Why is my phone not accepted at Tello?
Will my phone work at Tello?
This is the most common question people have for us. (well, this and “are your prices really that small?” – YES, but let’s focus on devices for now).
Bringing the phone you love at Tello is easy-peasy, especially if you already own an unlocked GSM-compatible device that supports LTE BANDS 2, 4 an 12, and is compatible with VoLTE. If you are on a prepaid or pay-as-you-go plan, your phone is probably unlocked. Just in case, the most reliable way to find out is by calling your current carrier.
🛎️ To see if the device is a match, use our handy online tool to check your phone compatibility.
If after going to our Bring Your Own Device page and entering the IMEI you get an “Oops” message (🤯 ) or something related to an unresolved account issue (🤔 ), don’t sweat it. We’re here to provide info & help so you can sort any problem, join Tello asap & enjoy the savings you’ve been longing for!
Why am I seeing the “Oops” message when checking my phone’s compatibility?
There are several possibilities why your device is not eligible to be enrolled with Tello at this time and here are the most common:
1. Your device is not designed for the US market
You may have purchased your device abroad or the device was manufactured abroad and therefore it is not compatible with the network used by Tello.
2. Your device is a CDMA network only device
Tello only accepts unlocked GSM devices or unlocked multi-network phones that incorporate both CDMA & GSM (Examples are Apple iPhones, Samsung Galaxy, and Motorola X).
To confirm that your device is CDMA only, you can check the IMEI/MEID/ESN code of the phone with a CDMA only provider. If it is accepted there, it cannot be brought to us right now.
3. Incompatible Bands
Your device may not have the right frequency bands to work on the Tello GSM network and so is not on the list of eligible devices.
To best use the new network, your phone needs to have, as minimum requirements LTE frequency bands 2, 4, 12 + VoLTE and when talking about an ideal connection: bands 2, 4, 12, 66, 71 + VoLTE. Key takeaway: Regardless of the phone brand you fancy, always go for a device that supports voice over 4G (VoLTE), which will help make the most of the newly expanded network.
If buying a phone from a 3rd party seller, make sure that the specs of the device you are considering buying have some of the GSM bands above included. Phone manufacturers will always include this information as part of the phone specs.
4. Misplaced Digit
Just double-check that you have copied the exact IMEI/MEID/ESN code into the field provided.
Mis-typing the code or leaving the code a digit short is a common way of getting stuck – it happens a lot!
5. Your Phone is Too Old
There are some really old phones hanging around still that are no longer compatible with Tello (Blackberry, Plam). We know, quite the bummer :(. When we say old phones, we generally mean pre-2018 ones, but it does depend on the model.
6. FED Not Met
You received the message: “This device can’t be activated on Tello right now due to an unresolved account issue with your previous provider. Please contact them to solve it.”
This means that the device has not reached financial eligibility with your previous provider and the account holder is the only one that has the authorization to request a fix.
You need to confirm with your previous provider that you have ended your contract with them and specifically request that they unlock your device. Providers may take between 2 and 5 business days before completing the device-unlocking process and then you should check compatibility here on Tello again after that.
If you bought the phone from a 3rd party you may want to ask for a refund.
👀 A Note About “Unlocked” Phones From 3rd Party Sellers:
Most phone sellers will say “the phone is unlocked to use with any carrier”.
This does NOT mean that the phone will actually work with every carrier. Regardless of whether the phone is “unlocked” or not, some phones were manufactured to only work on a specific network.
Therefore, we do not recommend purchasing phones from unverified third-party sellers before you have had the opportunity to properly check the phone’s compatibility using the compatibility tool provided on our website https://tello.com/bring_your_own_phone.
🤖 Need a double-check?
If you still think that your device passes all these criteria above and that it should be compatible with Tello, then please email us with the following device information; IMEI/MEID/ESN: Make & Model: Current / Most recent US Provider: With such information, we will be able to investigate further and get back to you in no time!
I have bought the new Motorola Stylus G. These are the specifications:
4G: LTE band: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/29/30/38/39/40/41/66/71 | 3G: UMTS: 1/2/4/5/8 | 2G: GSM: 2/3/5/8
CDMA: BC0 BC1 BC10
The IMEI is: 35908410081397203
And it’s telling me that is not compatible. Could you please verify?
Thank you
Hi, Julen,
Please contact my colleagues from Customer Service with this issue. I’ve checked your IMEI and got the same result as you, so let’s go to the bottom of the problem. Fingers crossed!
