The basic process depends on whether you're switching phones on the same carrier or moving to a different one

If you're staying with your current carrier and just getting a new phone, the transfer is usually automatic — your carrier moves your number to the new device when you activate it, often while you're still in the store. If you're switching to a different carrier, you'll need to request a port, which is the formal process of moving your number from one company to another. This takes a few days and requires information from your current account.

The key difference is that staying with your carrier is nearly hands-off, while switching carriers requires you to initiate the move and have specific details ready. Both are free, but they follow different timelines and involve different steps.

Key Takeaways

  • Staying with your current carrier: activation happens in-store or online, and your number transfers automatically when the new phone is activated.
  • Switching carriers: you must request a port, provide your account number and PIN, and the process takes two to five business days.
  • Before you switch carriers, contact your current provider to confirm your account number, PIN, and whether you have any contract obligations or early termination fees.
  • During the port window, you may lose service for a few hours; keep your old phone powered on in case the new carrier needs to contact you.
  • Once the port completes, your old carrier's service ends and you cannot reverse the transfer, so confirm everything is working on the new carrier first.

Transferring your number when you stay with the same carrier

Contact your carrier — by phone, in person, or through their app or website — and tell them you have a new phone. They will ask for the phone's IMEI number, which you can find in the phone's settings, on the box, or by dialing *#06# on the device. Some carriers also accept a photo of the SIM card or the device itself.

The carrier then activates the new phone on your account. If you're keeping your existing SIM card, you may simply insert it into the new phone and restart it. If you need a new SIM card, the carrier will mail one or give you one in-store. Once activated, your number, plan, and contacts (if they're backed up to your carrier's cloud service or to Google/Apple) transfer to the new device. This usually takes a few minutes to a few hours.

You do not need to do anything else. Your old phone will lose service once the new one is activated, so back up any photos, messages, or other data you want to keep before you hand it in or sell it.

Requesting a port when you switch to a different carrier

Before you start, gather three pieces of information from your current carrier: your account number, your account PIN (not your SIM PIN), and confirmation that you do not have an active contract or early termination fee. You can find the account number on your bill or in your carrier's app. If you do not know your PIN, call your current carrier and ask them to reset it or provide it to you.

Contact your new carrier — in person, by phone, or online — and tell them you want to port your number. Provide your current carrier's name, your phone number, your account number, and your PIN. The new carrier will submit the port request on your behalf. You do not need to contact your old carrier directly; the new one handles the request.

The port typically takes two to five business days. During this time, you may have service interruptions or brief periods where calls and texts do not go through. Keep your old phone powered on and nearby in case the new carrier needs to reach you. Once the port completes, your number will ring on the new carrier's network, and your old carrier's service will end automatically.

What to do if the port is delayed or rejected

If your port does not complete within five business days, contact your new carrier's customer service and ask for the status. Delays usually happen because the account number or PIN was entered incorrectly, or because your old carrier is holding up the request due to an unpaid balance or contract dispute.

If your old carrier rejects the port, they will typically tell your new carrier why. Common reasons are an active contract, an outstanding bill, or a mismatch between the name on the account and the name you provided to the new carrier. Resolve the issue with your old carrier — pay any balance, confirm the account holder's name matches, or wait out any contract term — then ask your new carrier to resubmit the port request.

Backing up your data before the switch

Your phone number itself will transfer, but your photos, messages, apps, and settings may not. Before you activate the new phone, back up your old one. On iPhone, use iCloud; on Android, use Google Drive or Samsung Cloud (depending on your phone). Both services are free and back up automatically if you set them up in advance.

When you turn on the new phone, sign in with the same Apple ID or Google account you used on the old phone, and the backup will restore. This includes your contacts, calendar, photos, and most app data. Some apps, particularly banking or work apps, may require you to log in again for security reasons.

If you do not have a backup, you can still transfer contacts manually by exporting them from your old phone as a file and importing them into the new one, but this does not include photos or messages. Back up before you switch whenever possible.

What happens to your old phone after the transfer

Once your number is transferred, your old phone will no longer receive calls or texts on that number. If you're selling it or giving it away, erase all data first. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. On Android, go to Settings > System > Reset > Erase All Data. This removes your personal information and restores the phone to factory condition.

If you're keeping the old phone as a backup or for another purpose, you can still use it on Wi-Fi to access email, apps, and other services — it just will not receive calls or texts. Some people keep an old phone charged at home for emergencies or travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my number if I have an outstanding balance with my current carrier?

Most carriers will not port your number if you have an unpaid bill. Contact your current carrier, pay the balance, and then request the port. Some carriers may port the number but hold it hostage until you pay; confirm their policy before you switch.

What if I do not know my account PIN?

Call your current carrier's customer service line and ask them to reset your PIN or provide it to you. You will need to verify your identity by answering security questions or providing your account number and the phone number on the account. This usually takes a few minutes.

Will I lose my text messages and photos when I switch phones?

Your number transfers, but your messages and photos do not unless you back them up first. Use iCloud, Google Drive, or your carrier's cloud service to back up before you switch. Once you restore the backup on the new phone, your data will be there.

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

The port typically takes two to five business days. Weekends and holidays do not count. Some carriers complete ports faster if you request it in-store, but two to five days is standard. You will receive a text or email when the port is complete.

Can I cancel the port after I request it?

Yes, but only before it completes. Contact your new carrier and ask them to cancel the port request. Once the port is finished and your number rings on the new carrier's network, you cannot reverse it — you would have to port back to your old carrier as a new request, which takes another few days.