Hello, how can we help you?
Frequently Asked Questions
For plan purchases made on ultramobile.com, Ultra Mobile will honor returns for SIM cards within 10 days of order purchase. It must be returned in its original unopened packaging and the SIM card must not be activated. Refunds will be processed within 15 business days after we receive the returned SIM card. Questions concerning returns or exchanges for website purchases, please contact us at returns@ultramobile.com.
For our phone return policy, please visit https://phones.ultramobile.com/RMA.html for more information.
Plan, SIM card and phone purchases made outside of ultramobile.com are not be covered by these return policies. Please refer to the return policy of the business you purchased from.
First, pick out the plan that you want to sign up with. There are four easy ways to activate a Purple SIM card.
Online:
Please go to www.ultramobile.com/activate, click the image of the Purple SIM and enter the 11-digit activation number located on the back of your SIM card. Our online activation process will allow you to select any of our monthly plans. You will also have the option of keeping your existing phone number or getting a new number. All you need in order to activate online is a new Ultra Mobile SIM and a form of payment. You can pay using a debit or credit card. As part of the activation process, you can also enroll in Auto Renew to ensure you’ll never have to worry about forgetting a payment.
In Store:
You can activate as well as instantly renew your monthly plan by visiting any of our retailers that offer recharge. Use our Store Locator tool to find an Ultra retailer near you.
Chat:
Visit http://www.ultramobile.com/chat to speak with an agent.
Activate by Phone:
Just call Ultra Mobile Customer Service at 1.888.777.0446.
There are five easy ways to activate an Orange SIM card.
Online:
Please go to http://www.ultramobile.com/activate, click the image of the Orange SIM and enter the 11-digit activation number located on the back of your SIM card. The online process will guide you through the rest of the steps. Please keep your 11-digit activation number available until your service has been fully activated. You will also have the option of keeping your existing phone number or getting a new number. As part of the activation process, you can also add a debit or credit card and enroll in Auto Renew to ensure you’ll never have to worry about forgetting a payment.
In Store:
You can activate as well as instantly renew your monthly plan by visiting any of our retailers that offer recharge. Use our Store Locator tool to find an Ultra retailer near you.
By Text Message:
To activate your SIM and get a new local phone number, insert the SIM card and then text GOGO + your 5 digit zip code to 6700. Please note that you can not transfer your phone number this way.
Chat:
Visit http://www.ultramobile.com/chat to speak with an agent.
By Phone:
Just call Ultra Mobile Customer Service at 1.888.777.0446.
Before beginning, please make sure that you are using the correct-sized SIM
card for your iPhone or Android. Check your phones manual to ensure you are using the correct size SIM.
To Insert a SIM Card Into an iPhone: Stick a pin into the slot on the side of your iPhone. This should cause the SIM card tray to pop out. Line up the SIM card by the notch to place it on the tray, and re-insert it back into the phone.
To Insert a SIM Card Into an Android: With the large variety of Android devices, there is no one way to insert a SIM card into your phone. For specific instruction on where to insert your SIM card, please refer to your phone’s manual.
Setting up an account with Ultra Mobile is easy! Click the “Sign In” button in the top right corner of the Ultra Mobile website.
Once you have arrived at the sign in page, you will see a “SMS a Password to My Device” button. Click on the button, and you will be directed to a page where you will enter your Ultra Mobile phone number. After you’ve entered your phone number, you will receive your temporary password via text message. Go back to the sign in page, enter your phone number and temporary password, and you will receive instructions to create your own password.
Now that you’ve got your own unique password, you’re ready to sign into your account.
To find the closest Ultra Mobile Retailer, use our Store Locator.
At Ultra Mobile, we do not charge an activation fee and our customers do not have to sign any contracts!
Yes, you can transfer your existing number from your current carrier. To authorize the release of your phone number to Ultra Mobile, you will need the following information from your current carrier: your account number, the corresponding PIN code, and your billing zip code. Your account number can generally be found on your billing statement, or acquired by contacting your provider’s customer service department.
