Getting a new phone number is usually free and takes minutes, but the exact steps depend on whether you keep your current phone or switch devices

If you want to change your phone number while keeping the same carrier and phone, you can request a new number directly from your carrier — usually through their website, app, or by calling customer service. If you are switching to a new phone or a new carrier, you get a new number as part of that process, though you can sometimes port your old number to the new carrier if you want to keep it. The fastest route is usually your carrier's website or app, where you can often make the change in under five minutes without talking to anyone.

The main thing to know before you start: changing your number means your contacts will not reach you at the old one unless you tell them the new one. Some carriers let you set up call forwarding from the old number to the new one for a limited time, which can help during the transition.

Key Takeaways

  • Most carriers let you change your number for free through their website, app, or customer service phone line.
  • The change usually takes effect within minutes to a few hours, and your old number becomes available for someone else to use.
  • You will need to update your new number with your contacts, banks, and any services that use it for two-factor authentication.
  • If you are switching carriers, you can port your old number to the new carrier instead of getting a new one, though this takes a few days.
  • Some carriers offer temporary call forwarding so calls to your old number ring your new one while you notify people of the change.

Changing your number with your current carrier

Open your carrier's app or website and look for a section labeled "Account Settings," "Phone Number," or "My Phone." Most major carriers — Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and smaller carriers like Mint Mobile or Visible — have this option built into their account dashboard. You will usually see a button or link that says "Change Phone Number" or "Get a New Number." Click it, and the system will show you available numbers in your area code or let you choose a different area code if you prefer.

If you cannot find the option online, call your carrier's customer service number (printed on your bill or on the back of your phone). Tell them you want to change your phone number. They will ask why — you do not need a special reason, and "I want a new number" is a complete answer. They will offer you available numbers, you pick one, and they will set up it. The whole call usually takes under ten minutes. The new number becomes active within minutes to a few hours.

After the change goes through, your old number is released back into the carrier's pool and will eventually be assigned to someone else. This usually happens within a few weeks, so if you are worried about someone calling your old number and reaching a stranger, you can ask your carrier if they offer a grace period where they hold the old number before releasing it.

Setting up call forwarding during the transition

Some carriers let you set up temporary call forwarding so that calls to your old number automatically ring your new one. This is useful if you are worried about missing important calls while people are still reaching out to the old number. The forwarding usually lasts 30 to 90 days depending on your carrier, and then stops automatically.

To set this up, ask your carrier about it when you request the new number, or call back after the change is complete. They can usually set up it on the spot. You may also be able to set it up through your account settings if your carrier offers the feature online. Not all carriers provide this, so ask directly rather than assuming it is available.

Updating your contacts and important accounts

Once your new number is active, you will need to tell people who contact you regularly — family, friends, coworkers, and your employer. The fastest way is usually a group text or email with your new number. If you use a contact management app like Google Contacts or iCloud Contacts, update your own entry so that when people look you up, they see the new number.

Update any accounts that use your phone number for two-factor authentication or account recovery. This includes your email, banking apps, social media accounts, and any work systems. Log into each one, find the security or account settings section, and replace the old number with the new one. This is important because if you do not update these, you may not be able to recover your account if you forget your password, and two-factor codes will go to the old number instead of your new phone.

Update your number with your doctor's office, dentist, insurance company, and any other services that call you with appointments or important information. Many of these have online portals where you can update your own information, or you can call and ask them to change it in their system.

Keeping your old number when you switch carriers

If you are moving to a different carrier and want to keep your current phone number, you can port the number instead of getting a new one. Porting means transferring your number from one carrier to another. The new carrier handles most of the work — you just need to provide your account number and PIN from your old carrier, which you can find on your bill or by calling them.

Start the porting process with your new carrier. They will ask for your old carrier's account number and PIN, and they will submit the port request on your behalf. The process usually takes three to five business days. During that time, your service may be interrupted for a few hours as the number switches over, so plan the port for a time when you do not need your phone urgently.

Once the port is complete, your old carrier will send you a final bill for any remaining balance. Your old number now works on your new carrier's network, and you do not need to notify your contacts because the number stays the same.

Getting a new number when you buy a new phone

If you are buying a new phone from the same carrier, you can keep your old number by having the carrier transfer it to the new device. This is called an upgrade, and it happens automatically in most cases — the carrier moves your number and service to the new phone, and your old phone stops working on that line. You do not have to do anything except go through the purchase and set up process.

If you want a new number at the same time you upgrade your phone, you can request that during the purchase. The carrier will set up the new phone with a new number instead of transferring your old one. Your old number is then released, just as if you had changed it through your account settings.

What happens to your old number

Once you change your number and your carrier releases the old one, it goes back into circulation. The carrier will eventually assign it to a new customer, usually within a few weeks to a few months. This means that if someone tries to reach you at your old number after the change, they will reach whoever has that number now — a stranger. This is why it is important to update your contacts and accounts quickly.

If you are worried about this — for example, if your old number was tied to a business or a service that many people use — ask your carrier if they can hold the number for a grace period before releasing it. Some carriers offer this for a fee or as a courtesy, though it is not may provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it cost money to change my phone number?

No, changing your number with your current carrier is free. If you are switching carriers and want to port your old number, that is also free. Some carriers may charge a fee if you change your number more than once in a short period, so check your carrier's policy if you have changed numbers recently.

Can I keep my old number if I switch to a different carrier?

Yes, through a process called number porting. Contact your new carrier and provide your old carrier's account number and PIN. The port usually takes three to five business days. Your old number will work on the new carrier's network once the transfer is complete.

What if I change my mind after getting a new number?

You cannot get your old number back once it has been released and assigned to someone else. If you change your mind when ready — within minutes of the change — call your carrier right away and ask if they can reverse it before the old number is released. After that, the old number is gone.

Will my text messages and calls go to my new number automatically?

Yes, once your new number is active, all calls and texts to that number will reach you. Calls and texts to your old number will reach whoever has that number now, unless you set up call forwarding before releasing it.

Do I need to tell my bank and other services about my new number?

Yes, update any account that uses your phone number for two-factor authentication, password recovery, or notifications. This includes your bank, email, social media, and insurance. If you do not update these, you may not be able to recover your account if you forget your password.