2/7/2020: Where to land if you don't want to stay (credit to comintel)
"Visible, Mint, Sprint's Kickstart, Tello, Ultramobile offers, and some Redpocket one-year offers on EBay are all popular and have been discussed here in the last couple of weeks."
plan is dead.
as of ~4/4/2019, no new sign ups
current plan holders can add a line, but new line will have an end date the same as the original
...so new wiki for new questions ~8/14/2019
Here are the steps to convert a free plan line to Kickstart without needing to port out.. courtesy of ***comintel**
_________________
If you port out (to T-Mobile) and back to Sprint (Kickstart) within 24 hours, you can get a Sprint $50 reactivation credit per line. Basically 2 free months of Kickstart.
Call Sprint Recovery at 877-858-3779 and ask for the 24 hour port back to Sprint reactivation credit of $50 per line.
______________________--
international support can be reached at this number 888-226-7212
_________________________________________________________________
below is historic wiki for reference:
RIP: 4/4/19
Additional lines can be added, for now. It is unclear how long this "add a line capability" will last. They will have the same end date as the 1st line. Port-in is still required.
4/12/19 So I signed my buddy up for this deal and he has 2 phones on account one is a iPhone SE & the other is a Boost Mobile Samsung Galaxy J7 Perx. The funny thing is when I signed up my sprint online to cancel his protection plan it lists the Samsung J7 as a ZTE Fury which is a old Sprint Phone? So someone else might be able to activate a boost Samsung j7 on their account too, unless it's just YMMV for me.
Also doing speed tests in the Villa Park/Oakbrook Terrace areas Chicago SW Burbs I was getting 12-17 Mbps download during the day & 25 at night on my daughter's Verizon iPhone 5S. But when I tested the Boost Samsung J7 Perx it was getting anywhere from 25 up to 50 Mbps using www.fast.com as of today.
It is because the Boost version has Sprint band 41 in it, which I believe is sprints fastest most reliable one. Heck that's faster than my T-mobile LG V30 which has band 71 600 MHz, along with bands 66 & 12. Maybe this isn't good research, but if it's correct Sprint has really beefed up it's network in the Chicagoland areas? Even my daughter's Verizon iPhone 5S has very useable data speeds for YouTube along with video/music streaming. Tia Ron ������ QkTreasures
___________________________________________________
Promo Status: Limited time promotion and can end anytime. Please click the Sprint link in the front page post for phone eligibility, terms of service & FAQ's
The most current list of eligible phones can be found here, but not limited to it: https://community.sprin
Tablets [or ipad or iwatch] of any kind are not allowed.
Again NO Tablets, ipad or iwatch allowed.
Most Sprint phones will also be eligible. Please check your phones eligibility at this link: https://www.sprint.com/en/shop/br...hop:030918
Important note: Because of their age these phones will no longer be able to activate on the Sprint network after April 30, 2019. See macrokelvin's post here.
Note 1: Promotion CANNOT be done in store. You must ORDER ONLINE OR OVER THE PHONE @ 866-782-8777. BE SURE to ask for the bring your own device FREE 1 Year Plan and be sure the rep verifies it before ending your call. Do not go to a store for help & avoid having them set up your plan or make any changes!
1a: Most experts here advise to get this plan over phone and NOT online.
Several reasons: (No activation fee, and any issues that come up will be addressed right then there).
BYOD phone in is waiving the sim card shipping fee so your cost will be $2.99 plus tax. New BYOD or an existing account!
Call the dedicated # 866-782-8777. The folks there are the ones that can help u. The telesales folks are in the Philippines. In some cases, the calls get routed to a different dept which may not access to this promo. So we advised to start the conversation with something like "i want the free 1 year promotion. can u help me with that". if the answer is not a emphatic yes ...then it is suggested u hang up and call again (huca)
1b: When Calling In For This Promo, Have This Information Handy (keep reading on how to get all this ready):
1) Your Phone's IMEI #
2) Your Phone # You want to port
3) Your Account # and PIN # from where you want to port out to Sprint
4) The ICCID# of Your Sprint Sim card
Have the above for every single line you want to port if more than one.