Phone number transfers can take up to 24 hours to complete, but most transferred numbers are fully activated within 8 hours. Landline to mobile ports can take up to 10 business days to complete.
Please contact customer service at 1.888.777.0446 or chat with us on our website if you need any help.
Make sure all of your information is correct.
Most of the time when a carrier rejects a transfer out to another carrier it is due to incorrect information. Make sure you have the following details:
- Account Number
- PIN Code
- Billing Zip Code
Ensure You Have The Correct Department
If you do not have this information, it can be obtained from your existing carrier. If you are having trouble getting your account information, make sure to ask to speak with someone in their porting department, or whoever handles number port outs.
Below are instructions for how to get your account number and PIN number for some of the top wireless carriers.
T-Mobile
Account number
- The account number is 9 digits and can be found in your online account or in the upper right-hand corner of your bill.
PIN number
- Contact T-Mobile at 1-877-453-1304 to retrieve your PIN number.
Verizon
Account number
- The account number can be found online in Account Overview, or on your bill at the top. Verizon account numbers end in -00001 but should be entered without the dash.
PIN number
- Verizon recently made a change to their port out process. You must request a Number Transfer PIN by dialing #PORT from your smartphone. After you receive your Number Transfer PIN, you can start the transfer process to Ultra.
For more information about Number Transfer PINs and how to transfer your number from Verizon, visit https://www.verizon.com/support/port-out-faqs/ or call 1-800-922-0204.
AT&T
Account number
- Can be found in your online account or in the upper right hand corner of any bill or invoice. The number should be entered without any dashes or hyphens.
PIN number
- Your PIN is usually the last four digits of your telephone number. If that does not work, call AT&T at 1-800-331-0500 to retrieve your PIN.
Sprint
Account number
- The account number is 9 digits and can be found in your online account or in the top center of your bill.
PIN number
- This is the same as the call-in passcode when you call customer service. You can set up or change your PIN on your online account. If you do not have access to your online account, you can call Sprint at 1-888-211-4727.
Metro PCS
Account number
- The account number is 9 digits and can be found in the bill reminder text messages sent by Metro PCS. You can also visit MetroPCS.com, login into your account, click on Payments and select any month to find your account number.
PIN number
- Your PIN number is your call-in passcode. This is normally your eight digit birth date, unless you have changed this.
Additional Steps
If your current carrier will not provide your information for the purposes of transferring to a new carrier, there are a few additional steps to try to obtain this information:
- Remind them that they are bound by law to release your number to a new carrier upon request.
- Ask to speak to a supervisor at your existing carrier
- Finally, if everything else doesn’t work, you can contact the FCC, who administer the rules for number transfers. The FCC can be reached at https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov, or by calling them at 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322).
For more information about wireless number portability, see below:
https://www.fcc.gov/general/wireless-local-number-portability-wlnp
Our Care Team is here to help every day from 6 am to 6 pm PST. The easiest way to contact us is through our helpful chatbot, which can connect you to a live agent. You can also give us a call at 1-888-777-0446 or dial 611 from your Ultra Mobile phone.
Please contact our Customer Care Team at 888-777-0446 for support with replacing your current SIM to an eSIM.
While we do not offer recurring UpRoam add-ons, you can add UpRoam manually every month. Additionally, UpRoam credit rolls over and will not expire as long as your account is active.
You can check your roaming balance in the following ways:
In your online account – Sign into your online account to check Roaming Balance
With a Retailer – Visit the nearest Ultra Retailer.
With a Text Message – text UPROAM to 6700, and you will receive a text message with your roaming balance.
By calling Customer Care – Dial 1.888.777.0446 to talk to a representative.
UpRoam is an add-on that all Ultra subscribers can purchase allowing them to talk, text and use data while roaming outside the US. You can add $5, $10, or $20 of roaming credit at a time. When you purchase an UpRoam add-on, the funds are immediately applied to your account. If you want more than $20 of roaming credit, you will have to purchase additional add-ons.
You can purchase UpRoam in $5, $10 and $20 denominations, in the following ways:
In your online account
Sign in to your online account and purchase more INTL Roaming credit
With a Retailer
Visit the nearest Ultra Retailer to add UpRoam.
