How to change your phone number on your device
Your phone number is stored by your carrier, not by your device itself, so changing it requires contacting them directly — you cannot do it through your phone's settings. Your carrier (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, or whoever you pay each month) controls which number rings your SIM card, and they are the only ones who can reassign it. What you can do on your device is update the phone number your contacts see when you call them, and make sure your device knows which number belongs to you.
The process splits into two parts: getting a new number from your carrier, then telling your device what that number is. Most carriers let you request a number change online, by phone, or in person at a store. The whole thing usually takes a few hours to a few days, depending on your carrier and whether you want to keep your old number or get a completely new one.
Key Takeaways
- Your carrier controls your phone number, so you must contact them to change it — your device settings cannot do this alone.
- You can request a number change online through your carrier's website, by calling their customer service, or by visiting a store in person.
- After your carrier assigns you a new number, your device may need a few hours to recognize it, and you should update your contact information in your phone's settings.
- If you want to keep your current number when switching carriers, you can port it using a process called number portability, which takes three to five business days.
- Some carriers charge a fee for changing your number, while others do it at no cost — ask before you request the change.
Contact your carrier to request a new number
Start by reaching out to your carrier through the method that works best for you. Most carriers have a website where you can log into your account and request a number change without waiting on hold. AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and most regional carriers all offer this option. Log in, look for a section labeled "Manage my number," "Phone number," or "Account settings," and follow the prompts to request a new number.
If you prefer to talk to someone, call your carrier's customer service number — it is usually on your bill or on the back of your SIM card. Have your account number and the phone number you want to change ready before you call. Ask whether there is a fee for the change; some carriers charge $15 to $25, while others do it free. Also ask how long it will take for the new number to activate — most carriers say a few hours to one business day.
If you have a physical store nearby, you can also walk in and request the change in person. A representative can often process it on the spot and answer questions about whether your device will need any updates once the new number is active.
Update your device after the number change takes effect
Once your carrier confirms your new number is active, your device should recognize it automatically within a few hours. However, you can speed this up by restarting your phone — turn it off completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. This forces your device to reconnect to your carrier's network and register the new number.
On an iPhone, go to Settings > Phone and look for "My Number" at the top. If it still shows your old number, wait another hour and restart again. On an Android phone, go to Settings > About Phone and look for "Phone Number" or "My Phone Number." The exact location varies by manufacturer, but it is always in the About section. If the new number does not appear after a restart, contact your carrier again — sometimes the activation takes longer than expected.
Update your contact information in your phone
Once your device shows the correct new number, update your own contact card so that when you call someone, they see your new number on their end. On an iPhone, open Contacts, find your own name (usually at the top), tap Edit, and update the phone number field. On Android, open Contacts, tap your name, tap Edit, and change the number there.
You should also update your number in any apps that use it for verification or messaging. Check your email account recovery settings, two-factor authentication apps, banking apps, and messaging services like WhatsApp or Signal. These apps may still have your old number on file, and updating them prevents confusion later.
What to do if you want to keep your current number
If you are switching to a different carrier but want to keep your phone number, you can use a process called number portability. This lets you transfer your number from one carrier to another without losing it. Contact your new carrier and tell them you want to port your number. They will ask for your account number and PIN from your old carrier, then handle the transfer on their end.
The process usually takes three to five business days. During that time, your old carrier may cut off service, so plan ahead if you need to stay reachable. Once the transfer is complete, your new carrier will activate your old number on their network, and you will follow the same device update steps described above.
Common reasons your new number is not showing up
If your device still shows your old number after restarting, the most common reason is that your carrier's system has not finished activating the new number yet. Wait a few more hours and restart again. If it has been more than 24 hours, contact your carrier and confirm that the activation went through on their end.
Another possibility is that your SIM card needs to be reseated. Turn off your phone, remove the SIM card (use the ejector tool that came with your phone or a straightened paperclip), wait 10 seconds, and reinsert it. Then turn your phone back on. This forces your device to re-register with the network and sometimes picks up a new number that the carrier assigned but your device missed the first time.
If you are using an eSIM instead of a physical SIM card, restart your phone and go to Settings > Cellular (iPhone) or Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs (Android) to check whether your carrier has pushed an update to your eSIM. If not, contact your carrier and ask them to resend the eSIM activation.
Telling people about your new number
Once your new number is active and your device recognizes it, you will need to let your contacts know. Send a text or email to the people who call or message you regularly with your new number. You can also update your social media profiles, work email signature, and any online accounts where your phone number is listed as a contact method.
Keep in mind that your old number will be reassigned to someone else after a certain period — usually 30 to 90 days, depending on your carrier. After that, anyone trying to reach you at the old number will reach a stranger. So notifying people sooner rather than later prevents confusion and missed calls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does changing my phone number erase my contacts or data?
No. Your contacts, photos, messages, and all other data stay on your device. Changing your phone number only affects which number your carrier associates with your SIM card. Your device and everything on it remain unchanged.
Can I change my number without contacting my carrier?
No. Your carrier is the only entity that can assign phone numbers. Your device cannot change the number on its own, and no app or setting on your phone can do it for you. You must go through your carrier.
How much does it cost to change my phone number?
It varies by carrier. Some carriers change your number at no cost, while others charge $15 to $25. A few carriers offer one free change per year and charge for additional changes. Ask your carrier before you request the change so you know what to expect.
What happens to my old phone number after I change it?
Your carrier will reassign it to another customer after a waiting period, usually 30 to 90 days. Anyone who tries to call or text your old number after that will reach someone else. This is why it is important to notify your contacts of your new number promptly.
Can I choose what my new number will be?
Most carriers assign a random number from their available pool. Some carriers let you choose a number if one is available, but this usually costs extra or is only available in certain areas. Ask your carrier whether you can pick your number when you request the change.