Note 2: for services like swapping in phones etc, CALL ACCOUNT SERVICES 844 665 6327. Or use chat, where a chatbot efficiently swaps devices, with no error-prone humans involved.
Note 3: This offer will work with any number coming from AT&T, T-mobile, Verizon (including their MVNO networks) and all other non-Sprint networks including bandwidth.com (Google Voice), FreedomPop, number barn and others. You must supply your current carrier's account number and pin to port into Sprint. Any eligible phone will work. The eligible phone you would like to use with Sprint does NOT have to be tied to your ported number.
Note 4: The phone reps will push the Total Equipment Protection( $15/mo.) package for your phone. Some reps will not take no for an answer. they will scare u like what happens if phone breaks or is lost etc. Do not fall for these tactics. rest assure u have options if your phone breaks or is lost etc (keep reading on how ) .best to let them add it as it can be easily removed through your online account, through chat or by calling account services.
Note 5: phones.
swap= change the current phone
upgrade= get a new device
swap:You can swap device anytime.
All that is required is that the device u are swapping to has clean esn, has Sprint bands, is paid off, no installment billing.
(ie ebay, craigs list, older phone from a friend etc).
if u go to apple or best buy and buy a phone outright (full msrp, no installment billing) it is yours and u can swap it anytime.
if u go to ebay, swappa, cragslist etc and buy a 2nd hand device it is yours and u can swap it anytime.
upgrade:
u can upgrade only after 120 days & ONLY through SPRINT telesales @866-782-8777
(not through best buy, apple or any other 3rd party
[unless u pay full price as described above]).
Note 6: porting in to sprint
once u have started the port u can call sprint porting dept @ 866-437-1818 to get status of port & maybe have port completed in as soon as 5 minutes.
Note 7: porting out of sprint
if u hate the service best to cancel via porting out of sprint.
that will cancel the account.
if u go this route, u must port out every number to have account completely cancelled.
if u have more than 1 line, then porting out 1 line will not effect the others.
if u dont care about number, port out to h20 and let number die.
h20 sim are pretty inexpensive on amazon.
order now as it is good to have h20 sim on hand for future use.
Note 8: For people experiencing bad coverage or slow LTE download speed, consider swapping to a native Sprint-branded phone. Sprint has 3 LTE bands, 25 (main band, 1900MHz g block), 26 (800MHz) and 41 (2500MHz, LTE Plus band, @highest speed). Check your phone LTE bands: for example, Verizon iPhone 5s only supports band #25. Verizon iPhone 6 supports 25 & 26, but lacks 41; iPhone 6s (all models) and iPhone 7 (Verizon and Sprint) support all three bands
Note 9: Question: I just signed up but my confirmation says 'FREE Unlimited data, talk and text until 9/30/19' What gives?
Answer: Because Sprint forgot to update the date when the offer was extended twice. The expiration date will be ~ 1 year from when u sign up. You can verify it at Dashboard / Manage Plan / See Details or in the My Sprint app.
Note 10: Sprint SIM cards.
a. You MUST have the correct sim for your phone.
b. Sprint sims can be re used. they do not have any personal info on them.
c. Sprint sim are not like others (ATT, TM, etc). You cannot simply swap sims on phones. You must contact Sprint and let them know you are going to swap phones & then provide Sprint the imei of new phone.
Note 11: Check if your phone is eligible. Go here [sprint.com] . Enter the imei of phone in question. Enter a cell number of a friend, coworker, family member etc. that you know is on something other than Sprint family (like Verizon , att, tmobile etc). Note the results. Again u r just checking if the phone status, not actually signing up at this point.
You can check the number alone here:
link [sprint.com]
Note 12: Activation steps after porting for profile update:
Please follow these steps: Connect to WiFi Network
From the home screen, tap Phone.
On the keypad, dial ##873283# and tap the Call button.
Tap OK. The handset will search for profile updates and install them.
Tap OK.
The profile is now updated.
[/SIZE]
SIM CARDS
Click this link to find the sim card part number for your specific phone model. [s4gru.com]
The newest "Bring Your Own Phone 4-in-1 Sim Kit" (UPC 760492044707) contains SIMOLW506TQ, SIMOLW416Q, SIMOLW506C, and SIMOLW516TQ. and is available at most Sprint stores for $2.99 + tax.
