How to Change Your AT&T Phone Number

AT&T lets you change your phone number online, by phone, or in a store, and the process takes minutes to hours depending on which method you choose

You can request a new AT&T phone number without switching carriers or changing your account. The change itself is free, though some situations — like changing numbers mid-contract or on a promotional plan — may affect your bill or plan terms. AT&T processes most number changes the same day you request them, though it can take up to 24 hours for the new number to work on all their systems.

The fastest route is usually the AT&T mobile app or website if you have an online account set up. If you do not have online access or prefer to speak with someone, calling AT&T customer service or visiting a store works too. Before you change your number, tell anyone who needs to reach you — contacts, employers, banks, two-factor authentication apps — because your old number will stop working for calls and texts to you.

Key Takeaways

You can change your AT&T number through the mobile app, website, phone, or in-store, and the change is free.
Your new number usually works within hours, but can take up to 24 hours to set up fully across AT&T systems.
Before changing your number, update it with banks, employers, two-factor authentication apps, and anyone else who contacts you regularly.
If you are on a contract or promotional plan, changing your number may affect your plan terms or pricing — ask before you proceed.
AT&T may not let you change to a number that is already assigned to another customer or reserved by the company.

Changing your number through the AT&T app or website

Open the AT&T mobile app or go to att.com and sign in with your account credentials. Navigate to your account settings or the line you want to change. Look for an option labeled "Change Phone Number" or "Manage Phone Number" — the exact wording varies by app version. Select the line you want to change if you have multiple lines on your account.

AT&T will show you available numbers in your area code or let you search for a different area code. You can usually preview the number before confirming. Once you select a number and confirm, AT&T processes the change when ready. Your new number should work within a few hours, though texts and calls may take longer to route correctly on their network.

Changing your number by calling AT&T customer service

Call AT&T customer service at 611 from your AT&T phone, or 1-800-331-0500 from any phone. Tell the representative you want to change your phone number. They will verify your account by asking for your account number, the phone number on file, or other identifying information.

The representative will offer you available numbers in your area code or ask what area code you prefer. Once you choose a number, they will process the change on the call. Ask them to confirm when your new number will be active — usually within hours, but they can tell you if there are any delays on your specific account. Write down your new number before you hang up.

Changing your number in an AT&T store

Visit any AT&T store with your ID and the phone or account you want to change. Tell a representative you want a new phone number. They will look up available numbers in your area code and let you choose from the list.

The representative will process the change in the store, and your new number should work within hours. Ask them to write down your new number and confirm when it will be fully active. If the store is busy, this can take 15 to 30 minutes, but the change itself is when ready once processed.

What happens to your old number after you change it

Your old AT&T number stops working for incoming calls and texts to you when ready or within a few hours of the change. AT&T may reassign your old number to another customer after a waiting period, so do not rely on it being reserved for you. If you need to keep your old number for any reason — to port it to another carrier, for example — do not change it; instead, contact AT&T about porting options.

Anyone trying to reach your old number will get a message that the number is no longer in service or will reach a different person. This is why updating your contacts, banks, and services before you change your number matters. Two-factor authentication apps that use your phone number will stop working with your old number, so update those accounts first if possible.

Situations that may affect your ability to change your number

If you are on an active contract or a promotional plan with a discount, changing your number may trigger a review of your plan terms. Some promotions are tied to your phone number, and changing it could end the promotion or change your monthly bill. Ask AT&T whether your specific plan will be affected before you confirm the change.

AT&T may not let you change to a number that is already assigned to another customer, reserved by the company, or flagged for other reasons. If the number you want is not available, the system will tell you and offer alternatives. You cannot force AT&T to give you a specific number if it is not available, but you can ask a representative if there are any options or if the number might become available later.

Updating your number with banks, services, and contacts

Before you change your number, make a list of places that have it on file. This includes your bank, credit card companies, employer, insurance company, doctor's office, and any services that send you texts or call you for verification. Log into each account and update your phone number to your new one, or call them to request the change.

Pay special attention to two-factor authentication. If your bank, email, or other important accounts use your phone number to send verification codes, update those first or set up an alternative method (like an authenticator app) before you change your number. If you change your number before updating two-factor authentication, you may lock yourself out of your accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for my new AT&T number to work?

Your new number usually works within a few hours of the change. Calls and texts may take longer to route correctly across AT&T's network, so allow up to 24 hours for everything to work smoothly. If your number is not working after 24 hours, contact AT&T to check for delays on your account.

Can I change my number if I am in the middle of a contract?

Yes, you can change your number even on a contract. However, some contracts or promotional plans may be affected by the change. Ask AT&T whether your specific plan will be reviewed or changed before you proceed, because your bill or discount could change.

What if I want to keep my old number instead of changing it?

If you want to keep your number but switch to a different carrier, you can port your number to the new carrier instead of changing it. Contact AT&T about number porting, or ask your new carrier how to port your AT&T number to them. This is different from changing your number within AT&T.

Can I choose any phone number I want, or are there restrictions?

AT&T shows you available numbers in your area code or the area code you choose. You cannot request a specific number if it is already assigned or reserved, but you can browse the available list and pick one you like. If a number you want is not available, ask a representative if it might become available later.

Will changing my number affect my AT&T bill or plan?

Changing your number is free and does not usually affect your bill. However, if you are on a promotional plan or contract, the change may trigger a review of your terms. Some promotions are tied to your phone number, so ask AT&T whether your plan will be affected before you change your number.

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.