Mint Mobile is a 'Mobile Virtual Network Operator' (MVNO) that uses T-Mobile's widespread network infrastructure to provide reliable 5G coverage at affordable prices. With Mint, you can buy service upfront for three, six, or twelve months. You have four plans offering 5GB, 15GB, 20GB, and unlimited (with reduced speeds after 40GB of use) data, and they all come with benefits such as unlimited talk and text and mobile hotspot usage.
Mint Mobile not only uses T-Mobile's network infrastructure, but T-Mobile now officially owns Mint Mobile. The completion of the transaction was announced on May 1, 2024, in a press release by the company.
If you want to try out Mint Mobile, you'll be happy to know that it's super simple to port your existing number to the T-Mobile MVNO. If you like the experience, you can continue using the service with the same number you've (likely) had with you for years. There are also tempting deals for new customers to consider for each available plan. You can choose from different plans with temporarily reduced prices.
- MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket
How to port your number to Mint Mobile
Before starting the porting process, it's important to note that your phone number must remain active on your (soon-to-be) previous carrier throughout the process. If you cancel your service with the old carrier before moving to Mint Mobile, you likely won't be able to recover your phone number, at least not without going through a much more tedious process.
You will need a Mint Mobile SIM card and a compatible phone to get started. That shouldn't be an issue since Mint Mobile works perfectly with any of the best Android phones, all thanks to the T-Mobile network's excellent compatibility. To ensure your phone is compatible, try Mint's phone compatibility tool.
If you have one of the newest Google Pixel smartphones, such as the Pixel 8 Pro, a recent iPhone, or one of Samsung's flagship phones, you can activate it with an eSIM. All you have to do is select eSIM (Digital Delivery) as your preferred pick during checkout, and you will receive activation information after you complete your purchase.
1. Once you check the number and phone compatibility, order your Mint Mobile SIM card by choosing your plan.
2. Gather some information from your current carrier, like your account number, PIN or password, and the billing address (including ZIP code) associated with your account. The account number is usually at the top of most paperwork, such as phone bills and receipts. Still, if you're unsure about any information, you can call your existing carrier's customer service line for assistance or log into your account.
3. Navigate to Mint's activation web page and enter your activation code. This is an 11-digit ACT code found on the back of your SIM card above the "active by" date. If you've opted for an eSIM, you'll see the ACT code in the email.
You can also activate your service through the Mint Mobile app.
4. Click Get Started.
5. During activation, select Keep your current one when prompted.
6. Enter your account and phone number, PIN or password, and the ZIP code or billing address associated with your previous carrier.
That's it! Once you're done, you can create a Mint Mobile account to keep track of your plan. However, the porting process should be out of your hands, and your number will change automatically. Depending on various factors and your soon-to-be previous carrier, the switchover could be instant or take a few hours, But If you give any wrong information, the process can take up to 48 hours—just be patient. Transfers from a landline service can take as long as five business days. You can activate your plan up to 45 days after you receive your SIM.
Most of the time, you won't have to wait more than a few minutes to start using your number on Mint Mobile. Luckily, you can use data in the meantime to talk to people via alternative messaging apps like Telegram or WhatsApp.
If you have questions, call Mint Mobile's customer service at 800-683-7392 or chat with an agent online. But once the number transfer is complete, you'll receive a welcome text from Mint Mobile confirming the same. All you have to do now is start enjoying your new service.
Save on mobile data when you switch to Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile has some of the best cell phone plans out there, with great savings for data-hungry users when they buy up to a year of service upfront. With Mint Mobile, you can get up to 40GB of high-speed data a month with the unlimited plan and save even more if you don't need that much. The unlimited plan also offers 10GB for mobile hotspot. Our Mint Mobile review found that the T-Mobile-based MVNO offers plenty of speeds on 5G with solid coverage.
If you change your mind and want to cancel your plan for any reason, Mint has a 7-day money-back guarantee. Whether you purchase online or use the Mint Mobile app, you can get 100% of your money back. That said, with the T-Mobile 5G network backing things up, most users will find Mint Mobile's service to be more than adequate.
Multi-month savings
Mint Mobile is among the most affordable prepaid carriers out there, offering plans with loads of high-speed 5G data as well as unlimited talk and text options, at very reasonable prices. If you choose to buy service for a few months upfront, you can save even more.
- MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket
