Can I Keep My Phone Number When I Switch Carriers?

You want a new carrier, but you very much do not want a new number. Good news! In the US, you can usually keep your current phone number when switching carriers. It is called porting, and it is a standard, legal, very normal thing that carriers handle every day. Hello savings, goodbye mass text that says, “New number, who dis?”

In this guide, we’ll break down eligibility, the exact steps, timing, delays, and the scoop for AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. You will finish with a checklist, confidence, and zero panic.

What Does It Mean to “Port” a Phone Number?

Porting means taking your existing phone number with you when you move service to a new provider. In the U.S., carriers must allow number portability for customers who stay in the same general geographic area, with some technical limits. The FCC requires it, which is why the process exists at all.

How It Works: Step-by-Step Process

Think of porting like moving apartments. You pack your details (phone number, contacts, memes), your new carrier requests the keys, and your calls get delivered to your new place. Here is the short list to make it smooth.

1. Check your eligibility

Most wireless numbers can be ported. Many landline and VoIP numbers (calls over an internet connection instead of phone lines) can be ported too.

Porting usually works best when you stay in the same local area because some numbers are tied to a rate center (the local phone-number area your number belongs to). Very new lines, unpaid balances, or certain account holds can block a port. If in doubt, ask your new carrier to run an eligibility check before you order.

2. Gather the required information

Have your current account number, your account PIN or passcode, the exact name and billing address on the account, and a recent bill for reference. Many carriers require a special Number Transfer PIN for security. Do not cancel your current service early, or you risk losing the number.

3. Submit the port request with your new carrier

You start the port during signup with the new carrier. They create a formal request to your old carrier, then your old carrier responds, and the handoff begins. Provide the details exactly as they appear on your old account to avoid delays. 

4. Port activation and transition

Once approved, your number activates on the new network. Test calls and texts in both directions. Only cancel the old service after everything works on the new line. This keeps the number safe while the switch finishes.

Number Porting Timeline and Possible Delays

Wireless to wireless often completes the same day, sometimes in a few hours. Wireline to wireless can take longer, often a few days. Delays happen due to mismatched account info, unpaid balances, carrier backlogs, or routing hiccups. 

If your port is dragging, contact both carriers, confirm your account details line by line, and ask for a status update.

Special Cases Where You Might Not Be Able to Keep Your Phone Number

Although most people can keep their phone number when switching carriers, there are a few special situations where number porting isn’t always possible. Factors like the type of service you’re switching from, your location, or the carrier network you’re moving to can all affect eligibility. Below are some common cases where you may need to choose a new number instead.

Switching from landline to mobile, or to VoIP

Many landline and VoIP numbers can be ported, but some are restricted by rate centers or local numbering rules. Moving a fixed line to mobile can add days and paperwork. Check eligibility first to avoid surprises.

Porting out of an MVNO

MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) are the smaller providers that lease their infrastructure access from the name brand providers. Usually, their rules are similar to major carriers, but steps can include special transfer PINs or extra verification. Confirm that your MVNO supports outgoing ports and request the correct PIN.

International or out-of-area moves

Porting typically requires that you remain within the same geographic area, which is why moving to a different country, or sometimes even a different rate center, can block a port. Ask the new carrier to run an eligibility check before you switch.

How to Port Your Phone Number With Popular Carriers

With the big three, the process is quick, tidy, and mostly paperwork-free. Here are the essentials.

Porting your number to AT&T

1. Check number eligibility on AT&T’s transfer page.
2. Gather your current account number, Number Transfer PIN, and billing info.
3. To get an AT&T transfer PIN when leaving AT&T, you can call *PORT and follow the prompts.
4. Start the port during activation of your SIM or eSIM, then track the status online.
5. Keep your old service active until calls and texts work on AT&T. 

Porting your number to Verizon

1. Only the account owner or manager can authorize the port.
2. Get a Number Transfer PIN. Dial *#PORT from your Verizon phone, or use My Verizon, or contact support.
3. Give the new carrier your Verizon account number and the Number Transfer PIN.
4. Activate your Verizon SIM or eSIM once the port is approved. Test calls and texts. 

Porting your number to T-Mobile

1. Confirm that your number is eligible to transfer.
2. Collect your current account number and transfer PIN or password.
3. Make sure your phone is unlocked and any account blocks are removed.
4. Start the transfer with T-Mobile online or in store, then check the status. 

Common Pitfalls and Best Practices

• Do not cancel your current service before the port completes. The number must be active to move.
• Double-check account info. Mismatched names, addresses, or PINs cause most rejections. 
• Unlock your phone. An unlocked phone makes activation painless on the new network. 
• Plan for overlap. Expect a few hours to a couple of days. Keep both lines active until everything works on the new one. 
• Back up voicemails and texts that you care about. Those do not always follow you to the new carrier. 

Frequently Asked Questions on Number Porting

How long does it take to port my phone number to a new carrier?

Wireless to wireless can finish in a few hours, often within one business day. Landline to wireless usually takes longer, maybe a few days. If it is taking more time than promised, contact both carriers, confirm your account number and PIN, and ask for a status update. 

Do I need to pay to port my phone number?

Many U.S. carriers handle the port at no charge. That said, any termination fees or remaining phone payments with your old carrier are separate. Ask your current carrier about outstanding balances before you start. 

Can I port multiple numbers at once?

Yes. Most carriers support multi-line ports, including family plans and small business batches. You may need to provide documentation for each line and verify authority to move the numbers. 

What if my port fails or is rejected by the carrier?

Most failures come from mismatched account info, inactive lines, or unpaid balances. Keep your old line active, fix the mismatch, and resubmit. If the status stalls, contact both carriers for an update, then escalate if needed. 

When is the best time to change phone carriers?

Promotions often spike around new phone launches and major shopping seasons. A smart move is to begin the port near the end of your billing cycle, about one to two days before your next bill. That reduces overlap and keeps your number safe.