Do you have a working phone? Have you heard of Straight Talk’s great deals? Then you may have asked yourself: ‘Is my phone compatible with Straight Talk?’ Herein we will do our best to present you with all the details related to phone compatibility with Straight Talk, their Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP) process, and more.
Since Straight Talk offers great plans at affordable prices, it makes sense to consider switching to their services. And since more and more people need the detail on how to do that, we performed extensive research on your behalf.
After finishing reading this article, you will have all the information needed to decide whether you can switch to Straight Talk using your existing phone and how to do so.
If you are ready, let’s dig deeper.
How To Know If My Phone Is Compatible With Straight Talk?
So, is my phone compatible with Straight Talk? Well, this is not on us to answer, as the compatibility depends on your phone’s condition; whether it is locked or unlocked and to which network. Luckily for you, you don’t have to bother with all that information since Straight Talk set in place a simple way to check the compatibility of your phone online.
In the following subsection, we will provide you with detailed instructions on how to check your phone’s compatibility with the Straight Talk services.
Straight Talk Compatibility Check Process
This section will answer the question ‘Is my phone compatible with Straight Talk?’ for everyone. To make this as straight forward as possible, we will break it down into simple steps.
- Visit Straight Talk’s official website.
- Once on the home page hover over the ‘SHOP’ item in the main menu bar and click the ‘Buy SIM Cards or Bring Your Own Phone’ option from the drop-down menu that appears.
- Once on the next page, you will see three, the first of which is ‘CHECK COMPATIBILITY’. Click on the ‘CHECK NOW’ button below that option.
- The next page will ask you if you know which carrier your device is compatible with. You will get to choose between ‘I KNOW THE COMPATIBLE CARRIER’, ‘I HAVE AN UNLOCKED GSM DEVICE’, and ‘I DON’T KNOW’. Click the ‘SELECT’ button under the option that is true for you.
NOTE: depending on the option you select, you will be given slightly different instructions in each case. Make sure to follow the instructions to the point and complete the step.
In most cases, you will learn that your phone is compatible, and you will get to a step where you will be able to enter your Straight Talk SIM card’s number if you already have a Straight Talk SIM kit or enter your ZIP code to learn how to obtain your SIM kit.
After completing the above steps you should be able to answer the question ‘Is my phone compatible with Straight Talk?’ If this is still not clear to you, please call Straight Talk support.
Straight Talk Bring Your Own Phone & BYOP Plans
By now you know that Straight Talk offers BYOP program. If you are interested in it, you must start with the above-presented steps to first confirm that your phone is compatible with their services. The great thing about Straight Talk is that it offers contract-free plans and it is very simple to switch over to their network too. It is basically a three-step action:
- Check compatibility (as explained in the previous section) and get the ‘Is my phone compatible with Straight Talk?’ question answered.
- Pick your SIM/CODE & PLAN
- Activate Their services (once you have received their SIM or Activation Kit)
Straight Talk has many affordable plans, which are the same for those who purchase their phones or their SIM card kits (BYOP).
Straight Talk plans:
- UNLIMITED NATIONWIDE $35: Unlimited Nationwide Talk and Text, 5GB of data (First 5GB at high speeds, then at 2G); 30-day plan
- UNLIMITED NATIONWIDE $45: Unlimited Nationwide Talk and Text,25GB of data (First 5GB at high speeds, then at 2G); 30-day plan (extended options: $130 for 3 months, $255 for 6 months, $495 for 1 year)
- UNLIMITED NATIONWIDE $55: Unlimited Nationwide Talk and Text, Unlimited data, 10GB Hotspot data (not authorized with AT&T compatible SIMs)
- UNLIMITED INTERNATIONAL $60: Unlimited Nationwide Talk and Text, Unlimited Data with the first 25GB at high speeds, then at 2G, Unlimited Talk, Text, and Picture Messages plus Unlimited International Calling (limitation apply), Unlimited Mobile-to-Mobile to Mexico, China, Canada, and India phone numbers, call up to 15 unique destination numbers per service month, 400 bonus minutes to call Claro Guatemala phone numbers.
