What an AT&T Transfer PIN is and why you need one

An AT&T Transfer PIN is a four-digit security code that prevents someone else from moving your phone number to a different carrier without your permission. When you want to switch carriers, you give this PIN to the new company as proof you own the number. AT&T creates the PIN in your account and keeps it on file — you retrieve it when you're ready to leave.

The PIN protects against number porting fraud, where someone calls your current carrier pretending to be you and transfers your number to their own account. With a PIN in place, the carrier won't process a port-out request without it, even if the person has your account number or other personal details.

You do not need a Transfer PIN to stay with AT&T or to make changes within your AT&T account. You only need it if you plan to move your number to Verizon, T-Mobile, a regional carrier, or any other provider.

Key Takeaways

  • You can retrieve your AT&T Transfer PIN online through your myAT&T account, by calling AT&T customer service at 611 from an AT&T phone or 1-800-331-0500, or by visiting an AT&T store in person.
  • AT&T will show you the PIN on screen or read it aloud during the call, but does not email or mail it to you automatically.
  • The PIN is four digits and stays active in your account until you use it to port your number out or until AT&T removes it.
  • You must provide the PIN to your new carrier as part of the porting process — they will ask for it when you start the switch.
  • If you forget the PIN after retrieving it, you can retrieve it again using the same method.

How to retrieve your PIN through the myAT&T app or website

Log into your myAT&T account on the AT&T website or open the myAT&T mobile app. On the website, go to your account settings or profile section — the exact menu location varies, but look for "Account" or "Settings" at the top of the page. Select the phone number you want the PIN for if you have multiple lines.

Look for an option labeled "Transfer PIN," "Porting PIN," "Port PIN," or "Switch carriers." Click or tap it, and AT&T will display your four-digit PIN on screen. Write it down or take a screenshot — AT&T does not send it to you by email or text after this point. If you do not see this option in your account menu, move to the phone or in-person method below.

This method works during business hours and outside them, since you are accessing your own account. You do not need to speak to anyone.

How to get your PIN by phone

Call AT&T customer service at 611 from any AT&T phone, or call 1-800-331-0500 from any phone. Tell the representative you need your Transfer PIN or porting PIN for the phone number you want to move. They will verify your identity by asking for your account number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, or other account details.

Once verified, the representative will read your four-digit PIN aloud. Write it down when ready — they will not repeat it multiple times, and they will not email it to you after the call ends. If you miss it, ask them to read it again before you hang up.

Wait times vary by time of day and season. Calling early in the morning on a weekday usually means shorter hold times than calling in the evening or on weekends.

How to get your PIN in person at an AT&T store

Visit any AT&T-branded store (not a third-party retailer) with a photo ID and your phone number or account number. Tell the store associate you need your Transfer PIN. They will look it up in the system and show it to you on their screen or write it down for you.

Bring your ID even if you are the account holder, because the store will not retrieve the PIN without verifying who you are. If the account is in someone else's name, that person must be present or must have authorized you in writing to retrieve it.

Store hours and availability vary by location. Use the AT&T store locator on the AT&T website to find the nearest store and confirm it is open before you go.

What happens if you lose or forget your PIN

If you wrote down your PIN but lost the paper, or if you forgot it after retrieving it, you can retrieve it again using any of the three methods above — online, by phone, or in person. There is no limit to how many times you can retrieve your PIN. AT&T will give you the same four-digit code each time.

If you retrieve your PIN and then decide not to switch carriers, the PIN remains in your account. It does not expire or deactivate on its own. You can leave it there indefinitely, and it will only be used if you actually port your number out.

How to use your PIN when switching carriers

When you contact your new carrier to start the porting process, they will ask for your Transfer PIN. Have it ready before you call or visit their store. The new carrier will submit a port request to AT&T that includes your PIN. AT&T will verify the PIN matches the one on file for your number and will approve the port.

The port usually takes one to three business days to complete. During this time, your AT&T service may stop working, or you may have service from both carriers briefly. Once the port is complete, your number will be active on the new carrier's network, and your AT&T account will close.

If the new carrier submits a port request without the correct PIN, AT&T will reject it, and the port will not go through. This is the security feature the PIN provides — it stops unauthorized transfers.

What to do if someone ports your number without permission

If your phone suddenly stops working and you did not request a port, call AT&T when ready at 611 or 1-800-331-0500. Tell them your number may have been ported out without your consent. AT&T can check whether a port request was submitted and can sometimes reverse it if it happened very recently.

Report the incident to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) by filing a complaint on the FCC's website or by calling 1-888-225-5322. The FCC tracks number porting fraud and uses complaints to identify patterns. You should also file a report with your local police department and with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Change your passwords for email, banking, and other accounts as soon as possible, because whoever ported your number may have also gained access to accounts that use your phone for two-factor authentication or password recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can AT&T email me my Transfer PIN?

No. AT&T shows the PIN to you on screen during online retrieval, reads it aloud during a phone call, or writes it down in person at a store. They do not send it by email, text, or mail. You must write it down or take a screenshot when you retrieve it.

Does my Transfer PIN expire?

No. The PIN stays active in your account indefinitely until you use it to port your number to another carrier. If you retrieve it and then decide to stay with AT&T, the PIN straightforward remains on file and does nothing.

What if I have multiple phone lines with AT&T?

Each phone number has its own separate Transfer PIN. When you retrieve your PIN online, by phone, or in person, you must specify which phone number you need the PIN for. The representative or system will show you the PIN for that number only.

Can someone else retrieve my Transfer PIN for me?

Only if they have access to your myAT&T account login, or if they call AT&T and pass identity verification as the account holder. AT&T will not give the PIN to someone else over the phone unless that person can verify the account details. In person, the account holder or an authorized representative with written permission must be present.

Do I need my Transfer PIN to make other changes to my AT&T account?

No. The Transfer PIN is only used when you port your number to a different carrier. You do not need it to change your plan, add a line, upgrade your phone, or make any other changes within AT&T.