+ leased for free. Of course, specific conditions must be met; trade-in devices, a new line added, and more.
So, if you are interested in getting your hand on one of the latest smartphones for $0/month buy just paying for your monthly plan, then Sprint is definitely worth your attention.
Who Qualifies for Sprint Bring Your Own Phone Option?
Spring Bring Your Own Phone is an option that is available to everyone who has a device that is compatible with the Sprint services. This means that you will be able to use their SIM card and their plans with a phone that was originally issued by another carrier or as an unlocked device directly by the phone manufacturers.
Eligibility or phone’s compatibility can easily be checked online (more on that in one of the following sections). Of course, you can also visit one of their local stores and ask their representative to check the compatibility on your behalf (you will need to have the phone you want to check with or have certain details regarding it with you).
Sprint Bring Your Own Phone Process – How to Switch to Sprint
The process of Switching to Sprint services is relatively simple. You can do it by yourself online (this is the method we will focus on herein) or you can visit one of Sprint’s local stores or representatives and have their representatives do most of the process for you.
Each of the two methods has its own advantages, however, by the time spent to just get to one of the local Sprint stores, you could have easily finished the entire process online from the comfort of your home a couple of times over.
Sprint Bring Your Own Phone process (online):
- Visit Sprint’s official website
- Once on their home page, hover over the ‘Devices’ item in the top menu bar. A drop-down menu will appear. Under the ‘More’ column you will see the ‘Bring your own device’ option. Click on it.
- Once on the next page, you will initiate the 4 step process of bringing your own device, which includes eligibility check, getting their SIM card, choosing a plan, and activating your device. So scroll down slightly until you see the ‘Check Eligibility’ option. Click the ‘Get Started’ button in that section.
- On the next page, you will get to check your phone’s compatibility. For that, you will need to enter your device ID (IMEI or MEID) and click the ‘Continue’ button next to the entry field. If you need help finding your phone’s ID, follow the instructions provided on the page.
- If your phone is compatible, you will be able to proceed with the SIM card purchase.
- Then you will select a plan and complete the purchase process.
- After you receive your SIM kit, you will need to insert it into your device and activate it. To do so repeat the first two points (1. and 2.). Then click the ‘Finish Activation’ button in the ‘Activate Your Device’ section. On the next page, you’ll be asked to enter your order confirmation number and ZIP code. Do so and click the ‘Continue’ button to finish the process.
That is it, this is the entire Sprint Bring Your Own Phone process.
Besides, you can also port in your existing number. To do so, call Sprint’s support at (888) 211-4727 and tell them that you want to port in your number. They will tell you all you need to know/do to complete that successfully.
Sprint Bring Your Own Phone Device List and Plans
The list of the actual devices to be used with Sprint Bring Your Own Device would be too extensive, as they accept a wide range of phones. However, below is a list that will help you determine whether it makes sense to initiate the compatibility check process or not for your device.
Point to consider regarding the Sprint Bring Your Own Phone option:
- Domestic devices only (international devices not supported at this time)
- Some devices may be eligible but could have network band limitations that would result in a subpar experience
- Devices must be unlocked domestically by your current carrier before switching
- Sprint will not accept lost/stolen devices
- Features and network experience may vary based on the original device carrier
- Sprint Bring your own device option is only compatible with the postpaid plans we currently sell for consumers and businesses.
- Restrictions apply
check more about sprint mobile Best Sprint Basic Phones, Sprint Flip Phones for Sale
Sprint Bring Your Own Phone Plans:
When you bring your own device, you can choose from any of the postpaid plans Sprint currently sells for consumers and businesses. Below is a full list of postpaid Sprint plans.