- BASIC $30: Unlimited Nationwide Text, 1500 Minutes for Nationwide calls, 100MB of data for data-capable phones.
- 2 LINES – UNLIMITED NATIONWIDE $90: ULTIMATE UNLIMITED – Unlimited Nationwide Talk and Text, Unlimited Data (Note: Hotspot data not included with discounted 2-Line Plan)
Note: All plans offer small discounts or additional data if the Auto-Refill option is enabled.
Straight Talk Add-Ons:
- $10 GLOBAL CALLING CARD: CALL THOUSANDS OF DESTINATIONS AROUND THE WORD INCLUDING MOBILES, RATES AS LOW AS 1¢ PER MINUTE. (Note: For calls originated from the US only.)
- 1GB FOR $5 (Unused balance will roll over to the next service cycle)
- 2GB FOR $10 (Unused balance will roll over to the next service cycle)
Straight Talk Bring Your Own Phone Kit
The Straight Talk Bring Your Own Phone Kit contains a credit-card-sized SIM card holder with several SIM card adapter option, SIM card number, activation codes, and instructions. If you order online (which is the fastest and simplest method) you will receive your Straight Talk activation kit via mail.
Once you receive it, visit Straight Talk’s official website, and in the top menu bar click the ‘ACTIVATE’ option. On the next page click the “ACTIVATE” button under the ‘Bring Your Own Phone or Tablet’ option. On the next step click the “SELECT” button under the ‘I HAVE A SIM CARD’. Finally, you will land on a page that will provide you with instruction and a prompt window to enter your SIM card number. Enter the number, check the ‘Terms and Conditions’ box, and click the ‘CONTINUE’ button. If you did everything right, you have now successfully activated your Straight Talk SIM card and are ready to use it with your phone freely.
REMEMBER to first check the compatibility and receive an answer on the ‘Is my phone compatible with Straight Talk?’ question.
Straight Talk Compatible Phones List
If you are considering bringing your own device, you should perform the compatibility check as per the above instruction, however, we decide to create this list, where we will present all the phones that are currently available at Straight Talk online phone store. Those same models purchased elsewhere should be compatible with Straight Talk phone if unlocked.
To make things as simple for you as possible, we arranged Straight Talk phones into three categories: Androids Smartphones, iPhones, and flip phones.
NOTE: If you want to avoid the ‘Is my phone compatible with Straight Talk?’ question completely, purchase Straight Talk phone at the official Straight Talk website.
Straight Talk Compatible Android Smartphones List
- SAMSUNG GALAXY A50
- SAMSUNG GALAXY A10E
- SAMSUNG GALAXY A20
- SAMSUNG GALAXY S20 ULTRA 5G
- SAMSUNG GALAXY S20 5G
- SAMSUNG GALAXY S20+ 5G
- SAMSUNG GALAXY S10
- SAMSUNG GALAXY S10+
- SAMSUNG GALAXY S10E
- SAMSUNG GALAXY S9
- SAMSUNG GALAXY S9+
- SAMSUNG GALAXY S8
- SAMSUNG GALAXY S8+
- SAMSUNG GALAXY S7
- SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE8
- SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE9
- SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE10
- SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE10+
- SAMSUNG GALAXY J7 CROWN
- SAMSUNG GALAXY J3 ORBIT
- SAMSUNG GALAXY J2
- SAMSUNG GALAXY S5
- SAMSUNG GALAXY J3 LUNA PRO
- LG SOLO LTE
- LG JOURNEY™ LTE
- LG PREMIER PRO LTE
- LG STYLO 3
- LG STYLO 4 LTE
- LG STYLO 5 LTE
- LG L413
- LG REBEL 4
- MOTO E5
- MOTO E6
- MOTO G6
- MOTO G7 OPTIMO
- MOTO G7 OPTIMO MAXX
- BLU VIEW 1
- TCL LX
- TCL A1X
Straight Talk Compatible iPhones List
- NEW IPHONE SE 64GB
- IPHONE 7 32GB
- IPHONE 7 PLUS 32GB
- IPHONE 6 32GB
- IPHONE 6S 32GB
- IPHONE 6S 128GB
- IPHONE XS 64GB
- IPHONE XS MAX 64GB
- IPHONE 11 64GB
- IPHONE 11 PRO 256GB
- IPHONE 11 PRO 64GB
- IPHONE 11 PRO MAX 64GB
- IPHONE 8 64GB
- IPHONE 8 PLUS 64GB
- IPHONE 8 PLUS 256GB
- IPHONE X 64GB
- IPHONE XR 64GB
Straight Talk Compatible Flip Phones List
- ALCATEL MYFLIP
Why And How To Switch From A Different Carrier To Straight Talk?
