AT&T PREPAID: how to start User guide
- June 4, 2024
- AT&T
Table of Contents
AT&T PREPAID: how to start
INSTALLATIONS
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Step 1
Insert the correct size SIM card – refer to your User or Quick Start Guide or SEARCH online for your device SIM size.
New AT &T PREPAID customer?-
Go to Step 2 for activation instructions
Transferring your number from another carrier? -
Go to Step 2 for activation instructions
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Once activated, dial 611 and say “More Options” at the main menu
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Select “0” to speak to us about transferring your number
Replacing your SIM?
If you already have an active AT&T account there is no need to reactivate a new SIM. Just update the SIM # on your account: Visit att.com/myprepaid -
Select “My Device”
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Update with new SIM #
Or call 800.901.9878 to update the SIM # -
Say “More Options” at the main menu
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Select “0” to speak to us
Need additional assistance?
Call 800.331.0500
NOTE: Visit att.com/mobiletransfer to transfer your contacts.
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Step 2
Activate directly from your phone
Power on the phone and enter the plan
Activation Code includes your zip code.-
Tap Follow the instructions on the phone
Choose your monthly plan:
Other available phone plans:
$30 Monthly Plan
with unlimited talk & text.
Activation Code: 123ZIP Code16#$2 Daily Plan
with unlimited talk & text.
Activation Code: 123ZIP Code02# 25¢ Per Minute Plan
for all nationwide calls.
Activation Code: 123ZIP Code*17# For plan details, visit
att.com/prepaidplans.
Check for a text message and click the link in the message to activate.
If you have trouble activating new service, go online at
att.com/activateprepaid or call 877.426.0525.
Activate your tablet or mobile hotspot
Select a plan and activate your account online -
On a device that is connected to the Internet, go to
att.com/activateprepaiddata
Connect your tablet -
Fully charge your tablet
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Power ON your tablet
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Follow the on screen device set up options
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Or check for a text message and click the link in the message to activate
For plan details, visit att.com/prepaidtablet.
If you’re having trouble activating, call 866.707.5550.
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Step 3
Manage your account-
Sign in using your 10-digit wireless number
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Your initial account password is the last four digits of your wireless number
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When first signing in, a text message will arrive with a new password. Use this new password to complete login
With account management, you can: -
Make a payment to your account
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Set up AutoPay
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Update your plan
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Start a Multi-Line Account
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Protect your phone (eligibility required)
From your smartphone
Open the myAT&T app (or download by texting APP to 8758. Data and messaging rates may apply.)
Onlineatt.com/myprepaid
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From your tablet
To access online account management and receive SMS messages regarding your
account, download the AT&T AllAccess app from your app store.
AT&T PREPAID service
AT&T PREPAID service is subject to the AT&T PREPAID Terms of Service and these Plan Terms or at att.com/prepaidterms (collectively, “AT&T PREPAID Agreement”). Activation and use of AT&T PREPAID service constitute acceptance of the AT&T PREPAID Agreement. For details on availability, charges, restrictions, and conditions on all AT&T PREPAID phone plans and Add-Ons, go to att.com/prepaidplans.
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AT &T PREPAID Coverage Map.
The coverage map shows the scope of your coverage area. Map depicts an approximation of outdoor coverage. Actual coverage area may differ substantially from area shown on map, as coverage may be affected by terrain, weather, foliage, buildings and other construction, signal strength, customer equipment and other factors which do not allow AT&T to guarantee coverage or network availability. You must be in the AT&T PREPAID coverage area to place or receive calls. Future coverage, if depicted on map, is based on current planning assumptions but is subject to change and may not be relied upon. Your device’s display does not indicate the rate you will be charged. -
Requirements.
Eligible device required. Plans designed for use on eligible devices as specified in these Plan Terms or at att.com/prepaidplans. Unless permitted by plans, a plan designed for one type of device may not be used with another type of device by tethering devices together, by SIM card transfer, or any other means. If you: a) use any AT&T PREPAID service excessively, abusively or fraudulently; b) resell or rebill our Services either alone or as part of any other good or service; c) use a plan with a non-designated device or without all of the required elements of the plan, you agree that AT&T may, at its sole discretion: (1) suspend or terminate your AT&T PREPAID service or your AT&T PREPAID account; (2) remove any element of the plan (voice, data or messaging service) from being used on a non-designated device; or (3) place an appropriate plan on any non-complying device. 900 numbers are not available. Plans, charges, rates and services are subject to change at any time. -
Charges.
