Is your phone ready to join Tello?
In the midst of looking for a new mobile provider, in the jungle of unbeatable offers and unlimited plans with endless terms and conditions, there’s one more thing you need to pay attention to when trying to switch operators or when you have one thing on your mind: joining Tello.
That’s the bring your own phone process, guidelines and compatibility checks.
And since the process is a deal-breaker for the majority of new mobile carriers on the market, we’ve worked hard to make this easy for you. We’ve created a list of things you should check when deciding to bring your old phone to Tello and a list of questions you may have when embarking on this tech journey.
And because we’re only scared of the things we don’t know, here’s the steps you need to take to bring your phone to our network:
Enter IMEI/MEID/ESN code.
If you don’t know it, you can always dial *#06# on your phone’s keypad and you’ll receive it right away.
Purchase a Tello SIM card if you don’t have one already
If you do not already have a SIM from us, you will be able to request one during onboarding.
Keep your old phone number.
While in the process, you can decide to port your old phone number or get a new one from Tello. It’s up to you!
Here’s a list of minimal requirements for devices that are Tello compatible
First things first: your phone needs to be GSM compatible.
Then the obvious part: in order to bring your phone to Tello, it has to be unlocked. That means it’s not restricted to a specific carrier network, has been paid in full and is no longer being financed.
Bands, you ask? To keep things easy, make sure your phone supports LTE BANDS 2, 4 an 12, and is compatible with VoLTE.
Is there a chance my phone won’t be compatible with Tello?
There are only a handful of devices that can’t join Tello.
It does depend on the model, but mostly we’re talking about pre-2018 phones or the ones that don’t support VoLTE technology. The only way to know for sure is to check your phone here: https://tello.com/bring_your_own_phone.
If you have one of these devices, then you can buy a new phone from Tello or simply purchase the model you’re looking for from another seller and enroll it into Tello.
So, now that you know your phone is ready to join Tello, are you?
How and when will my phone service start. When will I get my new phone number after have joined and paid?
Dear Dianna,
Thanks for joining Tello! Our Customer Service just sent you an email with a few activation steps.
Please follow them and your mobile will be ready to use. Also, let us know if you still have questions. We are here 24/7, so give us a call: +1-866-377-0294 or an email: https://tello.com/contact
Thanks again,
Michelle, on behalf of Tello team
It says that my Nexus 5 that I bought from Google is not compatible when it clearly is and it’s stopping me from checking out with sim and plan
Dear Christopher,
As far as we know there are 3 different submodels for the Nexus 5 and two of these models are not Sprint compatible.
In order for us to check if your phone can join Tello, we need your phone’s IMEI (ESN or MEID).
Please contact our Customer Service team, available 24/7, they will be able to sort this out.
Michelle,
On behalf of the Tello team
I have an unlocked tmobile samsung galaxy 5 will that work with tello?
Dear Angie,
There are only a few devices from TMobile that can be enrolled into Tello: Nexus 5X, 6 or 6P.
Still, to be 100% sure please enter your phone’s ESN on the Bring Your Own Phone page.
Thanks for contacting us and please let us know if we can help you with anything else.
Michelle,
On behalf of Tello.com
I’m almost switch to tello then being turned down because i’m a die-hard blackberry fan. Perhaps, i will stay with Ting until further notice. Tello offers for flexible plans than Ting, keep it up!
But seriously, what is the reason why blackberry will not work with Tello?
Hello,
The problem is that Blackberry phones cannot be activated with Sprint and since Tello runs on Sprint network, unfortunately Blackberry phones can’t work with Tello either.
Thank you!
can it work for a blackberry thats under sprint network?
Hi Michelle,
Best way to know for sure is to check it here: https://tello.com/bring_your_own_phone.
Fingers crossed!
Would a sprint sidekick be compatible with tello? Does it need to be CDMA or gsm? And does it need to be unlocked?
Hello,
Yes, a Sprint ready unlocked device should work with Tello if it is free from contract and has no unpaid balance. To be sure you can enroll a phone into our network please visit our Bring Your Own Phone page, enter your ESN/IMEI/MEID code and the system will lead you through the enrollment process, if the phone is compatible.
Since Tello runs on a CDMA network, you can enroll into Tello only CDMA devices and GSM phones that have CDMA capabilities (eg. any iPhone model starting with iPhone 6 and above). For any other questions, our customer service team is available 24/7.
Thank you!
