Total Wireless Review
Total Wireless customers can benefit from the same coverage and plan options of the larger cell service providers without a commitment to a lengthy contract. We included Total Wireless in our Best Cell Phones for Seniors Buyer’s Guide for having great basic plans in the industry. Cell service plans are straightforward with all the features cell phone users need without the frills that they don’t want.
Pros
- Prepaid, no-contract service
- Easy-to-understand service plans
- May be able to keep existing phone and number
- 4G LTE network speeds, where available
- Affordable international calling
Cons
Will Your Phone Work with Total Wireless?
Not all cell phones work with Total Wireless’ service. Check your device compatibility on the company’s website by entering in the phone’s IMEI, MEID or serial number. The website instructs customers how to find this information on their phone. Only phones that are Verizon-compatible or are CDMA unlocked will work with Total Wireless’ service.
Total Wireless International Calling
Customers can add international calling to their existing service plan by purchasing a $10 Global International Long Distance card on the Total Wireless website. The company publishes a list of countries and the corresponding rates online. Calls must originate from the United States or Puerto Rico, and any unused card balance carries over to the next month. Customers who make frequent international calls can download Total Wireless’ International Dialer app, which makes the calling process easier.
Total Wireless Costs
The cost of a Total Wireless phone depends on the type, model and condition. Prices range from free (with a qualifying service plan purchase) to over $1,000. We list the service plan pricing in the table below. Customers who need more data than listed can buy 5GB cards that never expire for $10. All cell phone companies change service pricing from time to time, so verify the cost before finalizing a Total Wireless service plan.
Total Wireless offers optional automatic service plan refills charged monthly to the customer’s credit card with a 5% discount.
| Plans | 30-Day Plan | 90-Day Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Single Line High-speed data throttled to 2GB after 25GB of usage. |
Unlimited nationwide talk and text: $25 With 5GB of data: $35 Unlimited data: $50 |
Unlimited nationwide talk and text with 15GB of data: $90 |
| Family Data speed lowers to 2G after reaching from 30GB to 100GB, depending on plan. |
Unlimited nationwide talk, text and data. 2 lines: $60 3 lines: $85 4 lines: $100 |
N/A |
How to Buy Total Wireless Cell Phones and Plans
Customers can purchase Total Wireless phones, accessories and service directly on the company’s website or by calling customer service. If you prefer to shop in a store, you will find a list of Total Wireless retail partners in your area on their site.
Shop for phones online by entering your ZIP code to check product availability. You can filter the results by criteria like operating system, brand, price, new or refurbished and other options. The available phones are primarily smartphones with at least one flip phone. The Smartphones listed are from well-known manufacturers, but Total Wireless does not sell the latest models, which keeps costs down.
Total Wireless Complaints
Although many customers are satisfied with Total Wireless’ reliable network coverage and easy-to-understand service plans, online reviews for the telecommunications provider are mixed. The Better Business Bureau accredits the company and gives Total Wireless a B rating. However, reviewers give Total Wireless just over 1 star, with most complaints focused on defective products and poor customer service. On the other hand, consumers who purchased Total Wireless products and services through Best Buy gave an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Personal economist Clark Howard recommends Total Wireless for those who like the Verizon network and who don’t need to buy a new phone.
Total Wireless Q&A
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What is Total Wireless’ return policy?
If a customer purchases a phone or accessory directly from the Total Wireless website or a company representative over the phone, they may return the item within 30 days of delivery. Save all packaging materials until you’re sure you will keep the hardware. Customers pay for return shipping and must send the item back in like-new condition in the original packaging, with a copy of the receipt. Eligible products purchased in-person at a retail store are subject to that location’s return policy. Activation kits and service plans are not returnable.
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Is there a warranty on Total Wireless phones and accessories?
Total Wireless provides a one-year limited warranty on all new phones, excluding iPhones. Apple’s one-year limited warranty covers iPhones. A 90-day limited warranty covers refurbished phones (excluding iPhones) and accessories. There is no warranty on refurbished iPhones, but these devices fall under the 30-day return policy.
The Total Wireless limited warranty covers product failure due to regular use and does not apply to cases of physical damage or theft. Call customer service if you have a problem with a warrantied product to resolve the issue over the phone. You’ll get a return authorization to send the item back for repair or replacement.
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What should customers do if they have a question about a Total Wireless product or service?
Consumers can contact the Total Wireless customer service team by online chat, phone or text seven days a week with questions or concerns. The Total Wireless website provides user manuals, company FAQs and other information.
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Does Total Wireless offer financing for their phones?
Total Wireless finances phones through Affirm on eligible purchases, with payments spread over 6, 12 or 24 months. Depending on credit history, customers receive a 0% to 30% APR. Applying for financing is fast and straightforward, with an instant credit decision rendered during checkout. Total Wireless leases some phones with 24 monthly payments. Customers end the lease at any time by paying off the balance or returning the phone.
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Does Total Wireless have a rewards program?
The Total Wireless rewards program awards customers points for completing short online activities, such as watching videos. Points are exchanged for free service. Total Wireless also has a referral program where customers and those they refer can earn a free month of service.
Conclusion
Total Wireless provides customers with a no-commitment, flexible solution for their cell phone needs. The company offers a variety of phones and service plans backed by a dependable network that can accommodate all lifestyles and budgets. Total Wireless helps customers stay connected — all on the customer’s terms.