Moving your number to a new phone is usually automatic, but the steps depend 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, your number transfers during the activation process — you don't need to do anything extra. The carrier handles it when you activate the new device. If you're switching to a different carrier, you'll need to request a number transfer (sometimes called a "port") before you activate service with the new company. This process takes a few hours to a few days, and your old phone will stop working once the transfer completes.
The key difference is timing: same-carrier switches happen during setup, while carrier switches require you to start the process before you get your new phone. Either way, you keep the same phone number.
Key Takeaways
- Staying with your current carrier: activate your new phone through their website, app, or store, and your number moves automatically during setup.
- Switching carriers: contact your new carrier and request a number transfer before activating service, and have your current account number and PIN ready.
- The transfer process takes a few hours to three business days depending on the carriers involved.
- Your old phone stops working once the transfer completes, so don't throw it away until you confirm your number works on the new device.
- If the transfer fails, contact your new carrier's customer service — they can troubleshoot or resubmit the request.
Transferring your number when staying with the same carrier
Contact your current carrier through their website, app, or a store location and tell them you have a new phone. They'll ask whether you want to keep your existing number (you do) or get a new one. Confirm your identity — usually with your account PIN, last four digits of your Social Security number, or a code sent to your email or current phone.
The carrier will then activate your new phone on your existing line. This usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. Your number stays the same, and your service picks up on the new device once activation completes. Your old phone will lose service once the new one activates, so wait until you've confirmed calls and texts work on the new device before setting the old phone aside.
Transferring your number to a different carrier
Start the process with your new carrier, not your old one. Contact them by phone, website, or in person and say you want to transfer your number from your current carrier. They'll ask for your current account number and account PIN — you can find these on your most recent bill or by logging into your current carrier's account online. Have this information ready before you call or visit.
Your new carrier will submit the transfer request to your current carrier. This is called a port. The two carriers then coordinate behind the scenes. The transfer usually completes within a few hours, though it can take up to three business days. You'll receive a confirmation text or email from your new carrier once it's done. At that point, your old phone stops working and your number rings on your new phone.
Do not cancel your old account with your current carrier — the transfer process requires it to stay active until the port completes. Once you receive confirmation that the transfer finished, you can contact your old carrier to close the account and avoid being charged for another month.
What to have ready before you start
Gather these details before contacting your carrier or visiting a store:
- Your current account number (on your bill or in your carrier's app)
- Your account PIN or password
- The phone number you want to transfer
- A valid ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
- Your new phone, if you already have it
If you don't know your account PIN, call your current carrier's customer service line and ask them to reset it or confirm it for you. If you're transferring to a new carrier, you'll also need to know which plan you want — the new carrier will ask about data limits, minutes, and add-ons during the activation process.
What happens during the transfer window
Once your new carrier submits the port request, there's a waiting period while the carriers process it. During this time, your old phone still works on your current carrier's network. You can continue making calls and texts normally. Your new phone may or may not have service yet, depending on whether your new carrier has already activated it — ask them when you submit the port request.
Some carriers activate your new phone immediately but hold off on routing your number to it until the port completes. Others wait to activate until the transfer is done. Either way, you'll know the transfer finished when you get a confirmation message and your old phone stops working. Test your new phone by calling or texting someone to make sure the number is working correctly.
Troubleshooting a failed or delayed transfer
If your transfer doesn't complete within the timeframe your new carrier gave you, contact them first. Delays usually happen because of a mismatch in account information — your account number or PIN doesn't match what your old carrier has on file, or your old account is in a different name than your ID. Your new carrier can resubmit the request with corrected information.
If your old carrier is blocking the transfer, it's usually because you have an outstanding balance or a contract with an early termination fee. You'll need to pay the balance or fee before the port can complete. Your new carrier can tell you whether this is the issue. Once it's resolved, they can resubmit the request, and the transfer typically completes within hours.
If your number transfers but doesn't ring on your new phone, restart the new phone first. If that doesn't work, contact your new carrier's customer service. They can check whether the transfer completed on their end and troubleshoot why the number isn't routing correctly.
Keeping your number when switching phones internationally
If you're moving to another country, you generally cannot keep your U.S. phone number with a local carrier there. International carriers don't support U.S. numbers on their networks. Your options are to keep your U.S. number through a service like Google Voice or Skype (which lets people call your U.S. number over the internet), or to get a new local number in the country where you're moving.
If you want to keep your U.S. number active while you're abroad, contact your current U.S. carrier and ask about international roaming or a temporary suspension. Some carriers let you pause service for a few months without closing your account, which keeps your number reserved. Others charge a small monthly fee to keep the number active without using it. This is cheaper than porting the number away and trying to get it back later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my number before I get my new phone?
If you're switching carriers, yes — you can start the port request before your new phone arrives. Your new carrier will submit the request, and it will complete once they've activated your new device. If you're staying with your current carrier, you'll need the new phone in hand to activate it, so the transfer happens during that activation step.
Will I lose my text messages or contacts when I transfer my number?
No. Your phone number transfer doesn't touch your messages or contacts — those are stored on your phone or in your Google/Apple account. Before you switch phones, back up your contacts and messages to your cloud account (Google Drive, iCloud, or your carrier's backup service). Then restore them on your new phone after you set it up.
What if my old carrier won't let me transfer my number?
Carriers are required by law to allow number transfers, but they can delay if you have an unpaid balance or an active contract with an early termination fee. Pay the balance or fee, then ask your new carrier to resubmit the port request. If your old carrier continues to block it without a valid reason, file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at fcc.gov.
How long does it take to transfer my number?
Same-carrier transfers (new phone, same company) usually complete within a few hours. Carrier switches typically take a few hours to three business days, depending on how quickly both carriers process the request. Your new carrier will give you an estimated completion time when you submit the port request.
Do I have to pay to transfer my number?
No. Number transfers are free. If a carrier charges you a transfer fee, that's not standard — contact their customer service and ask them to remove it. Some carriers may charge an activation fee for a new line or plan, but that's separate from the number transfer itself.