How to use a Sprint Phone on Verizon
Sprint and Verizon Wireless are among the leading cellular providers in the US. No matter how good a mobile carrier is, it may fail to meet all your expectations forcing you to switch to an alternative network.
Switching from Sprint to Verizon is not difficult. However, the challenge that comes with switching your cellular carrier is the phone. Different phone models have to meet certain requirements to work on another network. When it comes to Sprint and Verizon, both companies are CDMA carriers which mean that they both operate under a similar radio network. This makes it easier to switch to Verizon with your phone.
To use a Sprint phone on Verizon, make sure the phone is compatible with the Verizon network and is unlocked. Besides, if you have any remaining balance on your Sprint phone, you need to pay it in full.
When switching to Verizon from Sprint, the network presents you with two options; you either buy a new phone that’s compatible with their network or bring your own phone as long as it’s compatible with their network.
Why is it the case?
Sprint and Verizon Wireless are compatible as they both share the same radio network. Both networks run on the CDMA network while networks such as T-Mobile and AT&T operate under the GSM network. This makes it easier to switch from Sprint to Verizon and vice versa than switching to AT&T or T-Mobile. However, despite Sprint’s compatibility with the Verizon network, it’s important to note that all cellular phone companies want your money and Verizon may not accept your phone. Besides Verizon, you can also use your Sprint mobile phone with Ting’s, Boost Mobile’s, or Virgin Mobile’s SIM card.
CDMA vs GSM
GSM and CDMA are radio networks used by wireless carriers and available on mobile phones. Both radio networks use 3G technology only and it’s important to make sure your phone has reliable 3G frequency compatibility. This is because if you move to a region without 4G or 5G, your phone will switch to 3G. It’s easier to swap phones on the GSM network as they use SIM cards.
Since both Sprint and Verizon use the same network type, do I still have to unlock my phone?
Despite both cellular providers using the CDMA network, you still need to unlock your phone before switching to Verizon. By unlocking your phone, you get to flash your phone to allow a new carrier. It’s very important to first check with Verizon and see if your phone is compatible with their network before proceeding to unlock the phone. Also, check the fees associated with canceling your current Sprint subscription.
Compatible Sprint phones
Not all Sprint phones are compatible with Verizon even after unlocking. Almost all of Sprint’s latest phone models that can be unlocked are compatible with the Verizon network apart from the iPhone. However, this is subject to Verizon accepting or rejecting the phone. Below is a list of Sprint phones that are compatible with Verizon.
Android devices |
iPhones |
LG G5 |
iPhone 5 |
LG G6/ G6+ |
iPhone 5C |
LG V30/V30+ |
iPhone 5S |
Samsung Galaxy Note 8 |
iPhone 6S / 6S Plus |
Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+ |
iPhone 7 /7 Plus |
Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+ |
iPhone SE |
iPhone 8/8 Plus |
|
iPhone X |
To check if your phone is compatible and acceptable at Verizon, visit the Verizon website and check your phone.
How to unlock your Sprint phone
Now that you’ve checked with Verizon and your phone has been accepted, you need to unlock it if it’s locked. To unlock your Sprint phone, the phone needs to have been active on the Sprint network for a minimum period of 50 days. In addition, you need to pay for your device in full before you can be able to switch. When ready unlock the phone, contact Sprint, and provide them with your Sprint account & password, your phone’s IMEI or MEID number, and your social security number’s last 4 digits.
A Summary table
Issue |
How to Fix |
How to use a Sprint Phone on Verizon |
Check with Verizon and ensure your phone is compatible and acceptable by Verizon. If your phone is not yet unlocked, contact Sprint and give them your phone’s details plus your account details. If you have a pending balance, pay it in full. Unlock your phone and start using it on Verizon. |
FAQs
What is an IMEI number and how do I find my device’s IMEI?
The IMEI or international mobile equipment identity is a unique number used to identify a phone. It’s a 14-15 digit number usually found on the back of your phone’s battery. You can also find it by dialing *#06# on your phone.
Will Verizon pay the remaining amount on my Sprint phone?
No, Verizon won’t pay. You need to clear your balance before switching your phone from Sprint to Verizon.