Hello, if I buy a this phone would I be able to activate it on tello? I have no way of knowing the Imei number unless I buy it and open the box. its a brand new LG tribute HD from Virgin mobile. TIA
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Virgin-Mobile-LG-Tribute-HD-4G-LTE-with-8GB-Memory-Prepaid-Cell-Phone-White-/191994915405?hash=item2cb3c9ea4d:g:os8AAOSwPCVX~89s
Hello,
It seems this phone is compatible with Sprint, so it should also be compatible with Tello if it is unlocked.
Your Tello team
Hello, if I buy this phone would I be able to activate it on tello? I have no way of knowing the Imei number unless I buy it and open the box. Its a brand new htc desire 626, it might be locked to virgin however https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014X5UZJI/ref=olp_product_details?_encoding=UTF8&me=&th=1
Hello,
The phone does seem to be locked to Virgin, so unfortunately you won’t be able to use it with Tello. You will need an unlocked or a Sprint ready device.
Your Tello team
Hello, I have a Xiaomi Mi Max phone. It is unlocked and GSM, CDMA compatible one. Is it working with Tello service? Tello IMEI check shows it doesn’t compatible, but ‘WillMyPhoneWork.net’ says it’s working with the service. Any way for making sure it’s working or not with your service? Thanks.
Hello,
The only way in which we can check this and know for sure is if you provide us your ESN/IMEI or MEID number. Either write it here or contact our customer service, they are available 24/7 and will be able to assist you promptly.
Thank you!
Thanks for reply.
The phone’s info is as following.
MEID: 99000873793982
IMEI1: 862535038379626
IMEI2: 862535038379634
Thanks.
Hi again,
We checked with our tech department and it seems your phone is only compatible with GSM networks. Since we only work with CDMA phones, unfortunately it won’t work with Tello. We’re sorry for this, but maybe you can join us using a different device.
Have a great day!
Hi, Will Tello work with an Apple Iphone SE bought from apple store?
Hello there,
It should work, as the iPhone SE is a CDMA phone. In order to be able to further check, we would need the IMEI of the phone.
Thank you!
If I buy a new phone from boost will it be able to work on tello? The phone will be knew and it will not have a plan yet.
https://www.boostmobile.com/#!/shop/phones/apple-iphone-se/features/Gray,32GB/ This is the phone
Hello,
Unfortunately the link cannot be accessed, but in any case, to be 100% sure, please check the IMEI number on the Bring Your Own Phone page: https://tello.com/bring_your_own_phone. Or you could send the phone’s ESN number to our customer service team and they will check for you.
Have a great day!
if the Model is (LS770) yes it will work. You can check ”
WILL MY PHONE WORK dot COM”
My phone is brought at att will my iPhone work
Hello,
Your device will only work with Tello if it is unlocked and free of contract. The only way in which we can check this and know for sure is if you provide us your ESN/IMEI or MEID number. Either write it here or contact our customer service, they are available 24/7 and will be able to assist you promptly.
Thank you!
I have a Verizon iPhone 5s. It does not have a SIM card as it was moved to another phone when my husband upgraded. What SIM card would I need to get and where to set it up for tello
Hello,
If your phone is locked in the Verizon network, unfortunately it will not work with Tello. To make sure that a phone is compatible with our service, please check its IMEI number on the Bring Your Own Phone page: https://tello.com/bring_your_own_phone. Or you could send the phone’s ESN number to our customer service team and they will check for you.
Thank you!
I have an unlocked iPhone 7 that I recently bought from India. However, it says my phone is not compatible. Any idea why?
IMEI code is 353833080564492
Hello Surag,
Please note that only Apple devices manufactured for the USA or designed to be sold within the USA will work on the Tello network and that is why your phone is not compatible.
Hope it helps!
Great day!
Do honor phone work?
Honor phones*
Hi Bob,
You can check your model on https://willmyphonework.net/ or even better, if possible, check the ESN/IMEI/MEID code on https://tello.com/bring_your_own_phone
Hi, will a brand new Verizon prepaid Moto E4 work with Tello if have it unlocked? Thank you.
Hi Rich,
The best way to know for sure is to check the ESN/IMEI/MEID code on https://tello.com/bring_your_own_phone.
Have a great day!
I’m trying to get service with my one plus 5 but it says it’s not compatible although it’s supposed to be
Hi Dwayne, please check your phone here https://tello.com/bring_your_own_phone.
For it to work on Tello, it has to be unlocked, CDMA, Sprint ready and free of any contract.
Fingers crossed,
Maria
I have a Samsung S7 Edge Dual SIM model bought in India. It is on AT&T and works fine. Will it work on yours? What about Huawei Honor 6X Dual SIM also from India
Hello Yogesh,
Thanks for writing! Unfortunately, if your phone is working on AT&T, which is GSM, most probably it won’t work on Tello since it has to be CDMA.
