How to Switch to a Different Phone Carrier
You can switch carriers while keeping your phone number
Switching phone carriers means moving your service from one company to another — AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, a regional carrier, or a smaller company that uses one of those networks. The process takes a few hours to a few days, and you keep your existing phone number if you request it. You'll need your account number and PIN from your current carrier, and you should know whether your phone will work on the new network before you start.
The main decision is whether to bring your current phone or buy a new one. If you bring your phone, check that it's compatible with the new carrier's network — this matters more than it used to. If you buy a new phone, you can often get a discount from the new carrier, but you'll pay upfront or sign a contract.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your current carrier to get your account number and PIN, then contact the new carrier to start the switch — they handle most of the work.
- Request a porting authorization code (PAC) or keep your number active during the transfer, depending on what your current carrier requires.
- Check whether your phone works on the new carrier's network before you switch, because some phones don't work on all networks.
- Your service will switch over within hours to a few days; keep your old phone on until the new one is working.
- You may owe an early termination fee to your old carrier if you're still under contract, though many carriers no longer use contracts.
What information you need before you start
Call or log into your current carrier's account and write down your account number and account PIN. These are not the same as your phone number or your password. Your account number is usually on your bill. Your PIN is a security code you set up when you opened the account — if you don't remember it, the carrier can reset it, but this takes a phone call.
You'll also need to know whether you're under contract. If you signed a two-year agreement when you got your phone, you may owe an early termination fee — usually $100 to $350, though this varies by carrier and how much time is left on your contract. Many carriers have stopped using contracts, so you may not owe anything. Your bill or your carrier's website will tell you.
Finally, check whether your phone will work on the new carrier's network. This is especially important if you have an older phone or a phone from a different country. The new carrier's website usually has a tool where you enter your phone's model number and it tells you whether it's compatible. If your phone won't work, you'll need to buy a new one or use a phone the new carrier provides.
How to request your phone number transfer
When you contact the new carrier to start your switch, tell them you want to keep your current phone number. They will ask for your account number and PIN from your old carrier. Some carriers call this a port or number transfer.
The new carrier will then contact your old carrier to request a porting authorization code (PAC), or they may handle the transfer directly without asking you for a code. This depends on the carriers involved. If your old carrier asks you directly for a PAC, you can get it by calling them or logging into your account online — it's usually a four-digit code they give you immediately.
Once the new carrier has your information, the transfer usually starts within a few hours. Your old carrier may ask you to confirm that you want to leave, either by email or by text. Respond to these requests so the transfer doesn't stall.
What happens during the switch
The actual switch takes anywhere from a few hours to three business days, depending on the carriers and whether there are any problems. During this time, your old phone may stop working, or it may keep working until the new carrier's system is ready. Don't turn off your old phone until you've confirmed that your new phone is working and receiving calls and texts.
When your new carrier's service activates, your phone number will ring on your new phone instead of your old one. You may see a brief gap where calls and texts don't go through — this is normal and usually lasts less than an hour. If the gap lasts more than a few hours, contact the new carrier to check on the status.
Once your new phone is working, you can recycle or sell your old phone. If it's still under contract with your old carrier, you may need to pay the early termination fee before you can use it on another carrier or sell it.
Costs and fees to expect
The cost of switching depends on your situation. If you bring your own phone and you're not under contract, switching is free — you just pay the new carrier's monthly rate starting on your activation date. If you're under contract, you'll owe an early termination fee to your old carrier, usually $100 to $350.
If you buy a new phone from the new carrier, the cost varies widely. Some carriers offer discounts or rebates for new customers, which can reduce the phone's price by $100 to $400. Others charge full price. You can usually pay upfront or add the cost to your first bill.
Your old carrier may charge you for the final month of service, even if you switch partway through the month. Some carriers prorate this charge (divide it by the number of days you used the service), and some charge you for the full month. Check your final bill to see how they handled it.
Switching between prepaid and postpaid plans
If you're switching from a prepaid plan to a postpaid plan (or vice versa), the process is the same — you still request a number transfer and the new carrier handles most of the work. The main difference is that prepaid plans don't have contracts or monthly bills, so you won't owe an early termination fee.
If you're switching from postpaid to prepaid, you may have unused time or data left on your old plan. Most carriers don't refund this, so try to use it up before you switch. If you're switching from prepaid to postpaid, make sure your prepaid balance is zero before you request the transfer, because some carriers won't process the switch if you have a credit on your account.
What to do if something goes wrong
If your phone number doesn't transfer, or if it takes longer than three business days, contact the new carrier first. They can check the status of the transfer and see whether your old carrier is holding it up. If your old carrier is the problem, the new carrier can often push the transfer through on your behalf.
If you lose service during the switch and need to make calls, you can use WiFi calling if your phone supports it, or you can use your old phone if it still has service. Once the transfer is complete, your old phone will no longer work on your old carrier's network, so don't rely on it for emergencies.
If you're charged an early termination fee that you weren't expecting, contact your old carrier and ask them to explain it. If you were told the fee would be waived and it wasn't, ask them to remove it — some carriers will do this if you can show that you were promised a waiver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my phone number if I switch carriers?
Yes. When you contact the new carrier, tell them you want to keep your number and provide your account number and PIN from your old carrier. The new carrier will request the transfer, and your number will ring on your new phone within a few hours to three business days.
Will my phone work on the new carrier's network?
Most phones work on most networks, but not all. Check the new carrier's website — they have a tool where you enter your phone's model number and it tells you whether it's compatible. If it's not, you'll need to buy a new phone or use one the new carrier provides.
What if I'm still under contract with my old carrier?
You can still switch, but you'll owe an early termination fee, usually $100 to $350. Check your bill or your carrier's website to see whether you're under contract and what the fee is. Some carriers waive this fee for new customers, so ask the new carrier whether they offer this.
How long does it take to switch carriers?
The switch usually takes a few hours to three business days. During this time, keep your old phone on in case there are problems. Once your new phone is working and receiving calls and texts, you can stop using your old phone.
Do I have to buy a new phone when I switch?
No. You can bring your own phone if it's compatible with the new carrier's network. If you do buy a new phone, the new carrier may offer a discount or rebate for new customers, but you'll pay something upfront or add it to your first bill.