iPhone users can try AT&T's mobile network for free for 30 days - here's how

I've been a Verizon and T-Mobile customer for years, but I've always been curious about AT&T's mobile service and coverage. Now I can try it - and for free.

On Tuesday, AT&T kicked off a new wireless program called Try AT&T. With this free 30-day trial offer, you can hop onto AT&T's mobile network to see how it compares with your current carrier. The program grants you several perks, including unlimited talk and text, 100 GB of mobile data, 25GB of hotspot data, unlimited texting from the US to more than 230 countries, and access to AT&T's 5G network.

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The only catch is that you must have the right type of iPhone. Since the service requires an eSIM, you'll need an iPhone XR or newer -- the program is limited to iPhone users, but AT&T promises Android support in 2025.

You can keep your existing phone, service, and number while you sample AT&T's network. Plus, there are no charges to your credit card and commitments. So, sign up and use the service as much as you want within 30 days.

Other mobile carrier free trials 

With this new offer, AT&T is following in the footsteps of Verizon and T-Mobile, which already offer free trials to check out their networks.

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Unveiled in 2023, Verizon's current program provides 30 days of free access to its 5G network with unlimited talk and texting, up to 100 GB of 4G/5G premium data, 480p streaming with 4G/5G, and 4K streaming with 5G Ultra Wideband. This service works with Phones and Android phones as long as they're unlocked and eSIM compatible.

T-Mobile was the first of the three major US carriers to float a free trial to lure customers. In 2014, the so-called Un-carrier launched a free seven-day test drive of its cellular network to owners of Apple's iPhone 5s. These days, the company lets iPhone and Android users freely try its 5G network for three months with unlimited talk, text, and data.

How to sign up for AT&T's free trial

To sign up for AT&T's free trial, download the MyAT&T app from Apple's App Store or scan the QR code at AT&T's website to snag the app. Launch the app, select the "Try AT&T wireless for free," option, and click the button to start your free trial. AT&T then checks your eligibility for the program after which you're prompted to set up a profile with your name and contact details.

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After activating the trial and the new eSIM, you're assigned a phone number for the service. You can then use AT&T for calls, texts, and mobile data. To switch between AT&T and your existing cellular provider, head to Settings and select Cellular. From there, you can choose which service to use for both phone calls and data.