You can try checking it here: https://tello.com/bring_your_own_phone.
Good day!
I have a Sprint Blackberry Q10. Sadly your support is unable to push 15 keys to activate the IMEI. This is sad because these blackberries are the best phones on the market. Once you use one, you’ll never want a Iphone or Android POS again.
Hi Jared,
Thanks for reaching out!
Unfortunately, the Blackberry you’re talking about is GSM and for it to work on Tello it has to be CDMA. From one Blackberry fan to another, I totally get you!
Best,
Maria
The Sprint Blackberry Q10 CDMA… isn’t it? That should make it Tello ready, right?
James, it looks like a sure bet but please check the IMEI/ ESN here: https://tello.com/bring_your_own_phone. Thanks!
Is a Boost Mobile Samsung Galaxy s7 phone compatible with tello?
Hello & thanks for writing!
To make sure your phone is compatible, please check it here: https://tello.com/bring_your_own_phone.
Have a great day!
I bought a blackberry Q10 that works with Sprint and Tello says it’s not compatible
Hello,
Sorry to hear that. For more details on this, you could contact our Live Customer Support Team and tell them about the case, please.
Hope it works out! Thanks!
I have been using Tello with my iphone 5c for an year. Recently, I have purchased an unlocked iphone 8 from apple store. It was Tello compatible a few days ago when I checked it from Tello website. However, because my old sim card was not, I ordered a new card from Tello website and received it today. But, when I tried to change a phone, it said my new phone is not Tello compatible. Could you let me know how to fix this problem?
Hanna, please bring this up with our Customer Service Team.
Hope everything will be fixed soon, thanks!
I like the new bolt phone also, more price friendly than the galaxies, it would be nice if you listed the operating system as well in the descriptions
LG Stylo 4 (Q710AL) for Sprint. Will it work on Tello?
Hey, thanks for the question. You’ll have to check the device’s compatibility here: https://tello.com/bring_your_own_phone. Fingers crossed!
I have an unlocked IPhone 7 from sprint but when I put my imei in it says it isn’t compatible. Imei is 359459088012187 will it work.
We’re so sorry to hear this!
Please contact our Customer Support on this issue & see if they can help you further, thanks!
I have Oneplus 5T and 6T, they’re both unlocked and a few quick search on google I see that Oneplus phones should be compatible with Tello. However, checking MEID keep rejecting my phone compatibility.
Does anybody have the same issue? How do I get this issue resolved? Thank you
Hi Ido,
Please send an email to Customer Support with your IMEI so we can check this issue.
Thank you.
Hello, I have a new unlocked iPhone with imei compatible with your service. What is my next step? Do I need to purchase a CDMA sim card? Thank you!
Hello Yiyq,
If you do not have a compatible SIM you’ll need to buy one. To make sure you are on the right track, click this link https://tello.com/bring_your_own_phone and follow the steps. If you need assistance with your phone enrollment please contact Customer Support.
Thank you.
If I have a blackberry bold which is sprint/unlocked will it work with tello or not
Hello,
Unfortunately, there are only a handful of devices that can’t join Tello. Devices like the following are not Tello friendly: Palm, RIM (Blackberry), Ready Link/PTT, Q-Chat, 13K Vocoder or Power Source. Hope this helps, if not, please feel free to check it yourself, here: https://tello.com/bring_your_own_phone, by entering the ESN, thanks!
What about a Nokia E63 unlocked
Same answer, I’m afraid: you still have to check it on our website by entering the IMEI here: https://tello.com/bring_your_own_phone, thanks & fingers crossed!
Shlomo, were you successfully able to use the E63 with Tello? Thank you in advance for your response.
What about a Rumor Reflex -Sprint whose imei I don’t have should I assume it will be compatible because it is a sprint phone
The chances seem good to me, but you have to make sure by checking the phone’s ESN here: https://tello.com/bring_your_own_phone. Fingers crossed!
I want to use an unlocked Sprint phone on Tello. It’s a moto E. When I put in the MEID it tells me it won’t work. I tried emailing and asking and got a generic answer and then ignored. Can someone please help me??
Kimberly, sorry for the phone trouble. If our checker says that it’s not compatible, there’s not much I can do. You could try calling and speaking to a human representative from our Customer Support team, maybe they can provide more technical details. However, we do have some news on this part, here: https://blog.tello.com/news/tello-and-the-t-mobile-sprint-merger/. Thanks!
Will this work on a Ulefone armor 8?
Please check it here: https://tello.com/bring_your_own_phone, thanks!