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Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,798
Registered: ‎03-13-2010

Tracfone - new phone set up

[ Edited ]

So it's been many years since I bought a new tracfone but I got one on sale at HSN (which cost me less than adding a year to my old phone).  I want to be sure I make the transition smoothly and wanted any suggestions.

 

I've seen both Smart Switch and Transfer Wizard mentioned to move over contacts, apps, photos, etc.  Is one better than the other? I know I still need to read over the manual and info I received but I assume I need to charge it up first, then activate and switch over my number, then downloard Transfer Wizard or Smart Switch to move everything over?

 

I've never had a problem with any phones in the past but I have seen bad reviews on many phones over the years where people had some time of issue.  Once I transfer my number I won't be able to transfer it back, so not sure what happens if something is wrong with the phone.

 

My current year is up in about 2 weeks, so hopefully I don't have any problems!  I am hoping to make the change in the next few days.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 47,133
Registered: ‎08-23-2010

Re: Tracfone - new phone set up


@sueinsf wrote:

So it's been many years since I bought a new tracfone but I got one on sale at HSN (which cost me less than adding a year to my old phone).  I want to be sure I make the transition smoothly and wanted any suggestions.

 

I've seen both Smart Switch and Transfer Wizard mentioned to move over contacts, apps, photos, etc.  Is one better than the other? I know I still need to read over the manual and info I received but I assume I need to charge it up first, then activate and switch over my number, then downloard Transfer Wizard or Smart Switch to move everything over?

 

I've never had a problem with any phones in the past but I have seen bad reviews on many phones over the years where people had some time of issue.  Once I transfer my number I won't be able to transfer it back, so not sure what happens if something is wrong with the phone.

 

My current year is up in about 2 weeks, so hopefully I don't have any problems!  I am hoping to make the change in the next few days.


 

@sueinsf 

 

I'm no expert, but earlier this year got a new Samsung and another year with Tracfone.

 

With my old Samsung phone, I copied everything to the new one, NOT transferring the information.  Now I have it on both phones.    

 

I'm guessing if something went haywire with the new Samsung, I could copy the same information from the old one to the new one ... again.   

 

I don't have phone service on my old Samsung, but I have internet because of my household wi-fi.  Just another device added with the new phone.

 

Maybe this will be helpful.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 78,297
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Tracfone - new phone set up

The last time I tried to use it, Transfer Wizard no longer worked.  It's  been 2 years....can't remember what I used.  I guess whatever the instructions said. Had no problem.

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment
Honored Contributor
Posts: 12,531
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Tracfone - new phone set up

I used Transfer Wizard, when I set up my new phone (and DH's) in March.

 

No problem at all transferring everything.  We have the Moto G Stylus II 5G phones now; transferred stuff from the previous Moto version.

 

Just downloaded the app to both phones and did the transfer.

"" A little learning is a dangerous thing."-Alexander Pope
Honored Contributor
Posts: 47,133
Registered: ‎08-23-2010

Re: Tracfone - new phone set up


@Kachina624 wrote:

The last time I tried to use it, Transfer Wizard no longer worked.  It's  been 2 years....can't remember what I used.  I guess whatever the instructions said. Had no problem.


 

@Kachina624 

 

When you're done with Transfer Wizard switching info to another phone, delete it from both phones.

 

Apparently, they have so many updates that you should download and use a "new" version on both phones right before you transfer.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,725
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Tracfone - new phone set up

Have you been backing up your current phone to Google?  If so, contacts, photos, and apps will transfer to the new phone automatically. 

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,708
Registered: ‎12-01-2023

Re: Tracfone - new phone set up

@sueinsf   The last time I purchased a tracfone, I ended up calling the toll free number included to assist me with set up. I was going from one brand phone to a totally different and with my luck, I was afraid I'd mess something up. I always had carryover minutes & texts as well. If the transfer isn't done correctly you can actually lose these if you don't do it just so.  If nervous about it call and they'll stay on and guide you through the entire process.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,798
Registered: ‎03-13-2010

Re: Tracfone - new phone set up

Thanks everyone. I will take these suggestions into consideration. I've never had a problem with a tracfone in the past, so hopefully this one will be fine as well.  Luckily I don't use this phone that much as I have an iphone for work, so as long as the basics work it should be fine.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,798
Registered: ‎03-13-2010

Re: Tracfone - new phone set up

As an update, my phone number, minutes, contacts, etc.transferred over easily and quickly online.  I didn't actually use the Transfer Wizard but may go back to it to transfer some pictures (not that I use the camera on my tracfone much).

 

I am still playing with the phone but so far all is good.  It's similar to my old Samsung but with some upgrades and new features.  The only weird thing is that I got a call from someone I had just added to my contacts and her number popped up on the phone but not her name.  I didn't see anything in my settings that needed to be changed but I'll have to check that out further.