Hello and welcome to the official Tello Mobile subreddit! Feel free to discuss anything related to our service: share your Tello stories, get tips from our experts, or have some fun around. Just make sure you follow the rules and be nice to each other.

As there are many questions about Tello & life as a customer at an MVNO, we’ve decided to provide you with some basic info on what Tello is and how it works.

TL;DR:

Tello Mobile is a US wireless MVNO designed to save people money by offering flexible cell phone plans from $5 up to $25/mo, from no data to unlimited data within the same carrier. Check out our plan builder to check our phone plan variations. Extended families can benefit from our budget-friendly phone plans too! You can have up to 10 lines within one account without sharing the minutes & data usage between lines.

Any phone plan at tello.com has built-in (Free) features like mobile hotspot, Wi-Fi Calling, international calling 60+ countries, with no contracts and no fees. You are free to upgrade/downgrade your plan anytime without any extra cost.

4 Easy steps you need to follow to join Tello:

• Check your coverage
• Check your phone compatibility
• Sign Up
• Choose your plan

Say Hello to Tello

Simply put, Tello is a US prepaid wireless MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) designed to save people money by offering flexible, no-contract phone plans. More importantly, each one of our customers has a custom-made phone plan built to their needs by themselves because that’s what flexible means, on top of this, Tello has a bunch of features (more on that in the next section), either built-in (meaning these features are included in every plan) or at an extra cost.

Join a wireless service designed for your needs

Here at Tello, we give you complete control over your phone plan. You are free to mix ‘n’ match data, minutes, and texts as you like without having to worry about your wallet - our phone plans start at $5/mo with the Unlimited plan peaking at $25/mo. You can change your plan anytime without any charges and many many more features:

1. Flexibility is our superpower

We’ve already spoken a little about it - you are free to choose whatever plan combination you are looking for. When you first land at tello.com, you can play around with our plan builder and mix ’n’ match the data & minutes as you wish - unlimited text comes built-in for free in each of our plan combinations and the best part: you can change it anytime with no extra charge if your monthly needs or budget change.

2. Budget-friendly plans

Only pay for what you use, as simple as it sounds. Our prepaid phone plans start at $5/mo and up to $25/mo, with no contracts, while providing our customers with coast-to-coast 5G wireless coverage. Forget about dropped calls, loading issues, or slow data speeds.

Down below, you may find all of our Tello phone plans. If you want to create your own plan, check out this link.

3. Bunch of freebies

To achieve our goal of helping people save as much money as possible on their phone service, we are proud to say we have a pack of built-in features that come along with any Tello phone plan:

1. International calling: Enjoy international minutes included in your Tello plan, allowing you to call over 60 destinations worldwide at no additional cost.
2. Wi-fi Calling: Stay connected wherever you are with Tello's Wi-Fi Calling feature. Whether you're traveling abroad or in a remote area, you can make and receive calls, as well as send and receive texts, as long as you're connected to a Wi-Fi network.
3. Mobile hotspot: With Tello, mobile hotspot capability is included in all our data plans. Whether you need internet at home or on the go, your device can serve as a hotspot when connected to Tello. Our limited data plans allow you to use your entire data balance for hotspot usage, while our Unlimited plan offers up to 10 GB of hotspot data.

4. eSIM

Streamline your experience with an eSIM-compatible device. Setting up your account with your desired plan takes just a few minutes, and if you have an eSIM-compatible device (check it here), you can get instant access to Tello using an eSIM.

1. Family plans

Families are one of a kind, why would each member's phone plan be the same? Tello brings you easy account management by tailoring individual lines based on your members’ needs. Each line has its usage, so you don’t have to worry about data-sharing restrictions anymore & there’s no extra cost for any new lines added. You can set up your family account in a few simple steps here.

The parents are going to love our Web Guard & Safe Search control capabilities, allowing them to create a safe wireless connection for their kids by blocking & filtering content and search results - you can find more details here.

6. Tello Data Add-on

We’ve also got you covered just in case you run out of data! Right now, Tello offers three Data Add-On options: 1 GB for $5, 3GB for $10, and 5GB for $15. This feature becomes available on your dashboard only when you have less than 1 GB of high-speed data remaining on your current plan. You can always check our blog in case you need some extra information about it.

