You can move your phone number to a new phone in about 15 minutes, but the exact steps depend on whether you're switching to a different carrier or staying with the same one

Your phone number is tied to your account with your carrier — the company that provides your cell service, like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or a smaller regional provider. When you get a new phone, you don't need to transfer the number itself. Instead, you tell your carrier to set up that number on the new device. If you're staying with the same carrier, this is usually automatic. If you're moving to a different carrier, you'll need to request a port, which is the technical term for moving your number from one carrier to another.

The process is straightforward, but timing matters. If you port to a new carrier before your old account is fully closed, you might lose service for a few hours. If you wait too long after getting your new phone, you might accidentally rack up charges on the old one.

Key Takeaways

  • Staying with your current carrier: set up the new phone through their website, app, or by calling customer service, and your number moves automatically within minutes.
  • Switching to a new carrier: request a port, which requires your account number and PIN from your old carrier, and takes one to three business days.
  • Before you port, pay any outstanding balance on your old account so the carrier will release your number without delay.
  • Keep your old phone powered on and connected to service until the port is complete, because your carrier may send a confirmation code to it.
  • Once the port is done, your old carrier will close that account automatically, so you don't need to call to cancel.

Staying with the same carrier and getting a new phone

If you're keeping your current carrier and just replacing your phone, the process is the quickest. Log into your carrier's website or app, find the section for devices or upgrades, and select your new phone. You'll be asked whether you want to keep your current number or get a new one. Choose to keep it. The system will then set up that number on the new device.

You can also call your carrier's customer service line and ask them to set up your number on the new phone. Have your new phone's IMEI number ready — this is a unique identifier for the device. You can find it in the phone's settings, usually under "About Phone" or "Device Information", or printed on the box. set up usually happens within a few minutes, though it can take up to an hour.

Once set up is complete, your old phone will lose service. You can still use it on Wi-Fi to access apps and data, but you won't be able to make calls or send text messages using your carrier's network.

Switching to a different carrier and keeping your number

Moving your number to a new carrier is called porting. You'll need three pieces of information from your current carrier: your account number, your PIN (a security code you set up when you opened the account), and your account holder's name. If you don't know your PIN, call your current carrier and ask them to reset it or provide it to you.

Contact your new carrier — either online, in a store, or by phone — and tell them you want to port your number. They will ask for the information above and the phone number you want to move. They'll also ask you to choose a new plan and pick your new phone. The new carrier will then submit a port request to your old carrier.

Your old carrier has up to three business days to approve the port. During this time, keep your old phone turned on and connected to service. Your old carrier may send a confirmation code to your old phone to verify that you requested the port. Once approved, your number will switch to the new carrier, usually within a few hours. Your old account will close automatically, and you'll start being billed by the new carrier.

What to do before you port

Pay any outstanding balance on your old account before you request a port. Carriers are more likely to delay or deny a port request if you owe money. Once you've paid, ask your old carrier to confirm that your account is in good standing and that there are no blocks on your number.

Write down your account number and PIN before you contact the new carrier. This saves time and reduces the chance of a typo that could delay the port. If you have autopay set up on your old account, turn it off so you don't get charged after the port is complete.

If you're switching carriers because you're unhappy with your old one, don't cancel your account yourself. Let the port process close it automatically. If you cancel first, some carriers will block your number from being ported for 24 to 48 hours.

What happens during the port window

From the moment you request a port until it's complete, your service might be spotty. You may not be able to make calls or send texts for a few hours, or you might be able to do both but with delays. This is normal. Don't panic and request a new port — it will only extend the problem.

Keep your old phone on during this time. If your new carrier needs to verify the port, they may send a code to your old number. You'll need to provide that code to complete the transfer. Once the port is done, your old phone will lose service on your carrier's network, but your new phone will have full service.

Moving your data and apps to the new phone

Transferring your phone number is separate from transferring your photos, contacts, messages, and apps. Most new phones offer to copy this data from your old phone when you first set them up. If you have an iPhone and are getting a new iPhone, you can use iCloud to restore everything. If you have an Android phone and are getting a new Android phone, you can use Google's setup wizard to restore your data.

If you're switching from iPhone to Android or vice versa, the process is more involved. You'll need to back up your data manually or use a third-party tool. Your contacts and calendar can usually be exported as files and imported into the new phone. Photos and videos can be moved through cloud storage like Google Drive or OneDrive. Apps will need to be downloaded fresh from the new phone's app store.

Troubleshooting a port that's taking too long

A port usually completes within one to three business days. If it's been longer, contact your new carrier and ask for a status update. They can check whether your old carrier has approved the request or if there's a hold-up.

Common reasons for delays include an outstanding balance on your old account, a mismatch between the name on your account and the name you provided to the new carrier, or a PIN that doesn't match your carrier's records. If any of these are the issue, fix it with your old carrier and ask the new carrier to resubmit the port request.

If your old carrier is refusing to port your number, ask them why in writing — either through email or by requesting a written explanation in a store. If they claim you owe money, ask for an itemized bill. If they say your account is in dispute, ask what the dispute is. You have the right to know why your number is being held.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my new phone before the port is complete?

Yes. Your new carrier will give you a temporary number to use while the port is processing. Once the port is done, that temporary number will be replaced with your original number. You can also ask the new carrier to set up your new phone with a new number right away, then port your old number over later — though this creates extra steps.

What if I change my mind after I request a port?

You can cancel a port request up until the moment it's approved by your old carrier. Contact your new carrier and ask them to withdraw the request. Once your old carrier approves it and your number switches, you cannot undo it — you would have to port back to your old carrier, which counts as a new port and takes another one to three days.

Do I lose my voicemail and text messages when I port?

Yes. Your voicemail is stored on your old carrier's servers and will be deleted when your account closes. Text messages are stored on your old phone, so back them up before you port if you want to keep them. You can take screenshots, use a backup app, or export them to a file.

Will porting my number cost me anything?

Porting itself is free. However, your old carrier may charge an early termination fee if you're still under contract. Some new carriers offer to reimburse this fee as part of a promotion, so ask before you port.

What if my old carrier says my number is blocked from porting?

Ask them specifically why. Common reasons are an unpaid balance, a recent port from another carrier (some carriers block ports within 30 days of the last one), or a dispute on the account. If the reason is a balance, pay it and ask them to unblock the number. If it's a recent port, you may have to wait. If it's a dispute, ask what it is and how to resolve it.