Getting a new phone number depends on whether you keep your current phone or switch carriers

A new phone number is a sequence of digits your carrier assigns to identify your line on their network. You can get one by asking your current carrier to change it, by switching to a different carrier, or by setting up a new line entirely. The simplest path is usually a phone call to your existing provider — most will change your number at no cost if you ask, though some charge a small fee. If you want to switch carriers, the new company will assign you a fresh number when you sign up, though you can port your old number to them instead if you want to keep it.

The reason people need a new number varies: you might want to escape spam calls, leave behind a number shared with an ex-partner, start fresh after moving, or straightforward prefer a local area code. Whatever the reason, the process takes minutes to hours depending on which route you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • Your current carrier can change your number by phone in minutes, and most do this at no cost or for a small fee under $15.
  • Switching carriers gives you a new number automatically, but you can ask to port your old number instead if you want to keep it.
  • You will need to update your new number with banks, employers, contacts, and any services that use it for two-factor authentication before you lose access to the old one.
  • Porting a number to a new carrier takes one to three business days and requires your account number and PIN from your old provider.
  • Some carriers charge $15 to $25 to change your number; others do it free, so ask before you commit.

Changing your number with your current carrier

Call your carrier's customer service line — the number is on your bill or their website. Tell them you want a new phone number. They will ask why (though the reason does not affect whether they do it), confirm your account details, and generate a new number for you. The change usually takes effect within minutes.

Before you hang up, write down your new number and ask the representative to confirm it. Some carriers will text it to you as well. Then ask whether there is a fee — most major carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, US Cellular) do this at no cost, but some regional carriers or prepaid services charge $10 to $25. If you are on a prepaid plan, the fee is more likely.

After the call ends, your old number becomes inactive. You will not receive calls or texts to it anymore. This is why the next step matters: update your new number everywhere before you hang up the phone.

Switching carriers and getting a new number

When you sign up with a new carrier, they assign you a brand-new number automatically. You do not have to ask for it — it comes with the account. This is the fastest way to get a completely fresh start, because the new carrier handles everything: they set up the new number, move your service to their network, and you are done.

The catch is that your old number disappears. If people have your current number saved in their contacts, they will not be able to reach you unless you tell them the new one. This is fine if you are switching because you want to leave the old number behind, but it is a problem if you want to keep it.

If you want to keep your current number when you switch carriers, you can port it instead. This means the new carrier requests your number from your old carrier and moves it to their network. Porting takes one to three business days. You will need your account number and PIN from your old carrier — call them or log into your account online to find these. Give this information to the new carrier when you sign up, and they will handle the port request for you.

Updating your number after the change

Once your new number is active, you have a narrow window to update it everywhere before the old number stops working. Start with the services that matter most: your bank, employer, and any account that uses your phone number for two-factor authentication (the code you get by text when you log in).

Log into your bank's website or app and update your phone number in the settings. Do the same for your email account, social media, and any work systems that send you codes. If you miss this step and your old number is reassigned to someone else, that person could receive your login codes and access your accounts.

Then update your contacts: text or call the people who have your number saved and give them the new one. Update your number on any online profiles, job applications, or services you use regularly. This is less urgent than the security step, but it prevents confusion later.

When you need a second line instead of a replacement

Sometimes you do not want to replace your number — you want to add a second one. This is useful if you want to keep your personal number but add a work number, or if you want a local area code in a different city while keeping your current number.

Most carriers let you add a second line to your existing account. Call customer service and ask to add a line. They will assign you a new number, and you can choose the area code if the carrier offers that option. You will pay an additional monthly fee for the second line (usually $20 to $50 depending on the carrier and plan), but both numbers ring on the same phone if it supports dual SIM or eSIM, or you can use a second device.

If you want a second number without adding a carrier line, you can also use apps like Google Voice, which gives you a free phone number that forwards to your real phone. This number can send and receive texts and calls, but it runs through the internet rather than your carrier's network.

What happens to your old number

When you change your number, your old one does not disappear when ready. Your carrier recycles it — meaning they hold it for a period (usually 30 to 90 days) and then reassign it to a new customer. During that holding period, calls and texts to your old number fail or go to voicemail.

This is why updating your accounts matters: if you do not tell your bank your new number and they still have the old one on file, they cannot reach you if they need to. And if your old number gets reassigned to someone else before you update your two-factor authentication, that person could receive your login codes.

You cannot get your old number back once it is reassigned to another customer. If you change your mind within a few hours, call your carrier when ready and ask them to reverse the change — some will do this if you catch it fast enough. After that, the number is gone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my number cost money?

Most major carriers do it at no cost. Some regional carriers and prepaid services charge $10 to $25. Call your carrier's customer service line and ask the fee before you commit to the change. If they charge and you do not want to pay, switching carriers gives you a new number at no extra cost.

Can I keep my old number if I switch carriers?

Yes, by porting it. Tell the new carrier you want to port your number when you sign up, and give them your account number and PIN from your old carrier. The port takes one to three business days. If you do not port it, the new carrier assigns you a fresh number and your old one is recycled.

What if I change my number and then want the old one back?

Call your carrier within a few hours and ask them to reverse the change. Some will do this if you catch it when ready. After that, the old number is held for 30 to 90 days and then reassigned to another customer. Once it is reassigned, you cannot get it back.

Do I lose my text messages and call history when I get a new number?

Your old messages and call history stay on your phone — they are stored on the device, not tied to the number. Your new number is just an identifier for incoming calls and texts. Old messages will still be there, but people will not be able to reach you at the old number anymore.

Can I have two phone numbers on the same phone?

Yes, if your phone supports dual SIM or eSIM (most modern phones do). Ask your carrier to add a second line to your account, and they will assign a new number. Both numbers can ring on the same device. Alternatively, use an app like Google Voice to get a second number that forwards to your existing phone.