With a Text Message – Text UPROAM to 6700. You will be able to use the credit card linked to your account for instant purchase of extra INTL Roaming credit.
By calling Customer Care – Dial 1.888.777.0446 to talk to a representative to add UpRoam.
Roaming rates and destinations can be seen here.
iOS devices: Click here for instructions on setting up visual voicemail on your iOS device.
Android and other devices: To access your voicemail, press and hold the number 1 on your phone’s keypad, or dial 1.855.616.9530. To reset your voicemail password, type #PWD# on your keypad and hit “Send.”
Click the Sign In button located in the top right corner of
the www.ultramobile.com website. Underneath the “Sign in” button is a “SMS
a Password to My Device” button. Click on this button, enter your Ultra
Mobile phone number, and we’ll send you a text message with your new
temporary password. Go back to the sign-in page, enter your phone number
and temporary password, and you will receive instructions to create your
own password.
Your Ultra Mobile Wallet is a place to store credit for Ultra add-ons, Monthly Recharges and International Your Ultra Mobile Wallet is a place to store credit for Ultra add-ons, Monthly Recharges and International Calling.
Here’s how to add credit to your Ultra Mobile Wallet:
With Cash – Visit an Ultra Mobile Retailer to load your Ultra Mobile Wallet by paying in cash. Tell the Retailer to load your Ultra Mobile Wallet without renewing your monthly service. Find the nearest Ultra Mobile Retailer to you by using our Store Locator Tool
With a Credit/Debit Card – Sign-in to your account at www.ultramobile.com to load your Ultra Mobile Wallet using a credit or debit card.
Through the Ultra Mobile App – Download the Ultra Mobile App via the Apple Store or Google Play. You can load your Ultra Mobile Wallet using a credit or debit card.
In Your Online Account:
Sign into your Ultra Mobile account to find usage information conveniently located on the homepage.
In the Ultra Mobile App:
Download the Ultra Mobile App via the App Store or Google Play. You can view your remaining data on the homescreen.
With a Text Message:
To check your INTL minute balance, text the word BAL to 6700. To check your data usage, text the word DATA to 6700.
Ultra Mobile offers a variety of add-ons, helping you to create your
perfect plan!
How to Add Extras:
1. In Your Online Account – Go to the “Manage Plan” section of your online
account, and select any data or call credit add-on. Add-ons will be applied
immediately.
2. With a Text Message – Text UPDATA or UPINTL to 6700. You will
be able to use the credit card linked to your account for instant purchase
of extra data and call credits.
3. At an Ultra Mobile Store – Use our Store Locator to find the nearest Ultra Mobile store. Sales representatives will be able to help you purchase additional 5G • 4G LTE data or INTL Call Credit.
If you do not make a payment before your renewal date, your account will be suspended. When your account is suspended, you cannot make or receive calls or text messages, and you will not be able to use data. Emergency calls to 911 and calls to our 611 Customer Care line will still work.
After your account is suspended, you will have 30 days to make your payment. Once those 30 days have passed, we cannot guarantee that your number will still be assigned to your account. After 30 days, your number will be hard-deleted from our system and will no longer be retrievable.
If you are experiencing issues with sending a picture message or accessing the internet on your phone, you’ll need to update your APN settings.
Click here to learn more.
Yes! Call Credit and INTL Roaming Credit are included on 2GB and higher Single-Month and Multi-Month Plans (not included on 250MB plan). INTL Roaming Credit is a one-time credit provided at activation. INTL Call Credits renew each month.
No, you can purchase for your current month only.
You can either purchase uTalk for the entire duration of your plan during activation, or you can purchase on a per month basis in Account Management or at your local Ultra Retailer.
You can view your remaining bonus minutes to all 39 uTalk destinations by logging into Account Management and clicking Check next to your uTalk balance.
Yes, you can add funds to your Ultra Wallet by going online, texting 6700, calling our Care team or by visiting an Ultra Retailer. Once funded, your Wallet balance will allow you to continue calling at that destination’s per minute rate (which can be found using our online rate checker here). Do not purchase UpINTL as they will not be redeemable to continue calling uTalk destinations and can only be used for non uTalk destinations.