Hi! I am at my wits’ end. Im with another (boost) carrier and have a Virgin mobile carrier. In the process of getting a new number, they could NOT update my phone afterward (Kyocera Rise…i know, not an iPhone, no SIM card). However it is perfectly functional and I had NO problems with it 5 mins prior. It IS Sprint compatible..and I tested theMEID on ur site. Did not say OOps…just said “active with other carrier” need to port number. My deadline is today, and want to do this asap. But I can’t go days without a phone while a transition happens. 1) Is this phone compatible with Tello, and 2) how long will it take me to get up and running if I port this phone AND number?
Maria, I wrote earlier today, but it appears my msg was deleted(?) I’m in phone hell. I’ve been w/o a functional phone for 3 days after attempting to change a phone number. I have a Kyocera Rise (no SIM card), and no ability to Edit the MDN under RTN (view only), right now. Apparently, after the ONLY previous number change I had to make, Boost did NOT update the MDN, so now the OLD number shows in Mobile Number…and cannot be edited. As a result, the system is NOT recognizing the phone, and WILL NOT ACTIVATE!!! I am so fed up with Boost, I’m ready to come here..but I don’t want to run into the same problem. I have checked the MEID, and it,s supposedly compatible…but saying, “Active w/ another provider”. (whom I’m ready to DUMP!) I WANT TO KEEP THIS PHONE… will I have the same problem if I try to bring this phone over to you all? (and can you ameliorate this MDN number issue so that it can be edited? I understand that the ##786 option…if updated…can be used to edit, but as of yet, it is not working! THREE DAYS WITH NO FUNCTIONING PHONE..and medical issues to address with family. I’m in hell.. PLEASE HELP ME transition to you guys!
Hi Sophie,
Based on your account, you should be able to enroll your phone with us and port the number associated with it. The porting process can take anywhere from 2 hours to 2 working days (for a mobile phone) to complete. Once the process is complete, the phone should activate with Tello either automatically or by dialing the activation codes for this type of device. However, we cannot guarantee beforehand that no issues will occur but we will definitely do our best to assist her through the process.
Thank you!
On BYOP check, I get message ” Oops! Your IMEI might not be correct or your phone is not Tello compatible. ”
I have an Unlocked LG v20 IMEI 352291081137803 , currently active with LTE on Verizon. I have used another device of exact same device variant on Sprint earlier; so I think current device should be compatible with Tello.
Is there a way I can still buy the Tello sim & plan ?
Hmmm, this is a tricky one. If your current device is compatible with us, there should be no problem to bring it to the service & then get a phone plan. But if you have issues with it during the Bring your own phone process, the best thing to do is to contact our Customer Support Team. Fingers crossed!
I bought a new unlocked Easyfone Prime 1a last Sept2020. It’s not set up. Can I use this with your plan. Got it for my 86y mom to take to Vietnam. Thanks.
Hi Dao,
You got me thinking a bit about “what year are we in?” and “does time fly that fast?!” since you said you bought the phone “last Sept2020” (if by chance you really are from the future, please let us know how the entire Covid-19 situation is going to go down – wink wink).
All jokes aside, please check the phone here, by entering the IMEI: https://tello.com/bring_your_own_phone to see if it’s compatible. Just as a reminder, Tello’s service works in the US only, ok?
Take care & all the best to your mom as well. Thanks!
Hi Maria,
Thank you for your help and jovial attitude. It is refreshing. Is it sill true that Tello has no international roaming? If this is the case, it really should be stated front and center since you advertise free international calling to some countries so one would assume there would at least be international roaming for data and text?
Thanks
Thank you for kind words, they made my day.
Letting you down is a thorn in my heart, but unfortunately, we do not offer roaming services or national roaming at this time. However, while you are abroad you can call over WiFi using your account balance with our app, My Tello.
Here’s some more info:
— The minutes included in a cell plan are available for US, Canada, Mexico, Romania and China.
— If you need to call other countries, you can use Pay As You Go – available for both international calls and texts.
Hope this helps, thanks!
I have a unlocked galaxy s20 5g and its aging that its incompatible with your network and i don’t think it should be imei number is 354266113444110
I want to bring my own phone.
Nexus 5
IMEI : 359125051184630 SV: 62
Last Providers: AT&T, T-Mobile
Hello, this is tricky, since the phone should work just fine on Tello. Please contact our Customer Support team and bring this issue up with them as well, thanks! Hope it works out :)
Been a VERY happy TELLO user; going on 2 years. This is just the best way for me to own and use a cell phone.
My question concerns the Sprint/T-Mobile Network merger. I would love to splurge and update a phone to the New Surface DUO coming out next month, but it’s specs say T-Mobile compatible.
Will the New Surface DUO be able to work with Tello?
Hi, Mark, we’re equally happy to have you, thanks!
We’re excited about the merger, but for now, I don’t have any news regarding the exact future steps for customers. It will be another couple of months before we have details, so I’d put off the splurging, but that’s, of course, a personal decision. As soon as we have extra info about the merger, we’ll let everybody know, thanks!
