Surprises of the TracFone SIM Card.

by Terry
(Syracuse, NY USA)

So my TracFone came with a SIM card. What a great feature! Now I can store all my contacts on it, so when I upgrade to a new phone I won't have to re-key all my contacts...I'll just swap the two SIM cards.

Not so fast, Buckaroo! Your TracFone is full of surprises.

Surprise No. 1:
You would think that a SIM from one TracFone would be "compatible" in another, but it is not. The SIM card serial number and the phone serial number are tied together. They don't tell you this anywhere. You find out when you buy a new phone and try to use the old SIM in the new phone and get "Unregistered SIM" on the new phone screen. So you call Tech Support, who will then tell you the good news...they cannot be swapped. Why does it work this way? "Because that's the way The System is set up."


Update: Net10 and Straight Talk Sim Cards
Note you can now get NET10 and Straight Talk SIM Cards that work with unlocked phones, but you have to use them with their unlimited plans. The info from Terry about Tracfone below is still valid as far as I know.

If you already have a phone, you can activate it on these plans with the appropriate SIM card:

- T-Mobile
- PTel
- Red Pocket
- Simple Mobile

Yes, I will have to re-key in all 300 names on the contact list in my old phone. It was a time to purge some numbers, anyway.

Surprise No. 2:
If you deactivate a phone you have to get a new SIM card from TracFone if you want to put it back in service.

True example: I got a new LG600g and transfered my number and minutes from my Motorola W370 to it. This "deactivates" the W370, which was expected. After spending about an hour setting up my new phone I find I don't like the way it does some things and decide I want to return it to Target. So I went back on line and transfer everything back. I get all the way to the end when the screen says I have to call the 800 number and get a new SIM. That's right, they deactivate the SIM electronically even if it is the one that came with the phone. I called the number and they confirm that is what happens, and there is no way they can re-activate it electronically...I have to be mailed one. When I receive it I have to call them back to have them walk me thru activating it. This cannot be done on line. Why does TracFone do this? "Because that's the way The System is set up."

So my scenario is that I need a new SIM for the W370 to transfer stuff off the LG 600g and back to the W370. Then I will exchange the LG for a Motorola W376, and transfer everything to it, again deactivating the W370...and its SIM. If I like the W376 and keep it I will then need to call the 800 number and and have them send me another new SIM for the W370 because my wife wants it. If I don't like the W376 I will still need another SIM for the W370 so I can again have a cell phone...unless I decide to switch to Verizon.

Comments for Surprises of the TracFone SIM Card.

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Mar 10, 2022
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no service
by: Anonymous

they went to 5g and turned off many old phoneS , i call track phone they say go to dealer like walmart or target or best buy so on, have went to 25 '' dealers'' they all say call track phone ,over and over NO HELP

Feb 21, 2022
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Make An Informal Complaint to FCC
by: Anonymous

I was sent a CDMA & I live in GSM area. Been Weeks on phone and online trying to get proper info on what phone I need that will actually work! Made informal complaint to FCC. Literally 40+ hours of phone calls to their 'so-called' CSR's and still no answer. Last update is that I was told to call back if your phone doesn't work! Gee Thanks.

Dec 31, 2021
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Worse company ever
by: Anonymous

Phone never works right Service is bad apps never work right and when you call no one speaks English they put voice mail in Spanish
I will never ever use this rip off company ever again

Dec 07, 2021
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Sim permenately blocked
by: Monica McLeod

I've been with Tracfone for about 15 yes and have never really had a complaint. But that's going to change. I've never had any problems with my phones until This LG Journey.
This is the first time I've ever heard of Sim Card Puk #. Tonight
I went use my phone and it wanted the SCP# so I put it in.
I know the number and I know I put it in right. 10 times it told me it was wrong and it's not. So now my sim is permenately blocked. I need access to my phone so what do I do?

Jan 31, 2021
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cellfone not getting 4g lte
by: michael

I am not playing with tracfone. i like their service but i am going to do what i want. i am the paying customer... The one fone has the simcard tied to it, but it refuses to get 4g lte service make calls without issue... i tried get tracfone to put me back on the other tracfone.. but error came up. so far so good

I just put the stupid simcard into another tracfone and be done with it.. TIRED OF PLAYING MUSICAL TRACFONES and their DAMN MARRY THE SIMCARD TO THE FONE. its not happening with me DAMN TRACFONE CRAP....

Feb 06, 2020
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You can swap SIM cards. Depending on your Model
by: Anonymous

I just bought a new Tracfone LG rebel I put the old sim card from another rebel into the new phone, and it works fine im receiving calls , making calls, and getting SMS too. Of course the sims are the same size. The only question is if I will get my month minutes while the SIM card is in the new phone.

Jan 14, 2020
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Price Gouge!
by: Anonymous

Interestingly, Tracfone has suddenly hiked the price of sim card packets from $1 to $10. This has happened simultaneously at stores offering over-the-counter sales. Some packets still say .99 cents on the package, but ring up at $9.99. So here is further incentive for Tracfone to invalidate sim cards or disallow transferring sim cards between phones.

May 06, 2019
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robbing you
by: Anonymous

Tracfone is a horrible service. Every Tracfone should come with someone to hold a gun on you since you are being robbed. Waiting for class action suit to be filed on these crooks.

Nov 13, 2018
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tracfone is shit
by: Sergey, NYC

Want to know way how they steal minutes? you make or receive the call, but can not hear recipient. second attempt (yours or his) successful. But one minute from first attempt stolen by Tracfone. when you call them for any reason (usually it is issue with their "service" - they don't speak English and asking you to speak Spanish.
And yes - SIM-card does not work on same model, but different phone. (We talking about Tracfone).