Voice usage deducted in full-minute increments with partial minutes rounded up to next full minute at end of each call. Additional charges plus airtime apply to Directory Assistance calls. On certain plans, per-minute charges and/or the plan charge applies to calls made using features including Call Waiting, Call Forwarding, 3-Way Calling and voicemail access and retrievals, and standard airtime charges apply to 800, 866, 877 and other toll-free calls. Nationwide calling included within the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, & U.S. Virgin Islands, and to American Samoa, Guam and Mariana Islands. Taxes and other fees: In many jurisdictions, certain recurring fees or taxes will be debited from your account balance as allowed by law. Other taxes, surcharges and fees apply on top of refill denominations. Free calls: 611 calls to AT&T automated customer service, calls to inquire about balances, and 911 emergency calls are free. 611 calls may not work in all areas. -
Payment and Cancellation.
You must make a payment to your account within 26 days of activation, or your account will be canceled. AT&T PREPAID cards and other account payments are nontransferable and nonrefundable. The 888 command for payment only works with PINS/Cards purchased from AT&T-owned retail stores and select authorized retail locations and may not work on all device types. Amounts deposited into your account expire in accordance with the stated payment denomination expiration period ($10-$24 payments expire in 30 days, $25 to $99 in 90 days, $100 or more in 365 days). Unused account balance forfeited upon expiration. If you are on a monthly plan, the applicable plan charge for each renewal period will automatically be deducted from your account balance at the end of the day (11:59pm Central Time) on your plan’s payment due date. Applicable plan charge for any AT&T PREPAID plan is not refundable and not exchangeable, and any unused services of your plan are forfeited if you change to another plan during your plan’s period. If your account balance is insufficient to pay the applicable plan charge, you will not be able to use your plan services, data services, or any pay-per-use services until you make a payment to your AT&T PREPAID account with the applicable amount or your plan is renewed. AT&T PREPAID accounts for phone plans will be canceled 60 days after expiration. AT&T PREPAID accounts for data plans will be canceled 365 days after expiration. A new wireless phone number is required to reactivate service once account is canceled. Account balance limit is $700. -
Monthly Plans and Add-Ons.
Monthly plans and Add-Ons good for 30 days at applicable charge. Monthly plans expire at 11:59 p.m. C.S.T. on the 30th day. When you first activate a plan, the day that the plan is activated counts as the first full day and counts towards the first 30 days, so your plan may be less than a full thirty days during first month depending on time of plan activation. 6. -
Voice, Data & Messaging Services for Mobile Phones.
General:. Availability of specific services, the time period during which services are available, and eligible devices vary depending on the plan. Voice: Nationwide minutes included in plans intended for domestic use only unless on a Monthly plan that includes in-country calls while in Mexico & Canada. Calling from the U.S. includes calling from the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, & U.S. Virgin Islands. Additional charges apply to all other international calls, including calls using Wi-Fi Calling. Wi-Fi Calling: Requires Wi-Fi Calling-capable smartphone, Wi-Fi network, and eligible rate plan. Excludes pay-per-use plans. Once enabled, phone automatically makes/receives calls/text messages over Wi-Fi in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands if wireless network coverage is weak or unavailable, or outside of these areas where available anytime you connect to a Wi-Fi network. Wi-Fi Calling is available on select devices. If you move in or out of Wi-Fi coverage while on a Wi-Fi call, your call will disconnect unless you have AT&T HD Voice coverage (911 calls will disconnect even if you are within HD Voice coverage). HD Voice not available everywhere. To enable Wi-Fi Calling, must have AT&T PREPAID account provisioned for HD Voice. Visit att.com/hdvoice for more details. Unlimited Messaging: Unlimited messaging includes unlimited text, picture and video messages within the U.S., Puerto Rico, & U.S. Virgin Islands (and in Mexico and Canada on plans that include calling while in Mexico & Canada) and to select countries. For a list of countries, go to att.com/prepaidintltext.
