To find out whether your phone will work with a new U.S. carrier, enter its IMEI in that carrier’s official bring-your-own-device (BYOD) checker. Then confirm the phone is unlocked, supports the carrier’s network, and can be activated with the physical SIM or eSIM you plan to use. These are separate checks: passing one does not guarantee the others.
Check compatibility in this order
- Choose the carrier you plan to join. Use its own checker; a result from another carrier does not establish eligibility on this one.
- Find the phone’s IMEI or device ID. On Android, look under Settings > About phone. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > About. AT&T also says iPhone users can dial
*#06#to display the IMEI. If you are setting up eSIM, note that the EID is a different identifier. - Enter the IMEI in the destination carrier’s BYOD checker. Follow the result for the exact device and variant, rather than relying on the phone’s brand or model-family name alone.
- Confirm unlock status with the current or original carrier. If the phone is locked, ask whether it is eligible to be unlocked and what steps are required. Eligibility rules and procedures depend on the carrier.
- Check network support and coverage. Compare the exact model’s supported frequencies and relevant features with the destination network, then review coverage for places you actually use the phone.
- Confirm your activation method. Check whether the phone can use the carrier’s physical SIM or eSIM and whether that SIM or eSIM can be activated on your line.
- Complete activation before cancelling old service if you are keeping your number. Back up the phone before switching; AT&T recommends doing so.
Why IMEI eligibility, unlocking and network support are different checks
An IMEI checker screens whether a particular device can be brought to a particular carrier. It is the best first step, but it does not make the phone unlocked or guarantee that every feature and performance level will match. Verizon says BYOD eligibility requires an unlocked device with compatible hardware and software; it also says the SIM or eSIM must be compatible. T-Mobile requires an unlocked phone and support for its frequencies. AT&T directs customers to its tested and approved phone list and asks them to check both compatibility and unlock status.
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Compatibility can vary between versions of what appears to be the same phone. Use the IMEI for the handset you own, and compare its exact model’s network support—not simply the product name. If the checker result conflicts with the model’s advertised bands, contact the destination carrier with the exact model and IMEI before buying service or cancelling your old plan.
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Check each carrier’s BYOD requirements
| Carrier | What to check | SIM and activation notes |
|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | Use the BYOD guide and its IMEI checker. The guide calls for an unlocked phone that supports T-Mobile frequencies and recommends checking VoLTE and Extended Range LTE. Partial compatibility may mean reduced coverage or slower data. | The checker offers a separate EID-based eSIM check. T-Mobile says it cannot guarantee the call quality, performance, data speed or feature compatibility of non-T-Mobile devices. |
| Verizon | Use Verizon’s BYOD information and FAQ to check device ID, unlock status, and hardware and software compatibility. | The SIM or eSIM must also be compatible. Verizon says activation of a newly unlocked eSIM or dual-SIM phone may take up to 24 hours after unlocking. |
| AT&T | Use AT&T’s BYOD page and tested/approved phone list. Its guidance says a phone must be GSM-compatible and that CDMA phones will not work. | eSIM is not available on every device; check eligibility for your exact phone and activation method. |
| AT&T Prepaid | Check the Prepaid device guidance and network device list, confirm the phone is unlocked, and verify it has not been reported lost or stolen or associated with fraud. The page was last updated October 18, 2023, so confirm current procedures and device eligibility with AT&T. | For eSIM capability, AT&T Prepaid says an EID displayed by dialing *#06# indicates eSIM support. Capability alone does not confirm carrier activation eligibility. |
Check coverage and features you depend on
A phone can pass a carrier’s device check yet still have a different experience from one sold for that network. T-Mobile notes that unsupported frequencies can prevent full compatibility and that partial compatibility can reduce coverage or data speeds. Check the carrier’s coverage for home, work and regular travel, and verify any feature you rely on—such as VoLTE or Wi-Fi calling—for your specific phone and carrier. Do not assume a feature works just because the phone supports it on another network.
#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
When comparing multiple carriers, record each one’s IMEI result, unlock requirements, support for your exact model’s hardware and software, local coverage, SIM/eSIM activation options, and confirmation of essential features. Treat each carrier’s result independently.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choose a physical SIM or eSIM activation path
For a physical SIM, confirm the phone accepts the carrier’s SIM and ask whether an existing SIM can be reused; otherwise, obtain the destination carrier’s SIM. For eSIM, confirm both that the phone has eSIM capability and that the carrier will activate that device on your line. An EID can help identify eSIM capability, but it is not the same as the IMEI and does not by itself prove the carrier will approve activation.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, other CDMA carriers, it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- 4G LTE Bands: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28/B38/B40/B41
- Display: Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
Verizon’s FAQ says a newly unlocked eSIM or dual-SIM phone may take up to 24 hours after unlocking to activate. If activation fails, contact the destination carrier with the IMEI, exact model and the error message rather than assuming that a different SIM or an unlock alone will solve the problem.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- GSM Unlocked: Enjoy seamless connectivity with your preferred GSM carrier. Compatible with T-Mobile, Metro PCS, AT&T, Cricket, Mint Mobile and other GSM networks. SIM card not included. For network compatibility, please check with your carrier. Note: Not compatible with CDMA networks like Verizon (Visible, Spectrum Mobile, US Mobile, Total Wireless, Straight Talk Wireless)
- Boundless Views: Enjoy immersive viewing on the spacious 6.5” HD+ display. Whether you're watching videos, browsing, or gaming, every detail comes through with stunning clarity.
- Smooth Performance, All Day: Powered by an efficient octa-core processor, the G35 ensures smooth performance for your everyday tasks. Enjoy faster app launches, seamless multitasking, and reliable speed.
- Snap, Share, Repeat: The G35 features a dual rear camera setup for sharp, detailed shots, and a front-facing camera that’s perfect for selfies and video calls. Capture every moment with ease and clarity.
- Effortless Access: Keep your phone secure with A.I. Face ID technology. Instantly unlock your G35 with just a glance. It's fast, easy, and secure.
Rank #4
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
Rank #3
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Before you switch, protect your number and data
- Keep the old line active until the new service is activated if you want to keep your number; Verizon specifically advises not cancelling old service before activation.
- Back up the phone before starting the switch, as AT&T recommends.
- If the carrier rejects the IMEI or activation, ask it to check the exact model and device ID. Resolve eligibility, lock or SIM/eSIM issues before cancelling the existing plan.
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