Transfer device upgrade eligibility

Find out how to transfer device upgrade eligibility to another line on your wireless account.

DETAILED INFO

What to know

If a line on your account is eligible to upgrade, you may be able to transfer that upgrade to another line on the same account.
You have to go an AT&T store or call us to transfer your eligibility.
Only the account owner, retail authorized user, or authenticated caller can transfer an upgrade. Learn more about user permissions
The transferring and receiving lines must have the same type of device. For example, you can transfer a smartphone upgrade to another line with a smartphone, but you can't transfer it to a line with a tablet.

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If your smartphone isn’t on an installment plan

When you transfer upgrade eligibility to another line on your account:

The line transferring the upgrade must accept any installment terms currently on the line getting the upgrade.
You must upgrade the receiving line’s device during the transfer process.

For example, a mother is eligible for an upgrade, but her son needs a new phone. Her son has 6 months left on his installment plan.

The mother transfers her eligibility to her son’s line. She then assumes the remaining 6 months of the installment plan on her line.
The son upgrades to a new smartphone with a new AT&T Installment Plan or AT&T Installment Plan with Next Up℠.

If your smartphone is on an installment plan with a balance

Before you can transfer upgrade eligibility to someone on your account, you have to do one of the following:

Pay off the balance.
Trade it in, if you have an eligible plan.

Find out if your plan is trade-in and upgrade eligible – and learn how to upgrade early

When you transfer your upgrade eligibility, you:

Must trade it in from the transferring line within 14 days. Learn more about trade-in and upgrade requirements.
Can replace your phone by buying a device outright or bringing your own device.

For example, a mother is eligible for an upgrade and an installment balance, but her son needs a new phone. Plus, he has 3 months remaining on his installment plan.

The mother gives the son her upgrade eligibility and acquires the remaining 3 months of his installment plan. She trades up her current smartphone and brings an older smartphone that she already owns.
The son gets a new smartphone on an installment plan. The new installment plan is attached to his line.

Last updated: July 22, 2019