-
Unlimited Basic:
- Price: $60/month for single line (2 lines for $100/mo., 3 lines for $100/mo. (discounted from $120/mo), and 4 lines for $100/mo. (discounted from $140/mo))
- Includes:
- Unlimited data, talk, and text nationwide
- Hulu
- 500MB LTE Mobile Hotspot
- DVD-quality SD video streaming (480p)
- Unlimited talk, text and 5GB of data while roaming in Canada and Mexico
-
Unlimited Plus:
- Price: $70/month for single line (2 lines for $120/mo., 3 lines for $130/mo. (discounted from $150/mo), and 4 lines for $140/mo. (discounted from $180))
- Includes:
- Unlimited data, talk, and text nationwide
- Hulu
- Tidal
- 50GB LTE Mobile Hotspot
- HD video streaming (1080p)
- Unlimited talk, text and 10GB of data while roaming in Canada and Mexico
-
Unlimited Premium:
- Price: $70/month for single line (2 lines for $120/mo., 3 lines for $130/mo. (discounted from $150/mo), and 4 lines for $140/mo. (discounted from $180))
- Includes:
- Unlimited data, talk, and text nationwide
- Hulu
- Tidal
- Amazon Prime
- Lookout Premium Plus
- 100GB LTE Mobile Hotspot
- HD video streaming (1080p)
- Unlimited talk, text and unlimited data while roaming in Canada and Mexico
- Unlimited For The Military – the same plans as above with up to 50% off on lines 2 – 6
- Unlimited 55+ – customers ages 55 and older who switch to Sprint get 2 lines of Unlimited for $35/mo. per line.
Sprint Family Plan
Sprint is great for families, which may use all of the above-presented plans for multiple lines and save noticeable amounts.
Currently, the most affordable option is for four lines on Unlimited Basic, which will cost a family of four only $25/mo. per line. This is $35/mo. cheaper than a single line Unlimited Basic plan.
How to Choose a Sprint Plan
NOTE: Keep in mind that the Sprint Bring Your Own Device option is only available on postpaid plans, which means you are limited to the plans presented above. However, if you decide to grab one of Sprint’s phones, you can also explore prepaid plans.
Choosing a Sprint plan doesn’t have to be difficult. However, it does require you to consider your budget and your needs. Look at the plans presented above in detail and determine which one best suits you and your family. That go online, call Sprint support, or visit one of the local Sprint stores and get all sorted out.
Do not forget to consider your Hotspot needs. The Unlimited Basic will not give you much; with only 500MB you are definitely not set. However, with 50GB or even 100GB of Hotspot data, you could easily get by without the fixed internet provider and save that way.
How to Check if Your phone is Compatible With Sprint?
Compatibility can be checked online (just follow the instructions below) or you can visit a local Sprint store and ask them to check the compatibility for you.
Here are the exact steps that will enable you to check your phone’s compatibility with Sprint network:
- Visit Sprint’s official website
- Once on their home page, hover over the ‘Devices’ item in the top menu bar. A drop-down menu will appear. Under the ‘More’ column you will see the ‘Bring your own device’ option. Click on it.
- Once on the next page, you will initiate the 4 step process of bringing your own device, which includes eligibility check, getting their SIM card, choosing a plan, and activating your device. So scroll down slightly until you see the ‘Check Eligibility’ option. Click the ‘Get Started’ button in that section.
- On the next page, you will get to check your phone’s compatibility. For that, you will need to enter your device ID (IMEI or MEID) and click the ‘Continue’ button next to the entry field. If you need help finding your phone’s ID, follow the instructions provided on the page.
What if Your Phone is Not Compatible With Sprint?
If your phone is not compatible with Sprint, you will have no other option then to purchase one of Sprint’s devices or grab a special deal that will provide you with a free device. That is, of course, if you want to use Sprint services.
How to activate my previously unlocked phone at Sprint network?
If you have a phone that has been active on the Sprint network before, you will most likely be able to use it with their network. However, since it may be an older device (possibly limited to 3G), it is always best to complete the compatibility check. After you’ve ensured that the phone is compatible, order your Sprint SIM card and place it into the phone upon its arrival.
The activation process can be completed online (instructions below) or by calling Sprint support at (888) 211-4727.
Activation steps (on your own online):
- Visit Sprint’s official website https://www.sprint.com/en/landings/activate-your-device.html
- Once on their home page, hover over the ‘Devices’ item in the top menu bar. A drop-down menu will appear. Under the ‘More’ column you will see the ‘Bring your own device’ option. Click on it.
