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 if you've had your current one for at least a few months, though some charge a small fee. The process usually takes a few minutes to a few hours, and your old number becomes available for someone else to use after a waiting period.

If you're switching to a new phone, you can request a new number during the setup process instead of transferring your old one. If you want to keep your current number but move to a different carrier, that's called porting, and it's a separate process that takes a few days.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your carrier by phone, store visit, or their app to request a new number; most carriers do this free or for a small fee.
  • Your old number won't work immediately after the change — there's usually a waiting period before it's reassigned.
  • If you're keeping your carrier but switching phones, you can choose a new number during setup instead of transferring your old one.
  • Porting your number to a different carrier is a separate process that requires your account number and PIN from your current carrier.

How to change your number with your current carrier

Call your carrier's customer service line, visit a physical store, or log into your account online. Have your account number and PIN ready. Tell them you want to change your phone number. They'll ask why (though the reason usually doesn't matter), and they may ask if you want to keep the same area code or choose a new one.

The carrier will show you available numbers in your area code or let you search for one with a specific pattern. Once you pick one, they'll activate it. Your old number stops working within a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the carrier. Some carriers charge $15 to $25 for this change; others do it free. AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and most regional carriers allow free changes if you've had your number for at least 30 days.

After the change, update your contacts and accounts that use your phone number — banks, email recovery options, work directories, and any services that send you text codes. Your old number enters a waiting period (usually 30 to 90 days) before the carrier reassigns it to someone else.

Changing your number when you get a new phone

If you're buying a new phone from your carrier, you can request a new number during the purchase and activation process. Tell the store employee or the online setup that you want a new number instead of transferring your old one. The new phone will be activated with the new number immediately.

If you're bringing your own phone to your carrier (whether it's new or used), you can still request a new number during activation. This works the same way as changing your number on an existing phone — you contact the carrier and ask for the change before or after you activate the device.

Keeping your number when you switch carriers

If you want to keep your current phone number but move to a different carrier, you'll need to port your number. This is different from simply changing your number. You'll need your account number and PIN from your current carrier, plus your account holder's name and billing address.

Contact the new carrier and tell them you want to port your number. They'll handle most of the process with your old carrier. Porting usually takes 24 hours to a few days. During this time, your service may drop briefly, and you might not be able to make calls or texts for a short period. Once the port is complete, your old carrier will close your account (unless you ask them to keep it open for a different line).

What happens to your old number

Once you change your number, your old one stops working immediately for incoming calls and texts. The carrier holds it for a waiting period — typically 30 to 90 days — before making it available to new customers. This waiting period exists so that if someone tries to reach you at your old number, the call won't accidentally connect to whoever gets it next.

If you realize you made a mistake and want your old number back, contact your carrier right away. If the waiting period hasn't ended, they may be able to reactivate it for you, though some carriers charge a fee. Once the waiting period ends and the number is reassigned, you cannot get it back.

Reasons you might want a new number

People change their phone number for privacy (to escape unwanted calls or texts), to get a different area code when they move, to start fresh after sharing their number too widely, or to separate personal and work contacts. Some people change their number after a breakup or to distance themselves from a previous situation.

If you're being harassed or receiving spam calls, changing your number is one option, though it's not the only one. You can also block numbers, report spam to your carrier, or register with the National Do Not Call Registry. Your carrier may also offer spam-filtering tools built into your phone or account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my phone number cost money?

Most major carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) allow free number changes if you've had your current number for at least 30 days. Some regional carriers or prepaid services may charge $15 to $25. Check your carrier's policy or ask when you contact them.

How long does it take to get a new number?

The number change usually activates within a few minutes to a few hours. If you're porting your number to a different carrier, the process takes 24 hours to a few days. During porting, you may experience a brief service interruption.

Can I get my old number back after I change it?

If you change your mind quickly, contact your carrier before the waiting period ends (usually 30 to 90 days). They may reactivate your old number, though some charge a fee. Once the waiting period ends and the number is reassigned to someone else, you cannot recover it.

What do I need to tell my carrier to change my number?

Have your account number and PIN ready. You'll need to confirm your identity and account holder information. The carrier will ask if you want to keep your area code or choose a new one, and they'll show you available numbers to pick from.

Can I change my number if I'm in the middle of a contract?

Yes. Changing your phone number does not affect your service contract or plan. You'll keep the same plan, billing, and carrier — only your phone number changes. This is different from switching carriers, which may have contract implications depending on your agreement.