You're sitting there looking at your monthly phone bill and honestly, it’s depressing. You probably owe $600 or maybe even $800 on a phone that works perfectly fine, but you're trapped because paying it off all at once feels like a punch to the gut. That's exactly where the T-Mobile Keep and Switch promotion comes in. It’s one of those rare "too good to be true" deals that actually works, provided you know which hoops to jump through.
T-Mobile basically plays the hero by paying off your remaining device balance—up to $800 per line—just so you'll bring your current phone over to their network. You aren't buying a new phone. You aren't trading your old one in. You just keep the device you already love.
Most people think switching carriers has to be this massive headache involving new hardware and trade-in credits spread over three years. It doesn't.
How the T-Mobile Keep and Switch Promotion Actually Functions
Let's get into the weeds. This isn't a "Carrier Freedom" situation where they pay you to trade in a phone. This is specifically for people who want to stay on their current iPhone or Galaxy but hate their current provider.
The process is pretty straightforward, though the paperwork can be a bit of a slog. You submit a screenshot of your final bill or your equipment installment plan (EIP) details from your old carrier. T-Mobile looks it over, makes sure you’ve had the device for at least 90 days, and then they send you a virtual prepaid Mastercard.
It's fast. Usually, you're looking at about 15 to 30 days to get that digital card in your email.
I’ve seen people try to do this with phones they bought last week. It won't work. T-Mobile is smart; they want to see that you actually "owned" that phone at a different carrier for a minimum of three months. If you try to game the system by buying a brand new iPhone 16 Pro Max at Verizon and switching the next day, you’re going to get denied.
The Specifics of the $800 Reimbursement
The $800 cap is per line, and you can bring over up to five lines. That is a massive amount of money. If you have a family of four, all with high-end devices, T-Mobile is potentially shelling out $3,200 just to get your business.
Wait. There is a catch.
You have to sign up for a qualifying voice plan. Usually, this means the Go5G Plus or Go5G Next plans. If you were hoping to slide onto a super-cheap Essentials plan and still get $800 for your phone, you’re out of luck. T-Mobile wants you on their premium tiers if they're going to foot your hardware bill.
Which Phones Are Actually Eligible?
This is where people get tripped up. You can't just bring any random burner phone and expect a payday. T-Mobile keeps a specific list of eligible devices, which focuses heavily on flagships.
- Apple: Generally, anything from the iPhone 11 onwards is fair game.
- Samsung: The S-series (S20 and newer) and the Z Flip/Fold series are the main players.
- Google: Pixel 6 and newer usually make the cut.
If you're rocking an older budget Motorola or a niche Sony Xperia, you might be out of luck for this specific promo. Always check the current "eligible device" list on the T-Mobile Newsroom or the Switch2TMobile site before you pull the trigger.
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The most important part? The phone must be unlocked. Verizon usually unlocks phones automatically after 60 days. AT&T is much stingier—you often have to pay the phone off first, wait for them to unlock it, and then get reimbursed by T-Mobile later. This creates a cash flow issue for some folks. You might have to float that $800 for a few weeks while T-Mobile processes your claim.
The Most Common Mistakes People Make
People fail at this because they're messy with their screenshots. T-Mobile's system is automated and picky.
If your screenshot doesn't clearly show the phone number, the remaining balance, the make and model of the device, and the name of the carrier, it will be rejected. Don't just send a cropped image of the total balance. They need to see the line-item detail.
Another huge error: forgetting to take the screenshots before you port your number.
Once your number moves to T-Mobile, your old carrier account often becomes inaccessible or "closed." If you didn't save those PDF statements or screenshots of your device balance while the account was active, you're going to have a nightmare of a time getting them from a former carrier who no longer cares about you.
Do not cancel your old service manually.
If you call Verizon or AT&T and say "I quit," your number is gone. You lose it. You have to let T-Mobile initiate the porting process. This act of porting the number is what tells your old carrier that the line is closed.