The main reasons why many decide to switch to Straight Talk are their affordable plans and great coverage. Moreover, their plans are contract-free, which is also a great plus side.
Switching over to Straight Talk from any other provider is very easy. Essentially you have two options; you can either bring your existing phone (if compatible; get the ‘Is my phone compatible with Straight Talk?’ answered first) or you can decide to purchase one of Straight phone talks. In both cases, you also need to choose your plan.
The simplest and fastest way to switch to Straight Talk service is to visit their official website and select one of the two given options above, complete the selection of your plan, make the payment, receive your package (phone + SIM kit or just SIM kit), and finally activate your services.
Are Straight Talk Phones Compatible With other Carriers?
In general, all Straight Phones come locked to their network. However, as the law dictates, all wireless providers must have an unlocking policy set in place. Thus, all Straight Talk phones can be unlocked and used with other carriers’ services. However, there is a set of conditions that must be met in order for you to be eligible for the unlocking of your device.
Once your Straight Talk phone has been unlocked, you are free to use it with any other wireless provider that offers the BYOP option. However, always check compatibility with their network first. Most providers that have the BYOP option set in place offer similar online compatibility check procedures as Straight Talk. Most times you need to enter your phone’s IMEI.
What To Look At When Buying A Straight Talk Compatible Phone?
Herein we will cover the most important aspects that you need to consider when buying a Straight Talk compatible phone.
Coverage
Coverage is important, and Straight Talk has amazing coverage as they operate on the nation’s largest wireless providers’ networks (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint). Currently, Verizon offers the best overall coverage. Pick your plan, and pick your network. You’ll always be covered on America’s largest and most dependable 4G LTE networks without the commitment of a contract.
Price
When purchasing a phone, prices vary vastly and you should make sure to stick to the budge that fits your current financial situation. However, in general, the rule ‘the more you pay, the more you get’ applies to phones. Make sure to know what you want out of our phone and stick to your priorities.
Plans
As you can see in the ‘Straight Talk Bring Your Own Phone & BYOP Plans’ section, Straight Talk offers several different plans. If you mostly use your phone for talks and texts, you get the basic plan, however, if you like to browse the web, stream HD video, and use your phone as a Hot spot, you will want to get a plan with unlimited data.
Make sure the seller takes returns
If you are buying your phone at Straight Talk, they have a 7-day return policy set in place. If you plan on purchasing your phone elsewhere, make sure that the seller has some return policy in place. That way you can try out your device and see if it working properly and if it meet the condition it should be in. If not, simply return it and get a refund or another device.
Make sure you get a warranty
Warranties are very important. The last thing you want is for your phone to break down without your fault and not being able to get a free repair or exchange it for credit or another device. With new phones, you should aim for a 1-year warranty and a 90-day one with refurbished phones. All new Straight Talk phones (purchased at Straight Talk) (except iPhones) are covered by a one (1) year limited warranty.
If no warranty is offered, stay away from that place.
Buy only from reputable vendors
These days there are so many places online and locally selling or sorts of phones. It can be rather difficult for an inexperienced buyer to know whether the phones are new or used. As such, it helps noticeably if you stick to reputable vendors. Those have a reputation to maintain and are highly unlikely to scam you or trick you in any way. Though, make sure to always read the fine print before signing any contracts.
How To Unlock Straight Talk Phones?
Once you have met the unlocking conditions, which can be found on Straight Talk’s official website (click the ‘UNLOCKING POLICY’ item in the footer), you need to call Straight Talk’s support at 877-430-2355 and request for your Straight Talk phone to be unlocked.
