Skip to main content

Free your phone

Pay off your old carrier's device balance with PayPal and switch to US Mobile, without waiting to save up.

Still owe money on your phone with your old carrier? Free your phone lets you cover that balance up front through PayPal, so you can switch to US Mobile right away and pay it back on your own schedule at 0% interest.

How it works​

  1. Sign in to your account dashboard and get started from the Free your phone banner or tile.
  2. Select your current carrier, and enter your remaining device balance.
  3. Enter the device and phone number you're bringing over. You can add more than one device if you're switching multiple lines.
  4. Select Continue. You'll be taken to PayPal to complete your application.
tip

Not sure what your remaining balance is? Your carrier usually lists it under sections labeled "Devices," "Equipment," or "Installment Plans" in your account or app.

What happens in PayPal​

PayPal reviews your application and makes a decision right away — there's no waiting. If approved, you'll choose how to repay:

  • Pay in 4: four payments over six weeks, interest-free
  • Pay Monthly: monthly payments over a term PayPal offers you, at 0% APR

You'll need a PayPal account to continue. If you don't have one, you can create one during checkout.

PayPal makes the approval decision

US Mobile doesn't decide who's approved, PayPal decides based on its own reviewal process. We can't see or influence that decision.

After you're approved​

Choose a qualifying US Mobile plan and complete your purchase within 6 hours of approval. If you don't purchase a plan in that window, nothing is charged and you can apply again right away.

Once you've purchased your plan, your approved amount is sent to your PayPal account.

From there:

  1. Use those funds to pay off your device balance directly with your old carrier.
  2. Ask your old carrier to unlock your device once it's paid off. This step happens entirely with your old carrier — check with them on how long it takes.
  3. Bring your number over (or activate a new one) and activate your line within 60 days of receiving your funds.

Your billing cycle with US Mobile starts once you activate.

Frequently asked questions​

How much can I get to free my phone?​

Up to $1,000. This is a lifetime limit per person. You can claim the promotion for multiple devices as long as your total stays under $1,000.

Can I have more than one application open at a time?​

Only one application can be open at a time. Once you activate your line you can apply again for funds up to the $1,000 lifetime maximum.

How long do I have to buy a plan after I'm approved?​

Purchase your plan within 6 hours to claim the promotion. If you don't purchase a plan in that time, nothing is charged and you're free to apply again right away.

How long do I have to activate my line with US Mobile?​

You have 60 days from when your funds are sent to activate your line.

Do I need a PayPal account?​

Yes. PayPal needs an account to send your funds to. You can create one during checkout if you don't already have one.

What if my device isn't showing up when I search for it?​

You can still enter it manually by typing the full device name.

Was this article helpful?