Shop holiday gifts while you still can - Everyone gets our best deals on any smartphone!
Need help understanding your bill?
billclark's profile

Contributor

 • 

4 Messages

Thursday, August 27th, 2015 6:19 PM

Can I use a Moto G EXT on GoPhone without a data plan?

can I buy a Moto G EXT from Consumer Cellular, throw away their sim, buy AT&T 10 cent per min. plan with AT&T sim, disable the data usage on the G & have a modern smartphone minus data plan for $10 per month??.

Official Solution

ACE - Sage

 • 

113.5K Messages

8 years ago


@billclark wrote:

can I buy a Moto G EXT from Consumer Cellular, throw away their sim, buy AT&T 10 cent per min. plan with AT&T sim, disable the data usage on the G & have a modern smartphone minus data plan for $10 per month??.


Maybe to the first part, no to the second.

If the phone is ATT compatible and unlocked it can be used .

You can't activate a smartphone on a line for a basic phone.  A data plan would automatically be added.

Contributor

 • 

1 Message

8 years ago

I know this is an old post.  I'm responding for the benefit of others who may have the same question.  The answer is yes, you can use any GSM compatible smartphone on the AT&T GoPhone "per minute" prepaid plan with no cellular data.  I've been doing it for two years now with my Moto G (XT1064).  Just get a SIM card from AT&T

 

If you let an AT&T tech set up your phone, they'll probably use the Android switch and turn off all cellular data, but that's a mistake.  Doing this blocks MMS messages too, but MMS is considered a type of text message, and AT&T doesn't count this as data.  You won't know when someone tries to send you a text with an attached photo or emoticon, or a group text.  Also, Android perpetually annoys you with a notification that warns you that data has been disabled, and to "tap here" to turn it back on.

 

The correct solution is to turn off the things that AT&T counts as data, and that is done in the "APN type" setting.  (every app checks here to see which carrier to use for each service).

 

Tap the gear to enter "settings", then tap "... More", "Cellular networks", "Access Point Names", "AT&T PHONE", and scroll down near the bottom to "APN type"  For the regular monthly plans, this is set to "default,mms,supl,hipri,fota" (without the quotes).  Tap "APN Type, and edit the list to only show "default,mms".  If an app can't be identified that still tries to gain background data access, remove "Default" too.

 

I've done this and can send and recieve MMS wherever there is cell service, and I can surf the web or use data eating apps whererver there is WiFi access. I no longer get the Android data disabled notification, and I no longer get the AT&T messsages pressuring me to upgrade to a plan that costs 4x what I'm paying now.

ACE - Sage

 • 

113.5K Messages

8 years ago

You are correct and I took the correct answer off the post. 

A smartphone can be used on a pay per use plan and avoid data charges if you turn off data on the account, or add data packages as needed.

 

In the past ATT has forced data plans into accounts if a smartphone was activated on a basic phone line. It is required for postpaid, but not for prepaid.

 

 

Your solution is a good one and very ingenious to keep MMS enabled.

 

Thanks for posting.

 

 

Not finding what you're looking for?