In case you are having problems with Straight Talk, you may use third-party unlocking services. There are many options online. Use your search engine and type in “phone unlocking service”.
Straight Talk Replacement Phone
To obtain warranty service for your Straight Talk phone, please contact Straight Talk Customer Care at 1-877-430-2355. If your problem cannot be resolved over the phone, their technicians will provide you with a Return Authorization Number, which you will use to send your phone and/or accessories (“Product”) to the designated Service Center for repair or replacement, at their option.
During the limited warranty period, Straight Talk will repair or replace, at Straight Talk’s sole option, any defective Products or parts with new or refurbished Products or parts if such replacement or repair is needed because of a Product malfunction or failure during normal usage. Straight Talk may, in its sole discretion, replace the Product with a different but comparable Product if the same exact Product is not available. The replacement Product may consist of refurbished equipment that contains used components, some of which have been reprocessed. All used components shall comply with Product performance and reliability specifications.
Where to Buy Straight Talk SIM?
The best place to buy a Straight Talk SIM kit is through their online store. Of course, you can also visit any of their official retailers, which can be located using their retail locator site (https://www.straighttalk.com/wps/portal/home/h/retaillocations). Another rather valid option is Walmart, which lets you purchase Straight Talk SIM kits online or in their local stores.
There are other options online, where you can buy Straight Talk SIM kits, however, we advise you to stick to the options given above.
Where to Buy a Straight Talk phone?
If you are able to obtain the phones IMEI number before your purchase, you can actually buy it anywhere (especially if unlocked). Just check the compatibility as described in this article.
However, if you are looking to purchase Straight-Talk-services-based phones, then there are 5 best places to focus on.
Official Straight Talk Website
This is by far the best option. It is safe, 100% devoted to Straight Talk services, and they offer great customer support, so you can call at any time if you need extra information or help. Moreover, they have the widest selection of Straight Talk phones.
Straight Talk Retailers
These are local stores, which can be located using Straight Talk locator (link given in the previous section). These retailers are a good place if you prefer to sort your wireless affairs in person, however, they tend to lack phone choices. They can help you make the order online.
Straight Talk Phone At Walmart
Walmart is another highly reputable alternative. They offer a wide range of phones from all major wireless carriers, including Straight Talk’s. They enable you to shop online or in any of their local stores.
Straight Talk Phone At Best Buy
As a leading electronics store, they too have a very wide selection of various mobile phones. Though their stocks may be limited from time-to-time, especially in local stores. As such, their online store gives you the best chance to get the phone you are after.
Straight Talk Phone At Amazon
This is not a surprise since there is basically not a single thing you can’t get on Amazon. Choosing this option does require some extra caution since there are many shady sellers on Amazon. Make sure to check their reviews and all the details on the listing.
FAQ
Can I bring an existing phone number to Straight Talk?
Yes. Once you obtain your SIM kit and activate it, call their support and request a number port in. You can also do that in advance, just as you complete your SIM kit order.
Does Straight Talk provide free phones?
No, Straight Talk does not provide free phones. However, they do offer rather highly discounted smartphones.
Can I use my straight talk SIM in another phone?
Yes, if the phone is compatible with their services. Check compatibility as described in one of the sections above.
How much does Straight Talk charge to switch phones?
Switching to Straight Talk is FREE, however, you will need to purchase their SIM kit, which normally comes at a symbolic price of $0.99. To actually use their services, you will also need to purchase one of their plans.
Do Straight Talk phones use Verizon towers?
Yes. Straight Talk uses all major wireless providers’ signal towers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint), depending on the type of SIM kit you purchase.
Which phones are compatible with both, Straight Talk and Verizon?
If we focus on 4G LTE phones, generally speaking, every unlocked phone should be compatible with both, Straight Talk and Verizon. However, since Straight Talk offers special SIM kit for Verizon phones, those can also be determined as compatible with both, Verizon and Straight Talk services.
If you want to know about Straight Talk Refurbished Phones Visit Best Straight Talk Refurbished Phones