Click here [sprint.com] to order the 4 in 1 sim kit from Sprint (usually arrives in 2-3 business days) You can also order it by calling the telesales number @ 866-782-8777
Best Buy has a Boost Mobile triple SIM pack which works on Sprint (comes with SIMOLW416Q + SIMOLW506C + SIMOLW506TQ SIM cards inside)
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/boost...Id=5887
1: Where can i get a number to port?
one good option is Google Voice
be sure to get a phone number from major city that has good Sprint coverage or u will get rare message "phone number not portable" you can check on the sprint map
Go to https://www.google.com/voice/b/0/unlock and unlock your Google Voice number, which will cost $3 and is payable online by card
Set a voicemail pin here https://www.google.com/voice/b/0#...ilsettings - you will need this pin in order to finish the porting
You account number will be your 10 digit phone number and the PIN is your voicemail pin that you'll set. In case you are activating over phone, tell the associate your existing provider is bandwidth.com.
https://support.google.
If you've never set your pin or if you want to try to change it, this worked for me.
Change your PIN
On your computer, open Google Voice.
At the top left, open Menu Menu and then Legacy Google Voice. Google Voice will look different, but you're in the right place.
At the top right, click Settings Settings and then Settings.
Click the "Voicemail & Text" tab.
Next to "Voicemail PIN," enter and confirm your new PIN.
At the bottom, click Save changes.
If the gaining carrier is requesting the zip code: use 94043
If the gaining carrier is requesting an address then you need to use the full street address:
1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043
PORT STATUS AND COMPLETION INFO:
Google Voice seemed stuck in porting limbo for over a day. Found this link which gave status and aid to call in. 5min later its ported and activated
https://shop2.sprint.co
Call: 866-437-1818
** Google Voice (bandwidth.com) is considered a landline phone provider, and may take up to 3 days to port. If you call the # above, they will do it right away for you.
2: Why is my IMEI coming up as ineligible when it's on the eligible list?
Errors such as this: "Sorry, but our records show you still owe Sprint for this device." are signs that your IMEI is currently or has been previously on a sprint MVNO (such as Tello, Ting, Twigby and others). Your phone must not be currently active on a sprint MVNO (if it is, then port out) AND you must make it eligible for Sprint postpaid by having the previous MVNO change the phones IMEI from prepaid(PLBL) to postpaid(SPCS). If they refuse to do it then you can contact sprint. You can see if TeleSales (wiki note 1) will do it or otherwise post in Sprint Community Forum [sprint.com]and they will do it (find any reasonable thread there or start a new one and they will get back to you privately, normally inside a working day now) Thanks to Comintel and edog for these and other suggestions.
Caveat - Per this post from comintel (and my own experience), Virgin Mobile users do NOT have to worry about this flag issue:
... people who are calling Virgin an MVNO, it is actually not an MVNO, but rather, a prepaid division of Sprint itself. As such, they look after these things themselves properly. Actually they do not even use the MVNO flag, they have Virgin flags of their own. This I believe applies to Boost phones as well. You can contact those divisions to make your phone eligible for postpaid use.
If going from Virgin Mobile or Boost to Sprint; do I have to use someone else's SSN? No you do not. Although Virgin and Boost are part of Sprint, their customer accounts are separate from Sprint Postpaid accounts.
NOTE TO ALL: Any older Sprint smartphone can work as long as it has a SIM card, has LTE compatibility and isn't a WiMAX device, and isn't blacklisted. I've been able to help add over a dozen phones for free for other people and have activated older phones such as the LG G3, G4, G5, and older Samsung Galaxy S4, and many more. The preferred list is only shown to lure the people who already have high-powered smartphones over or back to Sprint to gain more traction but it doesn't mean your older Sprint phone isn't compatible with their free year of service. My own LG G5 gets perfect reception even though it's unlisted and had no problems whatsoever getting it activated.
3: My phone is/was on Project Fi (Google). What can i do to make it work on this promo?
AFTER removing your phone from Fi (port out or cancel), you have to call them and ask them to deregister the phone or rather make it available for Sprint postpaid use. Because Sprint is part of the Fi network it looks like the phone is already active on there. Takes 24-48 hours to happen once you open a ticket by calling 1-844-TALK-2FI.