Yes, you can use uTalk minutes to call any of the uTalk destinations. As you use your uTalk bonus minutes, all remaining minutes are adjusted, even those to destinations you may not be calling. You can view your currently remaining bonus minutes to each destination by logging into Account Management and clicking Check next to your uTalk balance.
Each month, you can call up to 10 unique phone numbers across any of the 39 uTalk destinations. You can continue to call those 10 numbers throughout the course of the month, but cannot call any additional new numbers. This resets each time your plan renews so you can call the same 10, 10 new numbers, or a combination of same and new numbers up to 10.
Yes, you can purchase uTalk in Account Management or at your local Ultra Retailer.
uTalk can be added to any Single Month or Multi-Month plan for an additional $10 per month.
In order to provide the lowest price, we require the plan to be paid in full at the time of sign up.
Click here for instructions on setting up WiFi Calling & Text on your iOS device. Android devices:
You can set your Android device up for WiFi Calling & Text by doing the following:
Go to your phone’s “Wireless and Networks” settings
Select the “More” or “More Networks” option
Find WiFi Calling & Text, and enable it
Next, you’ll need to activate WiFi Calling & Text on your Ultra account by doing one of the following:
Log into your online account
Visit the nearest Ultra Retailer
Call 1.888.777.0446 to speak with Customer Care
Domestic long distance calling is included in all Ultra Mobile plans.
All Multi-Month Plans include Unlimited Calling to 80+ International Destinations. These destinations are the same as our Single-Month Plans and can be found in our International Destination List.
A billing cycle is a 30-day cycle that starts the day you activate or the day you renew service.
No, the Mobile Hotspot’s data allotment is drawn from your monthly plan’s data allotment.
Your Mobile Hotspot usage will be included in your monthly plan’s data usage which you can find by logging into My Account or in the Ultra Mobile app.
You can turn on the functionality by accessing your phone Settings. You can also check your phone’s User Guide for specific details and more information.
Yes, you can switch to a new plan. However, you will need a new SIM card. New SIM cards can be purchased at ultramobile.com/plans/ or at your local Ultra Mobile Retailer.
Yes, if you are in the middle of a Multi-Month plan cycle, you can pay a prorated fee to upgrade to a higher data allotment plan for the remainder of your plan cycle. Please keep in mind you can only upgrade to a higher data amount, and not a lower amount. Also, you must keep your current plan duration. For example, if you are on a 6 month plan, your upgrade must also be a 6 month plan.
Simply text any of the self-service short codes to 6700 below to get the information requested. The dial shortcodes work on iPhones and certain Android devices.
| Short code (dial) | What it does |
| **61*1[phone_number]# | Turns on call forwarding if an incoming call does not get a reply. If someone is calling you (incoming calls only) and there is no reply (no answer) the call will be forwarded to the specified number. |
| ##61# | Turns off call forwarding if an incoming call doesn’t get a reply. |
| **62*1[phone number]# | Turns on call forwarding when you are not reachable. If someone is calling you (incoming calls only) and you are not reachable, the call will be forwarded to the specified number. |
| ##62# | Turns off call forwarding when you are not reachable. |
| ##004# | Cancels call forwarding to voicemail to prevent new voicemail messages |
| **21*1[phone number]# | Turns on unconditional call forwarding. This will forward all incoming calls to the specified number no matter if you are reachable or not. |
| ##21# | Turns off unconditional call forwarding. |
| Short code (text message) | What it does |
| BAL | Checks balance for wallet, INTL call credit, renewal, recharge, INTL roaming, expiration date & plan renewal date. |
| RECHARGE + PIN | Apply airtime recharge card balance to your account. |
| UTALK | Purchase uTalk for your current month. |
| HELP or MENU | Provides the following: BALANCE – Get account status and balance. RECHARGE + PIN – Apply airtime recharge card balance to your account. UPGLOBE – Purchase Globe Unlimited for your current month UPROAM – Purchase additional INTL Roaming Credit UPINTL – Purchase additional INTL Credit TALK – Purchase uTalk for your current month MENU – List of commands Dial 611 to speak with Customer Support |
| UPINTL | Purchase additional INTL credit. |
| UPROAM | Purchase additional INTL Roaming credit. |
| UPDATA | Purchase more data. |
Ultra cares about your security. A security flaw in Android phones was recently discovered and could impact a small set of phone makes and models. This is not an Ultra network issue. If you believe your device may be impacted, we strongly recommend disabling Wi-Fi Calling until the vulnerability has been fixed by the phone’s manufacturer.
