AT&T Next Up is a phone upgrade program that lets you switch to a new device once you’ve paid off 50% of your current one.
If you’ve ever wanted to upgrade your phone early but felt stuck in a long contract, you’re not alone. I’m Rana, and I’ve been there too. That’s why I decided to break down AT&T Next Up—a phone upgrade option that gives you more freedom to switch to the latest device without waiting 2 or 3 years.
If you’re also thinking about upgrading your home internet, you might want to check out what AT&T Fiber is and how it compares to regular internet. I recently shared a full breakdown based on my own experience.
Here’s everything you need to know, in plain and simple language.
Table of Contents
What Is AT&T Next Up?
AT&T Next Up is an optional feature you can add to your phone’s monthly payment plan. It lets you upgrade your phone early, as soon as you’ve paid off 50% of the device cost.
Normally, phones on installment plans take around 36 months (or 3 years) to fully pay off. With Next Up, you don’t have to wait that long. Once you hit the halfway point, you can trade in your old phone and get a new one.
It’s good for people who always want the latest iPhone or Galaxy but don’t want to pay the full price upfront every time.
How Does AT&T Next Up Work?
It’s pretty straightforward:
- You add Next Up to your plan for $6 per month.
- Once you’ve paid 50% of your phone’s total cost, you’re eligible for an upgrade.
- To upgrade, you return your current phone. It needs to be in good condition—no major cracks or damage.
- After that, you can pick a new phone and start fresh on a new payment plan.
That’s really it. No hidden steps. No confusing terms.
Why Would Someone Use Next Up?
From what I’ve seen, this works best if you:
- Always want the newest phone right after it’s released
- Don’t want to wait 2–3 years just to upgrade
- Prefer smaller monthly payments instead of dropping $1,000 all at once
I’ll give you a quick example.
Example: How Much Do You Actually Pay?
Let’s say you get a phone that costs $1,000.
- Without Next Up: You’d keep paying monthly for 36 months, then upgrade.
- With Next Up: You pay $500, return your phone, and upgrade early.
You’re basically trading in your phone halfway through. This makes sense if you’re someone who doesn’t hold onto their phone for more than a year or so.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
There are some rules to be aware of:
- Only available on certain phones and installment plans.
- Your phone must be returned within a specific timeframe, usually 30 days after hitting the 50% mark.
- Not everyone qualifies automatically—it depends on your account and credit.
You can always check your eligibility through AT&T’s site or visit a local store.
Video Guide:
Final Thoughts
Look, AT&T Next Up isn’t for everyone. If you don’t care about the latest phone or prefer to use your device for years, you might not need this.
But if you’re someone like me—someone who likes trying out the newest features, cameras, and designs—it might be worth the extra $6/month.
It gives you flexibility, control, and helps avoid large one-time costs. And if you’re already on an installment plan, adding this isn’t a big stretch.
Just make sure your phone stays in good shape. A cracked screen or battery issue could stop you from qualifying for the upgrade.
If you’ve used AT&T Next Up before, I’d love to hear your experience. Feel free to leave a comment below or message me directly.
Thanks for reading.
Related Faqs
Is AT&T Next Up Worth It?
It can be worth it if you always want the latest phone and prefer flexibility. But if you don’t upgrade often, it may not be worth the extra $6/month.
How to Remove AT&T Next Up?
Log into your AT&T account, go to your device’s add-ons, and remove “Next Up.” Or visit an AT&T store and ask them to remove it. Once removed, you can’t re-add it for that device.
