In today’s article, we will take a closer look at the Total Wireless SIM card topic. To make things as simple and as convenient for you as possible, we decided to formulate the article into sections, where each section answers one of the most common questions related to the Total Wireless SIM card topic.
For those of you, who are not familiar with Total Wireless, let’s get you up to speed, first. Total Wireless is one of the highly popular and reputable prepaid cell phone service providers. They pride themselves on offering great plans at great prices, offering nationwide coverage, unlimited family plans, ease of mobile data adding, dependable 5G network, and much more.
So, are you ready to dig deep into the Total Wireless SIM card topic? Let’s do this.
What Phones Are Compatible With Total Wireless SIM Card?
Total Wireless gives their clients two options: one, you can buy one of their phones, or two, you get to bring your existing phone and use it with their services (the ‘Keep Your Own Phone’ option).
With that said, there is a very broad range of phones that may be used with a Total Wireless SIM card.
Here is a list of phones that are currently available at the Total Wireless online shop:
- iPhone SE
- Samsung Galaxy A10e
- Samsung Galaxy A50
- Samsung Galaxy A20
- iPhone XS
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12
- iPhone XR
- LG Solo LTE
- LG Journey LTE
- Motorola Moto G Power
- Samsung Galaxy A21
- Samsung Galaxy J2
- Motorola Moto G7 Optimo Maxx
- Samsung Galaxy A01
- Samsung Galaxy A11
- Motorola Moto E7
- iPhone XS Max
- Samsung Galaxy S10
- Samsung Galaxy S20 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G
- Blu View 2
- Samsung Galaxy Note10
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11
- Blu View 1
- Samsung Galaxy A50 (reconditioned)
- Motorola Moto G7 Optimo Maxx (reconditioned)
- LG Premier Pro Plus
- Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Note9
- Samsung Galaxy S10+
- Motorola Moto G7 Optimo
- LG Classic Flip
- TCL A2
- LG Stylo 5 LTE
- LG Rebel
- Samsung Galaxy J7 Crown
- Samsung Galaxy Note10+
- LG Rebel (reconditioned)
- TCL A2X
- Alcatel My Flip 2
- Samsung Galaxy J3 Orbit
- Samsung Galaxy S10
- Motorola Moto G6
- Motorola Moto E5
- Samsung Galaxy S10e
- TCL LX
- Alcatel My Flip (reconditioned)
- Samsung Galaxy J7 Crown (reconditioned)
- Alcatel My Flip
- iPhone X
- ZTE ZFive C LTE
- Samsung Galaxy S8 (reconditioned)
Aside from the phones on the list above, you may use any other phone that is compatible with Total Wireless service (you need to check compatibility (more on that in one of the following sections). Generally, every CDMA unlocked device should be operable with Total Wireless. However, since CDMA and GSM became interoperable with the introduction of LTE technology back in 2015, also unlocked GSM phones may be suitable. Thus make sure to check compatibility.
How Do I Know If My Phone Is Compatible With The Total Wireless SIM Card?
As mentioned above, Total Wireless offers a ‘Keep Your Own Phone’ program, which enables you to use your existing phone (or a new one that you purchase elsewhere) with their services.
However, it is of extreme importance that you check compatibility in advance. To do so, you need to visit the Total Wireless official website. In the main menu bar hover over the ‘shop’ option and then click on the ‘buy SIM card/BYOP’ option from the drop-down menu.
Once on the next page, scroll down until you see the ‘check compatibility’ button. Click on it. Next, you will see a pop-up message (terms & conditions). To proceed, you need to click the ‘I accept’ option.
Then follow the instructions provided and enter your device’s IMEI number in the designated box. Then click the continue button.
If your phone is compatible, you will get a message confirming that. If not, a message telling you that your phone is not compatible will be displayed.
Note: As a general guideline, Total Wireless tells you that Verizon-compatible devices or other unlocked DCMA phones should be compatible with their services. However, since 2015 GSM and DCMA devices often tend to be interoperable, we advise you to check the compatibility.
In case you also need information Total Wireless Bring Your Own Phone
Does Total Wireless Offer SIM Card Unlock?
All Total Wireless phones (t.i. phone purchased at Total Wireless or Total Wireless’s official resellers) come locked to their network, which means that those phones will only function with Total Wireless SIM cards. However, they have a strict unlocking policy set in place that enables users to unlock their devices after certain conditions have been met.