I just got a new phone (iPhone 11) and wanted to keep the SIM card from my old iPhone. Earlier today when I tried to use the “https://tello.com/bring_your_own_phone” site to add my new phone to the plan, it said the IMEI was verified but the CDMA SIM# was not compatible. I was in a call with customer support and they confirmed the IMEI was compatible with Tello, but the CDMA SIM# was not.
However, just 20 minutes later, the website tells me the IMEI is not compatible either. My phone does not fit any of the troubleshooting issues described (it was purchased in the US from Apple’s website, it’s a very new phone, etc.) and it literally worked earlier. In addition, my previous phone that used Tello perfectly fine also shows up as incompatible when I typed its IMEI to test the website.
My questions are first, is my phone actually incompatible, and if so, why? It worked during the call with support, and it fits all the requirements.
Second, why is the CDMA SIM# incompatible? Looking online, it seems as if SIM cards should be able to transfer between iPhones.
Thank you for your help!
Hi, James,
Thanks for writing, this seems like a tough cookie to crack, I really don’t know what to say. In these cases, the best thing to do is to talk to one of my colleagues and see how can they help you, so please try them again with these questions. Fingers crossed, thanks!
is tello compatible with the unlocked google pixel 4a?
Please check it here: https://tello.com/bring_your_own_phone and for further issues, the best thing to do is contact our Customer Service support, thanks!
Hi I have a iPad I wanted to connect. I bought it from Walmart. It was supposed to be sprint compatible. Can you double check?
MEID # 99000304416086
Please let me know
Please check it here: https://tello.com/bring_your_own_phone and for further issues, the best thing to do is contact our Customer Service support, thanks!
I received the “Oops” message. I was surprised because it is an iPhone 7 and your company sells this phone. I haven’t unlocked it yet because we haven’t decided exactly what to do, but I would like to try your $5/mo x3 mo plan. Did it give the Oops because it is locked to AT&T (I am up to date and out of contract) or was this particular phone made only for the one carrier? I would appreciate you checking: 355324085400401
Thank you!
Rachel E, Phx
Rachel, I’m so sorry it didn’t work. If your phone is locked, it’s not a match for our service, unfortunately. For further questions, pleased try my colleagues from the Customer Support Team and they’ll provide more info. Thanks! PS: don’t worry about the offer, we always have new ones lined up for people that want to join Tello, so stay tuned for more, thanks!
Can 3g only phones be activated on Tello?
Daniel, the short answer is yes, but the only way to know for sure is to check the phone’s ESN on our website: https://tello.com/bring_your_own_phone.Thanks!
Hi there, I bought the sim card at Tello for my iphone 6, but now I want to switch to Galaxy A20s. The sim card seems not compatible to my new phone. I do not want to get another phone or replacing another sim card. How to fix this problem? Anyone, please?
Margaret
Hi, Margaret,
Phones operating on iOS and Android require different SIM models.
You most likely need a new SIM, please follow the instructions from our website to switch to the new phone.
Thank you!
I have a Samsung Galaxy A20
Imei: 357526106510889
I don’t know why it says that is not compatible if it is unlocked
Hi, José,
It looks like this phone is not compatible with our network. You’ll need a CDMA phone developed for Sprint® Network* that passes our ESN/IMEI check, or you can buy a phone from us. Hope you find a good solution and join Tello soon.
Thanks!
I specifically bought an old (2016) iPhone SE (A1662). I think this is made for Sprint. According to https://support.apple.com/kb/sp738?locale=en_US, it supports a number of CDMA and LTE bands used by Tello. But my IMEI check (353790083016088) came back negative. Would you please help me ? I am only interested in voice service.
Hi, Billy,
Unfortunately, this device is not compatible with Tello. Hope you’ll find a compatible phone – you can also check out our selection of phones.
Thank you!
Hello, my phone is a OnePlus 7 pro, double sim tray. Unlocked, currently working with Telcel Mexico without any problem. It is supossed to work well with AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Unlocked, Verizon, Metro.
Bluetooth, 4G, 3G, Wi-Fi, NFC, LTE, USB Type-C, Dual-Band, 2G, GPS, GPRS
MEID:99001325072560
IMEI 1:867540041431211
IMEI 2:867540041431203
Hello, Osvaldo,
Thanks for reaching out!
I’m sad to say that your device got the “not compatible” verdict. In order to be compatible with Tello, your device needs to be manufactured for the US – that might the problem in your case.
I do have to recommend not sharing this type of info publicly, please take this into consideration as well. Hope you can find another device that is Tello friendly so you can join our big family, thanks!
Hi, I have an iphone 7 (IMEI: 356561089621404)
I bought it in Australia at the Apple store. Is it compatible with tello?