Nov 07, 2018
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I have a question, no comment t yet!
by: Csadams

I just purchased a new tracfone which has a sim card. My old tracfone has no sim card. My question is if I decide I don't like the new phone will I be able to switch back to my old one with no sim and keep all of my mindutes, etc.?
Thanks

Jul 09, 2018
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This explains a LOT!
by: Deactivated

July 9, 2018. Yesterday morning @ 11 AM, my TracFone was working as well as it ever has. We drove back home from our getaway in the Adirondacks, about a 3 hour trip. When we get home, my TracFone beeps once to indicate it connected to our home WiFi. I check the connection, and see in the top left corner Invalid SIM card. This is odd, how does a SIM card become invalid driving down a country road? After contacting TracFone support twice, they need to send me another SIM, then I'll have to call back - AGAIN - to activate the new SIM. So my phone is out of commission for phone & text for at least five days.

I read above that TracFone can, and has, remotely nuked SIM cards as a matter of policy. This gets me thinking. The area we spent the past week in is AT&T only, none of the bargain basement carriers that TracFone prefers to pay for their service. Do you suppose it's possible that TracFone remotely deactivated my SIM so that my phone wasn't costing them more than they want to pay for me to use it?

Nah, that's wouldn't be honest of them, I must just be paranoid...

Feb 25, 2018
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Cannot use in CA
by: Ellie

I had Tracfone sim. My phone is HTC One Dual sim. I lived in PA. First thing it does not work for 3G. I had to connect with CS (customer service) but it didn't help. I spent an hour looking online and fixed it by myself.

After that I moved to CA for work. It didn't have signal there. I contacted CS, and they said i have to come back my first area to activate my sim if want it to work (what?). Or they could help me to change my number if I want my account to keep working (what??).

Feb 21, 2018
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rebel 2...invalid sim card after 2 months of use...
by: Anonymous

I have an LG rebel 2, biggest piece of shit I ever owned. I will never buy another LG of any kind.
When I contacted TracFone they were completely unresponsive.
I had this phone for 2 months, worked fine one hour and an hour later I went to use it and on the screen it says "invalid sim card".
I have $100.00 with phone purchase and airtime and it is not usable, so I bought a phone and paid to not be able to use it.
I have every intention of complaining anywhere I can about Tracfone - huge piece of shit.

Sep 02, 2016
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Tracfone Kills Me
by: Susie

My sister had an old LG flip Tracfone and when she went to buy one-year minutes they told her that she needed a new cell phone. TF had sent her a small Alcatel phone to use and moved her minutes off the old LG onto the Alcatel TF.
She knows nothing about cell phone especially newer ones. So I tried to help and bought her what I thought was simple phone, a Moto E TF from Amazon, and sent it to her.

She got the new cell I sent and had her minutes moved from the Alcatel onto the Moto E. She didn't know what an icon or app was, where home screen was, or it was a nightmare and totally over her head. As she was having real problems with the Moto E, not understanding anything about it, I said to transfer your minutes back to the Alcatel and send the Moto E back to me and I will return to Amazon.

She called Tracfone today and they told her just what the first guy on this post said "your SIM is deactivated". So they have to send her a new SIM (2 days). She will have to activate the Alcatel then move the minutes off the Moto E back to the Alcatel, in order for her to send me back the Moto E Phone. I don't think it's going to happen as I have to return by 9/10 to get refund. I want to kill TF.

This is so F'in convoluted I just can't believe it. TF is good if you don't have to interact with their Customer Service. I have a MOTO G and got their SIM kit and am about to transfer my service from TING back to TF. I'm a little scared of doing this since I ported my TF phone number to the TING service. I think I can't get my number ported back to TF as they deactivated that phone number when I ported it over to TING - aaaarrrrggghhhhh!

Aug 13, 2016
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Going Primitive
by: Anonymous

I believe my old Motorola Trac Phone was bought in 2006 - 2008 Last used it 2008. Now I buy card to down load some time on it. No can do, trac card company says they'll send me free phone, They did but still I'd like to get a new sims card so it will jive with new means or a service still up and running so I can use it again.
If I'm not allowed to use my old Motorola bc it has something to do with the future of internet of things then only thing I can think off to get some justice out of all this is by some 22 mile range walkie talkeys for me and some of my friends. Also a CB radio and antenna for my vehicle
and house.

Jul 27, 2016
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Address issues
by: Anonymous

TracFone has tried twice to send a new sim card for the new phone .they say the one that came in the phone is "outdated" . They say I'll have it in two business days ,after a week I call and ask where is it? They tell me my address is "invalid". I have had this address for two decades . It is PO Box 1 ,please stop the bull shit TracFone!! Nobody else on the globe has trouble .

Jul 18, 2016
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TracFone unusual performance
by: Gede Nibo

TracFone is usually work in underground location such as basement where the other preaid fail such as AT&T, h2o, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, etc

Nov 18, 2015
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BYOP sims don't work
by: Anonymous

My teen daughter wants to upgrade her worn out Tracfone to a BYOP with tracfone still providing service. Her new phone is factory unlocked & will work with either gsm or cdma. It takes the nano sim card. I checked tracfone's website to confirm that her phone would work. I got confirmation that it would. I then followed the prompts for ordering a sim kit for $9.99. The next day, I received a padded envelope with just 1 sim card in it. It was for the std & micro size. No sim kit & no nano card. Tracfone refused a refund or to send the correct card. The rep said it was my fault that I ordered the wrong card. Say what? I followed the prompts, supplied s/n of phone, etc. I put it under dispute with my credit card.

