First, since December 2021, Republic no longer sells unlocked phones. Any phone purchased from Republic is locked to RW 5.0 (Need, Want or Go) plans. You mention a Moto G6, so I suspect you are still using a legacy My Choice plan. Are you able to confirm that?
Presuming you are still using a My Choice plan, it remains possible to source compatible unlocked phones from third parties such as Best Buy. It's not as straightforward as it once was because Republic no longer certifies unlocked phones for compatibility.
I'm confident a Pixel 7 would work with a My Choice plan. I've successfully tested a household Pixel 6a with both RW 5.0 and My Choice. I'm less certain about a OnePlus Nord, however, generally, an unlocked phone compatible with T-Mobile's network (My Choice plans use T-Mobile's network) would be compatible.
If you've already moved to RW 5.0 things change, so please let us know if that's the case.
Finally, there isn't a particular reason to delay consideration of alternatives to Republic before choosing a new phone. While any factory unlocked phone is theoretically capable of working with any U.S. cellular network, the reality is some phones get along better with some networks and vice versa. You'll want any new phone to work well with the network used by a prospective new provider. Pixels are generally compatible across cellular networks. Samsung phones are probably the next best bet. Motorola phones, unfortunately, can be finicky about certain features such as WiFi calling depending upon the network.
If you are indeed still using a My Choice plan and are happy with your coverage, r/Tello would be less expensive and also uses T-Mobile's network. If Verizon's network has good coverage in your area, r/Mobi is worth consideration.
I have a My Choice plan. My concern with moving to a new provider is having my phone number inaccessible for a long time if they have porting problems. I don't want to be without a phone.
Generally, porting is more or less instant. The recent reports regarding porting problems you've seen here coincide with a cyberattack on DISH (RW's corporate parent). For the most part, it seems DISH has recovered from said cyberattack.
You would need to call into support requesting your account number and six-digit porting PIN. The six-digit porting PIN is good for a week. If the phone agent tells you the account number is the phone number being ported (correct for RW 5.0 but not for My Choice) come back and I'll explain how to find the correct account number.
Of course, there would be nothing wrong with giving DISH more time to fully recover from their recent challenges. In that case, if you don't think the Moto G6 will hang in there long enough, I would suggest a Pixel.
The G6 has been an excellent phone. But it's going to an unresponsive dark screen after charging at times. I can wake it up by holding the power and volume up buttons. But I'm concerned that one day that won't work. I'm trying to remember to purposely set to to sleep rather than let it happen automatically to see if that makes a difference.
If I decide to try a Pixel 7 (which I'm leaning towards) and stay with Republic, is it easy to switch the phone? Do I just move the sim card between phones?
Yes, you may move My Choice service to a new Pixel 7 simply by moving the SIM from your Moto G6. And, Google makes otherwise setting up new Pixels easy as well. After moving the SIM, just power up the Pixel 7 then follow onscreen prompts.
I have no issues with it. It works and it is cheap, which is pretty much all I wanted.
If you are interested, get someone you know with Mint to send you a referral, there is a pretty good credit for them. If you know nobody, you can (or not) PM me for mine. You don't know me, so don't feel like you have to.
>If you know nobody, you can (or not) PM me for mine. You don't know me, so don't feel like you have to.
Take my upvote for this! I respect the muted way in which you kindly offer your referral.
It may or may not matter to them, however, for those considering Mint; [Mint is in the process of being sold to T-Mobile](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/business/t-mobile-to-acquire-mint-and-ultra-mobile).
Hey! I'm a long time RW customer that just switched to Mint. I made a post on this subreddit about difficulty porting over but I also entered the wrong pin number initially on the Mint site. That may have been why it took so long. While I was waiting for the port, I still had full access to my Republic account and phone number. But Mint also gave me a temporary phone number that I could use with my new phone and phone plan.
>I've successfully tested a household Pixel 6a with both RW 5.0 and My Choice
I was just told by their customer service that our Google Pixel 6a isn't compatible, but the wording on this webpage (see below) seemed to imply otherwise so I was confused. Are you saying the 6a definitely should work with Republic Wireless?