Keep in mind that Total Wireless is one of TracFone’s daughter companies, so they follow the same unlocking policy. The most important aspects of the unlocking policy are presented below:
- Customers must request handset unlocking.
- Customers must have had their locked device activated on Total Wireless service for no fewer than 12 months, redeemed air time cards in no fewer than 12 months, and not have had their telephone number recycled or ported.
- Customers must request this interim unlocking solution while their service is active or within 60 days after their active service days expire. This 60-day grace period applies even if the customer’s telephone number was recycled or ported.
- Customers must currently own a Total Wireless branded handset model launched on Total Wireless’s service after February 11, 2014, or activated with Total Wireless’s service after February 11, 2015.
- Customers must possess a handset that is in working condition.
- Customers must possess a handset that is not reported stolen, lost, or associated with fraudulent activity.
- If a customer requesting handset unlocking is deployed military personnel, upon provision of deployment papers, Total Wireless will honor that customer’s unlocking request by sending a refund for the Trade-in Value of the used, locked phone returned by the customer without regard for the 12 months of service activation and air card redemption eligibility requirements. However, all other eligibility criteria apply to Total Wireless’s customers who are deployed military personnel.
- Customers are eligible for this program only once every twelve months.
To verify if your phone is eligible for unlocking, visit the Total Wireless official website, scroll to the footer menu and click the ‘unlocking policy’ option.
Once on the next page, scroll down, where you will see two fields – one to enter a phone number and one to enter your phone’s serial number. Only one of the two options is required. After entering either your phone number or your device’s serial number, check the ‘I’m not a robot’ box and click the ‘VERIFY ELIGIBILITY’ button.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact their Unlocking Department at 1-888-442-5102.
How Do I Activate My Total Wireless New SIM Card?
The activation process is very simple and it can be done online. Once you have your Total Wireless SIM card kit, make sure to insert the SIM card into your phone (either Total Wireless phone or your existing device (if compatible).
Then visit the Total Wireless official website, hover over the ‘activate’ option in the top menu bar, and click the ‘activate’ option from the drop-down menu.
Once on the next page, you will get to choose between the ‘total wireless phone’ and the ‘bring your own device’ options. Click the ‘continue’ button under the option that is true for you.
Then simply follow the instructions provided on the next page, which will require you to enter your activation number. Complete the steps and enjoy your Total Wireless services.
How Do I Deactivate My Total Wireless SIM Card?
If you want to deactivate your Total Wireless SIM card, you will need to reach out to Total Wireless support. You can use their online chat, which is available on their Contact page (https://www.totalwireless.com/contactus) from 8AM – 11:45PM (EST), 7 days a week or call them at 1-866-663-3633 (Call Center Hours: 8AM – 11:45PM (EST); 7 days a week) and explain that you want to deactivate your SIM card.
How Do I Replace Total Wireless Sim Card If Lost, Stolen, Or Damaged?
Losing, damaging, or getting your Total Wireless SIM card stolen is highly unlikely, however, since your SIM card is positioned within your phone, it gets lost, stolen, or even damaged together with your phone.
In case of damaging your phone, make sure to take your SIM card out and check it for damage. It is highly unlikely for it to be damaged as well. In that case, you may use it with any other Total Wireless compatible phone.
If your phone got stolen or you permanently lost it (that includes your Total Wireless SIM card as well), you need to call Total Wireless support immediately. That way you get to prevent any unwanted expenses to be inflicted upon your account.
After reporting the issue, make sure to tell them that you want a replacement SIM card. They will then send you that SIM card and you will need to complete the activation process. Make sure to request for your number to be transferred as well.
A Total Wireless SIM card costs $0.99 (though the swap process may be charger more) and is normally shipped for free.
Can Total Wireless SIM Card Be Swapped Into Another Phone?
With most unlocked devices, especially CDMA phones, you should be able to use your Total Wireless SIM card. You can use the instructions above to first check the compatibility or you may simply place the SIM card in and see if it is compatible (if it works).
How Does Total Wireless SIM Swap Work?
SIM card swap can refer to physically transfer from one phone to another (discussed in the previous section) or it can refer to user’s services being transferred from one SIM card to another, which means that your existing phone number is then assigned to a new SIM card.