Maurizio,
I’ve checked your phone again and unfortunately, I got the “not compatible” message. Tello usually works with almost all iPhones that were made for the US, so that could the problem. Hope you get your hands on another device that is a match, fingers crossed!
Really hope that the Sprint-T-Mobile merger hastens GSM support for Tello. It’s frustrating to have bought an unlocked iPhone 11 Pro from Canada that works on Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile but not on Sprint network because their “Whitelist” for legacy CDMA is so restrictive. Tello is almost perfect for me and I want to join but can’t.
I have an iPhone 6Plus used on Sprint for 5 years. Ready to change to Tello. I had it unlocked through a third party, but I have not gone through the unlock instructions, changing to a new SIM yet. Your compatibility S/W, says: “This device can’t be activated on Tello right now due to an unresolved account issue with your previous provider. Please contact them to solve it.” I currently have a bill due with Sprint. My monthly billing starts on the 9th of the month. How would I proceed?
It appears that the phone this you are trying to enrol with Tello has an outstanding bill. The Sprint account holder is the only one that can clear this balance. Therefore, you should contact Sprint directly and once that is done, you can try again. Thanks!
Hi,
I bought an iPhone 5 for my granddaughter and would like to use the BYOP with Tello. Is this phone too old? The IMEI is 01 344200 506727 6.
Thanks!
Hi, getting your granddaughter a phone, that’s such a nice gesture! Indeed the IMEI gets the not compatible message, so I’m wondering, did you get her a CDMA device? If not, that might be the problem.
Hi ,
I got the “oops” message when I checked my phone. MEID-99001157788403, IMEI1: 868263038768078. Previous carrier: Ting mobile, Make/model: One Plus 6
I bought it from India, but been using in USA since last 2 years.
Hi Subhajit,
Unfortunately, the phone will not work with us. Only models manufactured for the US market will activate on our network.
Thank you!
I have an iPhone 7 Plus that I recently moved from a business account with AT&T to a personal account so that I can port it to Tello.com.
IMEI 335354089038147
iPhone 7 Plus
Currently with AT&T
Hi Marcus,
It appears that this IMEI number is not correct. Please double check the IMEI, and then visit our BYOD page to check the compatibility.
Thank you!
I own a Samsung S20 5g.
IMEI- 354266112663728/27
MEID-35426611266372
ESN- RFCN207R12H
Can you please check to see what compatibility issue might exist. I just bought the phone this year and I’m still paying for it so I don’t want to have to buy another phone. Thanks
Hi Bert,
The IMEI number provided returns the “FED not met” message when checked on the BYOD page. This means there is an outstanding balance that only the Sprint account holder can clear with Sprint directly. Most probably, the phone must be paid up in full first and can be checked again afterward.
Thanks!
I purchased an unlocked moto g7play from a major retailer . Unfortunately your BYOD page tells me it’s not compatible IMIE (sim slot 1 ) is 352173103853130
Is there anything i can do to make this phone compatible?
is the HEX numbers the same as the IMEI/ ESN ?
Yes, you’re right! Thanks!
HiHi,
I have a Pixel 2 XL that should be compatible. Here are the evil specs.
LTE (FDD): Bands 1(2100), 2(1900), 3(1800), 4(AWS-1), 5(850), 7(2600), 8(900), 12(700 a), 13(700 c), 17(700 b), 20(800 DD), 25(1900+), 26(850+), 28(700 APT), 29(700 d), 30(2300 WCS), 32(1500 L-band), 66(AWS-3)
But wait ! There is more !
LTE (TDD): Bands 38(2600), 40(2300), 41(2600+)
And .. OMG .. More?
UMTS: 850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz
Just when you thought it would never end ……….
Cdma Rev A: BC0/BC1/BC10
It is on a AT&T carrier at the moment with a card but should e-SIM like a bandit.
Thank you muchly….
Wow, Hellen, you got me swimming in numbers!
It’s true that it gets soooo confusing at times, I feel you!
In order for your phone to join Tello, besides the bands that seem to be ok, it also has to support voice over 4G (VoLTE), which will help make the most of the newly expanded network Tello will migrate to, soon. More details here: https://blog.tello.com/news/tello-and-the-t-mobile-sprint-merger/. Once the GSM service is live on our site, you’ll have to check your phone here: https://tello.com/bring_your_own_phone to know for sure that it’s a match.
Hope this helps, thanks!
I own an IPhone 8
Version IOS 13.5.1
IMEI – 352991097639433
Most recent provider is AT&T.
I have paid for the phone in full and no longer use it through AT&T
Joseph, bad news for your phone – our checker finds it as incompatible, sorry.
