How to Switch Your Phone Number to a New Phone

Moving your number to a new phone is usually automatic

When you get a new phone and turn it on with the same SIM card you used before, your phone number moves with it. Your carrier — Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or whoever you pay each month — stores your number on that SIM card. The new phone reads it and you're done. No call to customer service needed.

If you're switching to a different carrier at the same time, or if your new phone uses a different SIM card size, the process takes a few extra steps but is still straightforward. The carrier you're moving to handles most of the work.

Key Takeaways

If you're keeping the same carrier and your new phone uses the same SIM card size, your number transfers automatically when you insert your old SIM card.
When switching carriers, contact your new carrier first — they will request your number from your old carrier and port it over, usually within one to three business days.
You need your account PIN or password from your current carrier before you can port your number out, so have that information ready.
During the port process, your old phone will lose service once the transfer completes, so wait until you've tested the new phone before relying on it.
If your new phone needs a different SIM card size, your carrier can mail you one or you can pick one up at a store.

Keeping your number when you stay with the same carrier

If you're buying a new phone from the same carrier you already use, check whether your new phone takes the same SIM card size as your old one. Most modern phones use a nano-SIM, but some older phones use micro-SIM or full-size SIM. Your carrier's website or a quick call to their customer service line will tell you which size your new phone needs.

If both phones use nano-SIM, power off your old phone, remove the SIM card (usually with a small ejector tool that came in the phone box), and insert it into your new phone. Power on the new phone and wait a few minutes for it to connect to the network. Your number is now active on the new phone. You don't need to contact your carrier.

If your new phone needs a different SIM card size, contact your carrier and ask them to mail you a SIM card for your new phone. They can do this over the phone or through their website. Once it arrives, insert it into your new phone and power it on. Your number will activate on the new phone within a few minutes.

Moving your number to a different carrier

Switching carriers is called porting your number. The new carrier handles the technical side, but you need to give them permission and provide some information from your current account.

Contact your new carrier first — by phone, in person at a store, or through their website — and tell them you want to port your number from your current carrier. They will ask for your account number and account PIN or password from your old carrier. If you don't know your PIN, call your current carrier and ask them to tell you what it is, or look it up on your account page online.

Give the new carrier all the information they ask for. They will submit a port request to your old carrier. The transfer usually takes one to three business days, though it can be faster. During this time, both phones may have service, but once the port completes, your old phone will stop working on your old carrier's network.

Set up your new phone with your new carrier's SIM card before the port completes. Make sure calls, texts, and data work on the new phone. Once you confirm everything is working, you can stop using the old phone.

What to do if your carrier asks for a new SIM card

Some carriers require you to use their SIM card when you switch to them, even if your phone has a SIM slot. When you contact the new carrier to port your number, they will tell you whether you need a new SIM card. If you do, they can mail one to you or you can pick one up at a store.

If you're ordering by mail, request the SIM card at the same time you start the port process. It usually arrives within three to five business days. Insert the new SIM card into your phone, power it on, and wait for it to connect to the network. The port should complete around the same time the SIM card arrives, so your number will activate on the new carrier's network.

Transferring your contacts and data to the new phone

Moving your phone number is separate from moving your contacts, photos, and other data. Most phones offer a way to transfer this information when you first set up the new device. If you have an iPhone, you can use iCloud or a wired connection to another iPhone. If you have an Android phone, you can use Google Account sync or Samsung Smart Switch (if you're using a Samsung phone).

You can also transfer data after you've set up the phone. Both iPhone and Android let you back up your data to the cloud and restore it later. This is useful if you want to set up the new phone first and move your data when you have time.

Troubleshooting when your number doesn't transfer

If you've inserted your SIM card into a new phone and your number doesn't show up, restart the phone and wait five minutes for it to connect to the network. If it still doesn't work, remove the SIM card, inspect it for dirt or damage, and reinsert it firmly.

If you're porting to a new carrier and the port hasn't completed after three business days, contact the new carrier and ask for a status update. Occasionally a port request gets stuck because of a mismatch in account information. The carrier can tell you what went wrong and resubmit the request if needed.

If your old phone still has service after the port should have completed, contact your old carrier and ask them to confirm the port went through. Sometimes a port completes on the new carrier's side but the old carrier hasn't fully deactivated the number yet. They can force the deactivation.

What happens to your old phone after the switch

Once your number is active on your new phone, your old phone will no longer receive calls or texts on that number. If your old carrier's network deactivates your old phone, it won't connect to cellular service at all. However, if your old phone is still connected to Wi-Fi, you can still use apps that work over Wi-Fi, like iMessage, WhatsApp, or email.

You can sell, trade in, or donate your old phone. If you're selling it, erase all your data first. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. On Android, go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase All Data. This removes your personal information from the device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my number if I switch phones and carriers at the same time?

Yes. Contact your new carrier and tell them you want to port your number from your old carrier. Provide your old account number and PIN. The new carrier will request your number and activate it on their network within one to three business days. You don't lose your number during the switch.

What if I don't know my account PIN from my current carrier?

Call your current carrier's customer service line and ask them to tell you your account PIN. Have your account number and a form of ID ready. Some carriers also let you look up your PIN on your account page online. You need this PIN to port your number to a new carrier.

Will I lose service during the port?

Your old phone will lose service once the port completes, which usually happens one to three business days after you request it. Your new phone should have service as soon as the port finishes. To avoid being without a phone, set up your new phone and test it before the port completes.

Do I need to do anything special if my new phone is a different brand?

No. Your phone number is stored by your carrier, not by the phone itself. Whether you switch from iPhone to Android or vice versa, the process is the same: insert your SIM card or contact your new carrier to port your number. Your contacts and data are separate and transfer through iCloud, Google Account, or a backup.

Can I port my number back to my old carrier if I change my mind?

Yes. Contact your old carrier and ask to port your number back. They will ask for your account PIN from your new carrier. The process works the same way as porting to the new carrier and takes one to three business days. You can switch carriers as often as you want, though frequent switches may trigger fraud checks.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.