Can I keep my phone number if I switch carriers?

Yes, you have the right to keep your phone number when switching to a new carrier. The process is called porting or transferring, and it’s typically quick and easy if you’ve done a small amount of prep.  

Here’s a step-by-step guide to porting your number to a new carrier — plus info on what to do if you're taking your phone to the new carrier as well.

How do I port my number to a new carrier?  

Once you’ve selected a new phone plan and carrier, follow these steps for a smooth transfer. 

1. Keep the old service active for now 

When you want to switch carriers, don’t cancel the old service until the porting process plays out. If you cancel the previous service first, you can lose access to your number.  

2. Turn off number lock or port-out lock and back up phone data 

Some carriers offer number locking or port-out locking, which prevents your number from being ported without your permission (it helps avoid SIM swap scams). Check whether you’ve enabled that feature; if so, toggle it off so it doesn't derail your porting. 

It’s also a good idea to sync your phone's data to cloud storage or your computer. You shouldn’t lose your contacts, apps, photos and videos, and texts — those are stored in your phone’s memory, not on the SIM card. Still, it’s good to have a recent backup. It is possible you’ll lose voicemails when you switch carriers, though, so save any important information from those messages.   

3. Get a number transfer PIN from your current carrier 

Depending on the carrier, you may need to call or request this on their website or app. Carriers differ in how they deliver the PIN: They may ask you to dial a code, chat with an agent, sign into your account, etc. Check out our convenient guide to finding account info and PIN by carrier.

Tips when getting your PIN:  

• The PIN may have a limited lifespan of a few days, so do this when you’re ready to complete the process. 
• If you’re not the primary account holder — say you’re leaving your parent’s phone plan — you'll need the account holder to either handle the transfer or separate you from the old account first.  

4. Ask the new carrier to request number porting 

You can do this online, on the phone, or in a store. You’ll need to have key information ready: 

• Phone number. 
• Account number. 
• Billing address. 
• Transfer PIN.  

The new carrier will coordinate with the previous one to complete the porting and close the old account.  

Tips for handling a family plan: Make sure you port the primary account holder’s number last, not first. That keeps the account open while the other numbers get safely transferred. Then when the owner’s number ports that triggers closure of the old account.  

5. Activate your new SIM and pay the final bill for your old service 

When the number has been ported, your old SIM will stop working. Now you’re ready to start the new service by activating the SIM card or eSIM from the new carrier.  

Contact your previous carrier to confirm that your old account is now closed. Ask whether you have a final balance and arrange to pay it, otherwise you risk penalty fees and damage to your credit score.  

Can I take my phone to a new carrier, as well as my phone number?  

Yes, you can take your current phone to the new carrier. Just make sure it’s unlocked (able to be used on any carrier) and compatible with the new service. 

1. Check your phone’s lock status 

Simply calling your current carrier is the most efficient way to check your phone’s lock status. They’ll ask for your phone’s IMEI number, so have that on hand: You can dial *#06# to see it on your screen, or go into phone settings to find it.  

If your carrier says the phone is locked, ask if it’s eligible for unlocking. You’ll need to pay any outstanding balance on the phone and past-due amount on the account.  

Or, you can check the lock status on your phone’s settings.  

• On an iPhone, go to Settings -> General -> About, then scroll down to Carrier Lock. “No SIM restrictions” means it’s unlocked, otherwise it’ll show the carrier it’s locked to.    
• On an Android, go to Settings -> Connections -> Network Operators -> More Connection Settings -> Network Unlock. If the phone’s locked it will indicate that here, and you might be able to request an unlock from that screen.  

2. Check your phone’s compatibility 

In addition to being unlocked, your phone has to be compatible with the new carrier. Look for a compatibility checker on the new carrier’s website and enter your IMEI number (dial *#06# or go into settings to find your IMEI).  

If it’s not compatible, you’ll have to get a new phone. It's often more cost-effective to buy a phone outright vs. financing through a carrier, especially if you find a good phone deal. Check out this free phone bill calculator to see how your costs would play out. 

Can I transfer my phone number to another carrier if I owe money?  

Yes, carriers are not allowed to use outstanding balance as a reason to deny porting your number. But you do have to pay anything you owe, including your outstanding bill, any early termination fee you incur, and remaining payments on a financed phone. Refusing to pay fees or a final phone bill could affect your credit score.  

How much does it cost to port a number?  

Many carriers do not charge to port a number. If your carrier does have a fee, try asking for it to be waived or reduced.  

How long does it take to port a number?  

Generally, expect the process to happen within the same day — if not within minutes or hours. The FCC’s guideline is 2.5 hours once the request is received by the old carrier. But since that’s a guideline and not a legal rule, the timing might vary.  

Is there any reason I wouldn't be able to port my number?  

If you’re leaving the U.S., you won’t be able to port your number. The FCC rules mandating number portability only apply to the United States. But you could use a VoIP calling app like TextNow or Google Voice to hold onto your U.S. number. There are also companies, such as Number Barn, that let you “park” a phone number with them for a small monthly fee. You can port it when ready to resume U.S. service.  

Why did my number porting fail?  

Transferring a number might run into problems if:  

• You gave incorrect information about the old account, such as an incomplete account number.  
• You already canceled the previous service. Canceling will release your phone number and defeat the porting process. 
• You forgot you had number lock or port-out protection enabled.  
• You’re not the account owner.  
• You’re trying to port to an area not supported by the new carrier or outside the U.S. 

Do I have to port my number when switching to a new carrier?  

No, you can simply get a new number when signing up with a new carrier. That makes the change simpler, since you only have to check your phone’s lock status and compatibility if you’re taking your phone to the new plan.  

Be sure you take steps to prepare for changing your phone number to avoid problems with things like 2-factor authentication.  

FAQs about porting your number to a new carrier