If you cand get a new one or have your eyes set on a new device, please take into consideration that it needs to have, as minimum requirements: LTE frequency bands 2, 4, 12 + VoLTE and when talking about an ideal connection: bands 2, 4, 12, 66, 71 + VoLTE. Key takeaway: Regardless of the phone brand you fancy, always go for a device that supports voice over 4G (VoLTE), which will help make the most of the newly expanded network that Tello will be migrating to soon. Thanks!
it says not compatible
I have a pixel 2xl imei: 358035091077408
Thank you
Paid off device from Sprint.
iPhone X
IMEI: 35 485209 635473 9
MEID: 35485209635473
This device can’t be activated on Tello right now due to an unresolved account issue with your previous provider. Please contact them to solve it.
My bill is paid off and current. Please assist
Hello and thanks for writing,
For this specific matter, please contact our Customer support team and one of my colleagues will gladly explain more.
Thanks!
IMEI 355433073153250
Apple iphone SE
I believe last service was Mint Mobile
Phil, unfortunately, I get the “not compatible message” for your device. Our kind recommendation is not to publicly share such details of your phone, but if you think you need extra info on the matter, please contact our Customer Support Team and see if they can shed some light. Thanks!
I was hoping to transfer over an unlocked AT&T iPhone 7 to the current plan my son has with Tello. Despite it being unlocked, it seems it may not be compatible. REALLY?? Would love if this could just work.
Sher, I don’t know if you’ve heard, but we’re currently working hard to implement some changes to our network.
As soon as the GSM service is available on Tello, you will be able to check the device compatibility of your phone with the new network directly on our website. Thanks!
I bought my IPhone at Walmart. It is an unlocked IPhone SE. Why is Tello saying this is an incompatible phone? It should be compatible. Thanks;
Please provide customer service contact information to resolve this issue. This seems to be a common issue when we are moving a phone from another carrier over to Tello.
Elizabeth, thanks for reaching out.
Please find our contact info here: https://tello.com/contact.
Hope you get to the bottom of this, but since our system says it’s not compatible, my hands are tied, so it’s best to give my colleagues a ring, thanks!
Hi! I am attempting to get my 2nd child on his first phone line with Tello. His older brother is on Tello for 2years now! I purchased this one 3rd party intending for it to be compatible. But, hence, the oops! Message. It’s a Motorola MOTO E6 (XT2005-5) 16GbB Xfinity. Here is the IMEI: 352181101201061 / 08. Can you let me know if this can work or if I need to get a different phone? It’s for his 13th birthday!! Thank you. Jodi
Jodi,
First things first: Happy 13th Birthday for your son! Since your family is part of the Tello Family, we wish him and your entire gang all the best.
You’re such a cool mom for thinking to get him a phone!
Unfortunately, I come with bad news, since I got the same oops message as you did when checking the IMEI on our site. You can double-check with my colleagues from Customer Support, but by the looks of it, it would be best to get him another device.
Regardless of the phone brand you fancy, always go for a device that supports voice over 4G (VoLTE), which will help make the most of the newly expanded network that will Tello run on soon.
Hope you have a nice celebration!
Thanks,
Maria
I inputed my IMEI of my phone and it said it was compatible with Tello. I then inputed my Sim Card number and it said it was compatible. However when I went to check out it would not let me. So I restarted the process and then it said my Sim Card was not compatible. So I restarted the process again and this time is said the IMEI of my phone was not compatible with Tello. Both my phone and Sim Card I had with Tello 4 months ago.
My IMEI is 99001108208449
Hi, Chad,
Now, this is a pickle that unfortunately I’m not fit to handle from here, so please bring the issue up with my colleagues from Customer Support Team. Fingers crossed, thanks for writing!
Just bought a phone from Amazon, unlocked in both GSM and CDMA networks, but I am getting the message that it is not compatible with Tello.
Make: Motorola
Model: Moto G7 Power (XT1955-5)
IMEI: 359531092016063
I did buy it as used (like new), so I thought maybe a it had something to do with a previous owner, like being reported as lost or stolen, so I checked the device through checkMEND, and it is completely clear. I’m confused why it is not working and am not sure what the problem could be. Please help me.
Actually it is the XT1955-6, if that makes any difference.
Enoch,
I’m sorry about this, I don’t really have an answer to the issue. Please try to contact our Customer Support Team, they might give you a clue on what to do or the reasons for why it’s not compatible.
Thanks!
Greetings everyone! I wanted to share my experience to hopefully save other people trouble and worry. I bought two new unlocked phones online for use with Tello. When I entered the IMEI numbers, they both showed as good to go. My plan was to salvage SIM cards from two old Sprint phones, but when I entered the SIM numbers, they both said that the SIM wasn’t compatible. It’s most probable that my SIMs were still locked to the Sprint device. I tried to get Sprint to help unlock things, but it didn’t work out well. I tried multiple combinations of things, and put the SIMs in the new phones, and kept re-checking the website hoping to see a different result.
