Buy AT&T phone without plan yet

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Level 1

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Buy AT&T phone without plan yet

Hello,

I am looking to buy an iPhone 12 through the Apple store with it being locked to AT&T. Once I get it I planned to take it to an AT&T store to start a prepaid plan with it. When I looked into getting the phone the website asked for details and made it sound like I'm expected to already have an AT&T account. (I attached the image) Do I need one to get the phone? It mentioned sending some sort of one-time code so I'm hoping that could bypass it. The credit check makes me nervous as well but I hopefully should be fine.

Has anyone done this process? How fast was it? Thank you!

Posted on Mar 10, 2021 5:29 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Limnos

Level 10

426,239 points

Mar 10, 2021 5:37 PM in response to Haleajo

Apple sells locked phones with specific plans as part of an agreement with major carriers. If you want one that doesn't have the plan ATT offers through Apple then buy your phone at ATT or buy an unlocked one and go to any carrier and set it up with them.

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Answer 2

Mar 10, 2021 5:46 PM in response to Haleajo

The subsidy you want comes with a contract commitment for a cellular plan with a duration of a year or two, and that’s all enforced with a carrier lock.

If you want and choose pay-as-you go, with no commitment, you’ll almost certainly need a full-price carrier-unlocked iPhone. No subsidy.

The carrier recoups the offered purchase subsidy over the duration of the cellular plan and the associated contract.

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Answer 3

gntlmnking

Level 4

3,339 points

Mar 10, 2021 5:41 PM in response to Limnos

In addition to what you’ve mentioned, I wondered if the person will pay full price or monthly payments?

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Buy AT&T phone without plan yet

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