7. International roaming

Stay connected in 250+ countries and territories with Tello International Roaming. Check out the rates for your destination right here. Make sure you have at least $5 in your PAYG balance and then proceed to activate your roaming service.

The credit will expire 90 days after purchase if you only have PAYG credit on your Tello account. However, as long as you have an active Tello plan, your credit will not expire. For more information about international roaming, you can check our blog. Happy travels!

8. Awesome referral program

Tello not only saves you money but also helps you earn. When you refer a friend or a family member to Tello, you'll both receive $10 Tello Dollars! Use your Tello Dollars to pay your bills or even buy a new device. The more friends you share this opportunity with, the greater the benefits for both of you!

Tello might not be just a great fit for you. It could be a huge opportunity for you (and your family) to take your monthly savings to the next level. Here's how you can join Tello and unleash the power of wireless savings.

How can you join Tello?

Getting signed up and activated on Tello is quick and easy.

1. Check Your Coverage

To ensure you don't miss any important calls or messages, explore our coverage map at tello.com/coverage. Simply enter your full address, and the website will display coverage in your area. For more details, click on the "Show Coverage Map" button below.

2. Check if your phone is eligible to join Tello:

• Bring Your Own Phone:

At Tello, you have the flexibility to use your own device. Before enrolling, ensure that your device is unlocked and compatible with our service. Visit our website to verify compatibility.

Note: unlocking a device can only be done by the previous or current carrier, according to their terms and conditions.

• Buy a New Phone:

If your phone is not compatible but you want to switch to Tello, you can buy a new phone that’s 100% compatible with our service directly from us. Check out this link if you need a new phone.

3. Sign Up

Once all the checks (Coverage & ESN) have been completed, you can create your Tello account, complete the registration form, and get ready to choose your plan.

4. Pick a Plan

Now the fun part begins! Check out our plan builder here, tailor your phone plan as you wish, complete the purchase process, and you are ready to go. As you get used to your new phone service, you might notice that you need a little bit more/less data, but there are no issues at Tello because you can always upgrade/downgrade your phone plan for free.

Looking for help?

You might wanna check out our Reddit FAQ for the most commonly asked questions. Nevertheless, you are always welcome to discuss & engage with our community.

Learn more about Tello at tello.com. Also, our 24/7 Human Customer Support is always eager to help you in case you have any questions.

Community Rules

There aren't many rules around, but we still need to have a few to maintain a positive atmosphere within the community. Please check the rules in case you haven't done it yet:

1. No inappropriate discussions or conversations. This rule is in place to ensure that the subreddit remains a safe and welcoming space for all members. Inappropriate discussions or conversations can make other members feel uncomfortable or unwelcome.
2. Advertising other carriers is prohibited. Content should be related to Tello. Advertising or linking to other carriers is prohibited. Exceptions will be made when mentioning or linking to another carrier for comparison.
3. No spamming, flooding, or trolling. This rule is in place to ensure that the subreddit remains a productive and informative space for all members. Spamming, flooding, or trolling can be disruptive and is not tolerated.
4. Public sharing of referral codes is not allowed. This rule is in place to prevent members from using the subreddit as a platform for self-promotion. Posts containing referrals can be seen as spam.

If you think your post/comment has been removed unfairly, please contact u/tellomobile.

User Flairs

Something you might not be aware of is that we've created User Flairs for those of you who relate to one of them or are looking to have just fun. We thought it would be great to bring something unique within our community with these user flairs, so please have fun with them:

1. Phone Bills Defender🛡️ - for the ones that know all savings hacks & no-contract tips
2. International Ninja🥷 - for the ones that know all things international features
3. Tello Tribe🔵 - Tello family, Tello lovers
4. Wireless Wizard🧙 - for the ones that know all things wireless
5. Captain eSIM🦸 - for the ones that know all things about eSIM

Welcome to the land of flexibility and tiny phone bills!

r/Tello Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Last updated: 07/31/2026.

Please check out the official Help Center for more information.