Pay-Per-Minute Plan: Voice calls, text messages and data usage charged at the prevailing per minute/per message/per usage rates. Pay-per-use data service available only on basic and messaging phones. If using data service on a pay-per-use basis, the account balance must be at least $5. Plan does not allow Wi-Fi Calling. Daily Plan: Daily plan includes unlimited nationwide calling and unlimited messaging for a rate charge assessed and paid each day phone is used to make or receive voice calls, including a call to voice mailbox or Wi-Fi call, or send a text or picture/video/sound message. The day for purposes of Daily plan rate charge starts when you make a call, accept an incoming call, or send a message and ends 24 hours later based on when you took action to activate Daily plan. If you move in or out of Wi-Fi coverage during a Wi-Fi call when your 24 hours expires, a new 24 hour period will begin and the daily plan charge will apply. A minimum account balance is sufficient to pay Daily plan rate charge required to place or receive first call of the day or send a message. Data: Pay-per-use data service is automatically available for basic and messaging phones at the prevailing pay- per-use data rate. A Data Add-On is available for an additional charge for all device types. Once Data Add-On is depleted, basic/messaging phone users will automatically revert to pay-per-use data. To continue using data on a smartphone, customer must purchase another Data Add-On or be restricted to Wi- Fi. Monthly Plans: Monthly plans include unlimited nationwide calling and unlimited messaging. Certain Monthly plans may include data service. Data: Data availability and allotments vary by plan. Certain Monthly plans for smartphones include a high-speed data allowance and, thereafter, unlimited data usage at reduced data speeds of up to 128 Kbps for the rest of the 30-day plan term. Certain Monthly plans for basic and messaging phones include a data allowance at speeds up to 3G and, thereafter, unlimited data usage at reduced data speeds of up to 128 Kbps for the rest of the 30-day plan term. In addition, some AT&T PREPAID data plans may provide data at a maximum speed, as set forth in the plan details. Actual speeds vary by device and location. For specific data allowance and speeds on these plans and other details, see the AT&T PREPAID brochure or go to att.com/prepaidplans. Data Add-On available on certain Monthly plans for an additional cost. Pay-per-use data not available on Monthly plans. -
Data Services for Tablets and Mobile Hotspots.
General: Data plans may only be used with eligible tablets and stand-alone mobile hotspot devices. Data plans include specific data allotments. Unused data allowances do not roll over. International data roaming not available. -
Add-Ons.
General: Add-Ons good for 30 days. Voice, Data and Messaging Add-Ons contain a specific allotment of voice minutes, data usage, or messages. International Calling Add-Ons contain a specific allotment of voice minutes or reduced pay- per-minute rates. You must have an active (not expired) plan to purchase or renew an Add-On. If your account balance expires before the last day of the Add-On term, Add-On cannot be used and the remaining time on Add-On will continue to run unless you add money to your account during the remaining days of the Add-On period. An Add-On is depleted when you use the entire allotment. Renew an Add-On before its expiration date and any unused allotment will roll over to your renewed Add-On time period. Unlimited Add-Ons and the East Asia/India and Latin America/Caribbean Add-Ons do not roll over. Standard rates apply if Add-On not renewed after the 30 days.
Data Add-Ons:
Monthly: When you add a data Add-On to a Monthly plan that includes a data allotment, the use of data will be counted first against your data Add-On instead against the data allotment of your plan. If a Monthly plan includes a data allotment, the unused portion of the data allotment in your plan will remain available for use until the last day of your plan term, provided you deplete your data Add-On. Thus, you should not add a data Add-On to a plan that includes a data allotment until your data allotment is about to be depleted. If you renew your plan during the term of your data Add-On, any data remaining in your data Add-On will continue to be used until the data Add-On expires or is depleted. Daily: A Data Day Pass Add-On for the Daily plan is available for an additional charge. The Data Day Pass Add-On begins at the time you purchase the Add-On and ends 24 hours later. After data Add-On expires or is depleted, usage will be charged according to your underlying plan. Monthly Messaging Add-Ons: Includes an allotment of nationwide messages (voice, picture or video) and may be added only to the Pay-Per-Minute plan. Monthly International Calling Add-Ons: Countries and/or call destinations not included in Add-Ons charged at standard pay-per-use rates for international long distance. For details on pay-per-use charges, go to att. com/prepaidintl. Add-Ons with an allotment of minutes may not be purchased more than twice within any 30 day period, or AT&T reserves the right to block international calling and/or suspend or terminate your AT&T PREPAID service. International Add-On: Includes an allotment of minutes from the U.S. to landline and/or mobile numbers in specific countries. For a list of countries, see att.com/prepaidintld. International Plus Add-On: Includes an allotment of minutes from the U.S. to landline and/or mobile numbers in specific countries. Can only be added to select monthly plans. For a list of countries and details, see att.com/prepaidintlplus. East Asia/India Add-On: Includes unlimited calls from the U.S. to landlines and mobiles in China, India, Hong Kong, Singapore and South Korea plus reduced pay-per-minute rates to specific countries in the region. For a list of countries, see att.com/prepaidasia. Can only be added to select monthly plans. Latin America/Caribbean Add-On: Includes reduced pay-per-minute rates to specific countries in the region. For a list of countries, see att.com/prepaidlatinamerica. Can only be added to select monthly plans. Dominican Republic Add-On: Unlimited calls to landlines and 10¢ per-minute calls to mobile numbers when dialing from the U.S. to the Dominican Republic. Available to select monthly plans only. -
Pay-Per-Use Text/Picture/Video Messaging.
