Total Wireless is an MVNO using the Verizon network to provide customers with data, talk, and text services. However, It is an excellent wireless carrier for anyone searching for great coverage and reasonably priced phones. This carrier offers great phones and plans at excellent prices, and to crown it all, it provides no-contract plans at much lower prices than major wireless providers.
Conversely, Total Wireless, which is owned by Tracfone, Inc., has countrywide coverage. To use its network, this company has agreements with all major carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. These agreements guarantee that Total Wireless customers use Verizon’s top 4G LTE network on their phones. Additionally, Total Wireless offers a consumer-friendly online store where you can purchase a variety of new and refurbished cell phones.
Additionally, with Total Wireless’ straightforward unlimited family plans, you may get extra data at a very affordable price. However, they offer cheap top-ups, with 5GB of non-expiring data for just $10. Only Verizon-compatible phones are eligible for the Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP) program, which is made possible by this carrier’s compatibility with Verizon. Additionally, since unlocked CDMA phones allow your current phone to utilize their services, they are all fully eligible.
Reasons To Choose Total Wireless Compatible Phones
Selecting phones compatible with Total Wireless is essential because it allows you to access top-notch Total Wireless services. With these phones, you can utilize Total Wireless plans and a Total Wireless SIM card.
Curiously, Total Wireless’ main selling points include great contract-free plans, unlimited family plans, nationwide coverage, a 5G network, the ability to use your current phone, and the freedom to add data and airtime.
READ MORE: Free Cell Phone Service For Life Unlimited Everything
Where to Purchase a Completely Wireless Phone
The many top locations for buying Total Wireless phones offer a comparatively wide range of new and reconditioned phones that are compatible with the network.
The Total Wireless local stores, located in more than 195 sites around the United States, offer an alternate option. Go to Total Wireless and pick the one that works best for you.
However, make sure you choose your seller with additional caution. Examine the seller’s reviews and customer comments to understand what to anticipate from them. The best option is the Total Wireless online store, but there are other choices as well:
i) Walmart
This merchant offers a large selection of Total Wireless phones and SIM kits, which are sold at local and online Walmart locations.
ii) Best Purchase
It’s a trustworthy electronics retailer that offers safe and convenient shopping for phones that work with Total Wireless. Usually, they stock a relatively wide selection of devices and provide slightly more or less the same prices as the Total Wireless online shop.
(iii) Amazon
It is the most common choice, but you must exercise extra caution. You can land on the cheapest cell phone deals or get higher prices than other retailers. Thus, thoroughly investigate any dealer before selecting one. In general, Amazon users are adequately protected.
Numerous cell phone retailers and wireless dealers stocked and sold total wireless SIM kits and phones. If you select any of these, ensure you pick and stick to the most recognized ones.
READ MORE: Cricket Wireless Deals for Existing Customers
What phones are compatible with total wireless
When comparing Visible vs. Total Wireless the other day, we saw that your data will be deprioritized when the Main Carrier network is busy. If your phone can support a respectable data speed, that’s the most excellent way to have a dependable phone.
The first step to ensure fast mobile data speeds is to enrol your service on 5G. Fortunately, Total Wireless now offers free 5G support; all you need is a device that supports 5G. A smartphone equipped with a high-quality LTE modem can record up to 100Mbps of data speed on Total Wireless. Even when there’s network congestion, you can still browse and stream videos in SD quality.
In any event, the top 7 best LTE and 5G phones compatible with Total Wireless SIM include:
Best of Upgrade: Unlocked Apple iPhone 13 5G Ultra-Wideband Smartphone
Key Features:
- It comes fully unlocked for all networks
- and has a strong, water-resistant IP68 construction.
- Utilizes the A15 Bionic’s (5nm) fastest processor.
- Able to capture videos in Slo-Mo, and 4K quality
- features an integrated NFC chip for contactless transactions.
- Features WiFi calling and the WiFi 6 (802.11ax) protocol.
The Best Under $100: Locked Total Wireless Phone: Samsung Galaxy A01 LTE
Key Features:
- It is powered by a Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) processor and features a 5.7-inch HD+ display.
- Comes locked to the Total Wireless network
- It has a built-in slot for up to 512GB of cards. MicroSD Supports WiFi calling and the WiFi 4 (802.11n) protocol.
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Verizon’s “Best of Under $50” (Locked) 128GB of BLU View 2 LTE memory
Key Features:
- It has a 5.5-inch HD+ screen.
- Utilizes the Helio A22 (12 nm) CPU.
- only records videos in 1080p at 30 frames per second and is limited to Total by the Verizon network.
- WiFi calling is supported, and it has a MicroSD card slot with a maximum data storage capacity of 128GB.
Best of Design: Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus (SM-N975U1) Completely Unlocked
- Essential features include a 6.8-inch QHD display.
- Comes with all networks fully unlocked.
- It has a durable IP68 aluminium construction
- and is powered by a quick Snapdragon 855 (7nm) CPU.
