What network does Mint Mobile run on?

By Patrick Farmer
Contributions from
Hayato Huseman
 last updated

Excellent T-Mobile coverage for less.

Mint Mobile on phone screen
(Image credit: Android Central)

Best answer: Mint Mobile operates on T-Mobile's network with full support for 5G and 4G. As a matter of fact, in March 2023, T-Mobile began the process of formally acquiring the prepaid carrier, which means 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 (opens in new tab)

Mint Mobile: Get T-Mobile coverage for as little as $15/month (opens in new tab)

Mint Mobile uses T-Mobile's network to provide great coverage that you purchase in 3, 6, or 12-month increments of time. 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 of course, access to the nation's largest 5G network. 

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What is Mint Mobile?

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Mint Mobile is a prepaid MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) that provides a great prepaid experience and uses T-Mobile's network to get its customers connected. In the U.S., Mint's services are operated entirely online, rather than in physical brick-and-mortar stores, and the company's business model is structured around paying for 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. 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).

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 (opens in new tab)

Mint Mobile: Starting at $15/month (opens in new tab)

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
Staff Writer

After years of working as a freelancer, Patrick Farmer (he/him) began his career at Android Central as a deals and commerce writer before being brought into the fold as a staff writer in early 2023. When he's not sharing his thoughts on smartphones, wireless carriers, and streaming services, you'll often find him listening to music, camping out at a brewery, or treating his cat like a human child. 

With contributions from