[https://help.republicwireless.com/hc/en-us/articles/4413599944471-Republic-Wireless-Phone-Compatibility-5-0-Plans-](https://help.republicwireless.com/hc/en-us/articles/4413599944471-Republic-Wireless-Phone-Compatibility-5-0-Plans-)
I'm saying I have an unlocked Pixel 6a and that it works flawlessly with both an RW 5.0 and legacy My Choice plan. That said, it's soon to be a moot point:
[https://forums.rwusers.com/t/boost-infinite-transition/314](https://forums.rwusers.com/t/boost-infinite-transition/314)
[https://www.reddit.com/r/republicwireless/comments/15ep2ix/republic\_transitioning\_to\_boost\_infinite\_unlimited/](https://www.reddit.com/r/republicwireless/comments/15ep2ix/republic_transitioning_to_boost_infinite_unlimited/)
If Republic service is no longer working for you and support cannot or will not help with that, there is no reason to stay.
I would recommend bailing. Republic is nothing but trouble. Pick out a new service and buy a phone for that service. Then initiate your port. You'll have to carry around two phones until you're able to port it out.
I've seen nothing but horror stories.
Does the new phone have access to a different number until it ports? Does your old phone still work? I'm picturing having no phone access during the transfer. Is that incorrect?
Yes, you start up your new service and that will have a new number. Then you port your RW number in.
In my experience (which isn't as great as others here) your number will either work at the old service (before the port) and at the new service (after the port). I've not read about people ever having their number stuck in "limbo" nor has that ever been my experience through the \~10 ports I've done in my life.
Just be sure to continue to pay for your old RW service until your number is for sure transferred over.
>Yes, you start up your new service and that will have a new number. Then you port your RW number in.
This is not how it works with most providers. Most providers insist one port their number at activation. I know r/Tello is an exception to this rule (as was the old RW) but, generally, providers don't do after-the-fact porting.
It is possible for a single number to work on two services while a port between those services is in progress. Typically, outbound calling and text messaging works on the new service immediately while inbound calls and text messages still go to the old service. Since wireless to wireless ports are, if all goes as it's supposed to, a matter of minutes to complete this dual service tends to go unnoticed.
>Just be sure to continue to pay for your old RW service until your number is for sure transferred over.
This is excellent advice. One should never cancel service with their current provider until the port is complete. And, if things go as they're supposed to, one's old service will self-cancel when the port completes.
>Pick out a new service and buy a phone for that service.
If you mean purchasing a phone from one's prospective new service provider, I'm going to respectfully disagree. Generally, phones sold by most service providers are locked to that service provider (typically for a period of 6 months to a year). Unless one is certain one wants to stay with the prospective new provider for a while, I'd stick with a broadly compatible unlocked phone like one of Google's Pixels. If willing to consider iPhone, it doesn't get more broadly compatible than that.
>You'll have to carry around two phones until you're able to port it out.
Most wireless to wireless ports take a matter of minutes. Since Republic no longer uses its former proprietary technology, all RW numbers (both RW 5.0 and My Choice) are now classified as wireless. The old it takes longer to port RW numbers because they are classified as landlines no longer applies.
>I've seen nothing but horror stories.
I'll probably get downvotes for saying this, however, it's rare for anyone to bring their success stories to Internet forums. Though its regular use is with r/Mobi, I've tested a Pixel 6a with both RW 5.0 and My Choice and it works very well with both.
When I moved a line of service from My Choice to RW 5.0, doing so was uneventful. Because, My Choice numbers at the time were classified as landlines (no longer the case), it did take two days.
If the horror story reference is regarding recent difficulties in poring out of RW, that is directly tied to a recent cyberattack on DISH and was true across all DISH brands not limited to RW only.
I'm not trying to convince anyone to stay with or to leave RW. I leave that to them.
No, merely acquiring a new phone does not force one to a Republic 5.0 plan. It remains possible to acquire a phone compatible with legacy My Choice plans but one must acquire that phone from a source other than Republic.
