What network does Mint Mobile run on?

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Excellent T-Mobile coverage for less.

Mint Mobile home page on Pixel 6
(Image credit: Android Central)

What network does Mint Mobile run on?

Best answer: Mint Mobile operates on T-Mobile's network with total 5G and 4G support. The done deal was announced by T-Mobile on May 1, 2024, a process that began in March 2023. The closure of the purchase means that the un-carrier's leading 5G network will be with Mint Mobile for many years to come. 

Mint Mobile: Get T-Mobile coverage for as little as $15/month

Mint Mobile: Get T-Mobile coverage for as little as $15/month

Mint Mobile uses T-Mobile's network to provide excellent coverage that you purchase in 3, 6, or 12-month increments. There are four data plans to choose from, and all plans come with unlimited talk and text, free calls to Mexico and Canada, a mobile hotspot, and access to the nation's largest 5G network. 

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What is Mint Mobile?

Mint Mobile is a prepaid MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) that provides a great prepaid experience and uses T-Mobile's network to connect its customers. On May 1, 2024, T-Mobile announced that the transaction was a done deal, and as a result, T-Mobile will bring great perks to new and existing customers in the following months. T-Mobile will keep the current $15 plan for new customers and will bring perks such as Scam Screener and free Canada and Mexico roaming.

In the U.S., Mint's services are operated entirely online rather than in physical brick-and-mortar stores. The company's business model is structured around buying months of service in bulk. Specifically, you can buy three, six, or 12 months of service in advance.

Because Mint has no physical locations, it ships out any SIM cards or phones you order and should arrive in three to five days for free. But if you can't wait that long, you can get service in minutes by opting for an eSIM.That doesn't mean you have to buy a phone from them. Since the MVNO runs off of T-Mobile's cellular towers, you can use any T-Mobile phone you might already own or pick up an unlocked phone (provided it supports T-Mobile's network). 

If you're unsure if your phone is unlocked or compatible, you can use the Phone Compatibility tool on Mint's site to check. You'll need to provide information such as brand, model, and IMEI number, but checking for your phone's IMEI number is quick and easy.

Mint Mobile SIM Galaxy S20

(Image credit: Samuel Contreras / Android Central)

Can I bring my own phone to Mint Mobile?

Along with T-Mobile phones, most of the best Android phones should work just fine on Mint Mobile. You can also use phones from AT&T, Cricket, Simple Mobile, Straight Talk, or Metro by T-Mobile, so long as they've been unlocked by their respective carrier to work on other networks — in most cases, carriers are happy to help you unlock your phone once it's been fully paid off. You can even bring your current number to Mint.

Of course, if you're thinking about getting a new phone to pair with your new wireless service, you can also take a look at our guide to the best Mint Mobile phones. Buying a phone through Mint could also hook you up with deals that get you free wireless service, deep discounts, and more. 

Mint Mobile: Starting at $15/month

Mint Mobile: Starting at $15/month

If you're willing to pay for your wireless service in bulk, Mint Mobile might be the carrier for you. Mint Mobile connects your unlocked phone to T-Mobile's network with plenty of data for most tasks and unlimited talk and text. 

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Patrick Farmer
Patrick Farmer
eCommerce Editor

After almost a decade of working in the e-commerce space, Patrick Farmer (he/him) began his career at Android Central as a Deals and Commerce Writer before moving into a new role as AC's eCommerce Editor in 2023. When he's not hunting down the best deals and offering shopping advice for our readers, you'll often find him listening to music, camping out at a brewery, or treating his cat like a human child. 

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