Yesterday, I purchased the BYOP sim card kit at Walmart store. $28 comes with 90 days service, minutes, data & 6 sim cards. The sims are for all 3 sizes & in both gsm & cdma. So, you are good to go no matter what. Kinda confused about the cdma sims because I'm not aware that cdma uses sim's. I just need the sim, so I wasn't thrilled about having to buy extra service.

I tried to activate the nano sim online twice. Both times it says to contact tracfone customer care. The tracfone rep also tried to activate it & then she asked me if I was trying to activate a tablet because tablets aren't part of BYOP. I asked her to send me a new sim card. She refused & told me to take it back to Walmart. Note that pkg says no refunds. Walmart did refund my money but whined about it. This Walmart did not stock the sim kits. So, do I even try to get yet a 3rd sim card or just head on over to Cricket? Their customer service is horrid as well but the service plan is more reliable.

Nov 18, 2015
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poor service
by: Anonymous

Purchased a new phone from Tracfone and called to have it activated. The person I talked to said I needed a new sim card. Why would a new phone from Tracfone need a new sim card? Does Tracfone sell used phones without telling the consumer? I would not recommend this company to anyone.

Sep 02, 2015
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Unhappy trackphone customer
by: Anonymous

Begged for new Sim number to be switched back to old phone. Even got Walmart to check it and they said one was being sent. Reason I wanted to return to old phone is because I didn't have any service on new one. Two track phones and NO phone at all. Still waiting for new Sim number so I can go back to my old phone

Aug 03, 2015
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Unbelievable
by: Anonymous

I had a question re: activating a new Alcatel unlocked phone with BYOP and SIM card. They said serial # was not found by Tracfone forum reps and I was given a Tracfone number to call. First call I could hear them but they could not hear me - turns out this call went to Columbia, South America. Had to give up. Second call went to another country, very bad accent, demanded my date of birth and social security number. What? No way! Third call, again bad line their end "because of rain" but I could hear them very well, so no help after repeating my question over and over, I gave up. All calls are scripted and they go away to read a manual, long pauses of 5-10 minutes and they come back with zilch info.

Mar 27, 2015
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customer service
by: Anonymous

The Customer Service as they call it is the worst ever. They encouraged us to upgrade our kids phones so we did on 3 phones. Our daughters phone worked fine when in Peoria. She goes to college and it doesn't work. We then called and have been given the different response from each person we talk too. Was told they would send a SIM card 3-5 business days and no card. They say the order was canceled. Gave them a new address and now they are telling us they can't send anymore cards out as the address we gave them was not deliverable and this is considered fraud. Then I asked who I can talk with to get the phone working and she tells me you need a new phone which this is. My advice don't get Tracfone Net 10 as they are the same company

Feb 03, 2015
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Not an issue with a CDMA tracfone
by: Anonymous

Since CDMA tracfones don't have SIM cards and are fully programmable over the air, you don't have to wait for a new SIM card in order to perform each re-activation. Instead, the process works nearly instantly. These phones also run on Verizon's network as an added plus, the original reason why I got one.

Feb 03, 2015
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Change your number
by: Anonymous

Will I need a new SIM card if I just want to change my number (such as new area code or just new number in my current area code), but want to keep using the same phone?

If I make the request using the tracfone website or representatives, will I lose my service on my old number while waiting for the new SIM card to arrive in the mail?

Sep 20, 2014
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on hold, meaning call cut off.
by: Anonymous

My TracFone keeps putting my phone on hold in the middle of calls. Does anyone know why? I was researching this question when I found this site.
My husband was going to upgrade his TracFone to a newer model until I showed him these reviews. He is now going to look elsewhere. He had dropped his old phone in the toilet. Thanks for your very interesting and informative reviews. We still use a land line and just have these for emergencies.

Aug 16, 2014
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Purchased refurbished Samsung phone
by: Anonymous

I have spent to much time getting my refurbished tracfone activated. I spent hours getting a phone number and getting it activated to discover I have no service at my house with this phone. My Nokia works fine but I wanted a phone with a camera and a slider to text more easily.
I took the phone with me to our town to see if I had service there and I do but it ends about half way out my street leading into the county. Finally, Tracfone said they will send a new Sim card. I have what turns out to have a T-Mobile sim card. My old Nokia has an ATT Sim card which works fine every place locally. The T-Mobile card won't roam. Beware. I am hoping the new Sim card will be an Att Sim card but I am not holding my breath as I read Tracfone is ending their relationship with Att. If I can't get the phone to work at home I will carry it with me and use it in town till I run out of minutes. Wish me luck. My next step if all else fails is to buy a contract with Att. UGH!

Jul 30, 2014
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Tracfone Customer Service
by: Ronald

For years I had a Tracfone and didn't have any problems until I called their customer (NON) service! I was given misinformation and even lied to! I was given a ticket number that was NOT attached to my phone or account, so when I called and gave the ticket number they would give me incorrect info (info for some other person's problem). I was then told that I needed a new SIM card and they would send me one and I should get it in 3-5 business days. On the 6th business day I called and they said that it was returned because the wrong address was listed. They said that they could not tell me the address it was sent to. I gave my new address and was told that they would overnight the SIM card so I wouldn't have to wait 3-5 days. No card the next day. I called back and was told that there wasn't any record of a SIM being overnighted (I even gave them the "name" of the rep). Then the supervisor said she would send one and it would be 2 days. I requested a refund!!