You may remove any pay-per-use service by contacting customer service. There is a charge per message sent or received, whether read or unread, solicited or unsolicited. -
Data.
The absolute capacity of AT&T’s wireless data network is limited; consequently, data services may only be used for permitted activities. Pricing and data allowances for data services are device dependent and based on the capabilities and capacity of each device. Data services are designed for use with one of the following device types: (1) Smartphones, (2) basic and messaging phones, (3) tablets and (4) stand-alone mobile hotspot devices. Data-only plans are available for use on eligible smartphones, tablets and stand-alone mobile hotspot devices. A data service designed for one type of device may not be used with another type of device. Data services and data plans do not allow access to corporate email, company intranet sites, and other business applications. Data speeds are not guaranteed and subject to your device limitations. AT&T may reduce your data throughput speeds at any time or place if your data usage exceeds an applicable, identified usage threshold during any billing cycle. AT&T will provide you with advance notice of the usage threshold applicable to your data plan, or any changes to the applicable usage threshold either by an email, text message or other appropriate means. Data usage is charged in five-kilobyte increments, and actual transport usage is rounded up to the next five kilobytes. Data charges are based on the location of the site receiving and transmitting service and not your location. Mobile broadband, 4G and 4G LTE access requires a compatible device. Data usage applies when using Instant Messaging, and downloading ringtones, games and graphics. In some cases, our network will resend data packets to ensure complete delivery. You will be charged for these re-sent packets. For more details on permitted and prohibited uses of data services, see AT&T PREPAID Terms of Service at att.com/prepaidterms.- Stream Saver®: is included on certain AT&T PREPAID plans that have data included or that allow a Data Add-On to be added. Stream Saver allows you to save data by streaming most higher definition video at Standard Definition quality (about 480p) on compatible devices (unless the video provider has opted out). If your plan is eligible for Stream Saver, AT&T will turn it on for you. Check your account online to see if it is turned on. You may then turn it off or back on at any time at att.com/myprepaid. Multi-Line account owners and members manage Stream Saver settings for their own lines. Stream Saver will not recognize all video content. Ability to stream and video resolution may vary and be affected by other factors. See att.com/streamsaver for more details.
- Sponsored Data: is included on select AT&T PREPAID plans. See att.com/prepaidsponsoreddata. Compatible device with active, eligible plan required. Sponsored Data use does not count toward the high-speed data allowance included in those plans. Available only over AT&T’s domestic wireless network. You must have a high-speed data balance still available to initiate a sponsored data session of streaming video. If you need additional high-speed data, a data Add-On is available to purchase. Turning Sponsored Data off does not prevent access to data or any content; it will result in high-speed data usage being charged against your existing plan balance.
- Unlimited Data : is included with select AT&T PREPAID plans. Unlimited Data is for use in the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (and in Mexico and Canada on the monthly plans that include calling in Mexico and Canada). For all data usage on the AT&T PREPAID $65 Unlimited plan, customers may temporarily experience reduced speeds during periods of network congestion. For the AT&T PREPAID $85 Unlimited Plus plan, after 22 GB of data usage per line per month, customers may temporarily experience reduced speeds during periods of network congestion until the next renewal period. See also the discussion of data speed in Section 6.0 above.
- Rollover DataSM: Available for mobile phones on select plans only and only if your plan renews on time. Unused high-speed data (or up to 3G speeds on basic/messaging phones) from your monthly plan allowance rounds up to the nearest MB & carries over for one 30-day renewal period. Unused Rollover Data automatically expires after one renewal period or with any plan change (such as changing data amounts, cancellation or balance expiration). Rollover Data is used after your monthly high-speed plan allowance or any Data Add-On.
- Data with Wi-Fi Hotspot/Tethering: Tethering is a wireless or wired method in which your AT&T PREPAID mobile device is used as a modem or router to provide an internet access connection to other devices, such as laptops, network, tablets, smartphones, other phones, USB modems, network routers, mobile hotspots and other data-capable devices. Unless otherwise specified, monthly plans enable data Wi-Fi hotspot/tethering on smartphones, and you may use such plans for tethering in the U.S., Puerto Rico & U.S. Virgin Islands (and in Mexico and Canada on the monthly plans that include calling in Mexico and Canada), subject to your device limitations.
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International Calling.
Per-minute international long distance charges apply in addition to regular airtime charges unless you purchase an International Calling Add-On with an allotment of minutes or are on a Monthly plan that includes unlimited calling from the U.S. to Mexico and Canada. If on a Monthly plan with an allotment of nationwide minutes, your international long distance calls will not be counted against your voice allotment, but you will be charged 10 cents per minute plus the applicable international long distance charge for your international long distance minutes. See att.com/prepaidintl for a list of available countries, rates and other details. -
Unlimited Voice Services.