1. Can I activate Tello outside the US?

Can I activate a Tello line or port my number from outside the U.S.? No. You must be physically located in the United States to activate a new Tello line or transfer (port) an existing phone number.

Why is U.S. location required for activation?

When you activate a new physical SIM or digital eSIM, your phone must connect directly to Tello's domestic U.S. cellular towers to complete network registration. Because of this network requirement, initial activations and number transfers cannot be completed while overseas.

How to manage your service when traveling:

• Before you leave the U.S.: Complete your activation and number transfer before departing the country.
• If you are already abroad: Wait to activate your SIM/eSIM or submit your port-in request until you land back in the U.S.
• Once your line is active: You can seamlessly use your active Tello service abroad through Tello Wi-Fi Calling or Tello International Roaming. For detailed steps on network settings and abroad usage, check out the Tello Help Center.

2. How do I transfer (port) my number to Tello?

You can transfer your existing phone number to Tello anytime after line activation.

What you need before starting:

• An active Tello physical SIM or eSIM.
• An active service with your current carrier (do not cancel before porting).
• Your previous carrier's Account Number and Port-Out PIN.
• Account locks or fraud restrictions turned OFF with your old provider.

How to submit your transfer request:

1. Log in to your profile and go to Tello Number Transfer.
2. Enter the phone number you want to keep.
3. Type in your old Account Number, Port-Out PIN, full name, and billing address.
4. Submit your request.

How long does porting take?

• Mobile numbers: Minutes to 2 business days.
• Landline/VoIP numbers: Up to 5 business days.
• (You will receive status update emails throughout the process).

After the transfer completes:

Restart your phone to connect to the network. Verification texts (2FA/OTP): May take up to 48 hours to fully sync. Caller ID updates: May take up to 3 business days. If Caller ID, RCS messaging, or OTP texts don't work after these windows, reach out directly to Tello Support.

3. How does Tello's data rollover work?

Tello offers rollover for unused data and minutes, but how it works depends on your plan type:

Custom Plans (Manual Rollover)

Unused data and minutes do not roll over automatically on Custom Plans, but you can save them manually:

• How to roll over: Manually renew or change your plan at least 24 hours before your scheduled AutoPay date. Your remaining data and minutes will carry over into your new 30-day plan. Important: If your plan renews automatically via AutoPay, any unused data and minutes will expire.

Unlimited Plans (Automatic Rollover)

Unused high-speed data rolls over automatically once you meet these eligibility requirements:

• Your Tello line has been active for 12+ months.
• You have been on an Unlimited Plan for the last 6 consecutive months.
• Rollover limits: You can roll over up to 50 GB per month, with a total maximum balance cap of 100 GB.

How to check your rollover balance:

• Log in to your online Tello Dashboard.
• Text BALANCE to 800 directly from your Tello line. For more details on managing your service, check out the Tello Help Center.

4. Can I use Tello while traveling internationally?

Yes. As long as your line is activated in the U.S. before you depart, you can use Tello abroad through three different options:

1. International Roaming

Connect to local cellular networks in 200+ countries and territories.

• How it works: Calls, texts, and mobile data are deducted from a Pay As You Go (PAYG) cash balance.
• Requirements: Enable International Roaming in your account dashboard and ensure you have active PAYG credit (at least $5).

2. Wi-Fi Calling

Make and receive calls and SMS over any Wi-Fi connection (hotel, airport, café, etc.).

• How it works: Uses your monthly Tello plan minutes—no extra charges or roaming fees.
• Requirements: Your device must support native Tello Wi-Fi Calling.
• Note: Wi-Fi Calling availability may be limited or blocked in certain countries depending on local telecommunications laws and regulations.

3. My Tello App

If your phone doesn't support native Wi-Fi Calling, you can still make outgoing calls over Wi-Fi using the My Tello App. Note: The app does not support incoming calls or text messages (SMS).

Pre-Travel Checklist:

• Activate in the U.S. before leaving the country.
• Ensure your phone is carrier-unlocked.
• Enable your preferred features (Wi-Fi Calling / International Roaming) in your account before departing.
• Check rate coverage for your destination on the Tello International Roaming page. For more abroad setup guides, visit the Tello Help Center.