Unfortunately, by the time I gave up on salvaging old SIMs, and resigned myself to buying new ones, the Tello Bring-Your-Phone checker told me the IMEIs were invalid, and wouldn’t work with Tello. WHAT?! This is a problem I came to read repeatedly in this blog post. They worked all day, then they stopped working. I ended up calling Tello the next morning, and spoke with John (awesome, awesome guy!). He checked the IMEIs and confirmed they were both good to go. He indicated that if I was trying to do too much on the website (like multiple repeated checks), their software would put a block on me. Whether that block was specific to my IP or my account, or both, wasn’t clear… but he said it would block for 24 hours. He assured me that I could try to order again after the clock ran out.
Sure enough, I tried again around 25 hours after that “not compatible” error message, and the phones’ IMEIs were recognized without issue, and I was able to complete the purchase for new SIMs.
So, if you spend enough time churning through the checker application, you may trigger a block. Give it a day to cool off and then you’re good to go again. I also recommend just dropping $10 for new SIMs instead of fighting to reuse ones from an old phone. I’m pretty sure the Sprint guy I spoke with didn’t know a SIM from a MicroSD.
I have a Iphone 6S and would like join your network. When I I get checked if my phone was compatible, I an Oops msg.
Could you plse check: MEID: 35664808161966
Thanks!
Hello, Ken,
Starting this week, our new GSM network is live on tello.com, meaning new customers are onboarded on GSM only. Please check your phone again here: https://tello.com/bring_your_own_phone. And keep in mind that in order for your phone to be compatible it needs to support GSM and VoLTE, unlocked and a match for LTE BANDS 2, 4 an 12. Should you have any question, remember that you can always talk to a real person by contacting our Customer Support Team, thanks!
IMEI 353060101701164
iPhone xr
having getting my phone verified
Please let me know what I need to do.
thanks, Dan
Hi, Dan,
Thanks for reaching out.
It seems your phone is compatible, congrats! Please follow the steps to bring it to Tello: https://tello.com/bring_your_own_phone, thanks!
I have a Moto E5 XT1921-3 Unlocked phone which has every band tello requires
LTE Cat6 (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 25, 26, 29, 30, 66, 71)
TD-LTE (Bands 38, 41)
But inputting the phone’s IEMI into the compatibility check says it’s not compatible with tello.
The phone is not VoLTE capable. So if your phone looks like it has all the bands but is not compatible with tello it’s because the phone is not VoLTE capable.
Hi Maria-
You helped me out on a porting question today already and THANKS SO MUCH! I understood everything you relayed. I apologize for troubling you again but I have a further question about compatibility: I just bought an AT&T unlocked iPhone 7 assuming it will work on Tello. Is there any chance it won’t? It’s model A1660. Thanks in advance for your help ✨🙏🏼✨
D.Z, my pleasure!
I appreciate the kind words, while I do so many great things here at Tello, and enjoy talking to you guys about anything, kind words don’t come by very often. So when they do, I make sure to celebrate them, thanks :).
The only way to know for sure if the phone is compatible is to check it on our site, by entering the IMEI here: https://tello.com/bring_your_own_phone. Let me know how it goes, fingers crossed!
Maria, I have yet to receive it in the mail, otherwise I would have hastily executed that step of my own volition. I did a some research and it looks like, in almost any possibility (other than it not really being unlocked), it will function on Tello. This is Good!
GOD BLESS YOU, DEAR. YOU DESERVE MANY, MANY KIND WORDS FOR ALL THE PEOPLE YOU AID WHILE PERFORMING YOUR WORK FUNCTION WITH EXCELLENCE.
Stay safe 🌷🌸🌹🌺🌼💐🌻-
Daniel 🦁
P.S. I will reply to this message after I receive my new/used iphone and let you know if everything is kosher. Keep up your work, there are very few people like you.
Hey Maria-
I -FINALLY- accomplished the whole thing. New phone, on Tello, and ported my old number from Boost. There was some level of delay caused by the the first iPhone I bought which was locked so I had to return it and order another one. eBay has a very strong used iPhone market and the cheapest place I’ve yet found to buy one but you have to be careful you know what you are purchasing and be careful to be sure your seller knows their product,
THANK YOU AGAIN. You were Great, very helpful, and made it all seem possible…and now here I am with a $7 a month phone bill and the same number. Awesome. And thank you Tello as well for making this custom plan system which really is the way it should be.
G-D BLESS 🕊
BE SAFE 🌻
STAY HEALTHY AND HELPFUL😘
Yay, I’m a sucker for a happy ending!
Super glad to have you with us, D.Z., thanks a bunch!