- Includes WiFi calling and the WiFi 6 (802.11ax) protocol.
- Can record videos with 4K quality & Super-Slow Motion
- has an integrated stylus for taking notes, drawing, doodling, and controlling applications.
Budget-Friendliest: Apple iPhone SE LTE iOS (2020 Release) Completely Unlocked
- Important features include a 4.7-inch HD+ display.
- Comes with all networks fully unlocked.
- Powered by the A13 Bionic (7nm+) processor, it has IP67 dust and water resistance.
- It has a built-in NFC for payments & data sharing
- and can capture videos in Slo-Mo and 4K resolution
- Supports WiFi 6 (802.11ax) protocol & WiFi calling
Best for seniors: Prepaid TracFone (Carrier-Locked) Alcatel MyFlip 4G VoLTE
Key Features:
- It runs on a Snapdragon 210 processor
- and supports VoLTE and 4G connectivity.
- Comes with a TracFone network lock.
- It has enormous buttons with significant, bold digits
- It is compatible with M4 and T4 hearing aids.
- Up to WiFi 4 (802.11n) protocol compatibility
Top Photographs: The factory Key Features of the Unlocked Samsung Galaxy S22 8K Camera Android:
- Its display is 6.1 inches and runs at 120 Hz.
- Comes with all networks fully unlocked.
- Runs on a fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) processor
- Includes built-in Samsung DeX for desktop mirroring. Records stunning films in 8K definition & super-slow-motion
- supports WiFi calling and the WiFi 6 (802.11ax) protocol.
Apple iPhone 12 5G/ LTE iOS Fully Unlocked Cell Phone
Key Features:
- It comes fully unlocked for all networks
- and features a Super Retina FHD+ 6.1-inch display.
- It is powered by a quick A14 Bionic (5 nm) CPU.
- Features a sturdy, IP68-rated design.
- Able to capture videos in Slo-Mo, and 4K resolution
- supports WiFi calling and the WiFi 6 (802.11ax) protocol.
Google Pixel 4A 5G Snapdragon 765 Android Completely Unlocked
Key Features:
- It sports a 6.2-inch FHD+ display
- and comes with all networks fully unlocked.
- It runs on the Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) processor
- and features an integrated NFC chip for contactless transactions.
- Can record videos in 4K quality & Slow-Motion mode
- Support for WiFi calling with the WiFi 5 (802.11ac) protocol
Total Wireless (Locked) Motorola Moto G Stylus
Key Features:
- It has a 6.8-inch FHD+ display
- with a Snapdragon 480 5G screen.
- Comes locked to the Total Wireless network
- Captures vivid images & videos in 1080p@60fps Supports WiFi 5 (802.11ac) protocol & WiFi calling
- expandable MicroSD card up to 1TB (Locked)
TracFone Prepaid Samsung Galaxy
Important features include a
- 6.5-inch FHD+ display.
- Comes with a TracFone network lock.
- Utilizes the Exynos 9611 (10nm) CPU.
- It has a built-in NFC for contactless payments
- Supports WiFi 5 (802.11ac) protocol & WiFi calling
- , able to capture videos in slow motion and 4K quality
Things to Know When Looking for Phones Compatible with Total Wireless
When looking at what phones are compatible with Total Wireless, you should know that:
Total Wireless is a Verizon MVNO.
First, Total Wireless is a brand of TracFone Wireless Inc., which Verizon acquired from América Móvil in 2021. However, unlike MVNOs TracFone and Straight Talk (also brands of TracFone), Total Wireless has always worked only on Verizon towers. So, most phones compatible with Spectrum Mobile will function with a Total Wireless SIM.
Suppose Verizon and its MVNOs utilize LTE to get a signal to get a phone with frequency bands 2, 4, 5, 13, and 66. Band 13 is the primary frequency for penetration through walls and extended range (wide coverage). The wide-capacity frequency, Band 66, offers quicker data rates but has poor penetration into walls and coverage.
On the other hand, Total Wireless, as with Verizon and its other MVNOs, uses Bands N260, N77 (c-band), or N261 for 5G Ultra-Wideband (vast capacity). Then, Bands N2, N5, and N66 are needed for the low-band 5G (extended range).
FYI: In the recent acquisition, Total Wireless changed its name to Total by Verizon. The colours of the brand have also changed from Green to Red.
Total Wireless has Limited Roaming.
Domestic roaming has been available from Total Wireless for a long time. The subcarrier isn’t very clear on all its roaming partners, but I am confident US Cellular is one of them.
Even so, Total Wireless has just introduced international roaming (which wasn’t available before). However, it is only available in Canada and Mexico, and the $40 plan requires at least two lines.
Total Wireless has Free WiFi Calling.
Total Wireless supports free WiFi calling on iPhone and Android phones. This can be useful when travelling domestically, overseas, and outside Verizon’s local coverage.