- Make sure you’ve inserted your Sprint SIM card into your phone. Then click the ‘Finish Activation’ button in the ‘Activate Your Device’ section.
- On the next page, you’ll be asked to enter your order confirmation number and ZIP code. Do so and click the ‘Continue’ button to finish the process.
That is it, this is the entire Sprint activation process.
Do Other Companies Allow You to Use a Sprint Phone?
There is no general rule about this. Most companies that offer their Bring Your Own Phone/Device options (most carriers have that option) have a compatibility-check process set in place. As such, you will first need to get your Sprint phone unlocked and then use that specific carrier’s compatibility-check service to ensure that a Sprint phone is compatible with their network.
Can I Use Another SIM Card With a Sprint Phone?
Using another carrier’s SIM card with a Sprint phone is something that is determined by each carrier. As explained in the section above, you need to make sure that the carrier, which SIM card you would like to use with Sprint Bring Your Own Phone option and that the device at hand is compatible with that carrier. If your Sprint phone is still locked to their network that won’t be possible. If a Sprint phone has been unlocked, you can check compatibility online as per the above section, or simply insert the SIM card into the phone and see if it work. If you ate able to make and accept calls with that SIM card, you are golden.
Can I Use a Sprint SIM Card With Another Carrier’s Phone?
The entire Sprint Bring Your Own Phone deals with this topic as you can either use unlocked phones bought directly from the manufacturer or you can use other carriers’ phones that have been unlocked. In either case, you need to make sure that the phone is compatible with the Sprint network. Use the information provided in the ‘How to check if your phone is compatible with Sprint?’ section above.
If I Want to Use a Sprint Phone With Another Carries, Is It Possible and How Can I Do It?
Yes, it is possible. You can use a Sprint phone with other carrier’s services, however, three conditions must be met:
- Your Sprint phone must be unlocked,
- That carrier must offer a ‘Bring Your Own Phone’ option, and
- Your device must be compatible with that carrier’s services.
Once all of the above is checked, you will be able to use a Sprint phone with most carriers since these days a majority of contract-free and contract-based carriers offer BYOP options.
After Purchasing the Unlimited Plans From Sprint, Which add-ons Will be Available to Me?
Since unlimited plans contain unlimited amounts of data, text, and talk, you won’t need to add airtime, which is what standard add-on cover. However, Sprint offers several additional services (some of these are already included in their unlimited plans).
Full list of Sprint add-ons:
- Entertainment:
- Hulu – This lets you watch your favorite TV with unlimited access to the largest streaming library
- Tidal – This lets you listen to your favorite music and watch music videos from top artists (if not included, it costs $9.99/mo.)
- Amazon Prime – This lets you shop Amazon products with 2-day shipping and stream TV, movies, and music (if not included, it costs $12.99/mo.)
- STARZ – This lets you access thousands of movies (it costs $8.99/mo.)
- PANTAYA – This lets you stream your favorite Spanish movies on up to four devices at a time (free for 45 days, then $5.99/mo.)
- Flix Latino – This lets you access 200+ of your favorite Spanish shows and movies (free for 45 days, then $2.99/mo.)
- Protection:
- Sprint Complete
- Sprint Complete MyHome
- Lookout Premium Security (free for 14 days, then $2.99/mo.)
- Lookout Premium Security Plus (free for 1 month, then $9.99/mo.)
- Secure Wi-Fi (free for 1 month, then $9.99/mo.)
- Sprint Backup & Restore ($0.99/mo.)
- Family Services:
- Sprint Drive
- Tracker + Safe & Found
- Family Wall
- Safe & Found
- Phone Services
- Sprint Direct Connect Plus – communicate with employees even faster ($5/mo.)
- Sprint Call Screener Plus – Get advanced detection and protection from unwanted calls ($2.99/mo.)
- Visual Voicemail – Read your voicemails with this voice transcription-to-text service (starting at $0.50/mo.)
- Wi-Fi Calling – Make and receive phone calls over a Wi-Fi connection