Jul 23, 2014
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Transferring data from your LG800g to your laptop.
by: Ives

My LG800g has a non responsive screen and was going to upgrade it to the LG840g because of the compatible SIM cards. I was very disappointed to learn that Tracfone won't let you switch out the SIM cards. I have many irreplaceable pixs that I would lose, because I was told there wasn't anyway to move them. While shopping for info for new phone I came across a youtube video that shows how to copy and move your pixs and music to a laptop with an SD card. The youtube video is by saveonprepaidphones.You'll be surprise what that little slot next to the SIM card is for. I hope this will help others with this phone who thought their pixs were lost, although too late for me since the screen won't respond.



May 13, 2013
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Trac Fone needs a new Sim Card !
by: Anonymous

Hello Everyone,
Why do Sim Cards stop working after a while ? Mine was working till the other day and I called Trac Fone and they said I need to get the phone back to the factory settings. I told them it was working before the problem.
Now I've got to get another sim card and if that doesn't work then what can I do ?

Jan 29, 2013
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Haven't used my Tracfone in a while, but plenty of minutes & service remaining--now it seems to have been deactivated?
by: Anonymous

I misplaced my Motorola Tracfone a while back, but this happens regularly and I always find it eventually. It has quite a lot of minutes on it, and about 15 years of service accumulated, so obviously I don't want to just 'write it off'. Nor do I want to go through the hassle of deactivating and reactivating it. I have another, separate cell phone account, so I've just been checking the messages on the Tracfone regularly and waiting till I stumble across it. However, the last couple of times I tried to check my messages, I got a message stating that the person I'm trying to reach is not accepting calls (or something like that)--and then when I tried my number today, I got a message stating "The number you've dialed is not a working number"..
The phone number in question is one I've had for years, and have no intention of giving up. I have years and years of service remaining on this Tracfone account, and many minutes left unused on the phone. I can think of absolutely no reason it shouldn’t be in service.
Help! What's going on??

Jul 10, 2012
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Sim card debacle
by: Anonymous

After unsuccessfully using Tracfone's website to activate my new phone, I was pleasantly surprised to have no problem with porting my old (Tracfone) number to the new Samsung I just purchased by calling Tracfone center in New Orleans. I spoke with a young man named Jason who was pleasant and knowledgeable. In less than 15 mins, I ported my old number and transferred my existing minutes from old phone to my new one. I then contacted HSN (where I purchased the Samsung) and had my triple minutes added to my new phone in about 15 mins also.
The problem started when I tried to familiarize myself with the new phone's features. The manual Tracfone provides is mostly about how to buy minutes, and not a good manual for the phone itself. I went to Samsung's website to read the manual. The problem arose when I tried to find an easy way to transfer my existing phone contacts to my new phone. I thought I could transfer my numbers to the old SIM card and insert into the new phone. No way !! I inadvertanly moved the contacts from phone memory to SIM card, thus erasing the whole list from the old phone. When I inserted the new card, the new phone would not recognize it, and my contacts were all lost!

Mar 24, 2012
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transferred number from tracfone to net10
by: Anonymous

when I transferred my number to net10 so i could start with the unlimited plan, my tracfone sim card became unregistered. I still have minutes on that phone, and would like to give that phone to my daughter with her own number. two questions? can i transfer my tracfone minutes to my net10 phone? ( same company, right?) and can I get a new sim - new number for my existing tracfone?

Mar 21, 2012
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Battery
by: Anonymous

I have a W376g I am well pleased with but the battery is going bad.

Can I get a replacement battery or must I "throw" my W376g away?

Mar 21, 2012
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Tracfone
by: Anonymous

Bought LG500G Tracfone a week ago. Was told could port phone number from existing Verizon phone service. Tracfone was activated. Start having problems when the the port process started. MY old phone has been de-activated and I still can not use the new Tracfone. I get a message on the screen: Unregistered SIM. Called Tech/Support six or more times (lost count). Spent 45 to 60 mins each time. Still not able to use Tracfone. Finally I was told that I needed a new SIM card.Should be delivered in two or three days (that remains to be seen). Then I have to go back on line to get that activated (an hour or so). No phone right now that works. "Life is what it is." Enjoy!

p.s. Why can't we get Customer Service in the USA?

Mar 03, 2012
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You have to replace unregistered SIM
by: sb (admin)

You have to call up Tracfone and they will mail you a new SIM card for re-activating the phone.

Mar 03, 2012
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thank you
by: Anonymous

i was not using my phone for awhile and my sim deregisterd so i try to reactivate it in everyway but it does not work

Feb 24, 2012
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Reactivation
by: Anonymous

I bought a new Tracfone, took a week of communicating with customer service to get it activated. Upon activation I found it was defective, I wanted to return the defective phone and reactivate my old phone and they had to send me a new SIM card, after several more days of communicating with customer service my old phone will not work (It worked perfectly for 4 years.)--I now have no cell phone that will work and had to pay $6.10 to send the defective phone that is worth nothing back to Tracfone. I have been using Tracfones for over 6 years and never had a problem until now and this has been unbelievably wrong. I am not sure what to do now, but I will not order a phone online again. I was going to try Net10 but I see it is Tracfone as well.

Feb 17, 2012
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No Problems this time
by: dkp

Today I changed my Tracfone number and minutes with no problems. I called, waited less than 2 minutes, talked with the tech support person, followed the instructions while on the phone and had my new phone working within 10 minutes. I have had less than satisfactory customer service with Tracfone before, but it seems that the company is working on improving.

