Are you thinking of switching to Tello but you’re unsure about how to bring your current phone? 

Not only are we waiting for you with super-flexible plans and lots of savings, but we’re also happy to have your own phone on board.  With Tello, it’s super easy to Bring Your Own Phone, or as we call it, BYOP. There are just a few easy steps to follow and we’re more than happy to walk you through!  

🔵 Step 1: Check Compatibility

The first thing you need to do is make sure your phone works with Tello. So, it’ll have to check two things: unlocked and Vo-LTE compatible. 

You can easily check your phone’s compatibility here if you have your phone at hand and you know the IMEI. Dial *#06# on your phone and you’ll receive your phone’s IMEI code.

Most unlocked GSM phones will be compatible, but it’s always good to double-check.

If you don’t have access to the IMEI, you can have a look at the requirements here and check your device’s tech specs. The “tech specs” of the phone you have (or are considering purchasing) will contain the information related to these requirements. You will find them in the description of the device you are thinking about buying (ask the seller directly), in the manual of the device you already purchased, or via an online search.

📱 First thing to look at: VoLTE
VoLTE means Voice over LTE and provides crisp, clear audio quality and helps prevent dropped calls.
The device must support VoLTE (the type of VoLTE compatible with our network). Older phone models tend to be missing this feature more often than newer models.

📱On to the net one: Bands
The device must support (at a minimum) the following set of LTE bands:

• Band 2 (1900 MHz)
• Band 4 (2100 MHz)
• Band 12 (700 MHz)

However, for the best service on our network, your phone should have at least 1 of the following bands/frequencies in addition to the above 3:

• Band 5 (850 MHz)
• Band 66 (1700 Mhz)
• Band 71 (600 MHz)

For example, if the phone has bands 2, 4, 12, and 71, then that is ideal. Phones made for overseas markets and older phones are more likely not to accommodate these band requirements.

📣 One more thing to keep in mind is that Unlocked and Compatible are 2 completely different unrelated requirements. Our device checker can check for compatibility only – you must check that the phone is unlocked. So even if you receive the “Awesome” message on our device checker, you still need to check if the phone is unlocked or not.

So, please contact the existing carrier to confirm the locked status of the device or if you are buying a new phone, confirm with the seller.

If your phone is compatible, you can move forward to Step 2. 

If not, don’t worry! You can still explore Tello’s affordable phones and choose one that meets your needs. 

🔵 Step 2: Get Your Tello SIM Card (or eSIM)

Once you know your phone is compatible, it’s time to get a Tello SIM card, alongside your favorite phone plan. If your phone supports eSIM, the process is even simpler because everything is done digitally and there’s no need to wait for a physical card. 

If you need a physical SIM, you can easily order one from our website, and it’ll arrive at your doorstep. Once you have it in hand, all you’ll need to do is insert it into your phone and start the activation process. 

🔵 Step 3: Activate and Start Using Tello!

With your new SIM card (or eSIM) ready, it’s time to activate your phone on Tello’s network. If you opted for a physical SIM, simply go to our activation page and follow the steps to set up your service. 

If you’ve chosen an eSIM, follow the instructions in your Tello Account – My SIM. 

Once activated, you’re all set! You can start enjoying your new Tello service right away.

💡 Troubleshooting Tips

In some cases, you may need to manually configure your Android phone’s APN settings to work with Tello. We already have some easy-to-follow instructions right here.

Also, we recommend restarting your phone to ensure everything works properly after any settings are configured. 

We’ve covered more scenarios here, in case your phone is not accepted at Tello.

Why should you bring your phone to Tello? 

At Tello, we believe in offering phone plans that fit into your life, not the other way around. With no contracts, no hidden fees, and fully customizable plans, Tello allows you to pay only for what you need. 

Bringing your own phone to Tello is one of the easiest ways to enjoy excellent service at a price that also fits your budget. You don’t need to spend money on a new phone when you can stick with the device you love and switch to Tello with just a few clicks.

So, what are you waiting for? Check your phone’s compatibility today, and get ready to experience the benefits of joining Tello!