Moving your number to a new phone is usually automatic

When you get a new phone from your carrier, your phone number moves with it automatically — you do not have to do anything. The carrier handles the transfer behind the scenes when you set up the new device. Your old phone stops working on the network, and your new phone picks up the same number within minutes to a few hours.

The process is different only if you are switching to a different carrier, buying a phone from a third party, or moving a number between two phones you already own. In those cases, you will need to request a number transfer, also called a port. This article covers both situations.

Key Takeaways

  • If you are upgrading with your current carrier, the number transfer happens automatically when you set up the new phone.
  • To move your number to a different carrier, you need your account PIN or password, your account number, and your billing zip code.
  • The carrier you are moving to (not your old carrier) starts the transfer process, which usually takes one to three business days.
  • Your old phone will lose service once the transfer completes, so move your contacts and photos to your new phone before that happens.
  • You can request the transfer online, by phone, or in person at a store, depending on which carrier you are switching to.

Transferring your number when you stay with the same carrier

If you are buying a new phone from your current carrier — whether in a store, online, or through the mail — your number transfers automatically when you set up the new device. You will be asked to sign in with your carrier account during setup, and the system will recognize your existing number and move it to the new phone.

The old phone will stop receiving calls and texts once the transfer is complete, which usually happens within a few hours. Before that point, back up your contacts, photos, and any other data you want to keep, since the old phone will no longer connect to the network.

If you bought the phone from a retailer like Best Buy or an online marketplace instead of directly from your carrier, you will still need to set up it with your carrier. Call your carrier's customer service line or visit a store, and tell them you have a new phone you want to set up with your existing number. They will walk you through the set up, which takes about 15 minutes.

What you need to transfer your number to a different carrier

To move your number to a new carrier, gather these documents before you start:

  • Your current carrier's account number (found on your bill or in your account online)
  • Your account PIN or password
  • The billing zip code on your account
  • Your new phone (already purchased from the new carrier)

Some carriers may also ask for the service address on your account or the last four digits of the phone number's Social Security number if the account is in someone else's name. Have your bill handy when you start the process so you can find these details quickly.

You do not need to contact your old carrier to request the transfer. The new carrier handles everything. However, you should plan to cancel your old service after the transfer completes, or you may continue to be billed.

How to start the transfer with your new carrier

The new carrier you are switching to will initiate the port. You can request it online, by phone, or in person at a store, depending on which carrier you choose.

Online: Visit the new carrier's website and look for "Switch carriers," "Port your number," or "Transfer your number." You will enter your current account number, PIN, and billing zip code. The system will confirm that your number can be transferred and show you when the process will complete.

By phone: Call the new carrier's customer service number and tell them you want to port your number from your old carrier. They will ask for the same information and may complete the transfer during the call, or send you a confirmation email with next steps.

In person: Visit a store for the new carrier and bring your ID and current bill. A representative will start the port and may set up your new phone on the spot, or send you home with instructions to complete set up online.

What happens during the transfer process

Once you request the port, the new carrier sends a request to your old carrier. Your old carrier has up to one business day to approve or deny the request. Most requests are approved automatically. If your account has a contract, an early termination fee, or an unpaid balance, your old carrier may deny the port, though this is rare.

After approval, the actual transfer usually takes one to three business days. During this time, your old phone may still receive calls and texts, but you should not rely on it. Set up your new phone with the new carrier as soon as you receive it, and move your contacts and photos over before the transfer completes.

Once the transfer is complete, your old phone will lose service when ready. Your new phone will have your old number and will be fully active on the new carrier's network. You should receive a confirmation email or text from the new carrier letting you know the port is done.

Moving a number between two phones you already own

If you want to move your number from one phone to another phone you already own — for example, from an old iPhone to a new one you bought used — you will need to contact your carrier. Call their customer service line or visit a store and tell them you have a new phone and want to set up your existing number on it.

The carrier will ask for your account PIN or password and may ask you to verify your identity. They will then move your number to the new phone, which usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. Your old phone will stop working on the network once the transfer is complete.

This process is the same whether the new phone is the same model as your old one or a different type. The carrier only cares that the phone is compatible with their network.

What to do if the transfer fails or takes longer than expected

If your port does not complete within three business days, contact the new carrier's customer service and ask for a status update. Provide them with the confirmation number from when you requested the port. They can check whether your old carrier approved the request and when the transfer should finish.

If your old carrier denied the port, the new carrier will tell you why. Common reasons include an unpaid balance, an active contract, or a mismatch in the account information you provided. If the reason is an unpaid balance or contract, you may need to settle that with your old carrier before the port can go through. If the information did not match, you can request the port again with the correct details.

In rare cases, a number cannot be transferred because it is tied to a business account, a government service, or another special type of account. If this happens, you will need to keep your old carrier or choose a new number with the new carrier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my old phone while the transfer is happening?

Yes, your old phone will usually still work during the transfer process, which takes one to three business days. However, once the transfer completes, your old phone will lose service when ready. Do not wait until the last minute to move your contacts and photos — transfer them as soon as you request the port.

Will I lose my text messages and call history when I switch phones?

Your text messages and call history are stored on your old phone, not on your number. When you move your number to a new phone, those messages and calls stay on the old phone. You will need to manually transfer them or use your phone's backup feature (iCloud for iPhone, Google Drive for Android) before you switch.

Do I have to pay a fee to transfer my number?

Most carriers do not charge a fee to port your number to them. However, your old carrier may charge an early termination fee if you are breaking a contract. Check your bill or contact your old carrier to find out whether you owe anything before you request the port.

What if my new carrier says my number cannot be transferred?

This is rare, but it can happen if your number is tied to a business account, a government service, or a special type of service. If the new carrier says your number cannot be transferred, ask them why. If the reason is something you can fix (like incorrect account information), request the port again. Otherwise, you may need to keep your old carrier or choose a new number.

Can I transfer my number to a phone on a different network type, like from Verizon to T-Mobile?

Yes. Your phone number is not tied to a specific network type. You can move it between any carriers that operate in your area. The process is the same whether you are switching between major carriers or to a smaller regional carrier.