Dec 23, 2011
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customer service
by: Anonymous

I thought I would save myself a little money,so I gave up (customer service) for a nice new cheap Tracfone.I ordered my new Tracfone thru their web site.Nice.Three business days later(5-days later),I received my shinny new Tracfone!!!!!Yahoo!!!I went back online to activate and transfer my old number.Guess what,it failed to activate online-sooooo,I called their wonderful toll free number.Well,about 25 minutes later,I got to speak to a customer rep.I was told,I needed a new sim card for my NEW phone.Great!Please allow 5 more days before I may be able to use my shinny new Tracfone!!!When I received my new sim card-I thought I could slip it right in my shinny NEW Tracfone!Wrong!!!I had to call customer service again to activate my shinny NEW Tracfone!Super!!!I think I waited about 15 minutes to speak to a customer service rep.Well,to make a long story longer(lol),about 15 minutes later-my shinny new phone worked!It took an additional 5 days to port my old number.Good luck to all of you with Tracfones wonderful customer service!Have a nice day!

Dec 07, 2011
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Customer Service
by: Anonymous

If you have a weak heart DO NOT call Tracfone for tech support. I had 2 Motorola W376G and I couldn't get any bars for sometimes 30 minutes. After talking to the rep and going through the routine of:

Remove battery
Restart
Try making a call ( I said no bars, won't call)
Try making call any way Surprise Call failed.
Wait 3 minutes while she contacts her supervisor.
Enter codes. No results
Go outside in cold and see if I get bars. NO
Wait 4 minutes while she contacts supervisor again.

THEN REPEAT THE ABOVE PROCESS 3 TIMES.



herbal

I told her my heart was fluttering and can't put up with this foolishness anymore.

BYE BYE and hung up

Went to Dollar General and bought a T245G Sammy for $15.00

Called to activate and transfer my number within 5 minutes.

Problem solved new phone and no idiotic rep trying to analyze why my old phone didn't work.

The $15.00 was a better option.

ECHOES

Nov 08, 2011
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not happy
by: danny

i left a comment the other day about tracfones website not working correctly i tried to order a lg3280 from website i used the zip code you provided it still sen me back to the homepage i thought tracfone is in businus to sell phones i have wasted a lot of time trying to purchase a phone without luck i guess i will call them and try to order over the phone

Oct 22, 2011
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A little elbow grease for cheap cell service.
by: Anonymous

Save your contacts by getting a SIM card reader (as low as $2 on Ebay). Read it, save the file, and then download to the new phone's card.

Bought a LG 800g, transfered the account from a Samsung T301G, then reactivated the Samsung with a new account. LG activation took 24 hours; Samsung was a week. FYI: call tech support about this immediately after getting the new phone. This would have save a lot of time. After talking to them, new SIM card was mailed to me in three days. If the phone wasn't relatively new, it would have been faster to chuck the Samsung and buy a new phone.BTW, their tech support has improved greatly.

Pre-paid isn't for everyone. If you use your phone constantly, this isn't for you. But I spend probably $350 a year for three phones. That's roughly $29 dollars a month for all three. No plan can even come close to this. Hey, you get what you pay for. Don't fly Southwest and expect to be seated first-class or get gourmet meals at McDonalds.

Oct 16, 2011
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Depends on who you speak with
by: Anonymous

This is true with everything customer service. I've been told a different story (way of doing things) with every different person I've ever had to talk to.
The foreigners are the worst when you can't understand them.
I had to call our internet provider every day for 2 weeks; except for the 3 days waiting on a new wireless modem to be delivered. Only to find out that the modem delivered wasn't wireless and I was told to exchange it at my closest store. I was told that I couldn't do that with the new modem before. I was told it HAD to be delivered from the factory. Another story told by someone that didn't care that i was out of my home internet for 2 weeks.
Getting ripped off on the bill too. It was supposed to be one price , now it's higher. Called, got a deal...until we got the bill. Still not the price given, even with fees. Plus it cuts off EVERY DAY at least once; sometimes 10 or more times a day the modem has to be reset. That is just one example of how customer service worked for me. We had our power turned off for 5 mins. until we ran outside showing the receipt for where we paid in CASH. Same thing with our car insurance. They said we didn't pay but we ALWAYS keep our cash receipts.
How DO these customer service reps. get their jobs? Especially the ones who work from home?

Oct 13, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Talk to the Supervisor FIRST
by: Anonymous

Background info:
I had accumulated a 5,500 minute balance and wanted to transfer 5,000 minutes to another net10 phone so that 500 minutes remain as a safety net for the remainder of the month so that I could still use my phone and not lose my phone number when I switch to another wireless provider.

Here’s what happened:

Call #1.
Time: 15 minutes on hold, 40 minute conversation.
Operator said that I can only move ALL minutes from one phone to another. I asked if she could leave 10 minutes on the phone as a safety net. I was told NO. All minutes were removed and I lost my service immediately. I was issued a new SIM card that would arrive in 3-5 business days. I would have to re-activate my phone to be able to port my number.

Call #2. (3 business days later, with no cell service)
Time: 10 minutes on hold, 1 hour 22 minute conversation.
Operator tells me that I must purchase a new Airtime Card to re-activate phone. I reject that offer, for I am not spending $30 to activate the phone just to transfer my phone number. I was told that I needed a new SIM card and wait 3-5 days (again). I said I already received a new SIM card. She asked me for an Airtime Card (again) and was told there is nothing she can do unless I buy airtime.

Call #3.
Time: 15 minutes on hold, 25 minute conversation.
Operator transfers me to supervisor. Supervisor re-activates phone with minimal input, and no Airtime Card needed.

Total Time: 187 minutes (3.11 hours)

Aug 22, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Tracfone absolutely WORST tech support
by: J

3 calls to Tracfone to get my old LG phone minutes transferred. After 3 days of sitting on the phone for 1/2 hour each time, there is still no resolution to my problem. Foreign support people are difficult to understand. And even they can't get to their own upper support levels. They wait for two minutes each time, and then ask you if you can wait another two minutes. this goes on for 4 or 5 times. Found out after I switched to a newer tracfone that my old DEACTVATED phone contact list is gone. Sure, I hsve no contract and it's cheaper. Is it worth it? I'm on the fence. Customer service for them is a joke. It doesn't work. Never will that I can see.

