Sometimes, we get so much attached to our phones that we feel hard to let them go. The adjustment can be heartbreaking if we have to abandon them. That happens sometimes when we want to switch to carriers not compatible with our phones. Qlink being a popular carrier, the question of bringing one’s device is common.
If you want to join Qlink but is worried about abandoning your phone, we’re here to solve the puzzle. We’ll also guide you on all processes involved if you wanted to move with your phone to Qlink.
Can You Bring Your Own Phone to Qlink?
The simple answer to this question is yes. You can bring your current phone to Qlink as long as it is compatible with the network infrastructure. Qlink under a special program referred to as Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP) supports the idea of device migration.
So, unlike in the past, you no longer need to dispose of your current phone to enjoy Qlink services.
Benefits Of Qlink BYOP (Bring Your Own Phone) Program
There are many reasons why you may want to bring your phone to Qlink. Different people may have different reasons for thinking about the BYOP program. Some of these include;
- Attachment with the current device: It is normal to be attached to something when you’ve used it for a long time. After using your current phone for a long time, you understand it better and may feel hard to leave it. That will force you to look for ways you can move with your phone to the new service provider. Hence the thought of the BYOP program.
- Amazing features: Qlink has awesome services that you may find interesting when blended with your current phone. You may also think it will be hard to get a phone with similar features.
- Keeping your old number: Qlink allows you to port your old number to the network. This is a very crucial benefit. Change of contact has so many benefits. Sometimes it may feel even impossible especially when you’ve used your number for long. Changing a number that your friends and relatives have known for a long time isn’t a simple act. It becomes even more tedious when you have to notify all that you’ve changed your number.
- Free services: You may want to take advantage of Qlink’s free services with your current phone and number. The BYOP program allows you to so free of charge. So, it’s not a must to wait for the free government phones issued under the Lifeline program.
- Lack of enough funds to replace: You may not have enough money to replace your current phone. Thus, to switch to Qlink, you have to use the same phone. The BYOP allows you to do exactly that without sweating over it.
Qlink BYOP (Bring Your Own Phone) Process
Qlink BYOP process involves four simple steps. For a smooth transition, you must observe all these processes properly. However, before launching the BYOP process, check the network coverage in your area. Otherwise, you may notice the Qlink network unavailability when is too late. Once you’ve ensured there’s coverage, now you can trigger the migration. The following are the steps involved;
1. BYOP Eligibility Rules
To qualify for BYOP program, you must fulfil certain conditions. Without which you are automatically ineligible. So, the first step involves checking the eligibility rules. Confirm whether your phone meets all the conditions. These include;
- The phone should not be flagged as lost or stolen. Although you can call the provider to unflag it.
- Your account must be in good standing. If the phone was on contract, all the financial obligations must have been met.
- The phone should not be under a lease.
2. Qlink BYOP Compatibility Check
Not all mobile phones are compatible with Qlink. Therefore, you need to check whether yours is. There are several ways to do this. But one of the surest ways is via the device’s unique identifier. This can be the IMEI/ESN/MEID.
In case you don’t have your device identifier, there many methods to retrieve it. If it’s an IMEI, you can dial *#06#. But before this, the manufacturers place these numbers at strategic locations on the phone’s body. Check it on the chassis under the battery. The retailer can also write these numbers on your receipt when you purchase.
Enter this number on the BYOP Qlink website to test the phone’s compatibility. Tick the I’m not a robot button and press continue. If the online procedure doesn’t help you, search your device model on the list of compatible devices. Additionally, there might be slight variations in checking the iPhones and Android phones.
3. Purchase Qlink SIM Activation Kit
If your phone passes all the above steps, you are good to go. After testing for compatibility, the next step is for buying the SIM Activation kit. To finalize the process, fill in your payment method and personal details. You must make sure that the personal address you fill in is correct. It is where your SIM activation kit will be sent. You’ll then wait for a few days to receive your SIM.
4. Qlink sim card activation
After receiving your Qlink SIM card, you have to activate it. To do this, the SIM must be on your phone. The process of installing a SIM card varies from one model to another. For some, you have to remove the battery whereas others have the slots on the sides.
After installing the SIM card, go ahead and activate it. To complete this step, log in to your Qlink account. By default, your email is the username and the ZIP code is the password. You can change these credentials later if you want.
Once logged in, follow the activation instructions prompted to you. When complete, make a test call to 305-260-6232 to ascertain that the SIM is active.
Will I Keep My Qlink Old Phone Number if I Bring My Own Phone?
Yes, you can port your old number to Qlink when you bring your old phone. To complete the process, you need the following information about the old number;
- The number itself
- Your account number and password on the current carrier
- The billing name and updated address of your current service provider
Find the IMEI/MEID/ESN Number on My iPhone or Android Phone
Whether an iPhone or Android, there are 3 different ways you can retrieve your phone’s IMEI/MEID/ESN. These include;
- Dialing *#06# and the identifiers will appear on the screen
- Navigating all the way from Settings> General>About>IMEI/MEID/ESN. With Android, this process has a slight variation. After About, you click on the “Status”.
- On the chassis. There is a difference in the locations of these identifiers on both iPhones and android. On iPhones, you can find them on the SIM tray. So, to see it, you have to eject the tray first.
- The Android phones have their IMEIs below the battery. All you need to do is to remove the battery.
Qlink Compatible Phone List
There are hundreds of models compatible with Qlink. So, we won’t be able to list all of them here. Some of these include;
- iPhone 11
- Samsung Galaxy A71
- iPhone 11 Pro
- Blackberry Curve 9900
- iPhone SE
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite
- HTC Desire 626
- Moto E.
- Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro 5G
- LG X Charge
Final Recap
The convenience and happiness that comes with a successful BYOP process are incredible. You get to use your favorite device when enjoying your coveted services. Although, starting to bring your device to Qlink, reach out to their customer care. Ask them all the critical questions about the process and your device model. Actually, instead of struggling with the IMEI, you can ask the customer care whether your model is compatible.
If yes, then you are free to start the process of moving your phone. Unless there are delays, the process shouldn’t take more than 48 hours. And you’ll be free to enjoy the Qlink awesome services.
