Common mistakes to avoid when switching wireless carriers
By Ultra Team
Published May 23, 2025
Switching wireless carriers can be a little intimidating, especially if you don’t have a ton of experience. There are few things we use more in our daily life than our phones, so staying connected throughout the switching process is Ultra-important.
That’s why we’ve compiled this list of 10 most common mistakes people make when switching (and what to do instead).
1. Not making sure your phone is unlocked before making the switch
In most cases, including if you’re switching to Ultra Mobile, you’ll need an unlocked phone to be able to bring it to a new carrier. So you’ll definitely want to make sure you have an unlocked phone and be able to bring it to our network.
Ultra-Pro Tip
Make sure your phone is unlocked and learn how to unlock it if it’s not already.
2. Not checking to see if your phone is compatible with a new network
Some devices, especially international or older models, may not be compatible with a new network’s bands or technology you are looking to have (like eSIM or 5G).
Ultra Mobile is compatible with loads of devices, but it’s usually best just to be sure to check your phone’s compatibility.
Ultra-Pro Tip
Check your compatibility on our Bring Your Own Phone page.
3. Cancelling your service before porting your number
- Although you might be very excited about all the wireless savings you’ll get once you make the switch to Ultra Mobile, you do not want to cancel your current service before switching. This can result in the loss of your number before it’s successfully transferred (no bueno).
Ultra-Pro Tip
For detailed instructions on how to transfer your number, check our blog here.
4. Not checking coverage in your area
There are so many carriers out there that it’s best to do your due diligence and make sure you’ll have excellent coverage before you switch.
Ultra-Pro Tip
At Ultra Mobile, all plans include free 5G on the T-Mobile 5G Network. You can check your coverage here so you know before making the switch that you’ll have the Ultra-fast reliable coverage you’ll need wherever you live, work or travel.
5. Forgetting to back up your contacts and data
These days this information is stored on your phone or in the cloud, so it is unlikely to be impacted by switching carriers. Better to be safe (and back up your info before transferring) than be sorry.
Ultra-Pro Tip
Make sure to look up the correct way to back up important data for iPhone or Android.
Fancy Notes:
“Note”
You’ll definitely want to do this if you are switching phones along with your carrier.
6. Not understanding the details of your new wireless plan
Lots of wireless carriers offer competitive deals, sometimes even promising free phones that aren’t actually free. It can be easy to get distracted by price, but switching based on a limited time offer without understanding the details and commitment you’re signing up for can result in high costs later down the line.
Ultra-Pro Tip
Make sure to read the fine print on any wireless deal you’re considering, especially on data limits, hotspot use, roaming charges, and more.
7. Overlooking fees or hidden costs
Similar to the bait and switches of limited time wireless deals, some carriers may charge new customer fees, activation fees, or there just may be additional taxes added to your real cost of switching. This can get especially costly if your current carrier has early termination fees or fees for unlocking your phone early.
Ultra-Pro Tip
Check with your existing carrier to see if they employ any termination fees for leaving carriers, unlocking your phone, or anything else you may need to make the switch, so you can find out how to switch in the most cost-effective way possible. Also, investigate your new carrier online to see if there are any hidden costs or other fees that switching will cost you.
8. Not timing your switch or switching carriers mid-billing cycle
If you don’t time your switch or if you switch mid-cycle, you could be billed for a full month on both your old and new carrier. The one thing worse than overpaying on one wireless bill is paying for two wireless bills.
Ultra-Pro Tip
Schedule your activation on your new wireless plan before you will be charged for a new month on your old wireless carrier.
9. Not transferring family or group plan members correctly
- If you are currently on a family plan and decide to switch, moving your line separately can disrupt the other users’ service or discounts.
Ultra-Pro Tip
If you plan on leaving a family plan or switching your family members to a new wireless carrier, make sure to do your research on the best time to switch and order of events. In some cases, when the primary account holder leaves a plan, it cancels the plans for all members.
Similarly, if you’re trying to create a family plan, in most cases the first activated number in a family plan becomes the primary account holder, so you’ll want to activate or switch with that in mind.
A little research on your unique plan can help for a smoother switch.
10. Skipping APN or SIM setup instructions
- We get it, being excited about switching and saving money on an Ultra Mobile plan may get the best of you. But if you skip APN setup instructions or SIM setup, you can experience service issues.
Ultra-Pro tip
Make sure to follow all the necessary pre-activation and activation steps to get your new wireless plan up and running as smoothly as possible and without unnecessary costs or holdups.
For a full rundown on how to get your Android phone Ultra-ready, check out our Android data set up.
Switch and save on plans starting at $15/month
Well, now that you’re an expert on switching wireless carriers, now’s the perfect time to find the right wireless plan for you and start saving. Ultra Mobile plans start from $15/month and come in a variety of data and plan durations.
Ready to get started?