Aug 12, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
OMG - why is this so difficult???
by: Frustrated

I also just bought a new TracFone LG500G to replace a Motorola C155 which I have had for many years. I tried to activate it on-line and transfer number, minutes and time - but when I put in the phone number it said it wasn't valid! I had to call - and it took 30 minutes on hold to get to a person. After much code putting in I had to wait two days for activation. Finally! It works great in my house (where I also have a land line) but no place else. I have signal bars but no service. I called to report it and was told I had to go someplace where I had no service, find a land line and call in! So I did. I was on the phone for 75 minutes with Tracfone today and still no service. Eventually I insisted on a new simcard which will arrive in 2 - 3 days! Then I went online and found issues regarding simcards and service providers - found the one in the new phone was T-Mobile, but in my old phone was AT & T. Hope the new one is AT & T and it works..

Jul 25, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Love my new Tracfone LG 500g
by: Anonymous

I just bought a new TracFone LG500g. The phone number, minutes AND time were transferred to my new Tracfone and it was very easy to do. I just did it on-line...took about 5 minutes. So everything does transfer and it's VERY easy!!

My old Tracfone was a W370, which is disabled now. If you want to re-activate the disabled phone, you do have to call Tracfone to get a new SIM card and add minutes in order to re-activate it if you want to use it again. I've never had any problem with Tracfone, I love it! I've had one for about 7 years now. It is so much cheaper than buying contracts with the big names, and for what I need it for, it's perfect! Don't need to spend $100/month for a stupid phone, the Tracfone only costs me $10 month on their Value Plan! Awesome! It's definitely worth it and I will always use a Tracfone. I hate Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile, I wouldn't give them my business. I've heard nothing but negative things about them. Thanks Tracfone!!

Jun 25, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
lg 420g crapfone
by: poor sevice hater

I've have had a tracfone for many yrs my wife has one.
the mistake I made is buying a new phone my old one worked fine i was out of time it was old I thought i would upgrade to the lg 420g what a mistake first phone they sent worked no problem until the battery
ran down it would not take a charge. i put the battery in a older phone of the same make my father had it charged. called there crack customer service team it always takes more then one of them to do anything. that's why i call them a team! They said they would send me a new battery I said it's not the battery! it's the phone! the battery charges in another phone they said we have to send you a battery first.I gave up and let them sent me a battery it didn't charge but know I have 2 batteries that I can't charge. I call them again tell the story to 3 people after getting disconnected at-lest once. They agree to send another phone but I have to sent the old phone back fine. they sent a new phone and charger
with a new sim card. get it set up it charges!!
but wait I can't call out or get calls on it but they fixed the charging problem! I call them again tell the story to 3 more of their "team" then after repeating the sn and sim numbers over again to all three of the team one of them says you have the wrong sim card I said that's the one YOU sent me!! They said we have to send you a new sim card. I get the new card guest what I have to call the team again to activate the new card and of course the service center is closed. This is going on five weeks now still no phone!!!!
this company is owned by one of the riches men in the world what kind of phone dose he have????

May 30, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
It is what it is--you get what you pay for, after all.
by: Anonymous

TRACFONE is what it is--a phone for people who:
--Don't use a cellphone much and want it for emergencies/trips;
--Have crappy credit and can't get a "regular" company to take them on;
--Don't want to spend the outrageous prices charged by "full service" companies, because they have a landline phone already or simply don't call or text much.

I like my TRACFONE. It takes crappy but good enough pictures, I can talk to people from anywhere in the world from USA to Spain to the Carribean when I am on a trip, and I don't pay much for the service. I can buy a one-year card (w/400 x double minutes) and not use up even half the minutes in the course of a year. It's not for everyone, but for people like me, or people who just want to be connected in an emergency, it fits the bill.

I just wish Carlos Slim would come out with a thumb drive for internet access that people could buy and plug in to avoid usurious hotel wireless fees in some locations. I'd buy that in a heartbeat.

May 11, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
can I just get new sim card
by: Anonymous

I bought a new tracfone and transferred the number and minutes to it. They extended my one yr another 60 days. No problem there. My old tracfone still has the units available 3,084 till 9/13/2011.
It says "unregistered sim card tho. Can I just get a new sim card or will they fine out I have actually transferred those units?

Apr 20, 2011
Rating
star
Tracfone minute transfer
by: zane

Just a word to the wise, when I bought my double minutes tracfone in Oklahoma, then transferred it over to a west virginia number, I lost my double minute feature after I was told everything had been transferred over correctly. I hate tracfone but right now its all I have. I hate signing contracts with stupid companies like Alltel.

Apr 20, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
LOSE A MINUTE
by: curt zahn

ok i am a kid with a trakfone when i go to school i have to turn off my phone one day i looked at my minutes 110 minutes after school i noticed it said 109 minutes so then i found out every time you turn off your trakfone for a long peroid of time you lose a minute

Mar 09, 2011
Rating
star
I cant stand these phones.
by: metal mary

I hate tracfone. The services on the phone are so freakn limited. I cant believe they make it to where your phone takes off minutes for even reading the freakin text. Its all a way for them to make more money. I always end up buying more cards...and the the deal with the sim card? Totally lame. Its cheaper just to join a network. At least the sim card wont be a piece of crap

Feb 17, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Use Bluetooth
by: David

I got a new E-71 for Straight Talk and have always bluetoothed my contacts and ringtones to my new phone. It didn't work this time, but I was able to bluetooth to an older phone and then bluetooth to the new phone. I had to unpack each number, but it was still a lot faster than relisting the 150 or so contacts I have, plus it was free. I keep my ringtones on my computer, and just emailed them to myself.