Total Wireless usually activates WiFi Calling after joining. You’ll only need to enable it from your device, which is essential on iPhones and high-end Samsung phones.
To activate the feature on your low-end phone brands, dial 611 and follow the automated instructions.
Total Wireless Gets Deprioritized Data
As previously stated, Total Wireless typically receives deprioritized data when there is congestion and your browsing speed decreases.
Tip: To always have usable service, you’ll want a phone with 5G or a superior LTE modem.
Total Wireless offers Free Disney+
When you sign up for or upgrade to the Unlimited phone plan, Total Wireless has an ongoing agreement with Disney+. For the first six months, you can watch your favourite Star Wars, Marvel, Classics, and other movies for free.
There is still no total wireless eSIM available.
Since it lacks a slot for a physical SIM card, the most recent iPhone 14 (US version) only supports eSIM. TracFone and most of its brands have recently introduced eSIM support to cater to Apple aficionados.
Unfortunately, Total Wireless has always lacked support for gadgets, which is transparent with its ambitions for smartwatches.
Additionally, the carrier has not formally introduced eSIM functionality yet. When you contact the customer person about it, you’ll get routed to the branch manager, who will offer to activate your eSIM through Straight Talk.
Therefore, you can’t activate either of the iPhone 14 devices on Total Wireless service.
How does Total Wireless Compatible Phones work
Total Wireless restricts its compatibility to Verizon-compatible phones and most unlocked CDMA phones. However, the introduction of 4G LTE in 2015 made it simple for CDMA and GSM-based phones to function interchangeably. Any other unlocked phone, CDMA or GSM, can function with Total Wireless.
In general, Total Wireless is compatible with all unlocked CDMA cell phones. However, you should use Total Wireless’ online compatibility check to see if a device is compatible with their services. Open Total Wireless’s home page, move to the ‘help’ item in the top main menu, and click on the ‘check compatibility.’ The “terms & conditions” window will appear, ensuring you carefully read the information.
Moreover, to continue, you must accept the terms and conditions by clicking the “I accept” item at the bottom right. Then, you will find a page to check your phone’s compatibility by inputting its IMEI/MEID/serial number into the prompt box that says ‘enter IMEI, MEID, or the serial number.’
If you don’t know how to find your phone’s IMEI, use the abovementioned procedures in this article. After inserting your phone’s IMEI into the prompt box, touch the “Continue” button at the bottom. You may go to Total Wireless’s SIM card if your phone confirms compatibility.
Here is a list of some of the best compatible phones of Total Wireless.
- Apple iPhone XS
- The Samsung Galaxy Note 10
- The Samsung Galaxy A50
- Motorola One Action
- Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G
- LG V50S ThinQ 5G ZTE Axon 10 Pro BLU G90
Total wireless compatibility check
When bringing your phone to Total Wireless, check that your current device works with the network. Importantly, for the process to work, you’ll need either a Verizon-compatible cellphone or an unlocked CDMA device. Therefore, regardless of the kind of phone you own, you will still need to go through the compatibility check process.
Thus, the most reliable method to verify whether your phone will synchronize with the Total Wireless network is to perform an IMEI/compatibility check on the Total Wireless website. To find the IMEI number of your phone, enter *#06#. This unique phone identification number should display on your screen quickly for most Android phones. Nonetheless, users of iPhones can find the IMEI number using the following technique:
- Select the “Settings” page.
- Choose “General.”
- Find the “About” section; this is where your IMEI number should appear.
Once you’ve found your IMEI number, start the following procedures to see if your phone is compatible:
- Go to the “Keep Your Own Phone” page for Total Wireless.
- Press the “Check Compatibility” button.
- Enter your IMEI number and click “Continue.”
On the other hand, if you can bring your phone to Total Wireless, you can text BYOP to 611111 with your BYOP device and get immediate feedback. If your current phone is incompatible and you still wish to move to this carrier, you must purchase a new one to function with your Total Wireless plan.
Total Wireless BYOP Process
The Total Wireless Bring Your Own Phone Sim Kit lets you convert your existing compatible or unlocked phone into a Total Wireless phone if you keep the phone you love. However, the activation kit is compatible with CDMA phones with micro, standard, or nano-SIM cards, and all enjoy coverage on the nation’s largestm and most stable network. Unlimited talk, text, and data plans are available without a contract or additional costs.
Furthermore, the BYOP procedure with Total Wireless is straightforward. First, you need to check whether your existing device is compatible with their network, as indicated below. Then, you can choose the plan you like and whether you want to keep your number. Finally, you can order a new Total Wireless SIM card online and have it delivered to your address within a few days by completing the Total Wireless BYOP process.
Final Thought
One MVNO that uses the Verizon network is Total Wireless. This carrier also has a wide range of Total Wireless phones in stock. The newest flagship models from Samsung and Apple manufacturers, along with mid-range and low-cost models, are available from their online stores. However, as mentioned in this post, you can buy Total Wireless-compatible gadgets from respectable retail establishments.
