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.

How much longer will 3G phones work?

Major mobile carriers will be shutting down 3G networks in 2022 starting with AT&T, which will make the change Tuesday. The switch will make some older phones and devices useless but will make way for more advanced services, including 5G. AT&T will shut down its 3G network Tuesday, Feb. 22.

Can you still use 3G phones?

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.

Will my 3G phone work in 2021?

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.

Will 3G be discontinued?

It's the end of the line for a once cutting edge technology. After 20 years on phones, alarm systems and millions of other devices, the 3G network is going away. As the 5G revolution continues to ramp up across the United States, 3G is quietly getting phased out.

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

What to do with old 3G phones?

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 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 a 3G phone work on a 4G network?

Unfortunately, the ability to access the 4G network depends on your phone's capability. So, if you have a 3G phone, you won't have access to the 4G network. On the CDMA network, a 3G phone can access the 3G network, a 4G phone can access the regular 4G network and an LTE phone can access the 4G LTE network.

Can a 3G phone be upgraded to 4G?

If you currently own a 3G phone and want a 4G phone, just purchase a 4G phone. Then sell or gift out your old 3G phone. While it is technically possible to convert your 3G phone to 4G, it is largely impracticable. If you are looking for how to upgrade your phone to 4G, the answer is to buy a 4G phone.

Will my 3G phone still work in 2022?

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 phones will not work in 2022?

Many cell phones, tablets, medical devices, and home security systems using 3G connectivity will be phased out in 2022. Older cell phones that use 3G won't be able to make emergency calls to 911, either. AT&T announced it will shutdown 3G by Feb. 2022.

Will my 3G phone work on a 5G network?

Although 3G and 5G use different technologies to send and receive data, they operate at some of the same frequencies. But according to AT&T, they can't coexist on those frequencies — the airwaves assigned to 3G customers cannot also be used for 5G customers.

How long is 3G around for?

3G technology has been around for more than 20 years, having been released in 2001, but is expected to be phased out sometime after 2022.

Are flip phones 3G?

You may be able to use Wi-Fi. But it's not just old flip phones that are still on 3G and will be affected; some older smartphones will be affected, too—including an iPhone 5 or older model as well as several models of the Samsung Galaxy.

Will 4G phones still work in 2022?

T-Mobile and Sprint 3G/2G/4G LTE network shutdown dates

These are January 1, 2022 for Sprint's 3G network sunset, and June 30, 2022 for the 4G LTE connections, respectively.

Will 2G phones work in 2022?

Verizon Wireless phased out its 2G CDMA network at the end of 2020. Sprint sunsetted their 2G CDMA network in December of 2021. T-Mobile plans to sunset their 2G network in December of 2022.

Will phones without 5G still work?

The growth of 5G networks doesn't mean 4G is going away. Mobile carriers will use existing 4G LTE networks to provide their customers' cell service well into the next decade. 5G networks will work with 4G — not outright replace it. The upshot is that 5G-capable cell phones will still use 4G technology.

Are Tracfones being discontinued?

Older style 3G models of Tracfones, flip phones, Jitterbugs, etc. will be discontinued as early as January 2022. According to Van Buren Township police, those 3G devices will not only be disabled from normal use but will also be unable to call or dial 9-1-1.

Why are 3G networks shutting down?

AT&T is shutting down its 3G networks as part of a greater effort to re-use the spectrum for 4G and 5G — newer standards that are more efficient than 3G. T-Mobile will do the same in the third quarter and Verizon will do so by the end of the year. Here's what you should know about the 3G shutdown.

Will 3G phones still work on Verizon?

CDMA (3G) devices and 4G Non-VoLTE devices will continue to make/receive calls, including emergency 911, send/receive text messages, and use data services on the Verizon network until December 31, 2022. Upgrades or device changes to compatible 4G / 5G devices. 3G devices roaming outside of the US.

How old is a 3G phone?

While you can't blame the carriers for wanting to usher in the next era in wireless, millions of people, including many older adults, still rely on phones and other devices that tap into 3G, the third-generation networks that debuted in 2002.

Are old cell phones worth any money?

How much are old cell phones worth? Old phones can be worth a huge amount! Of course, it all depends on the original retail price of the phone and its age and condition now, popular brands like Apple and Samsung Android devices can still put upwards of $500 in your pocket.

Do Samsung phones become obsolete?

The oldest Samsung Galaxy phones to be on the monthly update cycle are the Galaxy 10 and Galaxy Note 10 series, both launched in the first half of 2019. Per Samsung's recent support statement, they should be good to use until the middle of 2023.

What happens when 3G ends?

What is happening? Mobile carriers are shutting down their 3G networks, which rely on older technology, to make room for more advanced network services, including 5G. As a result, many older cell phones will be unable to make or receive calls and texts, including calls to 911, or use data services.