Check Your Phone’s Compatibility

An IMEI (called an MEID on some devices) is a 15-digit number unique to your phone that helps determine network compatibility. For the curious, it stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. For the extra-tech savvy out there, a dual-SIM phone has two IMEI numbers.

You can find it in Settings > General > About > IMEI (sometimes MEID or ESN).

When you place your order with TDS Mobile, we’ll ask if you want to keep your current phone number. The actual steps to transfer your number happen within the phone activation process, so don’t cancel your current service until after activation with TDS Mobile, or your number will be lost. You’ll need to have your current carrier account number and Account PIN or Number Transfer PIN (different carriers use different terms). You can usually find those on a billing statement or in your online account. You may also be asked for information such as the current primary account holder’s name, billing address, and social security number.

Currently, TDS Mobile supports phones only.

If you purchased a phone from a carrier, it may be locked into their network.

Android users can usually determine lock status by going to Settings (or Connections) > Networks (or Mobile Networks) > Network Operators > Search Networks. If you see multiple carriers listed, your phone is most likely unlocked.

iPhone users should go to Settings > General > About. If “No SIM restrictions” appears next to Carrier Lock, your phone is unlocked.

If you have a friend who uses a different carrier, you can try placing their SIM card in your phone. If you do that and can make a call, your phone is unlocked. If your phone is locked, you will need your carrier to unlock it. This may take a couple days, so be sure to take care of it prior to activating your phone on the TDS Mobile network. Most carriers provide instructions on their website or through customer care.

If your phone is on the latest operating system available, it means your SIM will automatically configure itself to our network, making activation much easier. 

Apple users must be on iOS 17 or higher. For a list of compatible devices, click here.

Android users should be on OS 14 (Upside Down Cake) to autoconfigure. Manual configuration is possible, and step-by-step instructions can be found here.

Samsung users should be on OS 13 to autoconfigure. Manual configuration is possible, and step-by-step instructions can be found here.

The SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) is what connects your device to a mobile network. Any phone can be activated with a SIM card, which is a small microchip you install in your phone. Some phones can be activated with an eSIM, which means the microchip is fixed into the phone’s motherboard but can be remotely reconfigured via Wi-Fi. Most people prefer physical SIMs, as they require less work on the user’s end.

If your current phone isn’t compatible with the TDS Mobile network, you can purchase a new or used mobile device from a manufacturer or reputable third-party retailer (ideally with a warranty). Before you purchase, please check the IMEI number, using the IMEI checker above, to confirm compatibility with our network.