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Total Wireless (now called Total by Verizon) is one of the MVNOs to consider if you want to cut down your mobile bill. But does the carrier supports eSIM? If yes, what phones are compatible with Total Wireless and support eSIM?
While we’ll still have SIM cards in the next couple of years, eSIM has truly changed the way we use our phones. It has not only become possible to use multiple lines on iPhones and Single-line Android devices. But you can now activate a phone with postpaid and prepaid carriers instantly from anywhere, anytime.
In this article, we’re going to look at everything you need to know about what phones are compatible with Total Wireless. And this includes the latest update on eSIM activation and the types of phones you should bring (not just any is supported).
What are the Best Phones Compatible with Total Wireless?
When comparing Visible vs Total Wireless the other day, we saw your data will get deprioritized when the Main Carrier network is busy. And for that, the best way to always have a reliable phone will be if your phone can afford a decent data speed.
The first way to guarantee fast mobile data speeds is to enroll your service on 5G. Luckily, Total Wireless finally has 5G support for free and all you’ll need is a 5G-enabled device.
A smartphone with a superior LTE modem will also record a high data speed- up to 100Mbps on Total Wireless. When there’s network congestion, you can still browse and even stream videos on SD quality.
In any case, the top 7 best LTE and 5G phones compatible with Total Wireless SIM include:
- Best of Upgrade: Unlocked Apple iPhone 13 5G Ultra-Wideband Smartphone
Key Features:
- It comes fully unlocked for all networks
- Has a sturdy, IP68 water-resistant build
- Runs on the fastest A15 Bionic (5nm) processor
- Can record videos in 4K quality & Slo-Mo mode
- Includes a built-in NFC chip for contactless payments
- Has up to WiFi 6 (802.11ax) protocol & WiFi calling
- Best of Under $100: Total Wireless (Locked) Samsung Galaxy A01 LTE Phone
Key Features:
- It has a large 5.7-inch, HD+ display
- Runs on Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) processor
- Comes locked to the Total Wireless network
- Has a built-in slot of up to 512GB card MicroSD
- Supports WiFi 4 (802.11n) protocol & WiFi calling
- Best of Under $50: Total by Verizon (Locked) BLU View 2 LTE 128GB Memory
Key Features:
- It has a 5.5-inch, HD+ display
- Runs on the Helio A22 (12 nm) processor
- Comes locked to Total by the Verizon network
- Records videos only in 1080p@30fps resolution
- Supports WiFi 4 (802.11n) protocol & WiFi calling
- Includes a slot you can add up to 128GB card MicroSD
- Best of Design: Fully Unlocked Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus (SM-N975U1)
Key Features:
- It has a 6.8-inch, QHD display
- Comes fully unlocked for all networks
- Has a rugged, IP68 aluminum construction
- Runs on a fast Snapdragon 855 (7nm) processor
- Includes WiFi 6 (802.11ax) protocol & WiFi calling
- Can record videos in 4K quality & Super-Slow Motion
- Has a built-in stylus to jolt notes, doodle, sketch, & control apps
- Best of Budget: Fully Unlocked Apple iPhone SE (2020 Release) LTE iOS
Key Features:
- It has a 4.7-inch, HD+ display
- Comes fully unlocked for all networks
- Runs on the A13 Bionic (7nm+) processor
- Includes IP67 dust/ water-resistant protection
- Has a built-in NFC for payments & data sharing
- Can record videos in 4K quality & Slo-Mo mode
- Supports WiFi 6 (802.11ax) protocol & WiFi calling
- Best for seniors: TracFone Prepaid (Carrier-Locked) Alcatel MyFlip 4G VoLTE
Key Features:
- It runs on Snapdragon 210 processor
- Supports 4G connectivity with VoLTE
- Comes locked to the TracFone network
- Has big buttons with large, bold numbers
- You can pair it with M4/ T4 hearing aid devices
- Compatible with up to WiFi 4 (802.11n) protocol
- Best of Photography: Factory Unlocked Samsung Galaxy S22 8K Camera Android
Key Features:
- It has a 6.1-inch, 120Hz display
- Comes fully unlocked for all networks
- Runs on a fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) processor
- Includes built-in Samsung DeX for desktop mirroring
- Records vivid videos in 8K quality & super-slow-motion
- Supports up to WiFi 6 (802.11ax) protocol & WiFi calling
Things to Know When Looking for Phones Compatible with Total Wireless
When looking at what phones are compatible with Total Wireless, you should know that:
- Total Wireless is an MVNO of Verizon
First, Total Wireless is a brand of TracFone Wireless Inc, which Verizon acquired from América Móvil in 2021.
