Moving your number to a new iPhone depends on whether you're switching from another iPhone, from Android, or staying with the same carrier
If you're upgrading to a new iPhone from an old one on the same carrier, your number moves automatically — the carrier handles it when you activate the new phone. If you're switching from Android or changing carriers, you'll need to request a number transfer (also called a port) before you set up the new iPhone. The process takes a few hours to a few days, and your old phone will stop working once the transfer completes.
The steps differ slightly depending on your situation, but the core requirement is the same: you need your account number, PIN or password, and the phone number you want to keep. Start the process before you open the new iPhone so there's no gap in service.
Key Takeaways
- Upgrading within the same carrier on a new iPhone requires only activation — the number transfers automatically during setup.
- Switching carriers or coming from Android requires you to request a port from your new carrier before activating the new phone.
- You'll need your account number, account PIN or password, and the phone number you're transferring to start the port process.
- The transfer usually takes a few hours to two business days, and your old phone stops working once it completes.
- Keep your old phone powered on until the transfer finishes so you can receive any verification codes or calls from your carrier.
Upgrading to a new iPhone on the same carrier
If you're staying with your current carrier (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, or another provider), your number transfers as part of the normal activation process. You don't need to request anything in advance — the carrier automatically moves your number when you activate the new phone.
When you turn on the new iPhone, you'll be asked to sign in with your Apple ID and choose how to set up the phone. Select "Restore from iCloud backup" if you want to copy your contacts, messages, and apps from your old iPhone. If you're coming from Android, you can use the "Move data from Android" option during setup, though this doesn't transfer your phone number — that happens separately through your carrier.
After setup completes, your carrier will send you a text or email confirming the number transfer. This usually happens within a few minutes to an hour. Your old phone will stop receiving calls and texts once the transfer is complete.
Switching carriers and bringing your number with you
To move your number to a new carrier, you need to request a port from the new carrier before you activate the new iPhone. Contact the new carrier by phone, online, or in person and tell them you want to transfer your existing number. They'll ask for your account number, account PIN or password, and the phone number you're moving.
Your account number is usually on your bill or in your carrier's app. If you don't have a PIN, you may need to set one up first — call your current carrier to do this. Some carriers let you request the port online through their website or app, which is faster than calling.
The new carrier will give you a timeline, usually 24 hours to a few business days. During this time, keep your old phone powered on so you can receive any verification calls or texts. Once the port completes, your old phone will lose service and your new iPhone will take over the number.
Moving from Android to iPhone with a number transfer
If you're switching from Android to iPhone and changing carriers at the same time, follow the carrier-switching steps above — the process is the same regardless of your old phone's operating system. If you're switching from Android but staying with the same carrier, the number still transfers automatically during iPhone activation, just like upgrading from an old iPhone.
The difference is in your data. Apple's "Move data from Android" tool during iPhone setup will copy your contacts, calendar, photos, and some app data, but it doesn't handle your phone number. Your carrier handles the number transfer separately. Make sure you've backed up anything important on your Android phone before you start, since you won't be able to access it once the number transfer completes and your old phone loses service.
What to do if the transfer fails or takes too long
If your number doesn't transfer within the timeframe your carrier gave you, contact the new carrier's customer service. Have your account number and the old account number (from your previous carrier) ready. Sometimes the transfer stalls because of a mismatch in account information or because your old carrier didn't release the number.
If your old carrier is refusing to release your number, ask to speak with a supervisor or file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC has rules requiring carriers to port numbers, and a formal complaint often speeds up the process. You can file online at fcc.gov/consumers.
In the meantime, you can still use your new iPhone with a temporary number from the new carrier. Once the port completes, your permanent number will take over automatically.
Keeping your old phone working during the transfer
Leave your old phone turned on and connected to Wi-Fi or cellular service while the port is in progress. Your carrier may send verification codes or make calls to confirm the transfer, and you need to be able to receive them. If your old phone loses power or goes offline, the transfer might stall.
Once the transfer completes and your new iPhone has your number, your old phone will show no signal and won't be able to make calls or send texts. At that point, you can power it off. If you want to keep using the old phone as a Wi-Fi device (for apps, photos, or as a backup), you can — it just won't have cellular service.
eSIM and physical SIM considerations
Most new iPhones use eSIM, a digital SIM card built into the phone. When you activate a new iPhone with your carrier, they can set up your eSIM during the process, and your number transfers at the same time. You don't need a physical SIM card or a slot to insert one.
If your carrier or your new iPhone supports a physical SIM card, you can use that instead. The process is the same — your carrier provides the SIM, you insert it into the new iPhone, and your number transfers during activation. Some people use both eSIM and a physical SIM on the same iPhone if they have two phone numbers or two carriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my new iPhone before the number transfer completes?
Yes. You can set up the new iPhone and use it with a temporary number from your new carrier while the port is in progress. Once the transfer finishes, your permanent number takes over automatically. You don't need to do anything else.
What happens to my old phone number if I don't request a port?
If you don't request a port and simply activate a new phone with a new carrier, your old number stays with your old carrier. After a period of time (usually 30 to 90 days), the carrier may reassign it to someone else. You can still request a port later, but the sooner you do it, the easier it is.
Do I need to cancel my old carrier before requesting a port?
No. In fact, don't cancel until after the port completes. Your old carrier needs your account to be active to release the number. Once the port finishes and your new phone has your number, you can cancel the old account. The old carrier will usually send you a final bill.
Will I lose my contacts and messages during the transfer?
No. Your phone number is separate from your contacts and messages. If you're upgrading within the same carrier or using "Restore from iCloud backup" on your new iPhone, everything stays. If you're switching carriers and not restoring from backup, you'll need to manually transfer your contacts or restore them from a backup after the port completes.
How long does a number transfer usually take?
Most transfers complete within a few hours to one business day. Some carriers finish in minutes. Switching between major carriers (like Verizon to AT&T) sometimes takes up to three business days. Your new carrier will give you a specific timeframe when you request the port.