I’m getting mixed messages about the Nokia 3.4. It looks like it has the required bands and has VoLTE. Can you confirm that it works with Tello? I won’t have the IMEI until I purchase the phone. Thanks.
Unfortunately, there’s no way of knowing for sure until we have the IMEI and check it on our site, sorry.
I got a huawei honor 8a. imei: 861844041603167, previous carrier T-mobile.
The BYOP checker says it’s incompatible. I’m wondering if it’s actually incompatible or just not in the database or something.
Adam, thanks for the question, but I’m afraid I can’t be of more help than the checker. Please try our Customer Support Team and see if they have more wisdom on the matter, thanks & fingers crossed!
Hi, I also have a huawei phone, and it didn’t pass BYOP check either, although it’s working with GSM network of another carrier.
I am wondering if you contacted Customer Support Team and got the issue fixed?
I have IPhone 6S model A1633 bought from Apple store, which is unlocked and support all carriers. I switched Tello from Tmobile. It worked. now I am trying to order a GSM sim since tello is moving from CDMA to GSM. your system told me the phone is not compatible with GSM. how come, I checked at the same time at other tmobile MVNOs, they all said it is compatible. I sent email to CSR and they said my phone is not compatible. I think you guys need to update your IMEI check system. I have to switch to another phone carrier.
Dan, sorry to hear about this, but it might have been a problem on our side, a sneaky bug that messed with our checker, so please try again. It’s all fixed now. Fingers crossed, thanks!
I have a iPhone SE. IMEI is 013969007213995. It is working fine with H2O. Can you please confirm the phone is really incompatible with Tello?
Hi Tony,
Unfortunately, based on the IMEI you provided, your phone is not GSM compatible. So, you won’t be able to use it with Tello. You can always consider getting a compatible device from us or from another seller. If you’re on the lookout for a special deal, keep an eye on our phone offers: https://tello.com/phones.
I have a samsung galaxy crown, a week ago your site said it would work and today it says will not work. imei= 357092102182439
medi= 35709210218243 SN= r58m70096yd
Hi Mike,
I am very sorry to confirm, but if that’s the correct IMEI, then this device is not compatible with Tello.
I am not sure what message you received about a week ago, but you won’t be able to enroll this device into Tello. You can always get another phone from us: https://tello.com/phones or from another seller.
hi i bought a gsm phone but its giving me the oops message
Ari, please bring this issue up with our Customer Support Team, give them a call! Fingers crossed!
One question. If i activate tell with one unlock phone… and it works… can I take the sim card out and put into another phone ? Will take work? Why does tello needs to verify IMEI during activation. Is just to check tello works on the phone. If i switch another with the same sim card that Tello (base on the check link) support… will it just work…without some onboarding again
Fred, if you’re already on GSM, this is totally possible.
The thing is that if the phone is not compatible, the service won’t work, hence the compatibility checker’s entire reason of being.
Have a great day,
Maria
I have a Plum Z517 dual-SIM GSM phone.
IMEI1 355975090018460
IMEI2 355975090018478
Phone currently has two GSM SIMs in it, but I cannot get reliable service any more from another company. Your website says it is not compatible, but it is working on LTE and 4G currently. Due to legal and financial issues, I need to keep my phone and number. Is that possible? (I will be signing up two phones for now, the other is LG500, IMEI 357263071776945.)
Geoff, this is a pickle.
While at Tello, you can totally keep your phone and number, our system says that the IMEIs are not a good match. Care to take this up with my colleagues from Tello’s Customer Support Team, please? Maybe they can provide more info, thanks!
Samsung Galaxy Note 5
990005832073275 / 01
porting from Sprint – Unlocked
Jim, please add this info here: https://tello.com/bring_your_own_phone and see if it’s a match, thanks, fingers crossed!
Hi. I checked my phone’s IMEI, said compatible, set up service and received my SIM card. After activation I am only able to send text messages. Calls in or out do work (calls out end before even getting dialed, calls in go directly to VM). I only have a talk and text plan so I cannot test data.
How long after I successfully unlock an AT&T phone does it take before Tello sees it as an unlocked GSM device?
Carlton, I’ll give you a max of 24h, that’s how long it could take.
Thanks!
I am currently Telloo subscribed CDMA with a Niote 2 and a Note 4. Running their imei’s with your checker tells me they are not compatible with GSM. I’m not sure that is entirely true as I thought the Note 4 had the necessary bands for GSM. I purchased other used phones just in case. I’d really appreciate what is ahead as I may be traveling (August) at the time of the switchover. Thanks!
Hi, Joseph,
Thanks for writing.
In what the GSM timing is regarded, don’t worry, you’ll not run out of service. CDMA will be supported until the end of the year, so there’ no need to rush.
