Find answers to commonly asked questions about apps, downloads, and other purchases.
Go to:
- What are Premium Services?
- How can I purchase Premium Services?
- Can I prevent others on my account from purchasing them?
- How will Premium Services charges show on my bill?
- Do I have some apps already on my phone?
- What are Premium Text Messaging (SMS) Services?
- What is the T-Mobile Premium SMS Refund Program?
- I canceled my Premium Services subscription. Why am I still being billed for it?
- I have a prepaid account. How do I purchase apps for my Pay in Advance device?
- Where can I get help related to downloaded apps on my prepaid device?
What are Premium Services?
You can purchase premium services such as apps, downloads, games, subscription services, and other content from third-party providers. Depending on the operating system of your phone (such as Android or iOS), your T-Mobile device allows access to a variety of device markets where you can make purchases, such as:
How can I purchase Premium Services?
You pay for your purchase immediately using a credit card or debit card, while some apps and downloads give you the option of adding the charge to your T-Mobile account.
Can I prevent others on my account from purchasing Premium Services?
If you have several people on your account, T-Mobile offers services that can help you block the ability to purchase Premium Services:
Family Allowances lets you easily manage the minutes, messages, and downloads used on all the lines on your account for a low cost of $4.99 a month.
Content blocking provides the ability to block all chargeable downloads billed through T-Mobile. This service is free to our customers.
How will Premium Services charges show on my bill?
If you (or someone on your account) have these charges, you can see them in the PREMIUM SERVICES section.
Do I have some apps already on my phone?
Select T-Mobile devices come with some features and content pre-installed. Some of them are free, while others can be a one-time purchase or are subscription-based. You can place those charges on your T-Mobile bill for your convenience. Examples of apps already installed on select devices include:
- Blio, an e-reader software app
- Slacker Radio, a free or monthly music subscription service
- FamilyWhere app, which helps you locate family and friends
- Lookout Mobile Security app
- T-Mobile TV app, a free or monthly TV viewing subscription service
- TeleNav app, a free or monthly navigational directions subscription service
What are Premium Text Messaging Services?
Premium text message services (sometimes referred to as Premium SMS Services) become active on your account usually when you respond to a 4-, 5-, or 6-digit number or short code. They can be a one-time charge or a monthly subscription service. You pay for these services immediately by credit card; they can't be added to your T-Mobile bill.
What is the T-Mobile Premium SMS Refund Program?
Some of our customers are eligible to be refunded unauthorized charges they may have incurred from premium text message services provided by third-party companies. If you think you had unauthorized charges on your T-Mobile account, a special website has been created – www.t-mobilerefund.com– to help make this refund process as easy as possible. For more information, read about our Premium Text Message Refund Program.
I canceled my Premium Services subscription. Why am I still being billed for it?
It might be because of the difference in billing cycles between your T-Mobile account and the Premium Services subscription. Your monthly subscription begins the day you subscribe, which is most likely different from your T-Mobile bill cycle. Charges for Premium Service subscriptions, even if canceled mid-subscription, are not prorated. If your cancellation occurs after your Premium Services subscription cycle begins, but before your wireless bill cycle ends, you'll still have one final subscription charge on your next bill.
I have a prepaid account. How do I purchase apps for my Pay in Advance device?
When purchasing downloadable content for your Pay in Advance (Prepaid) device, you'll need to use your personal credit card or debit card. If you have billing concerns or questions related to these purchases, you'll need to contact your financial institution.
Where can I get help related to downloaded apps on my prepaid device?
If you have concerns or need help troubleshooting an app that you downloaded on your prepaid device, you'll need to contact the third-party content provider.
Related pages
Apps, downloads, and other content purchases