With a new iPhone just around the corner, many existing iPhone owners might be wondering whether they are eligible to upgrade to a new phone with their current cellular contract. Here’s how to find out:
For those of you based in the U.S., it’s a very simple matter to find out whether you are eligible to upgrade using either AT&T or Verizon’s upgrade program.
AT&T
Users of AT&T’s network have it easiest – simply tapping in *639# in your Phone app and hitting the call button will cause AT&T to send you a message telling you whether you are eligible to upgrade. If you are able to upgrade to a new phone at discount pricing, AT&T will confirm by texting you back:
Many customers who are not eligible for a full discount may still be able to upgrade to a new iPhone for less than the full retail cost. In these cases, AT&T will text you with the following message telling you that you are eligible for an early upgrade:
Verizon
Verizon customers in the U.S. can check upgrade eligibility by visiting a webpage that Verizon has set up for just that purpose.
The page is currently set up with information about iPhone 4 upgrades, but you can use it to check whether you are eligible to upgrade to any new device. Verizon users can also check by logging into their account on the Verizon website and clicking on the My Verizon tab.
Sprint
Sprint customers can check their upgrade eligibility several different ways.
- Go directly to the Upgrade Eligibility Site located here.
- Use your phone to text the word “upgrade” to 1311.
- Log into your My Sprint online profile (you must be the account holder) and locate the “Upgrade phone” link in the I want to section next to the phone you are looking to upgrade.
- Call into Customer Care: Press *2 on your handset, then Press 1. Enter phone number. Press 1 to check upgrade eligibility.
Non-U.S. Carriers
If you aren’t located in the US, there may still be a simple way to check whether or not you are eligible for a discounted upgrade. For instance, Orange U.K. customers can simply visit this page and log into their account to confirm their eligibility.
Likewise, customers of Three Wireless in Ireland can visit this page and enter their customer number or phone number and date of birth to find out whether they are eligible for an upgrade.
Other carriers may have similar methods, so check your carrier’s website to find out how to check, or get in touch with your carrier for a definite answer from a customer representative.
Using Apple’s Website
Besides checking eligibility directly through your carrier, you can also find out your iPhone upgrade eligibility directly through Apple’s website! Just head to the iPhone Apple Store page, and use the eligibility tool to choose a carrier and see what you qualify for.
There’s also a second tool on the iPhone 5 store page that you can use to quickly glance at service plans from all three of the official U.S. iPhone carriers, to help you decide which carrier (and which plan!) is best for you and your needs.
For more helpful tips, check out our full collection of tutorials by visiting our How-To category!
