How do I switch from one iPhone to another?

Question

Level 1

131 points

How do I switch from one iPhone to another?

I have an iPhone 4S that I've had for a little over a year. I'm very interested in the iPhone 5, but I don't know how - exactly - to go about getting one.

I mean, if I buy a new iPhone from the Apple Store (either online or in the actual store), it will be a new phone with a new plan and number, won't it? I don't want that, I want to replace the 4S on my plan with a 5, but keep the same number. Can I do that through the Apple Store? If so, how? Or do I have to go through AT&T instead? I'm just not sure how to go about doing this.

I don't want to mess around with unlocked phones or anything like that, BTW.

iPhone 4S, iOS 6.0.1

Posted on Feb 24, 2013 7:24 PM

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Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Feb 24, 2013 7:26 PM in response to Babaganoosh

Get the phone from your AT&T service provider.

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Answer 2

Babaganoosh Author

Level 1

131 points

Feb 24, 2013 7:28 PM in response to Kappy

I see. Is that the only way I can do this?

There is an option on the Apple Store website about checking my iPhone upgrade eligibility. So doesn't that mean there's some way to do this directly from Apple?

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Answer 3

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Feb 24, 2013 7:35 PM in response to Babaganoosh

Apple is not your service provider. They merely sell iPhones that are pre-configured to be used on either Spring, Verizon, or AT&T networks. You still must have the phone registered into the network you chose in order to get service.

Apple does not trade-in phones. You can get all the information from Apple at: iPhone 5 - Buy iPhone with Free Shipping - Apple Store (U.S.).

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Answer 4

Babaganoosh Author

Level 1

131 points

Mar 1, 2013 7:29 PM in response to Kappy

ok, so just so I'm clear on this...if I want to upgrade to an iPhone 5, I buy the phone directly through AT&T? I actually *get the phone itself directly from them*?

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Answer 5

roaminggnome

Level 10

106,365 points

Mar 1, 2013 7:39 PM in response to Babaganoosh

You can buy from anyone you like. It does not matter.

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Answer 6

Mar 1, 2013 7:42 PM in response to Babaganoosh

Your number doesn't change when you do an upgrade.

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Answer 7

Babaganoosh Author

Level 1

131 points

Mar 1, 2013 7:58 PM in response to synthantithesis

I know my number would stay the same - that's what I want, of course. 🙂 My question is, if I can get the phone from any source I choose, then how do I let AT&T know that I have the new phone?

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Answer 8

roaminggnome

Level 10

106,365 points

Mar 1, 2013 7:59 PM in response to Babaganoosh

You plug it into itunes and set it up.

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Answer 9

Babaganoosh Author

Level 1

131 points

Mar 1, 2013 8:02 PM in response to roaminggnome

^ But won't that set up the new phone *with a new number*? I had assumed that when you order an iPhone from the Apple Store, it automatically comes with a new number.

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Answer 10

roaminggnome

Level 10

106,365 points

Mar 1, 2013 8:05 PM in response to Babaganoosh

" ^ But won't that set up the new phone *with a new number*? "

Only if you choose to set it up as a new number.

"I had assumed that when you order an iPhone from the Apple Store, it automatically comes with a new number."

Why did you assume this?

It is not so.

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Answer 11

Babaganoosh Author

Level 1

131 points

Mar 1, 2013 8:16 PM in response to roaminggnome

So let me just get this straight...

- The Apple Store website (assuming that's where I buy the new phone) will not ask me whether I'm getting a new number or keeping my old one, and so I don't need to worry about it when I actually buy the new phone itself...

AND

- When activating the new phone for the first time within iTunes, *it* will ask me which of these options I wish to choose? And after it does this, do I need to call AT&T as well, or will iTunes take care of everything?

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Answer 12

salman88

Level 1

4 points

Mar 1, 2013 8:26 PM in response to Babaganoosh

its very simple, you purchase new iphone, and jst insert your sim card in it. apple dsnt have to do anythn wth wateva service provider you use. that problem cms nly wen u get an iphone on contract (for an example with o2), and thn u want to use at&t in that phn. purchased phns are factory unlocked, they dnt have any issues. so, you can change it.

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Answer 13

Babaganoosh Author

Level 1

131 points

Mar 1, 2013 8:28 PM in response to salman88

^ I will not, under any circumstances, buy an unlocked iPhone.

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Answer 14

Mar 3, 2013 7:39 PM in response to Babaganoosh

You can buy from Apple or AT&T...makes no difference. I've upgraded through Apple before and it's hassle free.

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Answer 15

Mar 3, 2013 7:42 PM in response to Babaganoosh

No, only service providers (I.e. signing a new contract) gets you a new #. with AT&T your # and AT&T acct info is tied to your sim. Just insert your SIM card from existing phone to new phone.

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