Last Updated on October 11, 2023 by Ron D. Morgan
The Boost Mobile ‘Bring Your Own Phone’ option allows you to use your Boost Mobile SIM card on any phone. You also have the option of swapping the SIM card to another phone even after activating the SIM.
If you just swapped your Boost Mobile SIM card for another phone and you are getting an error message, this post is for you.
The Boost Mobile phone swap error can occur if the new phone is not compatible to the network, or if the new phone is locked to another network.
This post outlines why your Boost Mobile phone swap is not working and the steps you can take to rectify the issue.
But in a nutshell, if your Boost Mobile Swap Phone is Not Working, it could be that the new phone is not compatible with the Boost Mobile network.
Why Is My Boost Mobile Swap Phone Not Working?
These are some of the possible reasons why you can’t swap your Boost Mobile SIM to another phone.
a. New Phone Not Compatible
One reason your Boost Mobile SIM card is not working on a new phone could be that the new phone is not compatible with the Boost Mobile network.
Boost Mobile has a list of features that a phone must meet to be used on its network. If your phone doesn’t meet these compatibility requirements, you can’t swap or use a Boost Mobile SIM on the phone.
In the latter part of this post, you will find how to check if your phone is compatible to be used on the Boost Mobile network.
b. New Phone Locked To Another Network
You can’t swap your Boost Mobile SIM card to a phone locked to another network carrier. You have to first unlock the phone before you try using a Boost Mobile SIM card on the phone.
If your new phone is locked to another carrier, contact the carrier to unlock the phone. After that, you can try activating the Boost Mobile SIM on the phone.
c. Outdated Network Settings
You need to update the network settings on the new phone to Boost Mobile’s network settings. This updates automatically in some smartphones. But if it doesn’t update automatically, you have to update it manually.
d. SIM Card Not Activated
If the Boost Mobile SIM card you are trying to swap has not been activated, you need to activate it to use on any other phone. That means; you have to complete the activation process first.
Thankfully, the Boost Mobile phone activation process is easy. You just need to follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.
Ways To Fix Boost Mobile Swap Phone Not Working
a. Check For Compatibility
First, you have to check if your new device is compatible with the Boost Mobile network. To do this visit the Boost Mobile Site, enter your Device ID or IMEI Number in the search bar, and click and click on Continue.
To find your Phone ID or IMEI Number dial *#06#. The second option is to check your phone’s settings. Check it on the IOS phone, go to Settings> General> and About. To check the IMEI Number on an Android phone, go to ‘Settings’> ‘About Phone’.
b. Complete Activation Process
After you confirm that your phone is compatible with the Boost Mobile network, the next step is to complete the SIM swap activation process. Follow the step below to complete the SIM swap activation process.
c. Switch off your new phone.
. Remove the SIM tray, place your Boost Mobile SIM card and cover the SIM tray.
. When you turn on your phone, you will find three activation options. Just click OK and wait for the activation process to complete.
Your phone will restart after the activation process. If this doesn’t work, proceed to the next options below.
d. Update Network Settings
If the swap activation process didn’t go through, it means you need to reset the network settings on your device.
Open the dial pad on your new device and dial ##72786#. A warning message will appear on your screen with a yes and no option. Select the YES option.
Wait for your device to restart. After the reset process is complete, you will see the ‘Device Successfully Activated For Service’ below your screen.
Note that the network reset process does not erase any data from your phone or device. The process resets the network settings on your phone to that of Boost Mobile Network.
e. Update PRL Settings
The Preferred Roaming List (PRL) is the file on your device that optimizes network preference and improves coverage. Failure to update the PRL on your phone can affect network connectivity. Follow the steps below to update the PRL settings on your phone:
. Connect your phone to a wireless network.
. Scroll down to Settings and select System Update.
. Select Update PRL and wait for the update to be complete.
. Go back to System Update and select Update Profile.
. Check the screen for confirmation messages and tap OK.
f. Try Swapping The SIM On Another Phone
If the SIM card isn’t working at this point, it could be an issue with your phone. Try inserting the SIM on another phone and complete the SIM swap activation process. If the SIM works on another phone, it means that the new phone is faulty.
g. Contact Boost Mobile Customer Support
If none of the tips provided so far has worked, your final option is to contact Boost Mobile customer support. Call the Boost Mobile customer on 1-833-502-6678. The support person should help you with additional steps to take to solve the issue.
Hi, I’m Ron D. Morgan. TECODY IS MY BRAINCHILD. I’ve worked in a tech startup in the last 7 years. I decided to branch out and start TECODY as a side project to provide tech troubleshooting tips for readers.
Got my two friends who are Nerd Heads too and here we are. The aim here is to provide readers with accurate info to help them resolve basic troubleshooting issues with Network and devices. You can always reach out to us via our Contact Us Page.