How to Keep Your Phone Number When You Switch Carriers

You can keep your phone number when you switch carriers—it's called number portability, and it's a legal right

When you move to a new carrier, you don't have to give up your phone number. The process is called number portability, and it's protected by federal law. Your new carrier handles most of the work: they contact your old carrier, request the transfer, and activate your number on their network. The whole thing usually takes one to three business days, though some carriers complete it faster.

The catch is that you have to initiate the request with your new carrier, not your old one. And you'll need a few pieces of information from your current account before you start. If you move without requesting a transfer, your old number simply closes when your service ends—there's no automatic handoff.

Key Takeaways

• Contact your new carrier first and ask them to port your number; they will handle the request to your old carrier on your behalf.
• Have your current account number, PIN or password, and billing zip code ready before you call or visit your new carrier.
• Number portability works between any carriers—wireless to wireless, landline to wireless, or wireless to landline—as long as both operate in your area.
• Your old carrier may charge an early termination fee if you're still under contract, but they cannot charge you for the number transfer itself.
• Keep your old phone on and active until your new carrier confirms the transfer is complete, usually one to three business days later.

What information you need before you contact your new carrier

Gather these details from your current phone bill or account before you reach out to your new carrier. You'll need your account number (sometimes called your billing account number or customer account number), your service address (the address where the phone service is registered, not necessarily where you live), and your billing zip code. If your account is password-protected, have that password or PIN ready too.

If you've lost access to your account, call your current carrier's customer service line and ask them to read these details to you. They won't transfer the number over the phone—that has to happen through your new carrier—but they can confirm the information you'll need. Write it down or take a photo of your bill so you have it in front of you when you contact your new carrier.

How to start the transfer with your new carrier

Call your new carrier's customer service line or visit a store in person and tell them you want to port your existing number. Online chat or the carrier's app may also offer this option. Have your account information ready. The representative will ask you to confirm your current carrier, your phone number, and the details from your account. They'll then submit a request to your old carrier on your behalf.

Ask the representative for a confirmation number and the expected completion date. Most carriers give you a window—"between Tuesday and Thursday"—rather than a specific day. Write this down. The representative should also tell you whether there are any fees for the transfer itself (there shouldn't be, but some carriers bundle it into a setup fee). Your old carrier's early termination fee, if you have one, is separate and will appear on your final bill.

What happens during the transfer window

Once the request is submitted, your old carrier has a set number of days to approve or deny it. In most cases they approve it within 24 hours. During this time, keep your old phone active and turned on—you may receive a text or call confirming the transfer. Do not cancel your old service yet.

Your new carrier will contact you when the transfer is complete, usually by text or email. At that point, your number will work on your new carrier's network. You can then power off your old phone. If you want to keep using your old phone, you'll need to get a new SIM card from your new carrier or have them activate the one that came with your new phone. Your old carrier will automatically close your account a few days after the transfer completes.

When a carrier refuses to port your number

A carrier can deny a port request only in specific situations: if the account information doesn't match, if the account is in collections, if the number was recently ported to that carrier (usually within the last 30 days), or if the account is still in the initial contract period with some carriers. If your request is denied, your new carrier will tell you why and what you need to do to fix it.

If the issue is a mismatch in account details, contact your old carrier and update your information, then resubmit the port request. If the account is in collections, you may need to settle the debt first. If the number was recently ported, you may have to wait 30 days before porting again. Ask your new carrier whether they can resubmit the request or whether you need to contact your old carrier directly to resolve the issue.

Porting from a landline or VoIP service to a wireless carrier

You can port a landline number to a cell phone, and the process is the same: contact your new wireless carrier and provide your account details from your landline provider. The transfer usually takes the same one to three business days. One difference is that landline providers sometimes charge a porting fee (wireless carriers cannot), so check your final bill from your old provider.

If you're switching from a VoIP service like Ooma or Magicjack, the process is identical. Have your account number and service address ready, contact your new carrier, and let them handle the request. VoIP providers rarely charge for porting, but confirm this before you start.

What to do if you're still under contract

Switching carriers while under contract usually means paying an early termination fee, typically $150 to $350 depending on your carrier and how much time is left on your contract. This fee is separate from the number portability process—your old carrier will add it to your final bill. The number transfer itself is free.

Before you switch, check your contract to see whether you're in an early termination period and what the fee would be. Some carriers waive the fee if you're switching because of poor service or coverage issues in your area, so it's worth asking. Others offer credits or discounts to new customers that offset the fee. Compare the total cost (early termination fee plus any new-carrier setup fees) against the savings you'll get from the new plan before you decide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I port my number if I'm switching from prepaid to a contract plan?

Yes. Prepaid and contract plans are both wireless services, so number portability works between them. The process is the same: contact your new carrier with your prepaid account details, and they'll request the transfer. Prepaid accounts rarely have early termination fees, so you can usually switch without extra charges beyond any setup fees the new carrier charges.

What if my old carrier says my number can't be ported?

Ask them specifically why. If they say the number is too old, was recently ported, or is in collections, those are legitimate reasons and you'll need to resolve the issue first. If they give a vague answer, ask to speak with a supervisor or contact your state's public utilities commission—carriers are required by law to port numbers except in specific circumstances, and refusing without a valid reason is a violation.

Do I need to buy a new phone to switch carriers?

Not necessarily. If your current phone is unlocked and compatible with your new carrier's network, you can bring it with you. If your phone is locked to your old carrier, you can request an unlock code from them before you switch (they're required to provide it). If you do buy a new phone, the number portability process is the same—your number transfers to the new carrier, not to the new phone.

Can I port my number back to my old carrier later?

Yes. Number portability works in both directions. If you switch back to your original carrier, the process is identical: contact them, provide your account details from your current carrier, and they'll request the transfer. Some carriers offer incentives to returning customers, so it's worth asking.

What happens to my voicemail and text messages when I switch?

Your voicemail and text message history stay with your old carrier and old phone—they don't transfer. Before you switch, save any important text messages to your computer or take screenshots. Set up voicemail on your new carrier's network after the transfer completes. Any new voicemails will go to your new carrier's system.