Note: When I called, the CSR did not understand when I asked about "deregistering" my phone. Probably the most efficient way to go about this is to explain that you are trying to switch to Sprint and need to be removed from the Project fi list or whatever. My case had to be elevated to a higher up CSR/tech, and after a brief hold, I was told it was taken care of. I was then able to pass go on the sprint IMEI checker.
4: I am having trouble getting data and/or voice to work properly. What can i do?
Troubleshooting Guide 1:
Your phone most likely needs to be re-provisioned. Here is a great activation guide put out by Ting. Follow CDMA activation for your particular phone. https://help.ting.com/hc/en-us/se...your-phone
For many/most Android phones here are first 3 steps:
1. Carrier reset
From the home screen, tap Phone.
Tap the Dialpad icon and dial ##72786#
Tap Ok.
Your phone will restart.
After it restarts, your phone automatically starts Hands-Free Activation.
After Hands-Free Activation completes, your phone is ready to be used.
Note: If the phone then runs a PRL update on its own please skip to the Profile update.
2. PRL update
Tap the Settings icon.
From the General tab, scroll to and tap System updates.
Tap Update PRL.
The phone will search and update—Once complete tap Ok.
3.Profile update
Enter Settings by tapping the icon on the home screen swipe down bar or via apps.
From the General tab, scroll to and tap System updates.
Tap Update Profile.
The phone will search and update—Once complete tap Ok
For iPhones:
1. Carrier Reset:
* Make sure Roaming is Off (go to Settings -> Cellular -> Cellular Data Options -> Roaming Off)
* Connect to a Wi-Fi network
* Go to dial pad
* Enter ##25327#
* Press Call
* A "Reset Subscriber Settings" message will appear - press OK (The iPhone 4 and 4s will not display a "Reset Subscriber Settings" message.)
Wait 5-10 seconds; the signal notification will display "Searching" on the top left of the screen.
When the phone shows a signal again, you can proceed to the next step.
2. Profile and PRL Update:
* Connect to a Wi-Fi network
* Press the phone app
* Dial ##873283#
* Press Call
* Starting Service Update message will appear - press OK
* If update is successful Service Update Complete message will appear after about a minute - press OK.
* If the update is not successful or you get a "Service Update Failed" message, make sure you are connected to a Wi-Fi network and try again.
Troubleshooting Guide 2:
if you're experiencing data connectivity issues with higher-frequency Sprint LTE bands, such as 25/41, you can force it to use 26 (850MHZ) by following these instructions:
Install LTE discovery app and check which LTE band is giving you trouble.
Sprint got 25 (1900mhz), 26 (850mhz) and 41 (2500). 26 is the best for penetrating buildings and distance-wize, 25 is the next "best" and 41 is for capacity.
So, if your phone chooses 25 or 41 - try disabling them following instructions:
To get better data try to disable LTE Band 25 and 41. That forces it to use Band 26 which is giving much improved data/internet.
In some areas in can drop down to 3G but that is usually plenty good enough to use, you can even watch live IPTV sometimes, even when the phone shows as only on 3G. You normally get 4-6 Mb download and upload speeds in most areas. Not great speed but plenty useable.
1) To disable Band 25 open the phone app and try *#*#3282#*#* or ##3282## depending on the phone.
2) Select "LTE".
3) Select "Bands".
4)Tap on the menu, which on our phones is in the upper right corner and select "Edit". When it asks for the Passcode or MSL try 000000 which is the MSL on most of our phones. If that doesn't work you may need to call or chat with Sprint to get the MSL for your phones.
5) Select "Band 25 Enabled" and select "Off". Do the same for band 41.
6) Select "Done" and get out of the app and reboot the phone. It should now be using Band 26
5: When can I upgrade to a new phone on this promotion?
Upgrades for lines activated on the FREE Unlimited plan will be allowed after 120 days of service. Any upgrades prior to the 120 days will require a plan change to the Unlimited data, talk and text plan. Unfortunately, you'll lose the remaining free months in your year of free service.
