How to Get a Prepaid Phone Without Your Parents Knowing as a 13-Year-Old

Getting a prepaid phone is not as daunting as it may seem. This article will guide you through the process, including ways to save up, buy a phone, and keep it a secret from your parents. We'll also provide some money-making ideas if you don't have an allowance or a way to earn money.

Save Up and Buy a Prepaid Phone

First, start saving up. Whether you have an allowance or a way to earn money, aim to save between $100 and $200. This amount should cover the cost of a basic prepaid phone and a plan. Purchase the phone and plan at Walmart, where you can often find deals. Most plans will be locked to a carrier for a year or six months. After setting it up on your own, use the phone as you normally would.

When budgeting your money, make sure to allocate enough to renew your plan when it expires. This will ensure you always have a working phone.

Keep it a Secret

There are two primary methods for keeping the phone a secret: acting as if you have the right to have it or hiding it.

Acting as if You Have the Right to Have It

If you choose this method, use the phone normally and act like you have a right to it. If your parents question you, provide a plausible answer similar to what they would say. If the phone is ever taken away, plan a recon mission to retrieve it.

Hiding the Phone

If you feel more comfortable hiding the phone, there are several places where you can store it:

Under a mattress (if it’s not heavy) In a far reach of a drawer or cupboard under papers Even inside a smelly sock to deter parents from finding it

If your space is searched, keep the phone on you at all times. Wear pajamas with pockets and keep the phone in your day clothes' pockets. Be prepared for the worst.

Money-Making Ideas

If you don't have a way to make money, there are several options:

Starting a Dog Walking Business: Offer to walk dogs in your neighborhood for a small fee. This can pay off if you have a friendly and resourceful approach. Yard Work: Shovel snow in the winter, rake leaves in the fall, and perform other yard-related tasks for neighbors. This can be a profitable venture during the colder months. Babysitting or Pet Sitting: Ask family and friends for babysitting or pet-sitting jobs. Being trustworthy and reliable is key to success in these endeavors.

These strategies can help you earn the necessary funds to buy a prepaid phone.

Conclusion

While legally, no business can sell a prepaid phone to a minor, you can work around this limitation by saving up and buying it for yourself. Use the tips in this article to keep your phone a secret and earn the money you need.

Legal Prepaid Phone Options

When asking for a phone from your parents, ensure they understand the cost and benefits. T-Mobile offers a great prepaid plan for just $15/month with unlimited talk and text plus 2GB/month of data. As an alternative, consider getting a used phone or a decent new model. The Umidigi A5 Pro at $99 shipped, the Umidigi Power 3 at $140 shipped, or the Blackview A80 Pro at $90 shipped are budget-friendly options. Choose a phone that fits your budget and needs.