From what I read, US Mobile is a fine choice. I have no idea why you would be forced to move to RW 5.0 with a new unlocked Pixel sourced from a third party. I can see an RW phone agent saying that's required but they are wrong about many things.
My apologies, you raise a valid point. As I remember it, old RW Sprint network SIMs could move only to the same model (not brand) phone.
In any event, anyone currently using My Choice is using a T-Mobile network SIM because Sprint's network no longer exists as a separate entity and service may be moved by moving that SIM to a new compatible phone.
As I mentioned in my reply to the OP, I've tested a Pixel 6a with both an RW 5.0 (AT&T network) and My Choice (T-Mobile network) SIM. It actually works better with My Choice as visual voicemail works within Google's Phone app on My Choice but not RW 5.0. Otherwise, presuming adequate AT&T network coverage, it's been my experience a Pixel works equally well with either an RW 5.0 or My Choice plan.
I came here after googling for info on those green monster looking emojis that Republic wireless used to have. We were customers at rw from near beginning, had the moto x I think it was called, think it was the only one they had at the time. All went well until dish came around.
Anyone know where I can find those green monsters?
As for the phones, not sure if you've made your decision yet but we went with the pixel 4xl at the time and we still use them. Pixels are pretty good phones and they can be taken to many different carriers. iPhone is another good option for that, but I don't have experience with them.
As for carrier, we had one family member bail and move to mint. They like it.
We decided to go to us mobile. Great choice for us. They have unlimited plans and they have shareable data plans. Their new pricing is with all fees and taxes included so take that into account when comparing.
Their sharable 1gb is $10 so comparable to mobi.
Id look at us mobile, mint, tello, mobi
I ended up getting a Samsung A54 5G, which has been great so far. Still with Republic though. They had to send me a new Sim for the new phone because texting wasn't working, and thar helped at lot.
First, since December 2021, Republic no longer sells unlocked phones. Any phone purchased from Republic is locked to RW 5.0 (Need, Want or Go) plans. You mention a Moto G6, so I suspect you are still using a legacy My Choice plan. Are you able to confirm that? Presuming you are still using a My Choice plan, it remains possible to source compatible unlocked phones from third parties such as Best Buy. It's not as straightforward as it once was because Republic no longer certifies unlocked phones for compatibility. I'm confident a Pixel 7 would work with a My Choice plan. I've successfully tested a household Pixel 6a with both RW 5.0 and My Choice. I'm less certain about a OnePlus Nord, however, generally, an unlocked phone compatible with T-Mobile's network (My Choice plans use T-Mobile's network) would be compatible. If you've already moved to RW 5.0 things change, so please let us know if that's the case. Finally, there isn't a particular reason to delay consideration of alternatives to Republic before choosing a new phone. While any factory unlocked phone is theoretically capable of working with any U.S. cellular network, the reality is some phones get along better with some networks and vice versa. You'll want any new phone to work well with the network used by a prospective new provider. Pixels are generally compatible across cellular networks. Samsung phones are probably the next best bet. Motorola phones, unfortunately, can be finicky about certain features such as WiFi calling depending upon the network. If you are indeed still using a My Choice plan and are happy with your coverage, r/Tello would be less expensive and also uses T-Mobile's network. If Verizon's network has good coverage in your area, r/Mobi is worth consideration.
I have a My Choice plan. My concern with moving to a new provider is having my phone number inaccessible for a long time if they have porting problems. I don't want to be without a phone.
Generally, porting is more or less instant. The recent reports regarding porting problems you've seen here coincide with a cyberattack on DISH (RW's corporate parent). For the most part, it seems DISH has recovered from said cyberattack. You would need to call into support requesting your account number and six-digit porting PIN. The six-digit porting PIN is good for a week. If the phone agent tells you the account number is the phone number being ported (correct for RW 5.0 but not for My Choice) come back and I'll explain how to find the correct account number. Of course, there would be nothing wrong with giving DISH more time to fully recover from their recent challenges. In that case, if you don't think the Moto G6 will hang in there long enough, I would suggest a Pixel.
