How to Get a Transfer PIN From AT&T

What a Transfer PIN Is and Why You Need One

A Transfer PIN is a four-digit security code that AT&T requires before you can move your phone number to another carrier. It prevents someone else from porting your number without your permission. You create the PIN yourself through your AT&T account, and you keep it private until you're ready to switch carriers.

The PIN is not the same as your account PIN or your voicemail PIN. It exists solely to authorize the transfer of your phone number. When you contact your new carrier to port your number, they will ask you for this PIN. Without it, the transfer cannot proceed.

Key Takeaways

You create your Transfer PIN through your AT&T online account or by calling AT&T customer service at 611 from your AT&T phone or 1-800-331-0500.
The PIN must be four digits and can be any combination you choose, as long as it is not the same as your account PIN.
Once you create the PIN, it remains active until you change it or port your number away from AT&T.
You will need this PIN ready when you contact your new carrier to move your phone number.
If you forget your PIN, you can reset it by logging into your AT&T account or calling customer service again.

Creating Your Transfer PIN Online

The fastest way to get a Transfer PIN is through your AT&T online account. Go to att.com and sign in with your username and password. From your account dashboard, look for the section labeled "Manage my mobile number" or "Phone number settings." The exact wording varies depending on whether you have a wireless plan, a landline, or both.

Once you find that section, you should see an option to "Create Transfer PIN" or "Set up number transfer authorization." Click it and enter a four-digit PIN of your choice. AT&T will confirm that the PIN has been saved. Write it down or store it somewhere secure — you will need it when you contact your new carrier.

If you cannot find this option in your account, your account type may not support online PIN creation. This sometimes happens with older accounts, business accounts, or accounts with multiple lines. In that case, call AT&T customer service instead.

Creating Your Transfer PIN by Phone

Call AT&T customer service at 611 from your AT&T phone, or call 1-800-331-0500 from any phone. You will need to verify your identity by providing your account number, the phone number you want to transfer, and the last four digits of the Social Security number on the account.

Once you are verified, tell the representative you want to create a Transfer PIN. They will ask you to choose a four-digit number. The PIN cannot be the same as your account PIN, and AT&T may reject it if it is too simple (like 0000 or 1111). Choose something you can remember but that is not easy to guess.

The representative will confirm the PIN has been set and may offer to email you a confirmation. Ask them to do this — having a record with a timestamp can be useful if there is a dispute later about when the PIN was created.

What Happens If You Forget Your PIN

If you create a Transfer PIN and then forget it before you port your number, you can reset it using the same methods you used to create it. Log back into your AT&T account online and look for the option to change or reset your Transfer PIN. Or call 611 or 1-800-331-0500, verify your identity, and ask the representative to reset it.

AT&T will not tell you what your old PIN was — they will only let you create a new one. This is intentional, for security reasons. The reset process takes a few minutes, and your new PIN is active immediately.

Protecting Your Transfer PIN From Fraud

Do not share your Transfer PIN with anyone except the carrier you are actually switching to. Scammers sometimes call pretending to be from a new carrier and ask for your PIN so they can port your number without your knowledge. If someone calls you asking for your Transfer PIN, hang up and call the carrier directly using the phone number on your bill or their official website.

AT&T customer service will never ask you for your Transfer PIN over the phone — they already have access to your account and do not need it. If a caller claiming to be from AT&T asks for your Transfer PIN, that is a sign of fraud.

If you believe someone has used your Transfer PIN to port your number without permission, call AT&T immediately at 1-800-331-0500. They can reverse the port and lock your account to prevent future transfers. The sooner you report it, the faster they can act.

Timing: When to Create Your PIN Before Switching

Create your Transfer PIN a few days before you plan to contact your new carrier. This gives you time to make sure the PIN is set up correctly and to write it down. You do not need to create it months in advance — AT&T does not expire Transfer PINs based on time alone.

However, if you create a PIN and then change your mind about switching carriers, you can leave the PIN in place indefinitely. It will not affect your AT&T service. If you later decide to switch, the PIN will still be there and ready to use.

What to Do When You Contact Your New Carrier

Once your Transfer PIN is set up, you are ready to start the porting process with your new carrier. When you call or visit the new carrier's store, have the following information ready: your current AT&T phone number, your Transfer PIN, and your account number (found on your AT&T bill).

The new carrier will submit a port request to AT&T using your PIN to authorize it. AT&T will verify the PIN matches what you set up, and if it does, they will release your number. The actual transfer usually takes between one and three business days, though it can sometimes happen within hours.

During this time, your AT&T service will continue to work normally. Once the port is complete, your number will ring on your new carrier's network, and your AT&T service will end.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create a Transfer PIN if I have multiple phone lines with AT&T?

Yes, but you need a separate PIN for each number you want to transfer. When you create a PIN online or by phone, you specify which phone number it applies to. If you have three lines and want to port all three, you will need to create three different PINs.

What if AT&T says my Transfer PIN is invalid when my new carrier tries to use it?

Call AT&T customer service immediately and verify that the PIN you gave your new carrier matches the one you created. If they do not match, reset your PIN and provide the new one to your carrier. If they do match, ask AT&T to check whether there is a technical issue preventing the port. Sometimes AT&T's system has a delay in recognizing a newly created PIN.

Do I need a Transfer PIN to switch to a different AT&T plan or add a line?

No. The Transfer PIN is only for moving your number to a different carrier. Changing your plan, adding a line, or upgrading your phone within AT&T does not require a Transfer PIN.

Can AT&T customer service create a Transfer PIN for me if I do not want to do it myself?

Yes. When you call 611 or 1-800-331-0500, you can ask the representative to create a PIN for you. They will generate one and read it to you over the phone. Write it down immediately, because they will not repeat it a second time.

What happens to my Transfer PIN after I port my number away from AT&T?

Once your number is successfully ported to another carrier, your AT&T account closes and your Transfer PIN becomes inactive. You will not need it again unless you port the number back to AT&T in the future, in which case you would create a new PIN with your new carrier.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.