Unlimited voice services are provided for reasonably uninterrupted live dialogue between two individuals. AT&T may, in its sole discretion, terminate your Service or change your plan to one with no unlimited voice usage if AT&T reasonably determines or has a reasonable basis to believe that you are engaged in any of the following prohibited activities: -
tethering AT&T PREPAID service except as expressly permitted herein;
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maintaining an open line of communication to provide dispatch or monitoring services;
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accessing or providing access to multi-party chat line services (separate calls initiated by you but not bridged together);
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using the Service with a SIM box or SIM server network to generate or simulate voice calls;
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transmitting broadcasts;
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transmitting pre-recorded materials;
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telemarketing;
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initiating autodialed calls;
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initiating any other calls or connections that are not for the purposes of uninterrupted live dialog between individuals;
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using the Service for any fraudulent purpose; or
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reselling or rebilling the Service either alone or as part of any other good or service.
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Caller Number ID.
Your wireless number may be displayed on outbound calls to other phones with Caller ID capability. Contact customer service for information on blocking the display of your wireless number. -
Conference Calling and Call Forwarding.
If your use of conference calling, including any variation thereof, or call forwarding exceeds 750 minutes per month, AT&T may, at its option, impose a 25¢ per minute usage charge for all calling over 750 minutes using one or more of these features, terminate your service or change your plan to one with no unlimited usage components. AT&T will provide notice that it intends to take any of the above actions, and you may terminate the AT&T PREPAID service. -
Off-net Usage.
For a listing of available off-net and international roaming locations, where per-minute usage or roaming rates apply, go to att.com/prepaid. For any other off-net usage, AT&T may at its option, impose a per minute usage charge or terminate your service. AT&T will provide notice that it intends to take either of the above actions, and you may terminate your service. -
AT &T PREPAID Multi-Line.
Activation, acceptance of an invitation to join, and/or use of a AT&T PREPAID Multi-Line Account constitutes acceptance of the AT&T PREPAID Multi-Line Agreement. For details on availability, charges, restrictions, and conditions on eligible phone plans, go to att.com/multiline. © 2019 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.
FAQs
What is AT &T PREPAID?
AT&T PREPAID is a prepaid wireless service that allows you to pay for your phone service upfront, without the need for a contract.
How do I sign up for AT &T PREPAID?
You can sign up for AT&T PREPAID online, over the phone, or in-store at an AT&T store.
What documents do I need to sign up for AT &T PREPAID?
To sign up for AT&T PREPAID, you will need a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport.
How much does AT &T PREPAID cost?
AT&T PREPAID offers a variety of plans at different price points, starting at $30 per month.
What is included in AT &T PREPAID plans?
AT&T PREPAID plans typically include a certain amount of high-speed data, unlimited talk and text, and may include other features like international calling or mobile hotspot.
Can I bring my own phone to AT &T PREPAID?
Yes, you can bring your own phone to AT&T PREPAID as long as it is compatible with their network.
How do I check if my phone is compatible with AT &T PREPAID?
You can check if your phone is compatible with AT&T PREPAID by visiting their website or by contacting customer service.
Can I keep my current phone number with AT &T PREPAID?
Yes, you can typically keep your current phone number when switching to AT&T PREPAID.
How do I activate my AT &T PREPAID account?
To activate your AT&T PREPAID account, you will need to follow the instructions provided with your SIM card and set up your account online or through the AT&T PREPAID app.
How do I refill my AT &T PREPAID account?
You can refill your AT&T PREPAID account online, through the AT&T PREPAID app, or by purchasing a refill card at an AT&T store.
Can I change my AT &T PREPAID plan?
Yes, you can change your AT&T PREPAID plan at any time by logging into your account online or through the AT&T PREPAID app.
Yes, you can change your AT &T PREPAID plan at any time by logging into your account online or through the AT&T PREPAID app.
If you run out of high-speed data on your AT&T PREPAID plan, your data speed will be slowed down to 2G until your next billing cycle.
What is the coverage area for AT &T PREPAID?
AT&T PREPAID uses the same network as AT&T postpaid, so their coverage area is extensive and covers most areas in the United States.
Can I get customer support for AT &T PREPAID?
Yes, AT&T PREPAID offers customer support through their website, app, or by calling their customer service line.
Is there a contract for AT &T PREPAID?
No, there is no contract for AT&T PREPAID. You pay for your service on a month-to-month basis.
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
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