Best Carrier To Switch To From Total By Verizon For Backup Phone - Complete Guide
If you're searching for the best carrier to switch to from Total by Verizon for a backup phone, you're not alone. Thousands of users are making the jump every month — looking for better value, cleaner pricing, or simply a more reliable experience. After reviewing dozens of prepaid carriers across
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Our Pick | Visible |
| Best For | Backup phone on a budget |
| Price | $25/month (taxes included) |
| Network | Verizon |
| Our Score | 10/11 |
If you're searching for the best carrier to switch to from Total by Verizon for a backup phone, you're not alone. Thousands of users are making the jump every month — looking for better value, cleaner pricing, or simply a more reliable experience. After reviewing dozens of prepaid carriers across 11 key criteria, Visible stands out as the top pick for backup phone users, though the right answer ultimately depends on how you plan to use that second line.
Bottom Line: Visible at $25/month (taxes included, on Verizon's network) is the best replacement for Total by Verizon for most backup phone users. If you want ultra-low cost and flexibility, Tello starts at just $8/month. US Mobile is the best choice if you want to cherry-pick your network.
Why People Are Leaving Total by Verizon
Total by Verizon (formerly Total Wireless) has long been a budget staple, offering Verizon network access at a lower price point. But it has drawn growing criticism for unpredictable pricing, confusing plan structures, and inconsistent customer support. Many users report surprise charges, limited hotspot speeds, and a dated plan lineup that doesn't stack up well against newer MVNOs.
For a backup phone specifically, overpaying matters more — because you're not relying on this line as your primary lifeline. That makes the case for switching even stronger. A backup phone should be cheap, dependable, and low-maintenance. Total by Verizon, as currently structured, often fails on at least one of those fronts.
What to Look for in a Carrier for a Backup Phone
Choosing the best carrier to switch to from Total by Verizon for a backup phone involves different priorities than picking a primary carrier. You're probably not worried about blazing-fast unlimited data — you want something that stays active, costs little, and works when you actually need it.
Low Monthly Cost
The most obvious factor: you don't want to spend more than necessary on a line you use occasionally. Some carriers let you go as low as $8–$15/month for a minimal data plan, which makes a lot more sense than paying $35+ for unlimited data you'll never use.
Network Reliability
A backup phone only matters if it actually works when your primary phone doesn't. Choosing a carrier on the Verizon or T-Mobile network gives you the widest coverage footprint. Verizon-based MVNOs are especially strong in rural areas.
Simple, Transparent Pricing
For a backup line, you don't want to fiddle with confusing tiers, add-ons, or expiring balances. Look for flat monthly pricing with taxes included — or at least clearly disclosed. Surprise fees are annoying on any line, but especially galling when it's a phone you barely use.
eSIM Support
If you're adding a backup line to a modern smartphone, eSIM support means you don't need a physical SIM card. That's convenient and instant — no waiting for a SIM kit in the mail.
Best Carriers to Switch to From Total by Verizon for a Backup Phone
Here's how our top-ranked MVNOs compare for backup phone use:
| Carrier | Network | Starting Price | Our Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visible | Verizon | $25/mo (taxes in) | 10/11 | Overall best backup line |
| Tello | T-Mobile | $8/mo | 9.5/11 | Lowest cost backup |
| US Mobile | Verizon/T-Mobile/AT&T | $5/mo (starter) | 9.5/11 | Network flexibility |
| Twigby | Verizon | $9/mo | 7.6/11 | Verizon on a tight budget |
Visible: Our Top Pick for Backup Phone Users
Visible earns a 10/11 score in our rankings — the highest of any carrier we've reviewed. It runs on Verizon's full network, which is consistently ranked as the most reliable in the United States by independent testers like RootMetrics and Opensignal.
At $25/month with taxes and fees already included, Visible is one of the rare carriers where the sticker price is the real price. No surprises at checkout, no "plus taxes" fine print. For a backup phone, this kind of clean billing makes autopay easy to set up and forget.
What Visible Includes at $25/Month
Visible's base plan includes unlimited talk, text, and data on Verizon's 5G/4G LTE network, plus unlimited hotspot (speeds are capped but functional for light use). There's no annual contract, and the plan supports eSIM so you can activate immediately on a compatible device.
Visible has also never experienced a confirmed data breach — something we weight heavily in our 11-point scoring system. For a backup line storing minimal personal data, this is still worth noting.
If you want more speed or premium data priority, Visible+ at $45/month bumps you to Verizon's premium network tier. But for a backup phone, the $25 plan is almost certainly all you need.
Read Our Full Visible Review →Tello: The Best Option for Ultra-Low Cost
If your backup phone sees very little action — emergency calls, occasional texts, minimal data — Tello is hard to beat. Starting at just $8/month for 100 minutes and no data, Tello lets you scale up only as much as you need. Their $14/month plan includes 1GB of data, unlimited talk and text, and that's usually more than enough for a backup line.
Tello runs on the T-Mobile network and earns a 9.5/11 in our rankings. Crucially, it offers unlimited hotspot data even on base plans — a feature that many pricier carriers charge extra for. It has also maintained a clean data security record with no known breaches.
The build-your-own plan approach is ideal for backup phone users because you're not forced to pay for unlimited data you'll never consume. You pick exactly the minutes and data you need, and the price reflects that. For someone switching from Total by Verizon and looking to cut their monthly spend significantly, Tello is a compelling alternative.
You can explore more budget-friendly options in our guide to the cheapest prepaid phone plans.
US Mobile: Best if You Want to Choose Your Network
US Mobile scores a 9.5/11 and is unique among top-tier MVNOs in offering access to all three major networks — Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T — under one roof. That makes it especially appealing if you want to pair your backup phone with a different network than your primary carrier uses.
