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Are you looking at bringing your own phone to Tello? If so, you'll be pleased to know that most modern cell phones are compatible with Tello phone plans.
Remember the days when switching carriers with your beloved mobile device used to be a headache-inducing nightmare due to the various CDMA and GSM carriers? Thanks to the wonder that's 4G LTE technology, this is no longer as much of an issue.
In this guide, we'll dive deeper into Tello services and any possible phone compatibility hiccups, so you can confidently make the switch.
Unlocked phones compatible with Tello
The main factor to a Tello-compatible phone is to make sure it's unlocked from your current provider.
But don't worry if your phone's currently locked, as most carriers do this when you first purchase to prevent you from switching. However, each provider has an unlocking policy.
As long as you meet their unlocking requirements, you'll have no issue with requesting your phone to be unlocked.
Is my Apple iPhone compatible with Tello?
Tello works with most iPhones, so as long as your Apple iPhone is unlocked, it should be compatible with a Tello SIM card.
If you're at all worried, you can use our phone compatibility tool and enter your IMEI number to check.
Checking your iPhone's unlocked
You can check if your iPhone is unlocked with the following steps:
- Go to Settings
- Click General, then About
- Then select Carrier Lock; if it states "No SIM restrictions," your iPhone's unlocked
Android phones compatible with Tello
Tello supports all Android phones, including:
- Motorola
- Samsung Galaxy
- OnePlus
- Nokia
- Google Pixel
The main thing is that your Android phone is unlocked from your current carrier.
Although most phones work across all networks once unlocked, if you've got an older Android handset that's CDMA only (where there's no SIM card slot), you'll need to look at buying a new phone.
Checking your Android phone's unlocked
The steps may be slightly different depending on the Android phone you have, but you can check your phone's unlocked with the following:
- Go to Settings
- Select Connections, then go to Networks/Mobile Networks/Cellular Networks (depending on the handset)
- Then click on Network Operators.
- If it comes up with a list of multiple networks, your phone should be unlocked.
What to do if your phone's not compatible with Tello?
If you've got an old CDMA phone, it may not be compatible with Tello.
But Tello offers a range of cell phones to buy, so you'll be able to choose from a selection of Tello phones, to get a phone compatible with the carrier.
However, don't get too excited, as you won't find cutting-edge mobile devices like the latest Samsung, Apple, or Android phones.
So if you're looking for one of the latest smartphones, you'd need to buy an unlocked phone before bringing it to Tello.
Tello compatible phones FAQs
Most cell phones will work with Tello as long as they've been unlocked.
Absolutely, as long as that phone's unlocked, it should be compatible with Tello.
No, Tello won't work with a locked T-Mobile phone, even though they work on their network. You'll need to unlock the phone first.
Thanks to 4G LTE technology, the CDMA and GSM divide is not as relevant as it used to be. However, Tello works with GSM phones, and if you have an older CDMA handset, it won't be compatible.
You'll need a SIM card to access Tello's network. But the good news is that they offer eSIMS if you have a compatible phone.
Recap
If you've brought your phone in the last few years, then it's likely to be compatible with Tello.
As long as the phone's unlocked from your current provider, you should be able to bring your own phone to Tello.
It's worth taking a look at your phone's settings to see if it's unlocked and ready for a new adventure. And if you're not quite sure, no worries – simply double-check with your current provider.
With your contract from your current provider paid off, there should be no issues unlocking your phone, and the world of unlocked phones is your oyster.
