How to change your phone number
Changing your phone number involves two separate steps: telling your carrier you want a new number, and then updating that number in your device's settings. Your carrier handles the actual number change — they assign you a new one and deactivate the old one. Your device then needs to know what that new number is so it displays correctly when you make calls or send texts. Most carriers let you request a new number online, by phone, or in person, though some charge a small fee for the change.
The process takes a few minutes to request but can take up to 24 hours for the change to go live on the network. During that time, calls and texts to your old number will still work, but once the switch completes, your old number belongs to someone else. You should tell people your new number before you request the change, or be prepared to do so when ready after.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your carrier first — they control the actual number change, and you cannot do it through your device alone.
- Your carrier may charge a fee to change your number, though some offer one free change per year or per account.
- After your carrier assigns the new number, you need to update it in your device settings so it displays correctly on outgoing calls and texts.
- The network change usually takes a few hours to a full day, and your old number becomes inactive once the switch is complete.
- Tell your contacts your new number before you request the change, since you will not be able to use the old one to reach them afterward.
Contact your carrier to request the number change
Your carrier is the company that provides your phone service — Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or a smaller regional carrier. They are the only ones who can actually change your phone number on the network. You can reach them by phone, through their website, through their app, or by visiting a physical store.
The fastest route is usually their website or app. Log in with your account credentials, look for a section called "Manage my number," "Change my number," or "Phone settings," and follow the prompts. You will typically see whether there is a fee before you confirm. If you cannot find it online, call customer service — the number is on your bill or on the carrier's website — and ask to change your phone number. Have your account number or the phone number you want to change ready when you call.
Some carriers ask why you want to change your number. Common reasons they accept without question are spam calls, a fresh start, or a number that is hard to remember. You do not need a specific reason, but having one makes the conversation shorter. Once you request the change, the carrier will either assign you a new number when ready or ask you to choose from a list of available numbers in your area code.
Check whether there is a fee
Most carriers charge between $15 and $30 to change your number, though some offer one free change per year or per account. A few carriers, including some prepaid services, do not charge at all. The fee usually appears on your next bill, though some carriers charge it when ready to your payment method on file.
If cost is a concern, ask the carrier representative whether they can waive the fee — some will do so if you have been a customer for several years or if you explain that you are dealing with harassment or spam. It never hurts to ask, and the worst they can say is no.
Wait for the network change to take effect
After you request the number change, the carrier needs time to update their systems and push the change across the network. This usually takes a few hours, but can take up to 24 hours. During this window, both your old and new numbers may work, and calls or texts to either one might reach you. Once the change is complete, your old number is deactivated and reassigned to someone else.
You will receive a text or email from your carrier confirming the change is complete. Some carriers send this right away; others send it after the network update finishes. If you do not hear anything after 24 hours, contact customer service to confirm the change went through.
Update your phone number in your device settings
On an iPhone: Open Settings, tap Phone, then tap My Number. You should see your new number displayed here automatically once the carrier's change takes effect. If it still shows your old number after 24 hours, try turning airplane mode on for 30 seconds, then off again. If it still does not update, restart your phone.
On an Android phone: Open Settings, tap About Phone, then look for a section called Phone Number or My Phone Number. Like the iPhone, this should update automatically once the carrier completes the change. If it does not, restart your phone. Some Android phones do not display the phone number in settings at all — if you cannot find it, open the Phone app, tap the menu (three lines), and look for Settings or My Phone Number there.
Your device does not control your actual phone number — the carrier does. The number in your settings is just what your phone displays to you and shows to people when you call them. If it does not update automatically within a few hours of the carrier's confirmation, a restart usually fixes it.
Tell your contacts your new number
Once the carrier confirms the change is complete, your old number no longer works. Anyone trying to reach you at the old number will get a message that it is no longer in service. Send a text, email, or call to the people who contact you regularly and give them your new number. If you use messaging apps like WhatsApp, Signal, or iMessage, update your number there too so your contacts see the new one.
If you use your phone number for online accounts — banking, email, social media, work systems — update those as well. Many services use your phone number for two-factor authentication or account recovery, so having the current number on file matters. You do not need to do this when ready, but do it within a few days while you still remember.
What to do if you change your mind
If you realize you made a mistake right after requesting the change, contact your carrier when ready — some will cancel the request if you call before the change takes effect. Once the change is complete and your old number is deactivated, you cannot get that exact number back. The carrier may be able to assign you a different new number instead, though this usually means paying another fee.
If you are trying to keep a number you have had for a long time, ask your carrier about number porting. This lets you switch to a different carrier while keeping the same phone number. It takes a few days and requires some paperwork, but it preserves your number if you are unhappy with your current service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my phone number online without calling the carrier?
Most carriers let you change your number through their website or app without calling. Log into your account, find the phone settings or number management section, and follow the steps. If you cannot find it online, calling is usually faster than searching — customer service can do it in a few minutes.
What happens to my old phone number after I change it?
Your old number is deactivated on your account and returned to the carrier's pool of available numbers. After a waiting period (usually 30 to 90 days), the carrier reassigns it to a new customer. Anyone trying to call or text your old number after the change will reach that new person or get a message that the number is no longer in service.
Do I need to change my number if I switch carriers?
No. You can keep your current phone number when you switch carriers through a process called number porting. Contact your new carrier and they will handle moving your number from the old carrier to the new one. This takes a few days but lets you keep the same number.
Will changing my phone number affect my text messages or photos?
No. Your text messages, photos, and other data on your phone stay exactly where they are. Changing your phone number only changes what number the carrier associates with your account — it does not touch anything stored on your device.
How long does it take for my new phone number to work?
The carrier usually completes the change within a few hours, though it can take up to 24 hours. You will receive a confirmation text or email when it is done. After that, your old number stops working and your new number is active on the network.