Choosing the Best Phone Plan for Seniors | AT&T
How to choose the best phone plan and phone for seniors
Discover how seniors can save on AT&T Wireless service. Find our best cell phone and wireless plan for your needs—and much more.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- Does AT&T offer wireless service deals for seniors 55+?
- What to look for in a phone plan for seniors
- Who’s eligible for the AT&T 55+ plan?
- Can I bundle my senior phone plan with AT&T internet service?
- Are there other discounts available for seniors besides the AT&T 55+ plan?
- What’s the top cell phone for seniors?
- How to choose the best cell phone.
- What are good phone accessories for seniors?
- Cell phone accessibility tips for seniors
Does AT&T offer wireless service deals for seniors 55+?
Yes—AT&T offers a discounted unlimited plan for eligible customers aged 55+. Save $240 per year when you get two lines.1 (You can have up to ten lines on the AT&T 55+ plan, but you'll get the biggest savings when you have two.)
Here’s what’s included with the discounted plan:
- Unlimited talk, text, and data in and between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. (Roaming data speeds may be limited to 2GB.)
- 10GB hotspot data per line. After 10GB, speeds are slowed to a maximum of 128Kbps.
- AT&T ActiveArmor® mobile security to help stop spam and scams.2
- 5G access with a 5G-compatible phone in a 5G market area.3
It’s easy to add your tablet or smartwatch to your AT&T 55+ plan. For your tablet, add a data-only line for $20 per month. For your smartwatch, add a cellular service plan for $10.99 per month that lets you send texts, make calls, and stream music without your phone nearby.
Plus, customers on the AT&T 55+ plan are backed by the AT&T Guarantee—with the connectivity you depend on, deals you want, and service you deserve, or we make it right. Learn more at att.com/Guarantee
Whether you’re new to AT&T or already a customer, you can confirm your eligibility online, by calling 855.894.8655, or at an AT&T store. Find a store near you.
AT&T may temporarily slow data speeds if the network is busy.
1 Price after discounts with AT&T 55+ plan and eligible Autopay & paperless bill. Taxes and fees extra. Proof of age eligibility req’d or price is $20/more per line
2Req’s compatible device for AT&T ActiveArmor app access. Download of app req’d. Some mobile security features are not available while roaming internationally. Other terms & restr’s apply. Visit att.com/activearmor
3Req's compatible plan & device. Coverage not available everywhere. Learn more at att.com/5Gforyou.
AT&T 55+
The connection you want.
The prices you deserve.
Whether or not you already have the AT&T 55+ wireless plan, the only way to get these special 55+ offers is to call and verify your age. New and existing wireless customers save over $550 per year for wireless and internet.
What to look for in a phone plan for seniors
There are several cell phone plans available for seniors, and choosing the best one depends on your individual needs. You’ll likely want to consider your budget, data usage habits, and your need for 5G connectivity. With the right information, you can find a plan that fits your lifestyle perfectly. Let’s take a deeper dive into some key considerations.
- What is your budget for wireless service?
If affordability is a key factor in choosing a cell phone plan, you might compare discounted senior plans from different providers. Options include both prepaid and postpaid plans, as well as unlimited and capped data plans.
The AT&T 55+ plan offers unlimited talk, text, and data across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.1 It also includes 10GB of hotspot data per line each month and 5G access—all at a discounted monthly rate. With two lines on this plan, you can save up to $240 per year.2
Other affordable options include AT&T Prepaid® and adding a senior as a line on your AT&T family plan. Learn how to add a line to an existing AT&T account
- How much data do you need?
You might be surprised by how much data you use each month. Before deciding if an unlimited or capped data plan is right for you, it’s a good idea to check your current usage to establish a baseline.
For iPhone users, follow these steps to check your data usage:
- Go to Settings
- Select Cellular
- Under Cellular Data, check Current Period to see how much data you’ve used since you last reset your data statistics
- To track your usage over a specific period (like a day or week), scroll to the bottom of the Cellular settings and select Reset Statistics
For Android users, follow these steps to check your data usage:
- Open Settings
- Select Network & internet
- Under the Mobile tab, you’ll see your total data use.
- Select Mobile data usage to view detailed information and graphs about your data usage.
If you’re a heavy data user, an unlimited plan might be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you use data sparingly, capped plans offered by some providers could help you save money.
- How much hotspot data do you need?
Need internet on your tablet or laptop while on the go? A cellular hotspot is a built-in feature that lets your phone share its internet connection with other devices through Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth® (a wireless connection), or a USB cable (a wired connection). This feature is especially useful when you want to connect devices without their own cellular data plans, like when you’re traveling with a tablet or laptop.
Hotspot data limits vary—some plans offer unlimited data, while others have monthly limits. AT&T’s 55+ plan includes 10GB of hotspot data per line per month.3
- Is 5G coverage available?
5G is the fifth generation of cellular technology, delivering faster speeds and better performance than previous generations, like 4G and LTE. To enjoy 5G benefits, you need both a wireless plan with 5G access and a 5G-capable phone. Learn more about 5G
The AT&T 55+ plan includes 5G access. Network access on discounted senior plans from other carriers can vary.
1AT&T may temporarily slow data speeds if the network is busy. Roaming may be at 2GB speeds.
2Annual savings compared to AT&T Value Plus℠ VL plan with two lines.
