How to change your phone number

You can change your phone number through your mobile carrier — the company that provides your service, like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or a smaller regional provider. The process takes minutes to hours depending on whether you do it online, by phone, or in person. Most carriers let you keep the same phone and SIM card; you're just swapping the number assigned to your account. Some carriers charge a fee (typically $15 to $25), though many waive it if you've been a customer for a while or if you ask.

The main decision is whether to port your old number to a new carrier or simply request a new number from your current one. Porting takes longer — usually 24 hours to a week — because the carriers have to coordinate the transfer. Requesting a fresh number from your existing carrier is faster but means losing your old number entirely. Once you change it, you'll need to update your number in places that matter: contacts, banks, two-factor authentication apps, work systems, and any services that use it for login or recovery.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your mobile carrier directly through their website, app, phone line, or a physical store to request a new number or port your existing one to another carrier.
  • Changing to a new number from your current carrier takes a few minutes to a few hours; porting to a different carrier takes 24 hours to a week.
  • Most carriers charge $15 to $25 to change your number, though the fee is sometimes waived for long-term customers or if you ask.
  • After your number changes, update it in your bank's records, two-factor authentication settings, work systems, and any apps that use it for login or account recovery.
  • If you want to keep your old number but switch carriers, ask about number portability before you sign up with the new carrier.

Changing your number with your current carrier

Log into your carrier's website or app and look for a section labeled "Account Settings," "Manage Account," or "Phone Number." Some carriers put this under "Services" or "My Plan." If you can't find it online, call your carrier's customer service line (the number is on your bill or their website) and ask to change your phone number. You can also visit a physical store if your carrier has one nearby.

When you request the change, the carrier will usually ask why you want a new number — this is optional information, and you don't have to give a detailed reason. They'll show you available numbers in your area code (or let you choose a different area code if you prefer). Once you confirm, the change typically takes effect within a few hours, though some carriers complete it instantly. Your phone will stay the same; only the number changes.

Before you confirm, ask whether there's a fee. If the carrier quotes $15 to $25, you can ask if they'll waive it — many will if you've been a customer for several years or if you explain your situation. There's no harm in asking, and representatives sometimes have discretion to remove the charge.

Porting your number to a different carrier

If you want to switch to a new carrier but keep your phone number, you'll need to port it. Start by signing up with the new carrier first — don't cancel your old service yet. During signup, tell the new carrier you want to port your existing number. They'll ask for your account number and PIN from your current carrier (you can find these on your bill or by calling customer service).

The new carrier will submit a port request to your old carrier. This process usually takes 24 hours to a week, depending on both carriers' systems. During this time, your old carrier may send you a confirmation email or text asking you to approve the transfer — you'll need to respond to complete it. Once the port is finished, your service will switch to the new carrier automatically, and your old account will close.

Keep your old phone active during the port process in case there are delays or issues. Some carriers will text or call you if something goes wrong. If the port takes longer than a week, contact the new carrier's customer service to check the status — delays sometimes happen if account information doesn't match exactly.

Updating your number after the change

Once your new number is active, start by updating the places that matter most: your bank, your employer, and any services you use for two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication is the extra security step that texts you a code when you log in; if your number is outdated there, you could get locked out of your accounts.

Go through your phone's contacts and let people know your new number — you can send a text or email to your most important contacts. Update your number in any apps that use it for login or account recovery, including email providers, social media, messaging apps, and cloud storage services. Check your work systems too; your employer may have your number on file for security purposes or emergency contact lists.

If you use your old number for any online accounts (shopping sites, streaming services, forums), update those when you have time. These are lower priority than banking and authentication, but updating them prevents confusion later if someone else gets assigned your old number and receives messages meant for you.

What happens to your old number

Once you change your number, your old one goes back into your carrier's pool of available numbers. After a waiting period (usually 30 to 90 days), the carrier can reassign it to someone else. This means if someone texts or calls your old number after you've changed it, they'll reach a different person — not you.

This is why updating your number in important places matters. If you leave your old number in a bank's system and someone gets assigned that number, they could receive account alerts or password reset codes meant for you. It's not a security breach on your part, but it's an inconvenience for both you and whoever gets the number next.

Reasons to change your number

People change their numbers for different reasons. Some want a different area code to match where they've moved. Others are dealing with unwanted calls or texts and hope a fresh number will stop them (though this isn't may provide — spam callers often generate random numbers). Some change numbers after a breakup or to separate work and personal contacts.

If you're changing your number because of harassment or spam, a new number helps but isn't a complete fix. Spam callers use automated systems that dial random numbers, so you may eventually get spam calls on your new number too. If you're dealing with targeted harassment, contact local law enforcement or your carrier's abuse team — they have tools to block specific numbers or investigate patterns.

Carrier-specific steps

Verizon: Log into My Verizon on their website or app, go to Account, then Manage Phone Numbers, and select Change Number. You can also call 611 from your Verizon phone or 1-908-559-4899. In a store, ask a representative to change it for you.

AT&T: Use the AT&T mobile app or website, go to Account Settings, select your line, and choose Change Phone Number. Call 611 from your AT&T phone or 1-800-331-0500. AT&T stores can also handle this.

T-Mobile: Open the T-Mobile app or website, tap Account, select your line, and choose Change Phone Number. Call 611 from your T-Mobile phone or 1-844-839-4534. T-Mobile stores can process the change in person.

Other carriers: Check your carrier's website for a "Change Phone Number" or "Manage Account" section, or call the customer service number on your bill. Most regional carriers and MVNOs (like Boost Mobile, Cricket, or Mint Mobile) offer the same service but may have different menu paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my text messages and call history if I change my number?

No. Your text messages and call history stay on your phone because they're stored locally on the device. Your phone number is just the identifier people use to reach you; changing it doesn't erase what's already there. If you switch to a new phone at the same time, you'll need to back up and restore your data separately.

Can I get my old number back if I change my mind?

Sometimes, but not always. If you change your mind within a few days, call your carrier and ask if they can restore your old number — they may be able to if it hasn't been reassigned yet. After 30 to 90 days, your old number is usually back in the pool and assigned to someone else, so recovery becomes impossible. Act quickly if you want to reverse the change.

Do I need to change my SIM card when I change my number?

No. Your SIM card is a separate piece of hardware that connects your phone to the network. Your phone number is just data on your account. You can change your number without touching your SIM card. You only need a new SIM card if you're switching carriers or if your current SIM is damaged.

What if I'm on a family plan — can I change just my number?

Yes. If you're on a family plan, you can change your individual number without affecting anyone else's line. Log into your account, select your specific line, and follow the change process. Other family members' numbers and service stay the same.

How do I port my number if my old carrier is out of business?

If your old carrier has shut down, contact your new carrier's customer service and explain the situation. They may be able to retrieve your account information from the carrier's records or work with a third party that manages defunct carriers' numbers. This takes longer than a normal port, so be patient and keep records of your old account details.