Question 1

What does “BYOD” mean?

Accepted Answer

BYOD stands for "bring your own device." It's a term used to describe bringing your own mobile phone, smartwatch, or tablet to a wireless carrier instead of buying a new device from the carrier. Similarly, &ldquo;BYOP&rdquo; stands for &ldquo;bring your own phone&rdquo;.

Question 2

Can you bring your own phone to AT&T?

Accepted Answer

If you like your current smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch, you can BYOD to AT&T and quickly switch carriers. In most cases, your current GSM-compatible smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch will easily connect to AT&T’s network, so you can keep the device you love.

There are several key benefits to bringing your own phone or even a smart device like a tablet or smartwatch.

You may have just finished paying off your device with your current cellular provider. Even if you didn't buy your device from AT&T, you can keep your device and simply add an AT&T wireless plan to get new service connected on that device.
When you bring your own device, you won’t need an AT&T Installment Plan^SM since you already own your device.
You’ll even be able to keep your current number if it’s eligible for transfer.
Enjoy exclusive offers when you bring your own device to AT&T.

Learn more about how to bring your own device (BYOD) to AT&T.

Question 3

How can I tell if my phone is compatible with AT&T?

Accepted Answer

You can check if your device is compatible on the AT&T network. Keep in mind, your phone must be GSM-compatible. CDMA phones will not work.

Download this PDF to view our current list of tested and approved phones for the AT&T network.

Question 4

Does AT&T have a wireless switcher offer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when you bring your own device to AT&T, you may be eligible to get unlimited for $25/mo. with  AT&T Value Plus^SM VL for $25/mo. for up to 36 months when you switch to AT&T and bring four lines. Learn more about AT&T’s switcher offer and how AT&T stacks up vs. the competitors.

If you want to keep your phone number when you switch, make sure you don’t cancel with your current carrier until you activate your device with AT&T so you can keep your phone number.

Learn more about how to switch phone carriers.

Question 5

Can I bring my own phone to AT&T Prepaid®?

Accepted Answer

If you’re looking for more flexibility and prefer to pay upfront for your wireless service, AT&T Prepaid may be the right choice for you. You can bring your compatible unlocked device and connect it to the AT&T network. All you have to do is make sure your unlocked phone is compatible, get your SIM card, pick an AT&T Prepaid plan, and activate service.

Plus, with AT&T Prepaid service for your phone, you get: no annual contract, no credit check, easy activation, and several great prepaid plans to choose from.

Question 6

What is eSIM?

Accepted Answer

SIM cards are tiny removable chips you can swap in and out of smartphones to get service. A SIM stores the information your phone needs to connect to your carrier network so you can send texts, make calls, and more. While many of today’s phones and devices still rely on physical SIM cards for network connectivity, newer devices are increasingly turning to a newer technology called eSIM. 

eSIM is short for Embedded SIM and is a digital version of a SIM card. eSIM allows you to connect to your network without having to deal with a physical chip. Instead of storing all information on a SIM card, you can download data to your device via the internet, activate your eSIM, and connect to your network in a completely virtual way.

Save up to $360 per line

Love your device? Keeping it is easy.

Check compatibility

Unlock your device

Choose a plan and get a free SIM or eSIM

Be sure to back up everything

Quickly activate your phone with an eSIM

More articles and resources

How to bring your phone or device to AT&T

How to switch your cell phone carrier

How to Unlock a Phone from Another Carrier.

Helpful resources

Frequently asked questions

What does “BYOD” mean?

Can you bring your own phone to AT&T?

How can I tell if my phone is compatible with AT&T?