3After 10GB, hotspot speeds slowed to a maximum of 128Kbps.
Who is eligible for the AT&T 55+ plan?
To qualify for exclusive pricing on the AT&T 55+ plan, you must:
- Be 55 years of age or older
- Have a valid ID showing your date of birth
Eligibility is verified either in-store or online using a valid driver’s license that shows your date of birth. For Nebraska residents, ensure the uploaded image of your driver’s license doesn’t include the barcode or magnetic stripe.
Whether you’re new to AT&T or already a customer, you can confirm your eligibility:
- Online
- By phone at 855.894.8655
- At an AT&T store
Can I bundle my senior phone plan with AT&T internet service?
AT&T has a great bundle offer for 55+ customers. Get two wireless lines and AT&T Internet 300 or AT&T Internet Air® for $99 per month,1 plus taxes and fees. That means you could save over $550 per year for wireless and internet.2 Call 844.357.1436 to verify eligibility.
AT&T Internet 300 delivers fiber optic internet with upload speeds up to 15 times faster than cable internet.3 Learn about AT&T fiber internet plans
AT&T Internet Air is home internet delivered over the reliable AT&T 5G wireless network. It’s easy to set up and start using.4 Please note: If fiber internet is available at your address, you won’t be eligible for AT&T Internet Air.5 Learn about AT&T Internet Air
1Combined price after discounts: AT&T 55+ plan ($70/mo for 2 lines) with eligible AutoPay & paperless bill; and Internet 300 ($29/mo.) after $26/mo. and $10/mo. with eligible AutoPay & paperless bill or AT&T Internet Air ($29/mo.) after $31/mo. and $5/mo. with AutoPay & paperless bill with AT&T 55+ plan. Proof of elig req’d, Discounts start within 3 bills.
2$550 annual savings when compared to AT&T Value Plus VL plan with 2 lines and Internet 300.
3Comparison of AT&T Fiber® starting, mid and high-speed tiers to comparable speed tiers of Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox.
4AT&T Fiber: Limited availability/areas. 5G req's compatible plan & device. Coverage not available everywhere. Learn more at att.com/5Gforyou.
5In rare cases, if your usage is contributing to congestion on the network, AT&T will greatly reduce your speed for a minimum of 30 min. Not available in all areas.
Are there other discounts available for seniors besides the AT&T 55+ plan?
The AT&T 55+ plan is the only senior discount AT&T currently offers on wireless plans. AT&T no longer offers AARP discounts or Florida-specific senior discounts. You should also keep in mind that you can’t combine it with other discounted rate offers, including those for veterans, teachers, nurses, or physicians.
What is the top phone for seniors?
The New York Times named the Apple iPhone 16 Plus the best phone for seniors. It features faster charging, a clinical-grade hearing test in the Health app (compatible with AirPods Pro 2), and an off-the-grid SOS feature using GPS—packed with benefits seniors will appreciate.
SOURCE: New York Times
How to choose the best cell phone for seniors
The best cell phone for seniors depends on individual needs. Some may prefer a full-featured smartphone, a simpler smartphone, a phone with special features to help with memory problems, or even a basic “dumb” phone, like a flip phone. When choosing a phone for seniors, consider these important factors:
- Ease of use: Most seniors look for a cell phone that is easy to set up and navigate.
- Pricing: Many providers and manufacturers offer deals on the latest smartphones and payment plans. If you prefer to pay upfront instead of monthly, be sure to check the device’s full price. Learn about AT&T’s early upgrade program
- Features: Some seniors may need safety and accessibility features, such as larger on-screen buttons. Cell phones made for seniors often have these features built in, but most smartphones support apps that provide similar functionality.
- Service: Most major providers—and some smaller ones—offer cell phone plans tailored for seniors. If you use your phone for data-heavy activities like video calling or streaming, you’ll want a plan with 5G access, like the AT&T 55+ discounted unlimited plan. That means you’ll need a 5G compatible device too.
Wishlist-worthy devices
Our best deals don’t require our most expensive plans.
iPhone 17 Pro
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Galaxy Z Flip7
Galaxy S25 Ultra
Galaxy S25 FE
iPhone Air
iPhone 16e
What are good cell phone accessories for seniors?
Accessories help keep your cell phone charged and protected. When you buy a new phone, consider adding a case, screen protector, phone grip, and wireless charger. Most new phones come with a charger, but having a spare or keeping one in your car can be very useful.
If you have mild to moderate hearing loss, the AirPods Pro 2 earbuds are an excellent choice. They feature a clinical-grade Hearing Aid mode and a Media Assist feature that enhances the clarity of music, videos, and calls. Learn how to use the Hearing Aid feature on your AirPods Pro 2
Cell phone accessibility tips for seniors
There are several cell phones made especially for seniors, like the Jitterbug series, but most seniors find that the accessibility features on regular smartphones meet their needs. You can also download apps designed for seniors to customize your smartphone experience. SeniorLiving.org lists some of the best medical alert apps.
If you choose an iPhone, you can set up Assistive Access. This feature offers a simpler, more focused iPhone experience, making it easier for people with cognitive disabilities to use their phone independently. Learn how to set up Assistive Access on iPhone
More articles and information
AT&T’s 55+ plan
Two lines of unlimited wireless at our lowest price—exclusively for customers 55+.