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Comparing Keep and Switch to Trade-In Deals
Why wouldn't you just trade in your phone?
Sometimes a trade-in deal looks better on paper—like "Get $1,000 off with trade." But those credits are usually paid out over 24 or 36 months. If you leave early, you lose the remaining credits.
Keep and Switch is "cleaner."
You get the money upfront (well, within a month). You own your phone outright. If T-Mobile ends up sucking in your neighborhood, you aren't "locked in" by a device credit contract. You can take your paid-off phone and go anywhere else. That level of freedom is rare in the mobile industry.
However, if your phone is shattered or has a dying battery, Keep and Switch is a bad move. You’re better off trading that junker in for a brand-new device. Keep and Switch is for the person who loves their current hardware but hates their current bill.
Network Realities in 2026
Since the Sprint merger, T-Mobile's 5G coverage has become the benchmark. But don't just take their word for it. Look at independent data from places like Ookla or OpenSignal.
In many urban and suburban areas, T-Mobile's mid-band 5G (which they call "Ultra Capacity") absolutely screams. We're talking 400-600 Mbps down. But if you live in rural Nebraska or deep in the Appalachian mountains, you might still find gaps that Verizon covers better.
The beauty of the T-Mobile Keep and Switch promotion is that you can test it. Since you own the phone, you can try it for a month or two. If it’s great, you stay. If not, you’ve got a paid-off phone and no strings attached.
The Porting Process Step-by-Step
- Check Compatibility: Ensure your phone is on the list and is unlocked.
- Document Everything: Screenshot your device balance and phone info before switching.
- Get Your Port-Out PIN: You’ll need this from your current carrier. It’s usually in the app or available via a shortcode like #PORT.
- Sign Up: Go to T-Mobile, pick a Go5G plan, and tell them you're doing Keep and Switch.
- Submit Your Claim: Visit the Switch2TMobile site within 30 days of activation.
- Wait for the Cash: Watch your email for the virtual Mastercard.
Nuance and Limitations
It's not all sunshine. There is a limit on how often you can do this. You can't switch back and forth between carriers every six months to get free money. T-Mobile usually requires you to wait two years before you're eligible for another "switching" promotion if you've used one before.
Also, taxes. Depending on your state, receiving a $800 reimbursement might have tax implications, though most people don't see it as taxable income since it’s technically a rebate or a "reimbursement" for an expense.
And don't forget the activation fees. T-Mobile charges $35 per line for "DCC" (Device Connection Charges). If you're bringing five lines, that’s $175 out of pocket right away. Sometimes they waive these during special weekend promos, but don't count on it.
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Is it Worth It?
If you owe a lot of money on a phone you like, yes. Absolutely.
It is the fastest way to wipe out debt. Most people carry their phone debt like a mini-car payment. Removing that $30 or $40 a month per line from your budget is a huge win.
Just make sure you're okay with the T-Mobile service in your specific area. Use their "Network Pass" (a free 3-month trial via eSIM) before you commit if you're worried about signal.
Actionable Next Steps
To maximize the T-Mobile Keep and Switch promotion, you need to be organized.
- Download your current carrier's app and take a full-page screenshot of your "Device Installment Plan." Make sure your phone number and the device model name (e.g., "iPhone 15 Pro") are visible in the same shot.
- Check your unlock status. Go to Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock. It should say "No SIM restrictions." If it doesn't, call your current carrier and demand an unlock before you move.
- Verify your address. T-Mobile uses the address on your claim to verify your identity. If your old bill has an old address but your new T-Mobile account has your new one, it might trigger a fraud flag. Keep them consistent.
- Set a reminder. Once you switch, you have a limited window (usually 30 days) to submit the claim. If you forget, T-Mobile won't remind you—they'll just keep the money.
By following these steps, you’re not just switching carriers; you’re essentially giving yourself a massive cash injection and the freedom to move your service whenever you want in the future.