should be still a thing, but i don't have a recommendation.
there's another option, an adapter connects smartphone via Bluetooth, and outputs to landline. $31 https://www.amazon.com/Cell2jack-Cellphone-Adapter-Receive-landline/dp/B089984QRT/
The T-Mobile Visual Voicemail app stopped working on Tello fairly recently. Now My Visual Voicemail works fine. Unlike the other poster, my stock Samsung dialer doesn't have a visual voicemail feature (just a shortcut to call the voicemail number) and I've never had any problems with either app, other then when the T-Mobile app stopped working forever. Note that visual voicemail in this context is just a visual interface to play/delete messages; it does not transcribe them. That would be nice, but it's still easier to use than the phone interface plus it saves you minutes.
GSMarena lists the specs as having all the Sprint bands (25/26/41), so the hardware won't be a problem. As long as it isn't carrier locked or under contract, you should be okay. Use my referral link (P322HXJ7) and we'll both get a $10 credit.
And here are some coupon codes to try as well:
"30NEW" code for 30% off your first month.
"30SWITCH" code for 30% off your first month.
"15OFFAFF" code for 15% off your first month.
A SIM comes free with packaged deals, such as the one that is occasionally available on LivingSocial.
A SIM is available for $2 on Amazon, too:
https://www.amazon.com/Tello-Mobile-Bring-Your-Phone/dp/B08H5SM9M9/
You might try installing Google Messages (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.messaging) in place of the Samsung Messages app, just for troubleshooting. Easy enough to revert back to the Samsung app if the Google app doesn't help.
We use the Google Messages app on our Galaxy S21 and Pixel 5a. Seems that my frequent SIM card swaps (just tinkering) between AT&T and Tello sometimes confuses it. I can get texting back by turning off "Chat" features (Googles implementation of RCS). Don't know if that's an issue in the Samsung Messages app.
I don't believe they're available in local stores. Amazon has them for $2-- best if you have Amazon Prime, or have some other stuff you need to order to get free shipping.
https://www.amazon.com/Tello-Mobile-Bring-Your-Phone/dp/B08H5SM9M9
As a test to see for myself I bought a Tello SIM on Amazon and activated as a secondary service in my Pixel 6 with Mint being an eSIM.
5G seems to sort of work on and off, but strangely enough as soon as I enable my Mullvad Wireguard VPN client, data completely quits. If I switch my data back to the Mint eSIM everything works flawlessly on 5G.
Strange!!
Ok, I’m thinking of going with the Amazon $30 for three months at 5GB/mo on USMobile until Tello comes out with a new subscriber discount. Doesn’t this loom lie the best deal right now? https://www.amazon.com/High-Speed-Unlimited-Months-Starter-Included/dp/B08YRVKCWR/ref=sr\_1\_5?crid=31LZX5RET5DGC&keywords=us+mobile+sim+card&qid=1651414665&sprefix=Us+mobil%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-5
The cheapest factory-unlocked all-carrier certified phone I'm aware of, $100. (It has bands 66/71)
https://www.amazon.com/TCL-Unlocked-Smartphone-Display-3000mAh/dp/B09B79YT3S
(Similar in size & feel to a Moto E6, but more RAM, and with band 66 that the Moto E6 is missing.)
Used, a factory unlocked Moto E6, with a clean one likely to run $50+.
If you don't need to replace it right away, any of several Tracfone models that can be unlocked after 60 days. Careful picking will get you an all-carrier phone basically identical to the factory-unlocked version, except for bloatware (remove or disable) and Tracfone splashscreen. I'm using the Tracfone variant of the TCL mentioned above, which set me back $30 + $20 plan to reach the unlock date. At $60-$70, you would have several choices.
Its not Tello, you bought a Google Phone
There is always a way... https://e.foundation/e-os/
You can ask questions here: https://community.e.foundation/
It looks like they might have Uber working on it, but you might want to ask. There are people who mention the non-EU version works on Tello.
Personally, I'd just get the cheapest Android that does what you need, with the phone number assigned to the phone open a new google account (assuming tello numbers work with Google for new accounts) when you don't need the internet, turn off wifi, mobile data and gps that way you can deal with Google as little as possible.
I saw a deal for the Tello service offered through Stacked Social offers. I wonder if the doubling of talk and data would apply to the promotion?
https://stacksocial.com/sales/tello-value-prepaid-6-month-plan-unlimited-talk-text-2gbs-lte-data
tried a number of MEID i have that are pending tello migration. none of them worked sadly:
Sorry.
This phone is not compatible.
Don’t worry, we have a selection of affordable phones available in our store.
Yep hoping buying it unlocked and not tied to prior carrier will not have that issue. Can pick up the 3a for $155 on Amazon.
