Moving your phone number to a new device

Transferring your phone number to a new phone is usually automatic if you use the same carrier and the same type of phone (Android to Android, or iPhone to iPhone). If you are switching carriers or switching between Android and iPhone, the process takes a few extra steps and may take a day or two to complete. Your phone number itself stays with your carrier, not with your device — the carrier straightforward points your number to your new phone's hardware.

The fastest way to move your number is to contact your current carrier before you set up the new phone. They will give you an account PIN or transfer code that you will need when you set up service on the new device. If you are staying with the same carrier, this usually takes minutes. If you are switching carriers, the old carrier will formally release your number, and the new carrier will set up it — this handoff typically takes 24 hours but can take up to a week in rare cases.

Key Takeaways

  • Your phone number belongs to your carrier, not your phone, so moving it means updating your carrier's records to point to your new device.
  • If you stay with the same carrier and the same phone type, your number transfers automatically when you sign into your account on the new phone.
  • If you switch carriers, you need a transfer code from your old carrier before activating service with the new one — contact them before you leave.
  • Switching between Android and iPhone with the same carrier requires you to manually enter your phone number during setup, but the carrier handles the rest.
  • Keep your old phone powered on and in service for at least 24 hours after the transfer starts, in case the new carrier needs to verify anything.

Staying with the same carrier and phone type

If you are upgrading to a new iPhone and keeping your iPhone service with the same carrier, or upgrading to a new Android phone with the same Android carrier, the transfer happens when you sign into your account during setup. When you turn on your new phone, you will be asked to sign in with your Apple ID (for iPhone) or Google account (for Android). Once you enter your credentials, your carrier's system recognizes your account and routes your existing phone number to the new device.

This process usually takes a few minutes to an hour. During that time, you may not be able to make or receive calls or texts on either phone. Once the transfer is complete, your old phone will lose service on that number — if you try to use it, you will see a message that the number is no longer active on that device. Your new phone will have full service, and all your contacts, messages, and apps can be restored from your backup (iCloud for iPhone, Google account for Android).

Switching carriers

To move your number from one carrier to another, you must first get a transfer code (sometimes called a port authorization code or PAC) from your current carrier. Call their customer service number, go to their website, or visit a store in person. Have your account number and the last four digits of the Social Security number on the account ready. The carrier will give you a code that is valid for 30 days — this proves you own the number and have permission to move it.

Once you have the code, contact your new carrier and tell them you want to bring your existing number with you. Provide the transfer code, your account number from the old carrier, and your phone number. The new carrier will submit a port request to the old carrier. The old carrier has up to one business day to approve it, though many approve within hours. During this time, your service may drop briefly on the old phone, and your new phone may not have service yet. Once approved, the new carrier activates your number on the new phone, usually within 24 hours.

Do not cancel your service with the old carrier until the new carrier confirms your number is active. If you cancel too early, the port may fail and you could lose your number temporarily. Keep the old phone powered on for at least 24 hours after the transfer completes — some carriers send a final verification text or call to confirm the move.

Switching between Android and iPhone with the same carrier

If you are moving from an Android phone to an iPhone (or vice versa) but staying with the same carrier, you do not need a transfer code. Instead, you will manually enter your phone number during the iPhone or Android setup process. The carrier's system will recognize the number and route it to your new device type.

During setup, when you are asked for your phone number, enter the number you want to keep. The carrier will verify that the number is in their system and associated with your account. This usually takes a few minutes. Your old phone will lose service once the new phone is activated, so plan to have both phones available during setup in case you need to reference information from the old one.

What to do if your number does not transfer

If your new phone does not show your number after a few hours, contact your carrier's customer service when ready. Have your account number, the phone number you are trying to transfer, and the IMEI number of your new phone ready (you can find this in Settings on most phones, or on the box the phone came in). The carrier can check whether the transfer is still in progress or whether something went wrong.

Common reasons a transfer fails include a mismatch between the account holder's name and the name on the new account, an unpaid balance on the old account, or a port request that was rejected by the old carrier. If the old carrier rejected the request, ask them why — you may need to resolve a billing issue or correct information in your account before trying again. Most carriers will let you resubmit a port request at no charge if the first one failed.

Keeping your old phone number active during the switch

If you need to keep your old phone number active on your old phone for a period of time (for example, to transfer data or to notify contacts of a new number), you can ask your carrier to delay the port. When you contact your new carrier to start the transfer, tell them you want to port the number but keep the old phone in service for a few more days. Some carriers will allow a brief delay, though this is not may provide. Once the port is complete, the old phone will lose service on that number no matter what.

A better option is to use a temporary second number while you are switching. Many carriers offer a free temporary number for a few days, or you can use a free texting app like Google Voice or WhatsApp to give people an alternate way to reach you during the transition. This way, you can keep your old phone active while the new one takes over your main number.

Transferring your data separately from your number

Moving your phone number and moving your data (contacts, photos, messages, apps) are two separate processes. Your number transfers through your carrier. Your data transfers through your phone's backup system — iCloud for iPhone, Google account for Android, or a direct phone-to-phone transfer using a cable or wireless connection.

If you are switching phone types (Android to iPhone), you may want to transfer your data before you transfer your number, so you have time to troubleshoot if something goes wrong. Use the setup wizard on your new phone to restore from a backup, or use a tool like Samsung Smart Switch (for Android) or Apple's Move to iOS app (for Android to iPhone). Once your data is in place and you have verified that everything looks correct, then start the phone number transfer with your carrier.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to transfer my number to a new phone?

If you are staying with the same carrier and phone type, the transfer usually completes within an hour. If you are switching carriers, the process takes up to 24 hours from the time the new carrier submits the port request, though it can occasionally take up to a week. Switching between Android and iPhone with the same carrier usually takes a few minutes to a few hours.

Will I lose my text messages and contacts when I transfer my number?

Your phone number transfer does not affect your messages or contacts — those are stored separately in your phone's backup system (iCloud, Google account, or local storage). When you set up your new phone and sign into your backup account, your messages and contacts restore automatically. If you do not restore from a backup, you will start with a blank phone, but your number will still work.

Can I transfer my number if I have an unpaid balance with my carrier?

Most carriers will not approve a port request if you have an unpaid balance on your account. Contact your carrier, pay the balance, and then request the transfer code. Once the balance is cleared, the port should go through without delay.

What happens to my old phone after the number transfers?

Your old phone will no longer have cellular service on that number — calls and texts will not go through. You can still use it on Wi-Fi to access email, apps, and the internet. Some people keep their old phone as a backup or sell it. If you sell it, make sure to erase all data and remove it from your carrier's account first.

Do I need to tell my carrier I am getting a new phone?

You only need to contact your carrier if you are switching carriers (to get a transfer code) or if you are switching phone types and want to make sure the process goes smoothly. If you are upgrading to the same phone type with the same carrier, the transfer happens automatically when you sign in on the new phone.