For example, if your primary line runs on T-Mobile and drops calls in your neighborhood, putting your backup on Verizon via US Mobile gives you true redundancy. The ability to switch networks without changing carriers or phone numbers is a genuine differentiator.
US Mobile's plans start around $5/month for light users and scale up to full unlimited plans. Their interface is modern, their support is well-reviewed, and like Visible and Tello, they have no history of data breaches. For backup phone users who think strategically about coverage diversity, US Mobile is the smartest choice.
Twigby: A Solid Budget Verizon Option
Twigby earns a 7.6/11 and offers Verizon network coverage starting around $9/month for a light talk-and-text plan. It's not as feature-rich as Visible or as flexible as Tello, but it's a reliable, no-frills option for someone who wants Verizon coverage at the lowest possible price.
Twigby doesn't have the same name recognition as some bigger MVNOs, but it has a loyal user base and straightforward pricing. If you're transitioning away from Total by Verizon and want to stay on Verizon's network while spending less, Twigby is worth a look.
Carriers We Don't Recommend for a Backup Phone
Not every MVNO is a smart choice for a secondary line. Here's what to avoid:
Mint Mobile scores just 4.75/11 in our rankings. While it can be cheap when you prepay 12 months upfront, that commitment model is a poor fit for a backup phone — you're paying for a full year on a line you might barely use. Mint has also experienced documented data breaches, which is a concern we take seriously.
Google Fi (5.5/11) is better suited for international travelers than domestic backup users. Its pricing is higher than most comparable options for light domestic use.
Boost Mobile and Cricket Wireless (both 6/11) are functional but trail behind our top picks in value and customer experience. Neither offers a compelling reason to choose them over Visible or Tello for a backup line.
For a complete breakdown of how we rank every carrier, check out our MVNO rankings and scoring methodology.
Why Trust Our Analysis? We evaluate carriers on 11 data-driven criteria including security features (2FA, SIM PIN protection), data breach history, network quality, pricing transparency, and real user experience. Our rankings are based on verifiable facts, not paid placements.
How to Switch From Total by Verizon Without Losing Your Number
Switching carriers doesn't mean giving up your existing phone number. Number porting is free and required by law in the United States. Here's how the process works:
Keep your Total by Verizon account active until the port is complete — canceling early can cause you to lose your number. Gather your account number and PIN from Total by Verizon (found in your account settings or on a recent bill). When signing up with your new carrier, select "transfer my number" and enter those details. The transfer typically completes within a few hours to 24 hours.
If your backup phone is already unlocked — which it should be if it's been active on Total by Verizon for more than 60 days — you can use it directly on any compatible MVNO. Visible and US Mobile both support eSIM, meaning you can be live on a new plan in minutes without waiting for a physical SIM.
Best Phone to Pair With This Plan
If you need an unlocked phone that works perfectly as a dedicated backup device, we recommend the Google Pixel 9a. It's our top budget phone pick for 2026:
- Works with all US carriers (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T networks)
- Supports eSIM + physical SIM for easy switching
- 7 years of software updates
- Excellent camera and battery life
- Around $499 unlocked
If you want something cheaper for a true backup-only device, any unlocked Android in the $100–$200 range that supports your chosen carrier's bands will work fine. Visible and US Mobile both have BYOD compatibility checkers on their websites.
Pros of Switching From Total by Verizon
- Lower monthly cost (especially with Tello or Visible)
- Cleaner, more transparent pricing
- Better customer support from top-rated MVNOs
- eSIM support for instant activation
- No data breach history with top picks
Cons to Consider
- Porting takes up to 24 hours
- Some MVNOs deprioritize data during congestion
- Lower-cost plans may cap hotspot speeds
- Backup phones may need to be unlocked first
The Bottom Line
The best carrier to switch to from Total by Verizon for a backup phone is Visible for most people — $25/month, taxes included, on Verizon's network, with no contracts and no surprises. It's the simplest, most reliable option for a line you want to set up once and forget about until you need it.
If you're watching every dollar, Tello at $8–$14/month is the smarter financial move. And if coverage redundancy is your priority — meaning you want your backup on a different network than your primary — US Mobile gives you that flexibility at a competitive price.
Whatever you choose, you're almost certainly getting a better deal than you were getting from Total by Verizon. Use our MVNO plan finder tool to compare options side by side and find the exact plan that fits your backup phone needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I keep my Total by Verizon number when I switch?
Yes. You can port your existing number to any new carrier for free. Keep your Total by Verizon account open until the transfer completes. You'll need your account number and PIN to initiate the port with your new provider.
Q: Is Visible good for a backup phone?
Visible is an excellent backup phone carrier. At $25/month with taxes included, it's one of the most affordable flat-rate Verizon-network plans available. It supports eSIM, requires no contract, and has a clean billing history with no data breaches.
Q: What's the cheapest carrier for a backup phone?
Tello offers plans starting at $8/month on the T-Mobile network, making it the most affordable option for a backup line with minimal data needs. US Mobile also has starter plans around $5/month for very light users.
Q: Do I need to buy a new phone to switch from Total by Verizon?
Not necessarily. If your current phone is unlocked (after 60 days on Total by Verizon, they're required to unlock it), you can bring it to most MVNOs. Check your new carrier's BYOD compatibility tool to confirm your device works on their network.
Q: Is it worth having two separate carriers for a primary and backup phone?
Yes, especially if you choose carriers on different networks. Running your primary on T-Mobile and backup on Verizon (or vice versa) means you'll almost always have signal somewhere, even in areas where one network struggles.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in this article are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our rankings or recommendations.
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