The phone needs to be unlocked, GSM, manufactured for use in the US, and certified for VoLTE by T-Mobile. (Gee, sounds simple until I typed it....)
The safest new phone would be one that is factory unlocked: This Motorola Moto E is fairly inexpensive at $120, has all the important bands for T-Mobile, and can be used on any other US network should your needs change.
https://www.amazon.com/Moto-Unlocked-Motorola-Camera-XT2052-1/dp/B086H3HH5V
Potential drawback: it may be a little large for a pre-teen. Look at the dimensions.
I agree that the Pixel 4A should work fine with Tello/GSM.
You can order this Mint Mobile trial SIM for $1 from Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524 to give it a try where you live. (Mint Mobile also uses T-Mobile, and should have exactly the same coverage. You use it with a temporary phone number, so you're not going thru the hassle of porting for the trial.)
You can also sign up on Tello with a new, temporary, number, and pick their smallest plan. ($6 for 500mb + 100 minutes/unlimited text.) If it works okay, then ask Customer Service about transferring in your real phone number. (You might need a new SIM, I think $2.)
The Pixel 4A has every band that T-Mobile uses. If you run this test in a different phone, you may get worse results if it doesn't support all the bands.
Okay... Could I buy something like this and just say I have a SIM? https://www.amazon.com/Tello-Mobile-Bring-Your-Phone/dp/B08H5SM9M9/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Tello&qid=1617308218&s=wireless&sr=1-1
How is the service? Does not associating your IMEI to the account have any unwanted impact?
Am chiming in to verify [ EDIT: for others interested in this thread ] that I purchased one of these from Tello Mobile on Amazon.com on 29 Jan and was able to activate it the day I received it (same link, shows "you purchased..." -- see https://imgur.com/a/vq46lg3 )
The sim on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08H5SM9M9 has been in and out of stock on an off.
Sometimes it has showed "1 left" etc.
I did manage to get one delivered right away during one during the brief periods when it was in stock.
Right now is shows as available but "Arrives: Sunday, Feb 21" "Fastest delivery: Saturday, Feb 20"
which means it is really out of stock at Amazon but they have new stock arriving at the end of this week and you can order from that if you want.
> https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08H5SM9M9
I was able to get mine here^ on 29 Jan, and they are showing as available now (15 Feb early AM). And they're $6.99 instead of $9.99.
All I had to do once I received it was activate the SIM by entering its activation code on tello (and then linking it up with my phone).
As a note, I ordered one from Tello themselves when I set up porting my number/phone from my old carrier and paid for priority mail (SIM card was $9.99 but 100% credited back before I paid the shipping and the account's first month), but usps ended up taking more than a week and still no news, so I ordered online at amazon -- the amazon one got here really fast, so in my opinion it's cheaper, faster, and easier to get it from them on amazon. YMMV.
Did you buy it from Tello or somewhere else? I noticed that all the sims on EBAY are the old CDMA which are not GSM and won't work on the new Tello service. Tello is not shipping CDMA sims this year. I'd contact the seller and ask for a refund or that they send you a Tello branded GSM sim that will work. This is what you need if you're bringing your own phone https://www.amazon.com/Tello-Mobile-Bring-Your-Phone/dp/B08H5SM9M9/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Tello&qid=1613099588&s=wireless&sr=1-1
Tello on Amazon sells their new gsm sim for $6.99, a better price than directly from tello.com
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08H5SM9M9/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A2LVT5EJVQHP24&psc=1
Do a search for sound in the phone's Settings. The phone's Notification sound can be changed there.
If the above doesn't help, install the Phone by Google app and make it your default dialer/phone app.
I just activated an Alcatel Go Flip from Boost. I didn't have to unlock it, but not sure if it auto-unlocked because it was on Boost for a while. Get the SIM kit from Amazon for $1 vs $10 through Tello https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SWDX7BF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
iPhone 5s uses SIMOLW506C according to the Tello device checker. Check if this is the same info u got on their page.
$0.99 Sprint SIM kit on Amazon. Read reviews.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SWDX7BF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_SX08EbPKZQ6Z7
Moto G7 Play from Amazon, $150 flat. It's unlocked and says it is Sprint compatible, so it will work with Tello.
It needs the appropriate Sprint SIM card, which you can get from Tello or somewhere else. Mine has the SIMOLW406TQ SIM, but the SIMOLW506TQ (available in the BYOD pack for 3 bucks at Amazon) is supposed to work too.
I use this app. It works well enough that I haven't bothered trying out others, but it has occasionally annoyed me with certain limitations although that's likely more me being picky than anything else. Worth a shot.