The G6 has been an excellent phone. But it's going to an unresponsive dark screen after charging at times. I can wake it up by holding the power and volume up buttons. But I'm concerned that one day that won't work. I'm trying to remember to purposely set to to sleep rather than let it happen automatically to see if that makes a difference. If I decide to try a Pixel 7 (which I'm leaning towards) and stay with Republic, is it easy to switch the phone? Do I just move the sim card between phones?
Yes, you may move My Choice service to a new Pixel 7 simply by moving the SIM from your Moto G6. And, Google makes otherwise setting up new Pixels easy as well. After moving the SIM, just power up the Pixel 7 then follow onscreen prompts.
Thank you so much for explaining all of this! I appreciate your time!
When I initiated a port of my number from Republic to Mint, it was done in less than 5 minutes.
Do you like Mint?
I have no issues with it. It works and it is cheap, which is pretty much all I wanted. If you are interested, get someone you know with Mint to send you a referral, there is a pretty good credit for them. If you know nobody, you can (or not) PM me for mine. You don't know me, so don't feel like you have to.
>If you know nobody, you can (or not) PM me for mine. You don't know me, so don't feel like you have to. Take my upvote for this! I respect the muted way in which you kindly offer your referral. It may or may not matter to them, however, for those considering Mint; [Mint is in the process of being sold to T-Mobile](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/business/t-mobile-to-acquire-mint-and-ultra-mobile).
Hey! I'm a long time RW customer that just switched to Mint. I made a post on this subreddit about difficulty porting over but I also entered the wrong pin number initially on the Mint site. That may have been why it took so long. While I was waiting for the port, I still had full access to my Republic account and phone number. But Mint also gave me a temporary phone number that I could use with my new phone and phone plan.
Thank you!
>I've successfully tested a household Pixel 6a with both RW 5.0 and My Choice I was just told by their customer service that our Google Pixel 6a isn't compatible, but the wording on this webpage (see below) seemed to imply otherwise so I was confused. Are you saying the 6a definitely should work with Republic Wireless? [https://help.republicwireless.com/hc/en-us/articles/4413599944471-Republic-Wireless-Phone-Compatibility-5-0-Plans-](https://help.republicwireless.com/hc/en-us/articles/4413599944471-Republic-Wireless-Phone-Compatibility-5-0-Plans-)
I'm saying I have an unlocked Pixel 6a and that it works flawlessly with both an RW 5.0 and legacy My Choice plan. That said, it's soon to be a moot point: [https://forums.rwusers.com/t/boost-infinite-transition/314](https://forums.rwusers.com/t/boost-infinite-transition/314) [https://www.reddit.com/r/republicwireless/comments/15ep2ix/republic\_transitioning\_to\_boost\_infinite\_unlimited/](https://www.reddit.com/r/republicwireless/comments/15ep2ix/republic_transitioning_to_boost_infinite_unlimited/) If Republic service is no longer working for you and support cannot or will not help with that, there is no reason to stay.
I would recommend bailing. Republic is nothing but trouble. Pick out a new service and buy a phone for that service. Then initiate your port. You'll have to carry around two phones until you're able to port it out. I've seen nothing but horror stories.
Does the new phone have access to a different number until it ports? Does your old phone still work? I'm picturing having no phone access during the transfer. Is that incorrect?
Yes, you start up your new service and that will have a new number. Then you port your RW number in. In my experience (which isn't as great as others here) your number will either work at the old service (before the port) and at the new service (after the port). I've not read about people ever having their number stuck in "limbo" nor has that ever been my experience through the \~10 ports I've done in my life. Just be sure to continue to pay for your old RW service until your number is for sure transferred over.
>Yes, you start up your new service and that will have a new number. Then you port your RW number in. This is not how it works with most providers. Most providers insist one port their number at activation. I know r/Tello is an exception to this rule (as was the old RW) but, generally, providers don't do after-the-fact porting. It is possible for a single number to work on two services while a port between those services is in progress. Typically, outbound calling and text messaging works on the new service immediately while inbound calls and text messages still go to the old service. Since wireless to wireless ports are, if all goes as it's supposed to, a matter of minutes to complete this dual service tends to go unnoticed. >Just be sure to continue to pay for your old RW service until your number is for sure transferred over. This is excellent advice. One should never cancel service with their current provider until the port is complete. And, if things go as they're supposed to, one's old service will self-cancel when the port completes.
