The fastest way to keep your number is to contact your carrier before you switch phones

You can transfer your phone number to a new phone by calling your current carrier, visiting their store, or using their app or website. Most carriers can move your number in minutes if you're staying with them. If you're switching to a different carrier, the process takes a few days and requires a code called an authorization code or transfer PIN.

The key is to start before you activate the new phone. If you activate it with a new number first, transferring your old number becomes more complicated. Your carrier will need to know your account details, the phone you're moving to, and whether you're staying with them or leaving.

Key Takeaways

  • Staying with your current carrier: call them, visit a store, or use their app to move your number to the new phone in minutes.
  • Switching carriers: request your authorization code or transfer PIN from your current carrier, then give it to the new carrier to complete the transfer in one to three business days.
  • Do not activate your new phone with a new number before transferring your old one, as this makes the process slower.
  • Have your account PIN, account number, and the last four digits of the Social Security number on the account ready when you contact your carrier.

Transferring your number if you're keeping the same carrier

If you're staying with your current carrier—Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or a regional or prepaid provider—the transfer is straightforward. Contact your carrier through the method that works for you: call customer service, visit a store, or log into their app or website.

Tell them you have a new phone and want to move your existing number to it. They will ask for your account PIN or the last four digits of the Social Security number on the account to verify you. Once verified, they can activate your number on the new phone immediately. If you're at a store, this usually takes a few minutes. If you're doing it by phone or app, it may take a few hours for the change to take effect.

Keep your old phone powered on during this process if possible. Once the transfer is complete, your old phone will lose service, and your new phone will have your number.

Transferring your number to a different carrier

Switching carriers requires an extra step: you need an authorization code (also called a transfer PIN or porting authorization code) from your current carrier. This code proves you own the number and have permission to move it.

Contact your current carrier and ask for your authorization code. You can do this by phone, in person, or through their app or website. Have your account information ready. The carrier will give you a code, usually a four- to six-digit number. Write it down or take a screenshot.

Then contact your new carrier and tell them you want to bring your number with you. Provide your authorization code, your account number with the old carrier, and your phone number. The new carrier will start the transfer process. This usually takes one to three business days. During this time, your old phone may lose service, so plan accordingly. Once the transfer is complete, your new phone will have your number and service will work normally.

What information you'll need to have ready

Before you contact your carrier, gather these details about your current account:

  • Your phone number
  • Your account number (usually on your bill)
  • Your account PIN or the last four digits of the Social Security number on the account
  • The phone number of the account holder if it's not you
  • Your new phone's model (if you're staying with the same carrier)

If you're switching carriers, you'll also need your authorization code from your current carrier. If you don't have an account PIN set up, your carrier can verify you using other information like your billing address or the last four digits of a payment method on file.

Why your carrier needs this information

Your carrier asks for account details to confirm you own the number and have the right to move it. This protects you from someone else transferring your number without permission. The account PIN or Social Security number is the standard way they verify your identity.

If you're switching carriers, the authorization code serves the same purpose—it's proof that you authorized the transfer. Without it, the new carrier cannot legally move your number.

What to do if the transfer doesn't work

If your number doesn't transfer after a few hours (for same-carrier transfers) or three business days (for carrier switches), contact your carrier's customer service. Transfers sometimes fail because of a typo in your account number, a mismatch in the account holder's name, or an issue with the authorization code.

Ask your carrier to check the status of the transfer. If it failed, they can tell you why and help you restart it. If you're switching carriers and the transfer is stuck, contact both your old and new carrier—sometimes the issue is on one side and the other carrier can resolve it faster.

In rare cases, if your old carrier is refusing to release your number, you can file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC oversees phone number transfers and can investigate if a carrier is blocking a legitimate transfer.

Prepaid and regional carriers

The process is the same for prepaid carriers like Boost Mobile, Cricket, or Metro by T-Mobile, and for regional carriers. Call or visit their website to request the transfer. If you're switching to a different prepaid carrier, ask for your authorization code the same way you would with a major carrier.

Some prepaid carriers require you to have an active account with a balance or active service to transfer your number. If your service has lapsed, you may need to reactivate it first. Check your carrier's website or call to confirm before you start the transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my number if I still owe money on my old phone?

Yes. Your phone number is separate from any device payment plan. You can transfer your number even if you're still paying off the old phone. However, you remain responsible for those payments to your carrier.

What happens to my old phone after I transfer my number?

Your old phone will lose cellular service once the transfer is complete. It can still connect to Wi-Fi and use apps that don't require a phone number. If you want to sell or give away the old phone, you should factory reset it first to remove your personal data.

How long does it take to transfer a number to a new phone with the same carrier?

Same-carrier transfers usually take minutes to a few hours. If you do it in a store, it's often instant. If you do it by phone or app, allow a few hours for the system to update.

Do I need to cancel my old phone plan before transferring my number?

No. If you're staying with the same carrier, they simply move your number to the new phone on your existing plan. If you're switching carriers, your old carrier will close your account once the transfer is complete, but you don't need to cancel it yourself.

Can someone transfer my number without my permission?

Not legally. Your carrier requires an account PIN or Social Security number to authorize a transfer. However, if someone has access to your account information or your authorization code, they could attempt it. If you suspect unauthorized activity, contact your carrier immediately.