In case you lose your phone or it gets stolen, and you then decide to stay with Total Wireless, you will be swapping to a new Total Wireless SIM card. That way your phone number will be assigned to that new SIM card and your old SIM card will be canceled.
SIM card swap may also be executed amount different wireless providers. In which case, the process for porting in the number (port-in) must take place.
How Long Does Total Wireless SIM Swap Take?
If you are referring to a physical swap of SIM cards (from one device to another), the process takes about a minute or two (including phones’ reboot time).
On the other hand, the SIM card swap process (switching a phone number from one phone to another) can take a couple of days. You will be provided with a detailed time-frame at the time of the request.
Total Wireless SIM Card Near Me
Probably the simplest method to get a Total Wireless SIM card these days is to make use of the Total Wireless online shop. That way the SIM card gets delivered to your doorstep, which makes things highly practical.
However, if you prefer to sort things out in person, you may find one of the Total Wireless local stores or their official representatives.
Visit the Total Wireless official website and click the ‘find a store’ option located on the top right-hand side. On the next page select the city and mile radius and click the ‘Search’ button. You may also check the home delivery option, to get the locations that offer that option.
Some of the common Total Wireless SIM card retailers include Walgreens, 7-Eleven, and CVS. Another place to buy Total Wireless SIM cards is Amazon.
Is Total Wireless GSM or CDMA?
Total Wireless is CDMA-based. As such, Verizon phones tend to be a great choice if you are bringing your existing device. However, since 2015 both GSM and CDMA phones use SIM cards and are, as such, often interchangeable and operable with both GSM and CDMA networks.
How do I Know the Total Wireless PIN Number?
Your Total Wireless SIM card PIN number will be provided to you with your SIM card kit. Then you can memorize it or keep the kit at hand. Moreover, keep in mind that you can change your SIM card PIN code whenever you want. This is done within the menu of your phone (Security).
If you decide to change your PIN code, make sure to memorize it or write it down someplace safe.
Can I Put My Total Wireless SIM Card In Another Phone?
Physically you can place your Total Wireless SIM card in any SIM-based phone as long as you have proper SIM card adaptors (provided with the SIM card kit). The adaptors enable proper physical fitting of the SIM card. These days most modern smartphones use nano-SIM card sizes.
Physically fitting your SIM card into a phone is only a part of the task. In order to make the SIM card work with a particular phone, that phone must be compatible with that SIM card (with the carrier of that SIM card).
As such, you can check compatibility in advance (we have covered this in detail in one of the previous sections) or simply insert the SIM card and see if it works. If you are able to receive calls, make calls, and send texts, the SIM card is compatible.
Does Total Wireless SIM Card Support 5G?
As of 2020, Total Wireless also supports 5G. Though, keep in mind that in order to make use of the 5G network, you need a phone that operates on the 5G network (not only a SIM card).
Will I Lose My Text Messages If I Remove My SIM Card?
These days (may depend on your setting) text messages are rarely saved on the SIM card. They are typically stored in your phone’s internal memory. Which means that they will stay on that phone. If you will use that phone with a new SIM card, your text messages will be there. However, if you plan on using your existing SIM card with another phone, your text messages won’t be there.
There are many tools (such as Phone Clone) that enable you to transfer all data from one phone to another, which will also transfer your texts. So, you can use that option to ensure you don’t lose your texts.
Can I Keep My Phone Number If I Lost My SIM Card?
In case you lost your phone and thus your SIM card, you will be able to use SIM swap services, which will transfer your phone number from your old SIM card to your new one.
Can I Transfer My Total Wireless Service To A New Phone?
If that new phone is compatible with Total Wireless service, you may use it with Total Wireless services. Make sure to check compatibility as per the instructions provided in the ‘How do I know if my phone is compatible with Total Wireless SIM card?’ section.
Do I Need To Back Up My Phone Before Switching Total Wireless SIM?
Generally, SIM switching is simple and non-invasive, which means that it doesn’t affect the data stored on your device. However, if you want to be extra cautious, you can back up your phone prior to SIM switching.
Can You Track a Lost SIM Card?
If the SIM card is in a phone that is turned on, tracking is possible. If your phone has apps like ‘Find My Device’ or similar, if mobile data is turned on, and if GPS (location) is turned on, tracking can be very simple.
However, if those functions are disabled, tracking may be basically impossible for an average consumer.
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