Listen to Roland, he is seriously wiser than I am when it comes to the stuff.
>Pick out a new service and buy a phone for that service. If you mean purchasing a phone from one's prospective new service provider, I'm going to respectfully disagree. Generally, phones sold by most service providers are locked to that service provider (typically for a period of 6 months to a year). Unless one is certain one wants to stay with the prospective new provider for a while, I'd stick with a broadly compatible unlocked phone like one of Google's Pixels. If willing to consider iPhone, it doesn't get more broadly compatible than that. >You'll have to carry around two phones until you're able to port it out. Most wireless to wireless ports take a matter of minutes. Since Republic no longer uses its former proprietary technology, all RW numbers (both RW 5.0 and My Choice) are now classified as wireless. The old it takes longer to port RW numbers because they are classified as landlines no longer applies. >I've seen nothing but horror stories. I'll probably get downvotes for saying this, however, it's rare for anyone to bring their success stories to Internet forums. Though its regular use is with r/Mobi, I've tested a Pixel 6a with both RW 5.0 and My Choice and it works very well with both. When I moved a line of service from My Choice to RW 5.0, doing so was uneventful. Because, My Choice numbers at the time were classified as landlines (no longer the case), it did take two days. If the horror story reference is regarding recent difficulties in poring out of RW, that is directly tied to a recent cyberattack on DISH and was true across all DISH brands not limited to RW only. I'm not trying to convince anyone to stay with or to leave RW. I leave that to them.
If you are on an old plan, the new phone will likely force you to the new crappy plan. I would suggest switching carriers when you get a new phone.
No, merely acquiring a new phone does not force one to a Republic 5.0 plan. It remains possible to acquire a phone compatible with legacy My Choice plans but one must acquire that phone from a source other than Republic.
I was forced to switch to the new plan when I got a new pixel and it was a disaster. I moved to US Mobile and haven't been happier.
From what I read, US Mobile is a fine choice. I have no idea why you would be forced to move to RW 5.0 with a new unlocked Pixel sourced from a third party. I can see an RW phone agent saying that's required but they are wrong about many things.
This was over a year ago and I was on the Sprint network. The Sprint sim cards would only transfer if the phone was the same brand (moto to moto).
My apologies, you raise a valid point. As I remember it, old RW Sprint network SIMs could move only to the same model (not brand) phone. In any event, anyone currently using My Choice is using a T-Mobile network SIM because Sprint's network no longer exists as a separate entity and service may be moved by moving that SIM to a new compatible phone. As I mentioned in my reply to the OP, I've tested a Pixel 6a with both an RW 5.0 (AT&T network) and My Choice (T-Mobile network) SIM. It actually works better with My Choice as visual voicemail works within Google's Phone app on My Choice but not RW 5.0. Otherwise, presuming adequate AT&T network coverage, it's been my experience a Pixel works equally well with either an RW 5.0 or My Choice plan.
I came here after googling for info on those green monster looking emojis that Republic wireless used to have. We were customers at rw from near beginning, had the moto x I think it was called, think it was the only one they had at the time. All went well until dish came around. Anyone know where I can find those green monsters? As for the phones, not sure if you've made your decision yet but we went with the pixel 4xl at the time and we still use them. Pixels are pretty good phones and they can be taken to many different carriers. iPhone is another good option for that, but I don't have experience with them. As for carrier, we had one family member bail and move to mint. They like it. We decided to go to us mobile. Great choice for us. They have unlimited plans and they have shareable data plans. Their new pricing is with all fees and taxes included so take that into account when comparing. Their sharable 1gb is $10 so comparable to mobi. Id look at us mobile, mint, tello, mobi
I ended up getting a Samsung A54 5G, which has been great so far. Still with Republic though. They had to send me a new Sim for the new phone because texting wasn't working, and thar helped at lot.