You can switch carriers and keep your existing phone number through a process called number porting
Your phone number does not belong to your current carrier — it belongs to you. When you want to move to a different provider, you can take that number with you. The process is called number porting, and it typically takes between one and three business days to complete.
The carrier you are switching to handles most of the work. You do not need to contact your old carrier directly in most cases — your new provider will request the port on your behalf. However, you will need some information from your current account before you start, and there are a few things that can go wrong if you do not prepare correctly.
Key Takeaways
- Your new carrier submits the port request to your old carrier, so you do not have to call them yourself unless the port fails.
- You will need your account number and PIN or password from your current provider before you visit the new carrier's store or website.
- Keep your old phone active during the porting process — turning it off or cancelling early can delay or block the transfer.
- The port usually completes within one to three business days, but can take longer if your account information does not match exactly.
- Once the port is complete, your old carrier will automatically close your account, so you do not need to call them to cancel.
Gather your account details before you switch
Before you visit your new carrier or go to their website, log into your current account online or call their customer service line. You need two pieces of information: your account number and your account PIN or password. Write these down or take a screenshot — you will enter them when you set up service with the new carrier.
Your account number is not the same as your phone number. It usually appears on your bill or in the account settings of your carrier's app. The PIN is a security code you set up when you opened the account, or it may be the last four digits of your Social Security number if you never created one. If you cannot find your PIN, call your current carrier's customer service before you switch — they can reset it or tell you what it is.
Check that the name, address, and phone number on your account are exactly correct. Mismatches between what your old carrier has on file and what you give to the new carrier are the most common reason ports fail or get delayed. If anything is wrong, update it with your current carrier before you proceed.
Start the port with your new carrier
Visit your new carrier in person, call them, or go to their website — all three routes work. Tell them you want to port your existing number instead of getting a new one. They will ask for your account number and PIN from your old carrier, the phone number you want to port, and your name and address.
The new carrier will submit a port request to your old carrier on your behalf. You will receive a confirmation email or text with a reference number. Save this number — if something goes wrong, you will need it to check on the status of your port.
Some carriers charge a one-time porting fee, usually between $15 and $25. Ask about this before you complete the order. A few carriers waive the fee if you sign up for a contract or a certain service level, so it is worth asking.
Keep your old phone active while the port is in progress
Do not turn off your old phone or cancel your old service while the port is happening. Your old carrier needs to be able to reach you if there are any problems with the request, and the port process itself requires your old account to stay active. If you cancel early, the port will usually fail and you will have to start over.
You can use your old phone normally during this time. You can make and receive calls, send texts, and use data just as you always have. The port does not interrupt your service — it happens in the background.
Once the port is complete, your old carrier will automatically close your account. You do not need to call them to cancel. Your old phone will stop working once the number has moved to the new carrier, so you can turn it off or recycle it at that point.
What happens on the day the port completes
When the port is finished, your phone number will stop working on your old carrier's network and will start working on your new carrier's network. This usually happens overnight or early in the morning, and it typically takes less than an hour for the switch to go through completely.
Your new carrier will send you a text or email confirming that the port is complete. At that point, you can insert your new carrier's SIM card into your phone (if you have not already) or activate your new service if you are using an eSIM. Your phone number will work on the new network immediately.
If you are switching to a carrier that uses a different network technology — for example, from a CDMA carrier to a GSM carrier — you may need a different phone. Check with your new carrier before you switch to make sure your current phone is compatible with their network.
What to do if the port fails or gets delayed
If your port does not complete within three business days, contact your new carrier using the reference number they gave you. The most common reasons for delays are mismatched account information, an incorrect PIN, or an unpaid balance on your old account.
If your old carrier is blocking the port because of an unpaid bill, you will need to pay it before the port can go through. If the account information does not match, your new carrier can resubmit the request with corrected details. If your PIN was wrong, call your old carrier to confirm the correct PIN and have your new carrier resubmit.
In rare cases, a carrier will refuse to port your number if you are still under contract or if there is a dispute on your account. If this happens, ask your new carrier what the specific reason is — they can usually tell you what your old carrier is claiming and what you need to do to resolve it.
Moving your contacts, photos, and settings to your new phone
Porting your number only moves the phone number itself — it does not move your contacts, photos, messages, or app settings. You will need to transfer these separately if you are getting a new phone at the same time.
If you are keeping the same phone, nothing changes — your contacts and data stay exactly where they are. If you are switching to a new phone, you can transfer your data using your phone's built-in backup feature (iCloud for iPhone, Google Account for Android) or by connecting both phones with a cable. Your new carrier's store can usually help you with this transfer if you ask.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I port my number if I still owe money to my old carrier?
It depends on the carrier and the type of debt. An unpaid bill usually blocks the port until you pay it. However, an outstanding device payment or contract termination fee does not always prevent porting — ask your new carrier to try submitting the request anyway. If it fails, your new carrier will tell you what the old carrier is claiming and what you need to pay.
What if my old carrier says my account is not may be able to access to port?
Call your old carrier's customer service and ask why. Common reasons are an unpaid balance, an active contract, or a dispute on the account. Once you know the reason, you can either resolve it or ask your new carrier to escalate the port request. Some carriers will port your number even if the old carrier initially refuses.
How long does number porting usually take?
Most ports complete within one to three business days. Weekends and holidays do not count toward this timeline. If your port takes longer than three business days, contact your new carrier with your reference number — something may have gone wrong that needs to be fixed.
Do I have to get a new phone when I switch carriers?
No. If your current phone works on your new carrier's network, you can keep using it. Check your new carrier's website or ask in their store whether your phone is compatible. If it is not, you can buy a new phone from the new carrier or buy one separately and bring it with you.
Will I lose my text messages and call history when I port my number?
No. Your text messages and call history are stored on your phone, not with your carrier. They will stay on your phone after the port is complete. If you are switching to a new phone, you will need to transfer them separately using your phone's backup feature or a cable transfer.