Once, you get the prompt in your Account from us, please proceed as indicated.
Thanks and have a good one,
Maria
i bought this coolpad phone from tello last year and now it’s saying it’s not compatible. I need to re-activate service on it. Please help!
Hallie, please contact our Customer Support for this issue, they will sort it out in no time, thanks!
My phone you say is incompatible is even a 5G capable phone bought from aliexpress.com so the phone is new and is GSM just like your network accepts!
Tell me and others who have same problem why it is you want to decline people to make them buy a phone from their company? I plan to report you to the FCC over this matter if you can’t tell others and me why this is! I be so tired of companies like yours in the United States that automatically gives a declining phone error message when our phones are fine and new! Make it happen for others and me or it is simple, be REPORTED!!!
Hello & thanks for writing!
Please bring this issue up with our Customer Support if you need more details on why your phone is not a good match. Please know that your phone needs to be made for the US in order for it to work on Tello, but for more in-depth info, I recommend talking with my colleagues.
Good day ahead,
Maria
Want to bring a new Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 pro Global Unlocked GSM all 4G5+VoltE seems like it has all the compatible bands as well. The site says when entering the IMEI that it is not a supported device. I have the item to return unopened but what a bummer since I could not get an IMEI to check the model with without ordering it first. Why are so many capable phones blocked even though they should work?
Hello, there,
Thanks for reaching out. I’m sorry about your situation and I don’t actually have an answer that would make things better.
My teammates from Customer Support can provide more details on this matter, but the compatibility checker on our site is the only one that we can trust in terms of a good match. Hoping things will improve soon!
Have a great day!
IMEI 353824086395395
Apple iphone 7
Last carrier Lyca
My phone is GSM
I checked my phone compatibility in the tello.com site it accepted at first and later when i tried again to purchase a plan i was not able to enroll my phone . I received the “phone not compatible ” msg.
Hello,
Just checked and everything works just fine, it might have been a temporary issue.
Please try again, thanks!
Can you provide a list of phones that are for sure compatible? It would be a bummer if I were to buy a phone that seemed compatible and then be denied.
Hi, Steve, unfortunately, I can’t help you with this.
The list will not be exhaustive in any way and with all the changes that are happening in tech it would create more confusion, I’m afraid.
If you are looking for the perfect upgrade, here’s what to look for in a new phone:
VoLTE 📲
VoLTE means Voice over LTE and provides crisp, clear audio quality and helps prevent dropped calls. It’s also a key feature that perfectly matches the requirements of Tello’s new GSM network.
Older phone models tend to be missing this feature more often than newer models.
Bands 📡
The device must support (at a minimum) all the following set of LTE bands in order to be compatible with our new GSM network:
– Band 2 (1900 MHz)
– Band 4 (2100 MHz)
– Band 12 (700 MHz)
– Optional bands, that are great to have and mention-worthy: Band 71 and Band 66
Newer phones from overseas markets will work perfectly with Tello as long as they are GSM (almost all are), have VoLTE & the bands listed above, and are unlocked.
Hope this helps, thanks!
I was wondering would an unlocked iPhone 7 4G LTE (GSM/CDMA) work on a tello plan?
Hi Kayla, most probably yes, but you can easily check by entering its IMEI on our device checker: https://tello.com/bring_your_own_phone
got the simcard, but when I insert it into the phone, it does say that there is no simcard, when I use another one, it works perfectly. At the test with the IMEI, it says that it si compatible.
Hi Jacob,
This sounds like an issue for our Customer Support team. Please contact them, they are available 24/7: tello.com/contact and they would love to assist you.
Tello
Hi, I haven’t bought this phone yet, so I can’t provide the IMEI. I’m a senior considering buying a new ZTE cymbal U, model Z2335. This phone is GSM, 4G VoLTE, unlocked, and has Bands 2, 4, 5, 12, 41, 66, and 71. It is a “minimalist” flip phone with no WiFi or internet. Can you confirm that it will be compatible with Tello network? Thanks.
Hi Joseph,
With just the make, model & device information provided, we cannot say for certain if a device will be compatible with our network.
In short, if you don’t yet have the IMEI to hand, just make sure you buy/bring a phone which is unlocked, newish (2019 & newer), and will work with the GSM (T-M) mobile network.
Tech Specs
Technically speaking, if your phone fulfills the 2 basic compatibility requirements listed below (VoLTE & Bands) and is unlocked – it will work with Tello.
Simply look at the device’s tech specs and check them off against the VoLTE & Bands requirements listed below.
Here are the 2 basic compatibility requirements for Tello GSM:
1. 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.
2. 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 best service on our GSM network, the 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.
Older CDMA-network phones (and some Phones made for overseas markets) are more likely not to accommodate these band requirements.
Thank you for your interest in Tello!