But unlike with MVNOs TracFone and Straight Talk (also brands of TracFone), Total Wireless has always worked on Verizon towers only. So, most of the phones compatible with Spectrum Mobile will work with a Total Wireless SIM.
If using LTE, Verizon and its MVNOs will need a phone with frequency bands 2, 4, 5, 13, and 66 to get a signal. Band 13 is the primary frequency for extended range (wide coverage) and penetration through walls. Then Band 66 is the wide-capacity frequency, where you get to enjoy faster data speeds but with poor coverage and penetration into walls.
On the other hand, Total Wireless, as with Verizon and its other MVNOs, uses Bands N77 (c-band), N260, or N261 for 5G Ultra-Wideband (wide capacity). Then the low-band 5G (extended range) requires Bands N2, N5, and N66.
FYI: in the recent acquisition, Total Wireless has changed its name to Total by Verizon. The colors of the brand have also changed from Green to Red.
- Total Wireless has Limited Roaming
Total Wireless has been offering domestic roaming for quite a while. The subcarrier isn’t very clear on all its roaming partners, but I’m confident US Cellular is one of them.
Even so, Total Wireless has just introduced international roaming (which wasn’t available before). But it’s currently limited to only Canada and Mexico, plus you must have at least 2 lines on the $40 plan or higher.
- Total Wireless has Free WiFi Calling
Total Wireless supports WiFi calling for free on both iPhone and Android phones. It can be pretty handy when outside the native Verizon coverage either in the country or abroad.
Total Wireless usually has the WiFi Calling activated after joining. You’ll just need to enable it from your device, which is pretty straightforward on iPhones and high-end Samsung phones.
If you have low-end phone brands, call the customer service number 611 and follow the automated prompts to enable the feature.
- Total Wireless Gets Deprioritized Data
As mentioned earlier, Total Wireless usually gets deprioritized data where your browsing speed drops during congestion.
Tip: you’ll want to get a phone with 5G or a superior LTE modem to have a usable service all the time.
- Total Wireless has Free Disney+
Total Wireless has an ongoing deal with Disney+ when you sign up or upgrade to the Unlimited phone plan. You can stream your favorite Star Wars, Marvel, Classics, and other films for the first six months at no cost.
- Total Wireless eSIM is Still Unavailable
As you may know, the latest iPhone 14 (US version) supports only eSIM as it doesn’t have a slot for physical SIM. And to accommodate the fans of Apple, TracFone and most of its brands have recently launched eSIM support too.
But, sadly, Total Wireless has always slacked down when it comes to their devices support, which is evident with smartwatch plans.
The carrier has also not yet officially launched eSIM support. And when you chat with the customer rep about it, you’ll get routed to the branch manager who will offer to activate your eSIM through Straight Talk.
Therefore, you can’t activate either of the iPhone 14 devices on Total Wireless service at the moment.
What Phones are Compatible with Total Wireless?
In the seven selections that we highlighted earlier, you’ll notice about three different types of phones compatible with Total Wireless. But in general, there are about five types, including:
- Total Wireless-branded phones: comprises the devices sold by the carrier or authorized dealers and come locked to the network.
- TracFone-branded phones: these are the devices locked to the TracFone network as they are compatible with Total Wireless. You could even put your phone on the 4G/ 5G Straight Talk phones that use Verizon towers without any issue.
- Factory-Unlocked phones: unlocked cell phones are naturally compatible with Total Wireless as they come from the manufacturer without any network restrictions.
- Carrier-Unlocked phones: these are the phones bought from other carriers (say T-Mobile, Cricket, AT&T, Tello, etc) but have been fully unlocked.
- Verizon-branded phones: usually, you can use a SIM of an MVNO on a phone locked to its Carrier network. So, you’ll notice various phones locked to Verizon are compatible with Total Wireless.
