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Switching networks

You can switch your line between our three networks — Warp, Light Speed, and Dark Star. This guide walks you through how to do it and helps you decide if it's the right move for you.

Who is this for? Why would I switch networks?​

Moving your line to another network is a long-term decision — think of it like moving to a new home. You're choosing what will be your primary network going forward.

Reasons you might switch networks​

  • Network performance (coverage and speed) where you need it most isn't good on your current network. Example: You don't have reliable coverage at home or work.
  • You want features that another network offers. Example: You travel frequently to a country that supports native roaming on one network but not another.

Reasons not to switch networks (and what to do instead)​

  • Performance is good in one place but poor in another. Example: Great connection at home, poor connection at work. What to do instead: Try our multi-network solution — get two or even three networks on one plan.
  • You want the features of another network temporarily. Example: You're traveling to a country that has native roaming on a different network. What to do instead: Try multi-network to expand your native roaming coverage, or explore other international coverage options.
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Consider whether switching is really what you need, or whether a multi-network plan gets you the best of both worlds.

Before you get started​

  • Switching networks may cause a brief pause in service.
  • Make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi before you switch.
  • You can switch networks once every 4 hours, up to a maximum of 8 times per 30-day cycle.
  • Your first two switches are free. After that, each switch costs $2 — unless you're on an Unlimited Premium plan, where switching is always free.
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Transfers cannot be reversed or cancelled. You'll need to transfer back if you change your mind, which is why we recommend thinking through the decision carefully.

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You need two-factor authentication (2FA) turned on your account before you can transfer. This keeps your account secure and confirms that transfer requests are coming from the actual account owner or admin.

Physical SIM customers: switching takes longer

If your line uses a physical SIM card, switching networks requires a new physical SIM to be shipped to you. Alternatively, you can move your line to an eSIM and switch instantly.

How to transfer a line to another network​

Follow these steps to transfer your line using the web app or the mobile app.

On the web app​

  1. Sign in to your account dashboard, select My Lines, and select the line you want to transfer.
  2. Under Line Settings, select Line Management to expand it, then select Switch Network.
  3. Select the network you want to switch to (Warp, Dark Star, or Light Speed) and select Next.
  4. Select which SIM option you want to use: eSIM or physical SIM card.

Next steps for eSIMs​

  1. If you already have a US Mobile line activated on the phone you want to use, select Activate on a saved device and choose your phone. Otherwise:
    • If you're switching to Warp, choose Enter the IMEI of a new device, enter your phone's IMEI-2, and select Continue.
    • If you're switching to Light Speed or Dark Star, choose Activate a new device, enter your phone's make and model, and select Continue.
  2. Select Complete Transfer.

The network transfer may take a few minutes. Once it's done, we'll send you an email. Use the Install eSIM link in the email or on your line page to finish the install. If that doesn't work, the QR code and manual entry options are in the same place.

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After installing the new eSIM, restart your device. If mobile data doesn't work after the reboot, you may need to update your APN settings manually. View our APN settings guide for instructions for your network.

Next steps for physical SIM cards​

  1. If you already have a physical SIM card, select I have a new SIM card and select Next.

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    If you don't have a SIM card yet, select I need a new SIM card and submit your details to order one. Your SIM should arrive within 4–6 business days. Once it does, head back to your line, select Switch Network, and continue the transfer.

  2. If you already have a US Mobile line activated on the phone you want to use, select Activate on a saved device and choose your phone. Otherwise, choose Activate a new device, enter your phone's make and model, enter your new SIM card number, and select Continue.

From the mobile app​

  1. Open the US Mobile app. Download it for iOS or Android.
  2. Sign in and select the Lines tab, then select the line you want to transfer.
  3. Go to Line Settings and select Switch Network under your Plan Management options.
  4. Select which SIM you'd like to use: eSIM or physical SIM card.

Next steps for eSIMs​

  1. Enter the IMEI 2 of your device, select Continue, then select Confirm Transfer.
  2. The network transfer may take a few minutes. Once it's done, we'll send you an email.
  3. Use the Install eSIM link in the app or in the email to finish the install. If that doesn't work, the QR code and manual entry options are in the same place.

Next steps for physical SIM cards​

  1. If you already have a physical SIM card, select I have a new SIM card and select Next.

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    If you don't have a SIM card yet, select Ship me a SIM card and submit your details to order one. Your SIM should arrive within 4–6 business days. Once it does, head back to your line, select Switch Network, and continue the transfer.

  2. Enter your new SIM card number, select Continue, then select Confirm Transfer.

  3. The network transfer may take a few minutes. Once it's done, we'll notify you by email. The line page in your app will also show Transfer complete.

Porting out​

If you're looking to port out from US Mobile to another carrier, view our guide on leaving US Mobile.

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