Locked Out of Web Account - Tracfone Support No Help

[jet1000]

I can't log into the account. That is what started this whole mess.

We understand that. The question SlowLoris was trying to clarify is did you try to login using a phone number or the SIM card number or the IMEI of the device. If the email is not working, the other methods could still work. After SlowLoris suggested this to you, I don't think you posted stating you tried the alternate methods and whether it worked. You just posted that you didn't get the email.

Also, try to login from a different browser with the cache cleared. I have trouble with one browser where TF just wouldn't let me login at all, but the same login worked from a different browser.

[Betulo]

Well, after all this time, they have called back several times. Each time the answer is the same, check your email. Clear your cache. Wait several minutes for the email to come through. Try a different address. No email ever comes.

I did have minor success. They cleared out my email completely. I went to create a new account and was asked for a texted PIN instead of password. Got to the next screen, set up your account. New email, new password and new 4 digit PIN. That would have worked except the system kept demanding, your security question is mandatory. Well there was no place on the form to put a security question so it could not progress. At this time the CSR said we will call you back.

I am wondering how difficult it will be to ditch this company and keep my phone number, without access to the account.

[PaulCrawhorne]

The Security Question function is in the Profile section, but only available via the website, not in the MyAccount app

[thu1227]

Probably too late now, but did you ever check your spam/junk mail folders for those reset emails?

[Betulo]

The Security Question function is in the Profile section, but only available via the website, not in the MyAccount app

I have never used the app. I did install it as part of this process, but without a valid password, you can't get in. Anyway, it looks like it is asking me to set up a new security question, but no field to put it in.

Probably too late now, but did you ever check your spam/junk mail folders for those reset emails?

They tell me to do that every time on the script, it is their favorite thing to do. Also wait 2 minutes and try again, or reboot your computer. Every call takes half an hour, it is terrible.

[hpham]

I am wondering how difficult it will be to ditch this company and keep my phone number, without access to the account.

Not hard. To port to another provider, you'll need to give the new provider your TF account number, phone number, zip code (maybe), Port PIN.

* Account number: text the word FOUR to 611611. It will return a 4-digit number which is the last 4 digits of the account number. If your phone is TF-branded, it could be the SIM number or the phone's IMEI. If it's a BYOP phone, it should be the SIM number. If you can't figure out what it is or don't recognize the number, ask and someone in the forum has a more extensive way to find your account number.
* Zip code: should be your home zip code, unless TF changed it to 33178 (Miami, FL home of TF).
* Port PIN: text the word NTP (Network Transfer PIN) to 611611 and it'll send back a 4-digit Port PIN. TF now uses a Port PIN instead of the account PIN to port out. The Port PIN is good for about 24 hrs. If it expires, text NTP to 611611 again to get a new Port PIN. Repeat as needed.

[Betulo]

I am wondering what company/service plan would be best for my needs then. I work in a lot of rural areas. Verizon has historically been best here although ATT seems to be adding sites. Tmo is probably out of the question. IIRC this existing plan is something like $35 for 10 gig on one line and $50 for unlimited on the other line. A friend has Verizon prepaid and it seems about the same. I very occasionally want to hotspot for a few minutes for work and his phone won't let him do it, mine does. But it is not essential any more, probably just borrow a customer's internet if necessary. Thoughts?

[SlowLoris]

I am wondering what company/service plan would be best for my needs then. I work in a lot of rural areas. Verizon has historically been best here although ATT seems to be adding sites. Tmo is probably out of the question. IIRC this existing plan is something like $35 for 10 gig on one line and $50 for unlimited on the other line. A friend has Verizon prepaid and it seems about the same. I very occasionally want to hotspot for a few minutes for work and his phone won't let him do it, mine does. But it is not essential any more, probably just borrow a customer's internet if necessary. Thoughts?

US Mobile is on Verizon and has a 100 days free if you port in, up to two lines per account. 15GB for the first 10 days, then 15GB per month for the next three months. The first 10 days does not include a hotspot, but the three months do after you contact customer service to activate it. After the trial, you can select a plan that matches your usage, but it defaults to Unlimited Basic which is $30 per line for 40GB each.

I had one port from Tracfone that was seamless. Two others had to be resubmitted, one because I didn't get the NTP quickly so requested another. I was able to resubmit online once I figured out the correct NTP to use. The other had a zip code mismatch because Tracfone had switched the line to the Miami zip. I needed customer service to resubmit that one, but even with the problems, the ports were completed in less than an hour.

[Betulo]

This whole thing started because our phones are getting older, been dropped and cracked and probably would do better with 5G units into the future.

If we do go with US Mobile, any suggestions for what phones to get? Have always gotten used Swappa phones before but wondering if that is the best choice with the transition to 5G nowadays.

We just like regular smart phones, not too big.

[jet1000]

If we do go with US Mobile, any suggestions for what phones to get? Have always gotten used Swappa phones before but wondering if that is the best choice with the transition to 5G nowadays.

What brand of phones do you typically use?

[Betulo]

What brand of phones do you typically use?

I like Motorola, my coworker has a Samsung but not sure if he cares or if it is any different.

[jet1000]

I like Motorola, my coworker has a Samsung but not sure if he cares or if it is any different.

There are a number of Motorola & Samsungs being sold by Tracfone in the $50 to $120 range. You could activate those, wait the 60 days to unlock them and then transfer the service.

[Betulo]

There are a number of Motorola & Samsungs being sold by Tracfone in the $50 to $120 range. You could activate those, wait the 60 days to unlock them and then transfer the service.

I have decided to get clear of Tracfone on the double and also need new phones. Their terrible service seems to be getting worse and in business missing calls will cost more than whatever I might save getting phones under contract with them.

Does US Mobile offer anything attractive?

I also have a friend using Verizon Prepaid with a plan similar to mine but hotspotting was not allowed.

Any tips what to look for on the used market?

[jet1000]

Any tips what to look for on the used market?

I'm not really acquainted with the used market, perhaps someone else has some suggestions. What is the price range you're looking to spend for a used device?

[hpham]

If we do go with US Mobile, any suggestions for what phones to get? Have always gotten used Swappa phones before but wondering if that is the best choice with the transition to 5G nowadays.

We just like regular smart phones, not too big.

What do you think of the Google Pixel 6a ?

If it fits your requirements, it can be had at a very good price with a bit of work:
1. Keep an eye on the Tracfone/Net10 Phone Deals Thread at the top of the forum. Watch for posts from forum member alerting that the Refurbished iPhone11 is back in stock. It usually goes for $165 + a required time card (minimum $15) + sales tax. Total around $200 or less.
2. Currently, Google Phone Store sells a brand-new, unlocked Pixel 6a for $299 + sales tax = $330 or so. They give $295 trade-in credit for an iPhone11, even refurbished and locked.
3. Buy the Pixel 6a from Google Store for $330 or so. They'll mail you a prepaid shipping box to send in your trade-in iPhone11. After they received and inspected it, they will issue a refund of $295 to your credit card. So your net cost with Google is $330 - $295 = $35, plus about $200 to buy the refurb iPhone11 from TF. A brand-new unlocked Pixel 6a for $235 is a very good deal.