How To Upgrade Your Phone With Any Carrier
Is it time to get a new phone? Or maybe you just love the idea of having the latest technology. If so, you may be thinking about upgrading your device.
Table of Contents
- How do I upgrade my phone?
- What is a Two-Year Phone Contract?
- What is a 12-Month Plan?
- How to Upgrade Your Phone Based on Your Carrier
- How to Upgrade With AT&T
- How to Upgrade With Verizon
- How to Upgrade With T-Mobile
How do I upgrade my phone?
Phone upgrades are offered by every phone carrier and while the process will vary, there are a few universal steps that you can expect to follow. Once you’re ready to get a new device, you’ll select the option to upgrade on the website, select the device you want to upgrade, and choose the phone and installment plan of your choice.
Whether it’s time to get a new device or you want to plan ahead, continue reading to learn more about how the upgrade process works.
What is a Two-Year Phone Contract?
If you didn’t purchase your mobile device in full, there’s a great chance that you have a two-year phone contract.
This is one of the most popular phone plans that enable you to purchase a new device and pay for the cost of the phone in monthly installments in addition to your standard phone plan for two years. Essentially, the cost of the phone is divided into 24 monthly, affordable payments.
Advantages of a Two-Year Contract
Two-year contracts are quite common. After the two years are up, and you have successfully paid off your device, you will have the option to upgrade it.
Many people like two-year contracts because they’ll typically pay less each month compared to other options. If you’re looking for a lower phone bill, this is an excellent option.
Some people also choose this type of contract because it is the perfect sweet spot before they want or need to upgrade their device again.
Disadvantages of a Two-Year Contract
The main disadvantage of this type of contract is the waiting period for which you can upgrade. If your phone becomes damaged before the two-year mark and you don’t have insurance, you may have to purchase a phone until you can upgrade.
Even if your phone isn’t broken and you just want to upgrade your device, you’ll need to wait until your contract ends. Your phone carrier may give you an option to upgrade early, but you will need to pay off the remaining balance of your phone.
What is a 12-Month Plan?
A 12-month contract, also known as an early upgrade plan, is similar to a two-year plan. The main difference is that you’ll have an opportunity to upgrade at 12 months vs 24 months.
Many people have moved towards 12-month contracts for an opportunity to upgrade sooner.
Advantages of a 12-month Contract
This type of contract has grown in popularity over the years. As technology continues to advance and brands like Apple and Samsung are producing new devices each year, technology-enthusiast want to be able to keep up.
A two-year contract prevents individuals from upgrading as new devices come out, but 12-month contracts have satisfied this urge. With that said, if you’re someone who likes to upgrade often, you may prefer a contract that gives you an option to upgrade at 12 months.
This type of contract is also useful in the instance where your phone becomes damaged, and you would prefer to be able to upgrade as soon as possible.
Disadvantages of a 12-Month Contract
The main disadvantage of this type of contract is that you’ll be paying more money monthly for the option to upgrade early. If you’re more concerned about staying within a certain budget rather than having the latest technology, this may not be the best option for you.
How to Upgrade Your Phone Based on Your Carrier
Whether you choose a two-year contract, 12-month contract, or something different, the upgrading process will vary based on your carrier. We’re going to take a look at how to upgrade based on three popular phone carriers.
How to Upgrade With AT&T
If AT&T is your carrier, you can upgrade your device by logging into your account and going to “Upgrade Your Device.” Choose the type of upgrade you want, select your phone, and continue by following the prompts.
How do I know if I am eligible for an Upgrade?
Your device is eligible for an upgrade if the following is true:
- Installment Plan: You have an installment plan with an option to upgrade. You will have an option to upgrade when you have paid off 50%-80% of your phone.
- Regular Installment: You paid off 100% of your phone.
- Own Your Phone: You purchased your phone in full.
How to Upgrade With Verizon
If Verizon is your carrier, you can upgrade your device if your bill isn’t past due. Just go to “Device overview in MyVerizon” and begin the upgrade process.
How Do I Know if I am Eligible for an Upgrade?
You are eligible for an upgrade if the following has occurred:
- You paid off your device payment agreement
- You are part of their early upgrade program
- You bought a device at a discount after signing a two-year contract, and the contract has now ended
How to Upgrade With T-Mobile
If your carrier is T-Mobile and you would like to upgrade your device, all you need to do is log into your account and head to the T-Mobile shop. Click the upgrade button and select the device you would like to upgrade. Continue following the instructions to upgrade your device.
How Do I Know if I am Eligible for an Upgrade?
You can upgrade with T-Mobile if the following has occurred:
- You have paid off at least 50 percent of your device with an installment plan
- You must be current with your installment plan
- Your device must be in good working order
Whether it’s time to get a new phone or you’re ready to get your hands on the next set of phone technology, upgrading your phone is the easiest way to do it.
Depending on your phone carrier, there will be a slightly different process on how you need to proceed with your upgrade.
It’s important to note that when you’re eligible to upgrade will depend on whether you’re in a current contract and what type of contract you have.
If you’re uncertain, you can always check your account online or speak with a customer service representative to know what your upgrade options are.