If you have Wi-Fi Calling enabled, here’s how to turn it off:
– Navigate to and open Settings
– Tap Connections
– Tap Wi-Fi Calling
– Tap the switch to turn the feature off
OR
On some phones, you can also disable Wi-Fi Calling from the quick settings panel:
– Swipe down from the top of the screen
– Tap the Wi-Fi Calling icon to turn it off
Reports indicated that the devices impacted by the security issue are as follows:
- Vivo phones, including those in the S16, S15, S6, X70, X60 and X30 series
- Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 and 7 Pro
- Any wearables that use the Exynos W920 chipset
- Any vehicles that use the Exynos Auto T5123 chipset
Not only does Ultra Mobile help you save money – with the “Call Me Free” system, we help your loved ones save money when they call you! Here’s how it works: We supply you with a local phone number, and you’ll give it to the person who will be calling you from another country. The person uses that number to reach you directly, and they will only be charged for a local call… plus, you won’t be charged anything extra for the incoming call! Best of all, “Call Me Free” usage is UNLIMITED for all Ultra Mobile subscribers!
(Please note that Ultra Mobile members should NOT use a “Call Me Free” number to dial internationally – doing so will decrease INTL minutes.)
Check the Country Code and International Number You’re Dialing
Another common cause of problems with international calling is an incorrect country code. Please make sure that you are dialing 011 or + before the international number that you intend to call.
Check your Account Balance
A common cause of problems with international calling is a lack of account funds if you are calling a destination not included in the 80+ Unlimited International Destinations. There are four (4) easy ways to check your account balance:
1. Log Into Your Online Account – Logging in online is the easiest way to get information related to your account, and you can access it at any time.
2. Text BAL to 6700 – You will receive a text message with all account balance information.
3. Call Ultra Mobile Customer Care – Dial 611 from your Ultra Mobile phone to ask a Customer Care representative about your account balance.
4. Visit an Ultra Mobile Store – Check our Store Locator to find the closest Ultra Mobile retailer. You’ll be able to get any necessary information about your account in person.
With your INTL Roaming credit, you will be able to call, text and use data while overseas.
For INTL Roaming rates, click here.
Upon activation, you will get a one-time allotment of INTL Roaming credit. Any unused INTL Roaming credit will stay intact as long as you are an Ultra subscriber, and the unused balance will roll over to the next billing month.
Ultra subscribers can buy more INTL Roaming credit and add it to their account by using UpRoam. UpRoam add-ons come in $5, $10 and $20 denominations. Any unused balance will roll over to your next billing month.
Here’s how to UpRoam:
If not connected to WiFi: You can buy an UpRoam add-on by texting ‘UpRoam’ to 6700.
If connected to WiFi: You can buy an UpRoam add-on by logging into your online account or texting ‘UpRoam’ to 6700. If you have WiFi Calling & Text enabled on your account, you can call Customer Care at 1.888.777.0446.
If you have added Globe Unlimited to your account, but call a number outside the Globe network, you will be charged the same per-minute rate to the Philippines. To see the per-minute rates to call internationally, click here
To utilize Globe Unlimited, you first need to add the feature to your account. You can do that in the following ways:
In your online account
Log into your online account and purchase the recurring add-on.
With a Retailer
Visit the nearest Ultra Retailer to add Globe Unlimited.
By calling Customer Care Dial 1.888.777.0446 and talk to a representative to add Globe Unlimited to your account.
After you add Globe Unlimited to your account, simply dial the country code, and then the phone number of your friend or family member in the Globe network.
