Instead of reading all of this, you can also use our BYOP Page! If you need more information, just check back here.
HERE’S HOW TO BRING YOUR OWN PHONE to Defense mobile:
STEP 1: Check if your phone is eligible. Here is an overview by carrier:
AT&T: All unlocked AT&T devices are supported on Defense Mobile. All you will need is a Defense Mobile GSM (A) SIM Card and a plan
T-Mobile: Unlocked T-mobile devices are supported, you just need a Defense Mobile GSM (A) SIM Card and a plan.
Sprint: Many Sprint phones are supported. To determine if your Sprint device is supported please click here. Please not that this is a preliminary check, if you submit a support ticket with the IMEI/MEID of your device we can give you a more definitive answer.
Verizon: All 3G and 4G Verizon devices are able to be used on our CDMA (V) network, as long as all Early Termination Fees and obligations to Verizon are paid. Additionally, the Nexus 6 and all iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus devices can be used on our CDMA (V) network. To get started, you will need a Defense Mobile CDMA (V) SIM Card. If you have a 3G Verizon device, you can simply log in and activate it (no SIM required).
All Other Carriers: Please identify if your carrier is GSM or CDMA first (you can check here).
- All unlocked & off-contract GSM phones will work – you just need a Defense Mobile GSM (A) SIM Card.
- For CDMA phones, if you know your carrier uses the Sprint or Verizon network you can follow those instructions. Please note that we cannot activate Virgin Mobile devices.
- If you still have questions, please submit a support ticket here.
STEP 2: Order a SIM Card and a monthly plan. SIM Cards are free with all plans:
STEP 3: Once your SIM Card arrives, you just need to activate it, insert it into your phone, and you’re ready to go. If you have any questions during this process you can always call our 100% Veteran-staffed Member Care Team and we will be happy to help.
STEP 4: You may need to change your device’s APN settings (GSM phones only) to get your data to work properly. You can do that here:
CAN I BRING A LOCKED DEVICE TO DEFENSE MOBILE?
We support locked AT&T devices. All other devices must be unlocked. To do this, please call your carrier and ask them to unlock your device.
How do i unlock my device?
By law, all carriers must unlock your phone. You can follow this guide to find out how.
What if i am still on contract with my carrier?
If your device is unlocked, porting you number will automatically cancel your contract. Please be aware that you may have to pay early termination fees.
If your device is locked, you will need to call your carrier to cancel your contract and get your phone unlocked. You may also have to pay early termination fees.
WHERE CAN I BUY A SIM CARD?
Our SIM cards are free with any plan! You can get your SIM card right here:
WHERE DO I FIND MY ESN/MEID/IMEI ON MY PHONE?
There are a few ways to find this number:
- Dial *#06# on your phone’s dial pad
- Go into the Setting on the Phone
- iPhone: Settings > General > About
Android: Settings > About Phone > Status - Remove the phone’s battery and look in the
Battery Compartment.
HOW LONG DOES THE BYOP PROCESS TAKE?
If you are activating a new number on Defense Mobile, the process should be very fast. Bringing an existing mobile number to Defense Mobile (porting) generally takes around 20 minutes once you have provided all of the information from the carrier you are porting the number from, but it may take up to 48 hours.