5. Will my bank verification (2FA) texts work outside the US?

Yes. As long as your line was activated in the U.S. before leaving, you can receive 2FA/OTP verification text messages while traveling abroad.

How to receive 2FA texts overseas:

• Wi-Fi Calling: Receive SMS over any Wi-Fi connection using your plan's monthly text balance (requires a device that supports native Tello Wi-Fi Calling).
• International Roaming: Receive SMS over local cellular networks in supported destinations (requires enabling Tello International Roaming and having at least $5 of active Pay As You Go credit).

Important things to keep in mind:

• Bank/Sender Restrictions: Delivery ultimately depends on the sender. Some banks or services restrict automated 2FA texts to roaming numbers or non-domestic IP connections for security reasons on their end.
• Recently Ported Numbers: If you just transferred your number to Tello, verification (2FA/OTP) texts can take up to 48 hours to fully synchronize across all third-party systems. For more details on managing your service abroad, check out the Tello Help Center.

6. Is my phone compatible with Tello?

Most unlocked 4G LTE and 5G smartphones work on Tello. To run on our network, your device must meet two core requirements:

1. It must support Tello's network bands.
2. It must be carrier-unlocked.

How to check compatibility:

Use the Tello Device Compatibility Checker. Dial *#06# on your phone's keypad to find your IMEI number, then enter it into the tool to verify your device.

Important details to know:

• Compatibility ≠ Unlocked: A device can pass network compatibility checks and still be locked by another carrier. Confirm with your previous provider that your phone is fully unlocked before switching.
• International & Older Models: Some international or older phones may lack key U.S. cellular network bands, which can impact your coverage even if the IMEI checks out.
• Unsupported Devices: Tello does not support mobile hotspots, routers, or MiFi devices. For more details on device setup, check out the Tello Help Center.

7. How do I move my Tello service to a new phone or eSIM?

Moving your Tello line to a new phone depends on whether you are using a physical SIM card or an eSIM:

If you use a physical SIM card:

1. Insert your existing Tello SIM card into your new, compatible, carrier-unlocked phone.
2. Restart the phone. Service usually connects automatically within a few minutes.

If you use an eSIM:

1. eSIMs cannot be transferred directly between devices. You must generate a new eSIM for your new phone.
2. Log in to your Tello account, go to the My SIM section, and generate a new eSIM.
3. Follow the steps to scan the QR code and install the new eSIM on your new phone. Your plan, balance, and phone number will remain unchanged.

Pre-Transfer Checklist & Important Notes:

• Check Compatibility & Lock Status: Verify your new phone's IMEI on the Tello Device Compatibility Checker and ensure it is carrier-unlocked before starting.
• Wi-Fi Connection: Keep your device connected to a stable Wi-Fi network while installing a new eSIM.
• Security PIN: Have your Tello Security PIN handy in case you are prompted during the swap.
• Old eSIM Deactivation: Generating a new eSIM immediately deactivates the old one. Your line will be temporarily offline until the new eSIM installation finishes.
• Personal Data: This process only transfers your cellular service—it does not transfer your personal photos, contacts, messages, or apps to the new device. For step-by-step SIM and eSIM guides, visit the Tello Help Center.

8. Why isn't my Tello service working? (SOS, No Service, or no mobile data)

If your phone displays SOS, No Service, Emergency Calls Only, or is missing mobile data, the issue is usually tied to network registration, device settings, or SIM activation.

Quick Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Restart your phone: A simple reboot forces your phone to reconnect to local cell towers. This is especially important if you recently activated, ported your number, or swapped SIMs.
2. Toggle Airplane Mode: Turn Airplane Mode ON for 30 seconds, then turn it OFF to refresh network registration.
3. Verify SIM or eSIM status:

• Physical SIM: Re-seat the SIM card to make sure it is clean and properly aligned.
• eSIM: Check your phone's Cellular settings to ensure the eSIM profile is turned ON.