Other Phones Compatible with Total Wireless Service
Cell Phone Brand | Cellular Technology | eSIM Support | ROM vs RAM |
Unlocked Apple iPhone 13 5G Ultra-Wideband | 5G & 4 LTE | YES | 128GB, 4GB |
Total Wireless (Locked) Samsung Galaxy A01 | 4G LTE | NO | 16GB, 2GB |
Total by Verizon (Locked) BLU View 2 LTE | 4G LTE | NO | 32GB, 3GB |
Fully Unlocked Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus | 4G LTE | NO | 256GB, 12GB |
Fully Unlocked Apple iPhone SE | 4G LTE | YES | 64GB, 3GB |
TracFone (Carrier-Locked) Alcatel MyFlip | 4G LTE | NO | 4GB, 0.5GB |
Factory Unlocked Samsung Galaxy S22 | 5G & 4G LTE | YES | 128GB, 8GB |
Fully Unlocked Apple iPhone 12 5G/ LTE iOS | 5G & 4G LTE | YES | 64GB, 4GB |
Fully Unlocked Google Pixel 4A with 5G | 5G & 4G LTE | YES | 128GB, 6GB |
Total Wireless Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (US Version) | 5G & 4G LTE | NO | 128GB, 4GB |
Unlocked Apple iPhone 11 Water-Resistant | 4G LTE | YES | 128GB, 4GB |
TracFone Prepaid (Locked) Samsung Galaxy | 4G LTE | NO | 128GB, 4GB |
Total Wireless (Locked) Samsung Galaxy | 4G LTE | NO | 32GB, 2GB |
- Fully Unlocked Apple iPhone 12 5G/ LTE iOS Cell Phone
Key Features:
- It comes fully unlocked for all networks
- Has a 6.1-inch, Super Retina FHD+ display
- Runs on a fast A14 Bionic (5 nm) processor
- Includes a rugged, IP68-rated construction
- Can record videos in 4K quality & Slo-Mo mode
- Supports up to WiFi 6 (802.11ax)) protocol & WiFi calling
- Fully Unlocked Google Pixel 4A 5G Snapdragon 765 Android
Key Features:
- It has a 6.2-inch, FHD+ display
- Comes fully unlocked for all networks
- Runs on the Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) processor
- Includes a built-in NFC chip for contactless payments
- Can record videos in 4K quality & Slow-Motion mode
- Support up to WiFi 5 (802.11ac) protocol & WiFi calling
- Total Wireless (Locked) Motorola Moto G Stylus
Key Features:
- It has a 6.8-inch, FHD+ display
- Runs on the Snapdragon 480 5G display
- Comes locked to the Total Wireless network
- Captures vivid images & videos in 1080p@60fps
- Supports WiFi 5 (802.11ac) protocol & WiFi calling
- Has a built-in slot for up to 1TB expandable MicroSD
- TracFone Prepaid (Locked) Samsung Galaxy
Key Features:
- It has a 6.5-inch, FHD+ display
- Comes locked to the TracFone network
- Runs on the Exynos 9611 (10nm) processor
- Has a built-in NFC for contactless payments
- Supports WiFi 5 (802.11ac) protocol & WiFi calling
- Can record videos in 4K quality & Slow-Motion mode
Commonly Asked Questions:
Can you use any unlocked phone with Total Wireless?
In a nutshell, you can use any unlocked phone with Total Wireless considering the necessary carrier bands are available. As an MVNO of Verizon, this means the unlocked phone should have bands 13 and 66 for LTE.
Can I put my Total Wireless SIM card in another phone?
Indeed, you can put a Total Wireless SIM card in another phone that is compatible with the network and cellular technology. If the phone is from another carrier, make sure you’ve unlocked it for guaranteed compatibility.
How do I know if Total Wireless is compatible?
You can know if Total Wireless is compatible with your phone by checking the supported network bands. The MVNO runs on the Verizon network, which means your phone should have at least bans 13 and 66 for LTE. Then bands N2, N5, N66, N77, N260, and N261 for 5G.
Total Wireless Phones Now Unlock Phones Earlier
In conclusion, that’s everything you should know about what phones are compatible with Total Wireless and which are not. It’s a pretty simple analogy as you’ll just need to check the carrier band frequencies available and the network technology (carrier-lock or unlocked).
A Total Wireless (locked) phone is usually guaranteed to work since it already has the unique bloatware from the carrier. But when shopping from a third-party retailer, an unlocked phone is the best option since you can take it to another carrier anytime.
Speaking of unlocking, Total Wireless, or otherwise Total by Verizon will now be unlocking their locked devices automatically after 60 days. And this is a pretty huge leap since TracFone brands previously would unlock your devices after twelve (12) months.