Globe Unlimited is a $10 add-on that allows Ultra users to call 5 unique numbers within the Globe network in the Philippines.
You are able to add this feature onto your account immediately, or start it on the first day of your next 30-day cycle. If you choose to apply the
add-on immediately, please know that it will run out on the last day of your 30-day cycle.
INTL Call Credit is included in most Ultra plans and allows calling to destinations that aren’t included in the Unlimited 80+ International Destinations. Use our Rate Checker to see the per-minute rate for any destination.
Yes! Call Credit and INTL Roaming Credit are included on 2GB and higher Single-Month and Multi-Month Plans (not included on 250MB plan). INTL Roaming Credit is a one-time credit provided at activation. INTL Call Credits renew each month.
For destinations that use 10-digit dialing (numbers on the North American
Numbering Plan), enter the 10-digit phone number of the message recipient
as you would when sending a domestic text. For destinations not using
10-digit dialing (the rest of the world outside North America), include 011
or a “+” symbol, the country code, and the phone number of the recipient.
To call a mobile or a landlines number in Mexico dial 011 + 52 + [area code] + [number]
Check your phone’s compatibility by clicking here.
Cell phones from nearly every manufacturer will work on our network as long as they are 4G VoLTE or 5G compatible and use a SIM card. If you already have a compatible phone, all you need to do is purchase an Ultra Mobile SIM kit.
If your 4G VoLTE or 5G compatible phone meets the following two criteria, your phone will work with Ultra Mobile:
- Your phone requires a SIM card.
- You have an unlocked phone.
If you begin your Ultra Mobile registration and your phone says, “Restricted” or “Contact Service Provider,” doesn’t allow you to make calls, or won’t grant access to your phone book, the phone is most likely locked. Contact your previous carrier to unlock your phone.
Ultra Mobile has partnered with one of the fastest voice and 5G • 4G LTE networks in the country! View our Coverage Map to find out if there is coverage in your area.
Our high-speed data will always attempt 5G • 4G LTE speeds, but certain locations or network conditions will render 5G • 4G LTE unavailable. Your network speed will be dependent on your location, coverage and device.
After the allotted 5G • 4G LTE data is exhausted, data speeds will be slowed. Further throttling may occur for heavy data users. For any questions about data speed, please refer to our Terms and Conditions.
You can shop for phones & SIMs from the impressive lineup on our website or visit a participating Ultra Mobile Retailer!
5G is the fifth generation of wireless network technology that will deliver faster download speeds and enhanced connectivity, providing us the potential to experience new, innovative technologies, and transform the way we live, work, and play.
5G isn’t replacing 4G any time soon. In fact, they will coexist and work together. 5G-capable phones can use both 4G and 5G technology.
5G is already available on Ultra Mobile to anyone with an Ultra plan and a 5G-capable phone to access our 5G network. 5G coverage varies nationwide and may not be available in your area.
5G simply increases the speed that you can download files. If a file requires 2MB of data to download it on 4G, it will still be 2MB of data to download it on 5G. You may just finish downloading it faster.
If your plan allows you 1GB of 5G • 4G LTE of data per month, then you’ll have 1GB of data to use at the fastest speed possible at the time, whether it’s 4G or 5G.
To bring your 5G capable phone to Ultra Mobile, it must be unlocked and VoLTE compatible. To check compatibility, please visit: https://www.ultramobile.com/byop/#
No, there is no need to change your plan. As long as your phone is compatible, you’ll be able to enjoy the improved experience regardless of your plan.
You should ensure the phone you’re buying includes 4G LTE with VoLTE or 5G. A device with bands 2, 4, 12, and 71 is best. Visit ultramobile.com/phones to shop compatible phones.
Can customers use tethering/mobile hotspot on their 5G phone and share their 5G with other devices?
Yes. You can use the mobile hotspot on your 5G smartphones the same way you do with LTE. Hotspot usage draws from your monthly data allotment.
To check whether your device is compatible, just click here.
If your device is compatible and you’ve had no recent issues you should be all set. If you’re having issues with calls or texts, it might be a good idea to take a few more steps:
- Check to see if there are any software updates for your phone that have not been installed.
