Q: How do I upgrade my phone with AT&T Next Up Anytime SM ?

With AT&T Next Up Anytime 1 , you can upgrade to the latest cell phone each year. For an extra $10 per month, you can upgrade your cell phone anytime (after making your first payment) without having to worry about the remaining balance of your installment plan, so long as you turn in your current phone. Every year, or once you’ve paid off one-third of your phone’s cost, you’ll be eligible for our smartphone deals (maximum three upgrades in a 12-month period). 1 Early upgrade elig. with qual. turn in. $0 offer may not be available on latest iPhone. Next Up Anytime feature may be discontinued at any time. Limits & restr’s apply.

Q: Can I upgrade my cell phone if I have a balance on my installment plan?

If you’ve signed up with AT&T Next Up Anytime 1 , you won’t have to worry about the remaining balance of your installment plan. Next Up Anytime allows you to upgrade your cell phone anytime (after making your first payment) as long as you turn in your current phone (with a maximum three upgrades in a 12-month period). If you don’t have an early upgrade program on your account and would like to upgrade your cell phone, you’ll either need to pay off the remaining balance on your old phone at checkout or pay off your remaining balance ahead of time. 1 Early upgrade elig. with qual. turn in. $0 offer may not be available on latest iPhone. Next Up Anytime feature may be discontinued at any time. Limits & restr’s apply.

Question 1

Does AT&T have phone upgrade deals for existing customers?

Accepted Answer

If you’re looking to upgrade, AT&T has a variety of smartphones you can get at no extra cost with an eligible trade-in.

Whether you’re in the market for one of the newest iPhones, like iPhone Air or iPhone 17 Pro, or one of the latest Android phones, like the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, our best cell phone deals are available online and in AT&T retail stores.

Question 2

How can I check my upgrade eligibility or device balance?

Accepted Answer

You can check upgrade eligibility or remaining device balance by signing in to your account or the myAT&T App. Once you sign in, you’ll see the upgrade options for each line on the account. You can then check the box Upgrade this device > Upgrade.

Question 3

How do I upgrade my phone with AT&T Next Up Anytime^SM?

Accepted Answer

With AT&T Next Up Anytime¹, you can upgrade to the latest cell phone each year. For an extra $10 per month, you can upgrade your cell phone anytime (after making your first payment) without having to worry about the remaining balance of your installment plan, so long as you turn in your current phone. Every year, or once you’ve paid off one-third of your phone’s cost, you’ll be eligible for our smartphone deals (maximum three upgrades in a 12-month period).

¹Early upgrade elig. with qual. turn in. $0 offer may not be available on latest iPhone. Next Up Anytime feature may be discontinued at any time. Limits & restr’s apply.

Question 4

Can I upgrade my cell phone if I have a balance on my installment plan?

Accepted Answer

If you’ve signed up with AT&T Next Up Anytime¹, you won’t have to worry about the remaining balance of your installment plan. Next Up Anytime allows you to upgrade your cell phone anytime (after making your first payment) as long as you turn in your current phone (with a maximum three upgrades in a 12-month period).

If you don’t have an early upgrade program on your account and would like to upgrade your cell phone, you’ll either need to pay off the remaining balance on your old phone at checkout or pay off your remaining balance ahead of time.

¹Early upgrade elig. with qual. turn in. $0 offer may not be available on latest iPhone. Next Up Anytime feature may be discontinued at any time. Limits & restr’s apply.

Question 5

Can I upgrade if my bill isn’t up-to-date, or if I have a post-dated payment?

Accepted Answer

To leverage an advertised upgrade offer or deal, your account will need to be up to date. Otherwise, your selected device will appear as a full price item in the cart summary.

Question 6

Should I upgrade my phone?

Accepted Answer

Deciding whether to upgrade your phone depends on several factors, like your current phone's performance, your budget, and your personal preferences. Here are some things to consider when you’re deciding if you should upgrade your phone:

Performance: If your current phone is slow, frequently crashes, or struggles to run the latest apps and updates, it might be time for an upgrade.
Battery life: If your phone's battery drains quickly or doesn't hold a charge like it used to, upgrading to a new phone with better battery life could be beneficial.

Camera quality: If you enjoy taking photos and videos, upgrading to a phone with a better camera can significantly improve your photography experience.

Storage capacity: If you're constantly running out of storage space on your current phone, upgrading to a phone with more storage can help you avoid having to delete files and apps to make room for new ones.
Features: Newer phones often come with new features and technologies, such as improved security, 5G connectivity, or advanced AI capabilities. If these features are important to you, upgrading might be worth it.

Budget: If you can afford a new phone without straining your finances, it might be a good time to upgrade.

Device age: If your current phone is several years old, it may no longer receive software updates and security patches, which can leave it vulnerable to security risks.

Ultimately, the decision to upgrade your phone is a personal one. Weigh the pros and cons based on your individual needs and preferences to determine if upgrading is the right choice for you.

Question 7

When is the best time to upgrade my phone?

Accepted Answer

The best time to upgrade your phone can vary depending on your individual circumstances and preferences. However, here are some general guidelines to help you determine the optimal time to upgrade:

New model releases: If you're interested in getting the latest features and technologies, consider upgrading when a new model is released. This typically happens once a year for most major smartphone manufacturers, such as Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel.

Discounts and promotions: Keep an eye out for discounts, promotions, or trade-in deals offered by carriers and retailers. These can help you save money on your new phone. Promotions often occur around major holidays, such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or during back-to-school season.

End of support: If your current phone is no longer receiving software updates and security patches, it's a good time to consider upgrading to a newer model that will continue to receive support.

Performance issues: If your current phone is experiencing significant performance issues, such as slow speeds, frequent crashes, or poor battery life, upgrading to a new phone can provide a better user experience.

Contract expiration: If you're on a contract with your carrier, you may be eligible for an upgrade once your contract is up. This can be a good time to upgrade, as you may qualify for special pricing or promotions.

Personal budget: Consider your financial situation when deciding to upgrade. If you can comfortably afford a new phone without straining your budget, it might be a good time to upgrade

Ultimately, the best time to upgrade your phone will depend on your individual needs, preferences, and financial situation. Keep these factors in mind when deciding when to make the switch to a new device.

Question 8

How often should you upgrade your phone?

Accepted Answer

How often you should upgrade your phone depends on your personal preferences, budget, and the performance of your current device. Here are some general guidelines to help you decide:

Typical upgrade cycle: Many people upgrade their phones every two to three years. This timeframe allows for significant improvements in technology and features between devices while still getting good use out of your current phone.

Performance: If your current phone is still performing well with no significant slowdowns, crashes, or battery issues, you may not need to upgrade as frequently.
Budget: If upgrading more frequently would strain your budget, it's better to wait until you can comfortably afford a new device.

Software updates: Most smartphones receive software updates and security patches for around two to three years. Once your phone stops receiving these updates, it may be more vulnerable to security risks, and upgrading to a newer model could be a good idea.
New features: If you're interested in the latest features and technologies, you might want to upgrade more frequently to take advantage of new advancements.

Ultimately, the decision of how often to upgrade your phone is a personal one. Consider your individual needs, preferences, and financial situation when determining the best upgrade frequency for you.

Phone Upgrade: Eligibility, Upgrade Early & Deals | AT&T

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