6: What happens if I lose or break my own phone and don't have replacement insurance?
If the phone you bring to Sprint through the Unlimited - Bring Your Phone promotion is lost or breaks, you have options that allow you to keep your first year of free service:
** You can purchase a Sprint phone at full manufacturer's retail price, or swap out a different eligible phone although a new Sprint SIM may be required
7: What is the best way to swap an eligible phone onto an existing line?
It is suggested to go online through your Sprint dashboard and click 'activate device'. This may lead you to a chat session which will finish the procedure. There is no limit as to the amount of times you can swap phones.
8: Can we have voice and data at the same time?
Yes you can with Calling Plus available on select Android phones. With Calling PLUS, you can browse the Internet and use other apps that require data services while you are on a call. Calling PLUS includes Wi-Fi Calling, which allows you to call or message from almost anywhere you have a Wi-Fi connection. Wi-Fi Calling provides enhanced coverage in locations with limited or no mobile network coverage. Calling PLUS enables calls to automatically switch between networks as needed to keep your conversation going. For further information and setup of Calling Plus please refer to this Sprint link: https://www.sprint.com/en/support...-plus.html
9: What is VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and when is it coming to Sprint?
VoLTE will be replacing our Calling PLUS service as a much more capable platform that also supports simultaneous voice and data, over more Sprint devices with better voice quality. Before we do updates market-by-market on various devices, we are alerting Calling Plus customers so they can decide whether to continue using the feature until our VoLTE launch is complete.
VoLTE is rolling out area by area and will not cover the entire service area until mid 2019.
10: What happens if i don't use my phone for an extended period of time?
Your line could get suspended! Here is one users experience:
This happened to me and it was a ****ing headache getting them to reactivate my lines since I did not have access to the phones on the account/used placeholder IMEIs. Once I told them this, they flagged my account as "suspicious" and forced me to go to a store in order to reactivate. OFC, once I did that, they FORGOT to activate all my lines and only reactivated one, so I had to go back to the store AGAIN to reactivate the others. OFC the store employees have ABSOLUTELY NO INCENTIVE to help you since these lines give them zilch commission. So they give literally ZERO sh*ts about you. You've been warned. PM me if you need help resolving this as it took me a week. ~shinseiryuu
Another user reported having the account suspended after 21 days of not being used and flagged as past-due. A 30 minute call to *2 got the issue resolved.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Previous promo phases:
Phase 1: 06/12/17 - 07/31/17
Phase 2: 08/01/17 - 09/30/17
Phase 3: 10/01/17 - 10/31/17
Phase 4: 11/01/17 - 01/31/18
Phase 5: 02/01/18 - 04/5/18
Phase 6: 04/6/18 - 08/23/18
Phase 7: 08/24/18 - Ongoing (Savings ends 04/30/20)
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LIST YOUR ZIP CODE
Zip...| Tax | Avg Speed | Recommend or Not | No. of Lines
02113 $4 / 22 Mbps *Yes ? Lines (*If you can do without talking & surfing at the same time)