- Ensure that VoLTE is turned on. While the naming conventions may vary, the easiest way to see if VoLTE is enabled on your phone is to check within the device’s settings: Click on the Settings icon -> click ????-> type “volte” -> click VoLTE Calls Menu -> switch the VoLTE Call Toggle to “On.” If after typing “VoLTE” no menu option appears, the device either does not support VoLTE or VoLTE is defaulted to “On” which is likely if the phone is fairly new.
- Confirm the APN settings for the device.
You’ll access a nationwide 5G network you can rely on to keep you connected in more places. Our 5G coverage utilizes a 600MHz low band signal that reaches more cities and towns across America (based on analysis of leading 5G networks, July 2020).
A 5G indicator will appear when a 5G capable device is within range of a 5G signal, even if the device is not in use.
Just go to the settings menu on your phone and select “System Updates.” Or, “About Phone / About Device,” then “System Updates,” “Update Android” or “Check Now.”
Unfortunately, Ultra plans do not support smartwatches right now.
Yes. Just follow these easy steps:
1) Visit the Google Play Store
2) Search “Messages” by Google LLC
3) Download and open the Messages app
4) When prompted to change your default messaging app, follow the onscreen instructions, and click “yes” to make it your default browser
5) Go into your device settings to enable the Chat feature
With RCS, Android users now have access to key features that Apple’s iMessage users have had for years, including read receipts that tell users when people they’re chatting with have seen their messages, the ability to send richer media, like high-resolution images, and typing bubbles that let users see when the person they’re chatting with is typing a message.
Note: RCS only applies to Android 6.0 and up. RCS requires a data connection (either WiFi or cellular). Both the sender and the recipient must have RCS enabled in order to send messages through RCS.
This year, all major nationwide wireless providers are shutting down their 3G networks to open up valuable space for 4G and 5G networks.
What is 3G?
3G was the former standard for the way cellphones operated and connected to the internet. When it first launched, 3G was what enabled us to have access to the internet via our smartphones. The name 3G refers to it being the third generation of tech that allows our phones to connect to the internet.
Why is the 3G shutdown happening?
Nowadays, 3G networks are outdated. They also take up valuable space that 4G and 5G networks rely on since there are limited frequencies for wireless providers to use. Also, 3G isn’t very cost-effective and can even drain your phone’s battery quicker, among other problems. That’s why the 3G shutdown is positive–it makes room for 4G and 5G technologies, which are faster and more efficient. 4G and 5G are better for you and your phone.
When will 3G be shutdown and will I be impacted?
When the shutdown happens, any phones that run exclusively on these older 3G networks will no longer be able to make or receive calls or use other data services. If you’re an Ultra Mobile
customer, T-Mobile’s older 3G network will shutdown on July 1, 2022. If you’re an impacted subscriber, you will be notified.
You may be impacted by the 3G shutdown if:
You use a 3G exclusive device that is non-voice over long-term evolution (VoLTE) compatible
You have a 4G device that doesn’t allow you to enable VoLTE
Here’s how to enable VoLTE if your phone allows you to do so:
How to Turn on VoLTE on iPhones
Open Settings
Tap Cellular
Tap Cellular Data Options
Under Voice & Data, make sure VoLTE is selected
How to Turn on VoLTE on Samsung (most devices)
Open Settings
Tap Network & Internet
Tap Preferred Network Type
Turn on VoLTE calls
How to Turn on VoLTE on most other Android devices
The easiest way to see if VoLTE is enabled on your Android phone is to check your phone’s Settings. Tap Settings > tap the search icon -> type “volte” -> select VoLTE Calls Menu -> make sure the toggle is switched to on. If you type “VoLTE” and no option appears, the device probably isn’t compatible with VoLTE or it may be defaulted to On if it’s a newer device.
If you have a 3G exclusive device or a 4G device that doesn’t allow you to enable VoLTE, you’ll want to switch to a 4G device that is VoLTE-capable or a 5G device. If you need a new device, please visit our phone store or an Ultra Retailer.
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