You Can Now Test T-Mobile's Network Using an App and eSIM

[MacRumors]

T-Mobile has made it easier than ever for iPhone owners contemplating a carrier switch to test out its network, adding eSIM support to its existing Test Drive Program.

As noted by Light Reading (via The Verge), those who have an iPhone that supports eSIM can download the T-Mobile Network Test Drive app to try out the T-Mobile network, a feature that T-Mobile rolled out last week.

T-Mobile says that the T-Mobile Network Test Drive gives customers up to 30 days or 30GB of high-speed data along with unlimited talk and text for free, while maintaining their current phone number and carrier.

To facilitate this, T-Mobile provides a temporary number that can be used for calls and texts if so desired, though by default, a customer's primary number with an existing network provider will be used for calls and texts.

The Network Test Drive app works with the iPhone XS and newer, as eSIM capabilities are required to use it. The iPhone used for the test must be unlocked, it must be on iOS 14.5 or higher, and an eSIM cannot be in use for a customer's existing provider.

Those who want to sign up can download the T-Mobile Network Test Drive app from the App Store, following the installation and activation instructions from there.

T-Mobile has long offered a Test Drive service to allow customers to try its data network before committing, but prior to the introduction of the eSIM (and for those without eSIM functionality), T-Mobile mailed out hotspot devices.

Article Link: You Can Now Test T-Mobile's Network Using an App and eSIM

 

[alexandr]

i'm already a t-mobile customer, i wonder if i can get better service this way...

 

[KaliYoni]

This is great! Now I don't have to go to a 24-hour convenience store in a distant suburb to get a burner phone. Talk about convenience and COVID safety!!!

 

[mannyvel]

That's odd, so you basically get 30 days of free service over and over?

 

[Apple_Robert]

Nice feature by T-Mobile.

 

[Apple_Robert]

That's odd, so you basically get 30 days of free service over and over?

It isn't over and over.

 

[317342]

I'd switch but for two (2) things...
a) Coverage (e.g., voice, data, 5G, etc.). --Los Angeles metro/county, anyone?
b) T-Mobile can't beat the first responders/teachers discount on ATT.

 

[Macintosh IIvx]

This is great! Now I don't have to go to a 24-hour convenience store in a distant suburb to get a burner phone. Talk about convenience and COVID safety!!!

Clearly you didn't bother to read the post. This uses eSIM, so there is no need to get a SIM card. You can literally download the app and do it all from home.

 

[havenyoung]

Works on cellular iPad as well. Just signed up over the weekend.

That's odd, so you basically get 30 days of free service over and over?

You can sign up every 6 months. I believe it's based on the eSIM IMEI.

• Current T-Mobile, Sprint, and Metro by T-Mobile customers or customers of T-Mobile partners using the T-Mobile network are not eligible (former Test Drive customers must wait six (6) months for eligible to try another test drive).

 

[gte747e]

This is great. I wish Verizon and AT&T would do something similar. I have AT&T but have poor reception inside my home. Curious how Verizon/T-Mobile would be. I'm not sure if my phone is locked though, but I'll look into it.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

That’s very good!

Hope AT&T and Verizon can follow through.

 

[aorr]

Any idea if this would work for testing data on an iPad with esim? (iPad Pro for example?)

 

[sirozha]

i'm already a t-mobile customer, i wonder if i can get better service this way...

Of course. Your service will get twice as good but only for 30 days.

 

[sirozha]

Clearly you didn't bother to read the post. This uses eSIM, so there is no need to get a SIM card. You can literally download the app and do it all from home.

I think you should brush up on your humor skills.

 

[goobot]

Now this is cool, been wanting to try out their network too

 

[WWP99]

Any idea if this will improve the terrible signal strength I have with T-Mobile? I'm with them for the price, not the coverage. which is subpar compared to AT&T and Verizon's coverage (and I've had both so I know what I'm talking about).

 

[jaack]

Any idea if this would work for testing data on an iPad with esim? (iPad Pro for example?)

Yep you can

No, it's a one time deal...

No it isn't, you can do it every 6 months

 

[VARTV]

Welp… just tried this. I’m on VZW. I will NOT be switching to TMO!!! Barely get any signal if any (!!!) around my home (where I use the phone the most). IF I got a TMO signal (upstairs), it hovered around 1M or less down and 0.10 up. The map that came up during installation said I was in LTE-only land with FAIR reception…

 

[alexandr]

Of course. Your service will get twice as good but only for 30 days.

perfect, and then i'll complain to them and force them to make my regular service that good

 

[aardwolf]

I used T-Mobile more than five years ago with the same email address and phone number as I have now. I have since moved to a new house, and tried out the app to check coverage. When I tried to register, it told me that it recognized me and that the trial was only for non-customers. I tried using different email addresses and made up phone numbers, but it still doesn't work for me.

Edit: Changed my first name and it worked

 

[alexandr]

Any idea if this will improve the terrible signal strength I have with T-Mobile? I'm with them for the price, not the coverage. which is subpar compared to AT&T and Verizon's coverage (and I've had both so I know what I'm talking about).

interesting, i noticed absolutely no difference going between t-mobile and at&t and then back again)

 

[NinjaHERO]

This is a very cool use of esim. Great way to test coverage anytime you move to a new area.

 

[nikhsub1]

I have AT&T but have poor reception inside my home.

There is this new invention called wifi calling, you should check it out.

 

[davidjschloss]

Clearly you didn't bother to read the post. This uses eSIM, so there is no need to get a SIM card. You can literally download the app and do it all from home.

Clearly you didn't bother to read the post you're replying to. That's precisely what his joke was—because of the trial and eSim you don't have to go get a burner phone with a burner sim.

 

[benroberts3]

Does not work if you are a former customer of T-Mobile. I am currently on Verizon and had T-Mobile service about five years ago. Tried to use the app to see if it worked better in my current city and it would not let me test.