21117 $7.29 7-10 MBPS Okay for free and one line
02124 $16.89, 6-8Mbps , Yes, 4 lines
02906 $4 / 11 Mbps Yes 1 line
03801 $5.?? 99 Mbps Yes 1 line
03885 $0.96 1.51 Mbps 1 Line Ok for free. Area w/o good service by anyone
06085 $3 / 12 Mbps Yes 1 line
06488 $3.13 / 10 Mbps Yes (for free) 1 line
07103 $3.46 / 20 Mbps Yes 1 line
07652 $4.00 / 30 Mbs Yes 1line
07747 $4.00/ 8 Mbps Yes 2 line
07837 $3.46 / 8 Mbps no(paid)/yes(free) 1 line
08540 $4.00 / ? Yes 1 line
08820 $3.46 / 7 Mbps Yes 1 line
08901 $17.30 / 5 Mbps Down / 2Mbps Up - Recommended - 5 lines (if you have multiple lines, the 2nd monthly bill has the correct amount)
10007 $15 / 3 Mbps No ? Lines
10013 $11 / 15 Mbps No ? Lines
10025 $4.41 / 1-3 Mbps Down/0-50Kbps Up Yes&No 1 Line
10128 $4.25 9.7 Mbps/Definite Yes on Recommendation!/1 Line
11204 $4 good enough Yes 1 Line
11205 $4.25 total bill / 2-8 Mbps Down (1-3 Mbps Up) / Yes / 1 Line
11220 $4 / 2-10 Mbps Yes 1 Line
11364 $4.85 / 12-17 Mbps / Yes / 1 Line
11746 $4.77 | Down: 50 Mbps / Up: 5 Mbps | RECOMMENDED | 1 LINE
11777 $4.77 | 1 line
11962 $10 / 8 Mbps No ? Lines
13045 $18.88 | 10 Mbps Down (1-3 Mbps Up) | RECOMMENDED | 4 Lines
18020 $4.50 / 8 Mbps yes 1 line
19061 $4.89 | 40 - 60 Mbps | yes | 1 line
19104 $4.38/2-10Mbps Yes, 1 line
20850 $13.11 / 20-30 Mbps yes 2 lines
20850 $7.62 / 28 Mbps / Yes / 1 Line
21042 | $13.33 | 180 mbps (http://www.speedtest.n
21045 & 21029 (Columbia & Clarksville, Maryland) | $4.30 | 1.9 Mbps Down 2.7 Mbps Up (an average of 10 times testing) | Not sure | 1 Line
21157 $8.68 / 7.67 Mbps DOWN 1.08 Mbps UP / Yes / 3 lines
21234 $12.65 / 15 Mbps Yes 5 lines - Can not use talk and data at the same time, but you can use GPS while still talking; so this is fine for those who drive hands free and still need an active GPS.
22206 $5.79 NA Yes 2 lines
22314 $3.27 NA 1 line
24012 $3.81 4Mbps up/down at best. Only recommend the service with this deal, wouldn't pay for it.
25545 $13.38 for two lines.
26501 $4 / 3 Mbps Yes ? Lines
29401 $3.84 5-71 Mbps down Yes 1 line
29615 $4 / 30 Mbps Yes 1 line
30082 $? / 43.84 Mbps - Yes - 1 line
30011 | $? | 8.5Mbps/0.18Mbps | Yes | 1 line
30319 $3.89 / 11 Mbps - Yes - 1 line
32807 $3.67 / don't know / 2 different accounts and 1 line each
33015 $3.68 / 58.1 Down - 0.11 up - 1 Line
33040 $5 / 15 Mbps Yes ? Lines
33139 $3.68 / 3.54 down/0.02 up - 1line
33160 $15.48 / 8 Mbps - yes - 5 lines
33196 55 up / 1.40 down mbps - YES - 5 lines
33309 $? / 36 Mbps -Yes -1 line
33544 $7.18 | 1 Mbps(down) 0.2 Mbps(Up) | NO | 2 lines
37421-70 mbps down about 5 upload
38654 $4.16 / 3mbps down and 0.5mbps up indoors, but near the towers I can easily reach 100mbps on my LG G5. Currently looking for a Magic Box for home.
39191$4.16 / 15 Mbps - Yes - 1 Line
41051 $9.38 ~1.5Mbps down & 0.5 Mbps Up 2 Lines, Rec? meh
43081 29.7 Mbps Down | 6.07 Up (8:45 PM EST)
44805 $4 / 2 Mbps No ? Lines
45342 $3 / 60 Mbps - Yes - 1 line
45431 | $3.40 | LTE+ 103 - 192 Mbps (download), 5.8 -9.6 Mbps (upload) | YES | 2 lines.
45459 |$4.09 | 8 Mbps LTE download | yes | 1 line
45896 | Switched to Sprint 11 days ago. Service is HORRIBLE. Switching back.
46032 $7 / 2-3 Mbps - Yes - 4
48154 $9 / 71 Mbps [speedtest.net] Yes ? Lines
48187 $10 / 2 Mbps - No - 4
48708 $3 / 35 Mbps Yes
50677 $4.13 / 13Mbps yes 1 line
53090 $13 / 12 Mbps yes 4 lines
53186 $3.80 / 21Mbps yes 1line
55110 $4.11 / 1.5 Mbps down .8 up Yes 1 line
5