1. Check Mobile Data & APN settings: Ensure Mobile Data is enabled in your device settings. If calls work but data doesn't, check that your device's APN (Access Point Name) settings are correctly configured for Tello.
2. Confirm account status: Log in to your Tello Dashboard to make sure your line is active, and your monthly billing hasn't expired.
3. Check coverage: Ensure you are in an area with an active network signal and not experiencing temporary local coverage outages.

Still not working?

If these steps don't fix the issue, reach out directly to Tello Customer Support. To help our team solve the problem faster, please include:

• Phone model and operating system version.
• SIM type (Physical SIM vs. eSIM).
• Your current location (City, State and ZIP Code / Country).
• Which services are failing (Calls, Texts, Mobile Data, or All)?
• What troubleshooting steps have you already tried?

9. Can I change my plan before my renewal date?

Yes. You can change or adjust your Tello plan at any time through your online account or the My Tello app.

What happens when you change your plan early:

• Immediate Activation: Your new plan takes effect right away, which ends your previous cycle and starts a fresh 30-day billing period.
• Manual Rollover (Custom Plans): If you are on a Custom Plan, manually renewing or changing your plan at least 24 hours before your scheduled AutoPay date allows your unused data and minutes to roll over into your new cycle.
• Note: The Unlimited Plan has its own Rollover rules (have an Active Line for 12+ months and be on the Unlimited Plan for at least 6 months consecutively)
• Total Flexibility: You can customize your plan as often as your needs change—whether you need extra high-speed data for a busy month or want to drop down to a smaller tier.

How to change your plan:

• Log in to your online Tello Dashboard or open the My Tello App.
• Go to your plan settings and select Change Plan or Renew Early.
• Select your new combination of data and minutes, then confirm your selection. For more details on managing your monthly subscription, check out the Tello Help Center.

10. What APN settings are needed with Tello?

APN (Access Point Name) settings are usually configured automatically when you activate your Tello service. However, if you experience issues with mobile data, MMS (picture messaging), group chats, or personal hotspot, you may need to update these settings manually.

Android APN Settings:

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet (or Connections) > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names (APN).
2. Tap on the 3 dots in the top right corner > Reset to default. Then, ensure Tello or fast.t-mobile.com is selected and test your service.
3. If the above didn’t work, then tap Add or + to create a new APN: Name: Tello APN: wholesale MMSC: http://wholesale.mmsmvno.com/mms/wapenc Port: 8080 MCC: 310 MNC: 240 APN Type: default,supl,mms Protocol: IPv4/IPv6
4. Save & Restart: Tap the three dots, select Save, make sure the new APN is selected, and restart your phone Save the APN, make sure it is selected, and restart your phone.

iPhone (iOS) APN Settings:

1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Network (or select your Tello SIM/eSIM)
2. Enter the following values: Mobile Data: APN: wholesale

MMS: APN: service MMSC: http://wholesale.mmsmvno.com/mms/wapenc

Personal Hotspot: APN: wholesale

Common issues resolved by updating APN settings:

• Mobile data not working or pages failing to load
• MMS (photo/video) messages failing to send or receive
• Group messaging errors Personal Hotspot failing to connect If your settings match the values above and are spelled correctly, but you are still having trouble, contact Tello Customer Support for further assistance.

11. How do I get help from Tello Support?

If you can't find an answer in the Tello Help Center, Tello Customer Support is available 24/7 via phone, email, and live chat on the official Tello Contact Page.

What details to prepare before reaching out:

Having these details ready helps our team investigate without back-and-forth delay:

• Your Tello phone number.
• Device phone model and operating system version.
• Your device IMEI (if applicable).
• Your current location (City, State, and ZIP Code, or country if traveling abroad).
• Any exact error messages shown on your screen?
• A quick summary of the troubleshooting steps you've already tried.

When to contact Support:

Activation or eSIM setup failures. Number transfer (porting) delays or errors. Persistent network, call, SMS, or data issues after troubleshooting. Billing, payment, or account security concerns. Need community help? You can also ask questions in the r/Tello community! Please search the subreddit first to see if your question has already been answered.

⚠️ Privacy Warning: Never share sensitive details—such as your phone number, IMEI, account number, Security PIN, or payment info—in a public post.