How to Transfer Your Phone Number When Switching Carriers

How to transfer your number: Key takeaways

Transferring your number means moving it from your current carrier to a new one

The steps to transfer your number may differ slightly depending on your device, SIM card, or carrier activation process

Your number must stay active with your current carrier until the transfer is complete

Most cell phone transfers take up to 3 days, while landline transfers can take up to 10 days

Thinking about changing mobile providers but worried about losing your number? In most cases, there’s no need to worry.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) allows consumers to keep their existing phone numbers when they switch providers.

Below, we’ll walk through:

When you can transfer your number

What steps to follow

The information you’ll need during the process

The timeline you may expect

What does transferring a phone number mean?

When people talk about transferring or “porting” a number, they simply mean moving it from one carrier to another. Your number isn’t tied to the physical phone; it’s tied to your service provider.

When you switch carriers and choose to keep your current number, the new carrier works with your previous provider to move the number to the new network.

Getting a new phone? Your number will activate on that device once the transfer is complete.

If you’re keeping your current phone with a new SIM card, your number will move to the new service and continue working on your device.

Can I transfer my phone number to another phone?

You can transfer your existing cell phone or landline number to another provider as long as:

Your number is still active with your current carrier.

Your number is eligible for transfer.

Your previous carrier approves the request.

We’ll guide you through the process and let you know exactly what information is needed.

Good to know:

Most providers don’t charge a fee to transfer your phone number. However, your previous carrier may charge an early termination fee if you cancel service before your contract ends.

The exact steps may vary depending on your device and how your new carrier activates service.

For example, the process may differ slightly if you're activating a new phone, using a SIM card, or setting up service with a new provider.

When switching carriers, it’s also helpful to review the available mobile service plans to make sure the new provider offers the coverage and features you need.

How to transfer your number to a new carrier

Step 1: Keep your current phone service active. Do not cancel it before you request a number transfer.

Step 2: Gather your account information (check a recent phone bill to find it), so you can give it to the new provider. This may include:

- Account number

- Billing name and address

- The phone number you’re transferring

- Number transfer PIN (if required)

Step 3: After entering your account information, your new provider will send the transfer request to your current carrier to begin moving your phone number.

Step 4: Wait for the transfer to complete. Once the request is approved, your number will move to the new network.

How to transfer your number when activating a SIM card

To transfer your number when activating a new device or SIM card, follow your provider’s activation instructions and select the option to keep your existing phone number.

Step 1: Turn on your new phone or insert your SIM card according to your carrier’s instructions. During setup, you’ll be asked whether you want a new number or a transfer of your existing number. Select the option to transfer your current number.

Step 2: Enter your current carrier information, such as account number, billing name and address, or number transfer PIN.

Step 3: Submit the transfer request and wait for your new provider to contact your previous carrier about the change.

Step 4: Restart your device after activation.

What information do I need to provide to transfer my phone number?

For your security, you will need to provide some account information on file with your previous carrier, such as account number and billing name and address.

You can find most of the information on a recent phone bill from your carrier or by logging into your account on your carrier’s website or app.

If you are transferring your phone number from another cellular company, you may also need to request a Number Transfer PIN.

If you’re unsure where to locate your account details, contact your carrier’s Help Center for additional guidance on activation and account setup.

What happens after I request a phone number transfer?

Once the new carrier has your account information, they'll contact your previous carrier to complete the transfer.

The timeframe depends on how quickly your carrier responds. Sometimes the transfer happens within an hour. In other cases, it can take a few days, typically up to three for cell phones and closer to five to ten days for landlines.

During the transfer, you might notice a short service interruption. That’s normal; it usually resolves quickly.

Please keep your phones turned on and charged in case the new provider needs to contact you.

FAQs about transferring your number

Do I need to end my current service before transferring my phone number?

No, don’t cancel your current service yet. The number needs to stay active until the transfer goes through.

How long does it take to transfer my phone number?

It typically takes up to 3 days to transfer your number, and 5-10 days to transfer a landline phone number. Keep in mind that the process could take longer depending on the accuracy of the information provided and the speed of your old carrier in releasing your phone number.

Is there a fee to transfer my phone number?

Most carriers don’t charge a fee to transfer your number. However, your previous carrier may charge an early termination fee if you cancel your contract early.

What if I change my mind after I requested to transfer my phone number?

Once the transfer process has started, it may not be possible to cancel the request. If you have concerns, contact your service provider right away so they can review your options.

Can I transfer a landline phone number?

Yes, in many cases that will be possible. Landline transfers typically take longer than cell phone transfers, ranging between five and 10 days. Don’t cancel your existing service just yet.

Can I transfer my phone number to another phone?

If you’re staying with the same carrier, you won’t usually need to transfer your number. Your carrier will set up your current number on your new phone, typically by transferring your SIM card or providing a replacement one. If you’re switching carriers, you’ll need to request a number transfer to move your number to the new service.

Can my number transfer be delayed or rejected?

Transfers can be delayed if:

The account number or billing information doesn’t match exactly

The number is no longer active

Your previous carrier has a restriction on the account

How can seniors switch phone carriers without losing their phone number?

To keep the same number, keep your service active with your current carrier until everything finishes transferring the phone. Once the new carrier submits the request, they work directly with the previous provider to move the number safely.

Can I use my phone while my number is transferred?

In many cases, your current phone will continue working until the transfer is done. However, there may be a short interruption in service while the number moves between carriers.