Jan 17, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Transfer Tracfone contacts easily
by: Anonymous

Take the old and new phone to your local Verizon store. For a $10 fee they will transfer your contacts from one Tracfone to another. Or from your Tracfone to any phone. You don't have to be a Verizon customer. I just had them transfer about 90 contacts from my old Motorola W370 to a new Samsung T301G. Worked great!

Dec 04, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
CAN I SWITCH SIM CARDS IN 2 IDENTICAL PHONES?
by: Anonymous

OK, I suspect the answer is no, but here goes anyway:

I had a nice little Samsung phone that works fine. Liked it so much I decided to port my landline number over and dump AT&T, so bought a different (Motorola) phone and got my number ported over. However, Motorola phone is garbage, won't hold a charge, so I bought an identical Samsung phone, and had Tracfone transfer mins off my Motorola onto 2nd Samsung instrument and transfer my number to that same instrument. Now I find the NEW (2nd) Samsung phone won't show any BARS (can't get good reception) even though the two Samsung phones, side by side, show excellent bars on the OLD Samsung and crummy or no bars on NEW Samsung.

so my question is:
Can I swap the SIM cards between the two identical Samsung phones and still have each one work right? Or is the problem going to be with the two different serial numbers on the two different physical Samsung instruments?

Also:
WHY WOULD THE SAME MODEL, EXACT PHONES BE SO DIFFERENT IN PERFORMANCE? THE NEW SAMSUNG has lousy reception and audibility, which is why I got rid of the Motorola phone!

Also:
Am beginning to suspect that Tracfone is selling crummy phones with those FREE DOUBLE MINS FOR LIFE deals because they know you'll throw away the phones because they're lousy, so you won't really be getting double mins for life at all!

THIS IS ALL VERY FRUSTRATING!

Nov 09, 2010
Rating
star
two months and still don't have my cell account right!!!!
by: yaya - Sherry Reid

I am so over with tracfone i could chew bullets. it all started with my boyfriend and I getting the LG429g for 19.99 with camera and blue-tooth equipped. I go to Tracfone and change phones and send the same number to our new phones. I did his first. No Problem. doing mine. I put in the serial # and where u have to put your phone number in, there was a number already there. so I submitted. Not thinking that my computer automatically saves phone numbers and submit another transaction with his phone number but with my serial number. what a night mare. every since for 2 mos. he has gotten all my minutes. the only way to make sure I got the minutes was on phone with tech. they have now sent me 2 sims and my phone is still messed up. this is the second time they said my number has been added to my phone pending up to 24 to 48 hours. all along knowing that it is not going to work, because it didn't work the last time. they need someone in there that knows what the hell they r doing. I'll nver deal with tracfone again if they do not get it right this time.

signed=====very dissatisfied customer

Oct 26, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Tracfone sucks
by: Zane

I too made the mistake of buying atracfone. I can't go 5 days without a phone waiting for a stupid sim card. I say do away with sim cards and use bluetooth software with a pc to transfer a phonebook to a new phone

Sep 30, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstar
Switched minutes and number to a new phone
by: Michigander

9 29 2010
I purchased a new Trac Phone and called the 800 number to get my minutes and phone number transferred from my old phone to the new phone.
The woman spoke English well
She knew what to do
She ensured that she understood what I wanted.
The length of time that I was on the phone was about 10 minutes.
She said that the new phone would be activated within 72 hours with my minutes and my old number.
Within 20 hours, the new phone showed my expected minutes and my new number and it works just fine.
I am most pleased with this service call.

Sep 28, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
You Need a new SIM
by: juror58

As far as I know, you will have to call TF and get a new SIM. You should be able to transfer your minutes and phone no. to your new phone. I'm pretty sure you don't get your service time back, which kind of sucks. (Can't hurt to ask, tho.)

If you saved your phone book, etc to your SIM on your old phone, you could invest in a SIM card reader for your computer. This way you could back up your contacts and make setting up the new phone easier.

Sep 14, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
TRACFONE SIM CARD/ TIME/ MINUTES
by: Anonymous

Does anyone know....will I have all these same problems if I am switching from an LG 225 to another LG 225 (exact same phone)? I dropped my old one and the voice speaker broke inside & button flew off & was lost. so just went on Ebay & purchased a used LG 225. Can I just take my SIM card out of old phone & put it in the new(used) phone? Or will they need to send me a new SIM? Will I loose the yr of service &/or my almost 2,000 min I have on my old phone?

Sep 08, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Great Review, but too late.
by: TheCollegeGuy

This is great review, thanks!!!!!!!! Unfortunately I already purchased new Trackfone phone in hopes of just swapping SIM cards with the one I broke.

But it looks like I will have to go through entire process of getting my minutes, my number, my remaining service days back, or atleast if I get one of them back on the new phone I'll consider myself lucky, LOL

Their company description should be: "At Tracfone; we value your time, that's why we make everything 10 times harder then anyone else. Guaranteed" LOL

May 19, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Service Time Not Transferable
by: Anonymous

I recently upgraded my TracFone cell. When Icalled to transfer my minutes and service time, I was informed that although minuyes are transferable the service time is NOT. So I've got 600 minutes and 60 days to use them in. No exceptions or workarounds.

