What your T-Mobile contract says

In short

This is a wireless service agreement with T-Mobile US. You get a phone line with calls, texts, and data (the exact amount depends on your plan). Most plans include unlimited talk and text, but "unlimited" data has fine print: after a certain amount of high-speed data (usually 50-100 GB), T-Mobile can slow you down during busy times. If you're financing a phone through T-Mobile, that's a separate credit agreement, and you owe the remaining balance if you leave early. T-Mobile can change plan features or pricing with 30 days' notice.

What you agree to do

• You must pay your monthly bill by the due date, including any device financing payments.
• You must not use the service in ways that harm T-Mobile's network, like excessive roaming or automated traffic.
• You must keep your account information accurate and up to date.
• You are responsible for all usage on your account, including by anyone you let use your phone or line.

What you can ask for

• You can cancel your service at any time (T-Mobile has no annual contracts on current plans).
• You can port your phone number to another carrier when you leave.
• You have a 14-day buyer's remorse period to return your device and cancel for a full refund (minus restocking fee).
• You can file a complaint with the FCC or CPUC if T-Mobile doesn't resolve your issue.
• You can opt out of arbitration within 30 days of activating service by sending written notice.

Points worth knowing

• Data deprioritization on "unlimited" plansEven on unlimited plans, T-Mobile can temporarily slow your speeds after you use 50-100 GB in a billing cycle during times when the network is congested. This is called deprioritization.
• Device financing locks you inIf you're paying off a phone in installments and want to leave, you owe the entire remaining balance immediately. The phone may also be locked to T-Mobile's network until it's paid off.
• T-Mobile can change plan terms with noticeT-Mobile reserves the right to modify your plan features or pricing with 30 days' notice. If you don't agree, your option is to cancel (but you may still owe on your device).
• Forced arbitration for disputesYou agree to settle disputes through binding arbitration rather than a lawsuit. You can opt out within 30 days, but most people miss this window.
• Restocking fee on device returnsIf you return a device during the buyer's remorse period, T-Mobile charges a restocking fee of up to $70.

Dates and deadlines

Buyer's remorse return period

14 days from device purchase or activation to return for a refund

Arbitration opt-out window

30 days from activation to opt out of binding arbitration

Monthly billing cycle

Bill due monthly on your statement due date (typically mid-cycle)