Do I need to replace my 3G phone?

All of the major US 3G networks are scheduled to shut down in 2022. Whether you're with AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon, this may affect your phone, your home alarm system, or even your car.

Do I need to upgrade my 3G phone?

If your mobile phone is more than a few years old, you may need to upgrade your device before your mobile provider shuts down its 3G network, to avoid losing service. For more information on your mobile providers' plans for 3G retirement and how you can prepare, contact your provider directly.

Will my 3G phone still work in 2022?

AT&T is the first of the big three, closing its 3G network on February 22, 2022. T-Mobile has pushed its 3G shutdown to July 1, 2022, after initially planning for an October closing in 2021. Sprint, now merged with T-Mobile, will close its 3G network on May 31, 2022.

Can 3G phones still be used?

Major mobile carriers will be shutting down their 3G networks in 2022, rendering older phones useless. The retirement of the 3G network is to make room for more advanced networks, like 5G, which is much faster. Once the 3G network is shut down, 3G cell phones will not work.

How long will 3G phones be good?

AT&T announced February 22, 2022 as its 3G network shutdown date, and warns that the carrier would "no longer activate phones that don't support HD Voice since they won't be compatible to work on our network when 3G shuts down." Same as with Verizon's 3G network shutdown, basically.

All of your 3G devices will lose cellular service in 2022. Here's what you need to know.

Will 3G phones still work in 2021?

Here's when it's happening and how you might be affected. All of the major US 3G networks are scheduled to shut down in 2022. Whether you're with AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon, this may affect your phone, your home alarm system, or even your car.

What happens when 3G ends?

The changes mean that affected devices will no longer be able to make or receive phone calls or text messages, including to 911, according to the Federal Communications Commission. Data services used to access the internet through 3G will also not work, but WiFi should still function, the FCC said.

What to do with old 3G phones?

Can a 3G phone be upgraded to 4G?

Can you convert a 3G phone to 4G? To convert a 3G phone to 4G, you would need to change a number of key components in the device. These components include: the modem and the processor. You would need to replace the 3G modem in your phone with a 4G modem.

Will older phones stop working?

As a result, many older phones will be unable to make or receive calls and text messages, or use data services. It can also affect other devices that rely on 3G, including medical alert devices, tablets, smart watches, home security systems, and car tracking systems. Those devices will ultimately become obsolete.

Will my 3G phone still work with 5G?

Older devices that won't be migrated to 4G LTE or 5G will become functionally useless when 3G goes away for good: They'll still power on, but won't be able to connect to a network. And it's not just phones that will be affected.

Which phones will stop working in 2022?

Which phones will not work in 2022?

What happens if you put a 4G SIM card in a 3G phone?

4) Will a 4G SIM card work with a 3G phone/phone? Yes, a 4G SIM card is compatible with 3G and 2G networks/devices. However, you won't be able to enjoy peak 4G/LTE speeds of 75Mbps with such a configuration since the device doesn't have the necessary hardware support.

How long will 4G phones be supported?

Eventually, in an estimated 15 to 20 years when there are few 4G LTE devices in use, most if not all of the spectrum will be used for 5G. Dynamic spectrum sharing lets carriers use the same spectrum band for both 4G and 5G.

How long will old cell phones work?

If you find an old cell phone in a drawer somewhere, there's a good chance it can't connect to modern cellular networks. It won't find a signal. By 2022 or 2023, many more old cell phones, including the iPhone 4, will be cut off.

Do Samsung phones become obsolete?

Per Samsung's recent support statement, they should be good to use until the middle of 2023. Another problem with Android devices is that older versions of the Android OS stick around for a lot longer than they should, as phone makers often ship second-tier or budget phones without the latest version of Android.

What carriers still support 3G?

In the U.S., three providers offer 3G service: AT&T, Verizon Wireless and Sprint. The fourth nationwide carrier, T-Mobile, says it will roll out its 3G network starting later this year.

Will LTE work after 3G shutdown?

“While 5G is growing quickly and 3G-only devices will become obsolete as 3G networks are discontinued, mobile operators won't sunset 4G LTE devices anytime soon,” said Patrick Linder, a senior director at the network testing firm RootMetrics.

What phones will be affected by 3G shutdown?

3G flip phones, any iPhone 5 and older as well as some Android devices will be affected. AT&T has created a webpage to determine whether your device will be impacted or not. Check the phone's setting to determine whether it requires a software update or needs to be replaced.

Are flip phones going away?

Some tracfones, flip phones, Jitterbugs and even older-style smartphones will no longer be able to make calls once the networks are taken down. Most of these phones, which are sometimes called “third generation” phones were launched nearly 20 years ago and will no longer work with most of the carriers in 2022.

Will 4G phones be obsolete?

Within the U.S., it's reasonable to assume that by the end of 2022 there will not be a single major carrier supporting 2G. The same fate awaits 3G. 4G LTE operates under a different scenario, and we can confidently say that 4G will be around for at least another decade.

Is it worth buying a phone without 5G?

Is 5G worth it? Unless you're desperate for lightning-quick speeds, for most it is unlikely to be worth the additional cost. For many, 4G speeds are still fast enough for everyday use – plus, for now, your choice of 5G network and phones is still limited.

Is 5G phone necessary?

There is only one reason to buy a phone, especially for 5G. The reason is timeline. If you are going to use your phone for more than two-three years, then you can buy a 5G phone. If you are a person who doesn't change smartphones frequently and keeps using one phone for 2-3 years, then it's worth buying a 5G phone now.