T-Mobile 55+ plans and Netflix eligibility
In the past, T-Mobile's Magenta 55+ plans included Netflix for family plan customers. However, the Magenta brand has since been replaced by the newer 'Experience' plan structure. Under this new naming convention, the eligibility for Netflix depends entirely on which of the three 55+ tiers a customer selects. T-Mobile's senior plans are designed to provide discounted wireless service and valuable extras to customers aged 55 and over across the country.
- The Essentials Choice 55 is the base-tier plan and does not include a complimentary Netflix subscription. It offers unlimited talk, text, and data, but streaming quality is typically standard definition.
- The Experience More w/ 55+ Savings plan bundles a free Netflix Standard with Ads subscription, along with other perks like Apple TV+ and unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi.
- The top-tier Experience Beyond w/ 55+ Savings plan also includes a Netflix Standard with Ads subscription, plus Hulu (With Ads) and other premium features.
How to activate Netflix on a qualifying T-Mobile 55+ plan
For eligible customers, activating the included Netflix subscription is a straightforward process that can be done online or through the T-Mobile app.
- Log in: Visit your T-Mobile account online or open the T-Life app.
- Navigate to add-ons: Go to the 'Account' tab and select 'Add-ons' or 'Manage Data & Add-ons'.
- Select Netflix: In the 'Services' section, find and choose the Netflix add-on option.
- Confirm and redirect: Review the offer, agree to the terms, and follow the link to the Netflix website.
- Link accounts: Either create a new Netflix account or log in to an existing one. Your Netflix billing will be handled by T-Mobile.
Comparison of T-Mobile 55+ plans
To help you decide which plan is the right fit, here is a breakdown of the key features, including Netflix eligibility.
| Feature | Essentials Choice 55 | Experience More w/ 55+ Savings | Experience Beyond w/ 55+ Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Netflix | No | Yes (Standard with Ads) | Yes (Standard with Ads) |
| Netflix Upgrade Option | No | Yes, pay the difference for a higher tier | Yes, pay the difference for a higher tier |
| Included Apple TV+ | No | Yes | Yes |
| Included Hulu | No | No | Yes (With Ads) |
| High-Speed Hotspot | Limited (3G speeds) | 60GB high-speed, then unlimited 3G | 250GB high-speed, then unlimited 3G |
| In-flight Wi-Fi | None | Unlimited texting and streaming where available | Unlimited texting and streaming where available |
| International Roaming | Unlimited texting, 2G data | Unlimited text, 15GB high-speed data in 215+ countries | Unlimited text, 15GB high-speed data in 215+ countries |
| Device Upgrades | None | Ready for upgrade every two years | Ready for upgrade every year |
Important considerations for activating Netflix
It's crucial to follow the activation process correctly to avoid being charged separately for your Netflix subscription. If you are already a Netflix subscriber, linking your existing account via the T-Mobile portal will transfer the billing responsibility to T-Mobile. For new customers, the process creates a new Netflix account linked to your T-Mobile service. Be aware that it may take one to two billing cycles for the change to be reflected, during which you might see a separate Netflix charge. Activating through the T-Mobile website or app ensures your plan is properly linked and you receive the correct benefit.
What happens if you already have Netflix?
If you have an existing Netflix account and subscribe to a qualifying T-Mobile 55+ plan, T-Mobile will cover the cost of a Netflix Standard with Ads subscription, and your billing will be transferred. If you are on a higher-tier Netflix plan, such as the ad-free Standard or Premium plan, T-Mobile will provide a credit for the value of the Standard with Ads subscription, and you will pay the difference on your T-Mobile bill. This means you still get a discount on your current Netflix plan.
Conclusion
While not every T-Mobile 55+ plan automatically includes Netflix, the mid-tier and top-tier 'Experience' options offer it as a standard benefit. The budget-friendly Essentials Choice 55 does not. If you're a senior seeking both affordable cellular service and bundled streaming entertainment, upgrading to the Experience More or Experience Beyond plans provides significant value, including a Netflix Standard with Ads subscription at no extra cost. For those already subscribed to Netflix, linking your account is simple and allows you to either get the ad-supported plan free or receive a discount on a higher-tier subscription. Always use the T-Mobile portal to activate the benefit to ensure proper billing and to start enjoying your complimentary streaming service. For the most current plan details, check the T-Mobile website before signing up or making changes.
