Getting a new phone number depends on your carrier and whether you want to keep your current phone

You can get a new phone number by contacting your wireless carrier directly — by phone, in person at a store, or through their website or app. Most carriers let you change your number for free once per account, though some charge a small fee after that. The process takes a few minutes to a few hours depending on the method you choose. Your old number typically becomes available for someone else to use after 30 to 90 days.

The main decision is whether you're switching carriers, staying with your current one, or moving to a new phone. Each path works differently and affects how quickly you can make the change.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your current carrier by phone, app, or in-store to request a number change; most carriers allow one free change per account.
  • If you're switching carriers, you can port your old number to the new one or request a completely new number during the transfer process.
  • Changing your number takes effect immediately or within a few hours, but you should update your contacts and important accounts before making the switch.
  • After you change your number, notify your bank, employer, doctor's office, and any services that use your phone for two-factor authentication.
  • If you need to keep your old number, ask your carrier about number porting before you switch providers.

Changing your number with your current carrier

Call your carrier's customer service line and ask to change your phone number. Have your account number or the phone number you want to change ready. The representative will confirm your identity, explain any fees (usually none for the first change), and assign you a new number on the spot. Some carriers let you choose from available numbers in your area code; others assign one randomly.

You can also change your number through your carrier's website or mobile app. Log in to your account, look for a section labeled "Phone Settings," "Manage Phone Number," or "Change Number," and follow the prompts. This method usually takes a few minutes and the change takes effect within a few hours. If you prefer in-person service, visit a carrier store and ask a representative to change your number for you.

After the change goes through, your old number stops working on your account immediately. Write down your new number and test it by calling or texting yourself from another phone to confirm it's active.

Switching carriers while keeping your old number

Number porting lets you keep your phone number when you move to a new carrier. Start by contacting your new carrier and telling them you want to port your existing number. They will ask for your account number, PIN, and the phone number you want to move. Your new carrier handles most of the work from there.

The porting process usually takes one to three business days. During this time, your old carrier may temporarily suspend service on that number, so you might not be able to make calls or texts for a few hours. Once the port is complete, your number works on your new carrier's network. Your old carrier will close the account for that line.

If you don't want to keep your old number when switching carriers, simply tell your new carrier you want a new number instead. They will assign you one during the setup process, and you won't need to contact your old carrier about porting.

Getting a new number on a new phone

If you're buying a new phone but keeping your current carrier, you have two options: transfer your existing number to the new phone, or get a completely new number. Most people transfer their number because it keeps their contacts and service history intact. Your carrier can move your number to the new phone during setup, either in-store or over the phone.

To transfer your number to a new phone, bring your old phone and new phone to a carrier store, or call customer service with both devices nearby. The representative will move your number and service to the new phone. This usually takes 15 to 30 minutes in-store or a few minutes over the phone. Your old phone will stop working once the transfer is complete.

If you want a fresh start with a new number on your new phone, ask your carrier to assign you a new one during the transfer process. This is useful if you're trying to avoid spam calls or if you want a different area code.

What to do after you change your number

Update your contacts immediately. Text or call the people you speak with regularly and give them your new number. For less frequent contacts, you can update your social media profiles, email signature, or contact information on your website.

Change your phone number in accounts that use it for two-factor authentication or recovery. Log into your bank, email, social media, and work accounts and update your phone number in the security settings. This prevents you from getting locked out if you forget a password. Do this before you change your number if possible, or do it right after from your new number.

Notify your employer, doctor's office, dentist, insurance company, and any services that call or text you with appointments or alerts. Many of these organizations have your number on file and won't be able to reach you otherwise. A quick email or call to each one takes just a few minutes.

Fees and limits for changing your number

Most carriers allow one free number change per account per year. Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and most regional carriers follow this policy. If you change your number more than once in a year, you may be charged a fee ranging from five to fifteen dollars per change, though some carriers waive this for loyal customers.

Prepaid carriers sometimes charge for number changes, so check your carrier's policy before requesting a change. If you're on a family plan, each line can usually change its number once per year independently.

Number porting when you switch carriers is always free by law. Your new carrier cannot charge you to port your number in, and your old carrier cannot charge you to port your number out.

Troubleshooting common problems

If your new number isn't working after a few hours, restart your phone. Power it off completely, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. This refreshes your phone's connection to the carrier's network. If it still doesn't work, call customer service and confirm the number change went through on their end.

If you're porting your number to a new carrier and it's taking longer than three business days, contact your new carrier's customer service. They can check the status of the port and contact your old carrier if there's a delay. Occasionally a port gets stuck if there's a mismatch in account information; the new carrier can fix this by contacting your old carrier directly.

If you change your mind about your new number within a few days, contact your carrier and ask to change it again. Most carriers will do this without charging an additional fee if you request it immediately after the first change.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Not usually. Once you change your number, your old number goes back into your carrier's pool and may be assigned to someone else within 30 to 90 days. If you change your mind within a few hours, call your carrier and ask if they can reverse the change before your old number is reassigned. After that window closes, your old number is gone.

What happens to text messages sent to my old number?

Text messages sent to your old number after you change it will not reach you. They may bounce back to the sender with a delivery failure message, or they may be delivered to whoever gets assigned that number next. This is why updating your contacts and important accounts is critical.

Do I need to tell my carrier why I'm changing my number?

No. You don't need to explain why you want a new number. Simply request the change and your carrier will process it. You can mention spam or harassment if you want, but it's not required.

Can I change my number if I have an unpaid bill?

Most carriers will not let you change your number if your account is suspended or has a past-due balance. Pay your bill first, then request the number change. If your account is active but you have an old unpaid balance, contact customer service to confirm whether the change is allowed.

How long does it take to port my number to a new carrier?

Number porting typically takes one to three business days. Your new carrier will give you a specific timeline when you request the port. During the transfer, your old carrier may temporarily disconnect service on that number for a few hours, which is normal.