May 10, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Try T-Mobile prepaid or ATT GoPhone with your Nokia X3
by: sb (admin)

Hi,

Unfortunately, you won't be able to use your Nokia X3 with Tracfone. The X3 is a GSM phone so you might be able to use it with a T-Mobile prepaid plan or an AT&T Gophone plan. You can get a T-Mobile prepaid SIM card for about $10 from a T-Mobile store or about $7 online.

May 09, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
I bought a Nokia x3 and want ot get rid of my tracfone but stay paying in a prepaid service
by: Anonymous

Hi there. I have had a small pink tracfone for about 2 years now. I just bought a Nokia x3 red cell phone and found out online by searching that i cannot transfer my sim card from my tracfone to any other phone. But my question now is, how can i activate this new Nokia x3 cell to a prepaid calling card just like my tracfone? I want to keep buying instead prepaid minute cards since it is a service i can afford right now at the moment. Do i just buy a sim card alone? Or buy a prepaid cell phone Nokia brand and take the sim out and transfer it to my new Nokia x3? Will it still give me the same service? Help!

Apr 23, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
tracfone support number
by: sb (admin)

Hi,

I don't know what the Obama phone is, but you can reach Tracfone Customer Service at this number:

1-800-867-7183

Be patient and call when you have some time to spare. Good luck.

Apr 22, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Need New Sim Card Locked out of phone
by: Anonymous

what is the number to call for a new sim card for the tracfone. my daughter have the obama phone isn't it the same someone please let me know asap!!!! Thanks

Feb 07, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
New Sim Card
by: Sparky

My son spent a total of 6 1/2 hours and 13 calls to TracFone, He changed phones and had his time and number transferred
First they transferred the number and no time
then they sent him a new sim card
second they transferred the time and gave him a new number
couldn't fix it so they sent him a new sim
third they gave him his old number and some of his time, he kept pounding on them and got all of his time back PLUS the 6 1/2 hours he spent on the phone
4 times he asked for a Supervisor,
Finally he got someone that spoke English and had everything he wanted in less than 10 minutes
I wonder if the English speaking fellow is the troubleshooter that comes in when all else fails.
(Now my son has found a new TracFone and wants to buy it and change his number and time over again, Oh Well)

Jan 05, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Are You Kidding me!
by: Anonymous

bought 2 new trac fones for Christmas - STILL trying to get my old phone numbers into them.
One techie says we need new sim cards, the next says we don't the third says we do.
I've spent a total of 6 1/2 hours on the phone with them in 4 different phone calls, and am currently on hold (5th call) yet again right now "hold for another 3 minutes please" (until the end of flippin time!!!!) Had I known, I would never have bought another trac fone! And guess what - I got cut off! So, NOW I have to go thru it all again... (6th call!) THIS techie assures me the problem will be fixed - I told her I didn't believe her, but whatever... My new phone says it has my old number, but that's not the number that pops up on my caller id when I call my house and the phone doesn't ring when I call my old number. It's like a cruel joke!

Jan 05, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Freakin' Tracfone!
by: Anonymous

@#$%^&^&*(

Just dealt with this myself. Idgets! What's the point of having a removable sim if you can't transfer it!?! A question I asked six times without a reasonable answer. Well, I guess I need to get busy entering my numbers. Just had to vent somewhere.


UuuuuuuuuuuuGH!

Dec 23, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
HELLO SUCKER
by: geneo

Tracfone is a company out to make money and not service their customers.
I spent 5 hours and then 4 hours with their people attempting to receive a signal.
They promised 2 times they would send new phone and correct the problem.
I can see the tower out of my window. My son comes home and has 5 bar with an another service.
When I called to check delivery, I was told a supervisor had cancelled the order, because we should have service.
The supervisor should look at the records of conversation and honor the agreement to send new phones.
Tracfone needs to teach their supervisors the business.
Or is their business to service the customer the same as a farmer services his cows.

Oct 10, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Tracfone SIM card cannot be copied
by: Anonymous

I've had the same experience as others. Tracfone offers good service and phones. But what I shock when I upgraded my phone and had to re-enter all of my contacts ... Why should customers want to upgrade?

Oct 10, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Question
by: Anonymous

Can Tracfone tranfer their sim cards to a standard
unlocked cell?

Oct 01, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
May need new SIM card when you move
by: admin

When you move, you have the option of changing your phone number to one that corresponds to your area code. This can sometimes be done by calling customer service and having them do an update on your phone without your having to change anything.

If that doesn't work however, they'll send you a new SIM. You then have to re-activate your phone with the new SIM.

After receiving the SIM card, I called up to reactivate. The process went smoothly and I still had all my contacts on the phone.

Sep 30, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Tracfone tech service
by: Anonymous

There are very nice tech service persons at Tracfone who speak little english....I spent about 50 minutes on the phone getting told that I need a new SIM card.

Aug 20, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
w376
by: kaye46

Nope just went through all the trouble and realized I was screwed...AT&T sims will not work in a w376...sorry

Aug 05, 2009
Rating
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nice
by: Anonymous

true and entertaining

Apr 10, 2009
Rating
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The exact same thing
by: John Morrison

Your experience is just what i am going thru with the exact same phones 04/01/09,the only thing that was different with me was when i got customer service no one spoke english. When i use my hours up it will be GOODBYE TRACPHONE HELLO PURE TALK USA. At least the sim cards will work and a decent phone. The customer service can not be any worse

Feb 16, 2009
Rating
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Re: SIMM Card
by: admin

Hi,

No, I don't think you can use your AT&T Sim Card with an off-the-shelf Tracfone.

Feb 11, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
SIMM card
by: Anonymous

Can I use my regular AT&T simm card with one of these Motorola w376 tracfone

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