Switching mobile carriers is easier than ever, and you don't have to give up your phone number to do it. Whether you’re switching to AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, or a smaller carrier like Mint Mobile, Visible, or Cricket Wireless, federal rules require your old carrier to hand your number over to your new one if you ask.
But there's one rule you can't skip: You have to keep your current plan active until your number finishes transferring to your new carrier. Cancel too soon, and that number is gone for good, with no way to get it back.
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How do I keep my number when I switch carriers?
Keeping your number when you switch carriers is simple, and the process is the same no matter which carrier you're joining (or leaving). Wait to cancel your current plan until your new carrier confirms your number transfer is done. It should be the last step once you’ve confirmed your new account has your number attached for good.
Follow these steps if you want to keep your phone number when you switch carriers, whether you’re going to the Big Three or a smaller MVNO:
- Check your current contract for early termination fees, a remaining device balance, or a promotional discount that prevents you from switching.
- Gather your account information. You’ll need your account number and personal details during the process, so make sure you have everything at hand.
- Request a transfer PIN from your current carrier. This will initiate the porting process, which means you can take your number with you.
- Pick the best plan for you and sign up. Make sure you compare coverage maps, pricing, and data allowances before you commit. That way, your new plan will meet your digital needs and have the best connection where you live and work.
- Cancel your old plan only after your new carrier confirms the transfer is complete.
Every carrier handles these same steps a little differently. Check out our specific switching guides below for the exact walkthrough on the carrier you're joining.
Switching providers
Click on a carrier to learn how to switch to them and bring your own phone.
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Switch to AT&T
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Switch to T-Mobile
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Switch to Verizon
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Switch to Boost Mobile
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Switch to Cricket
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Switch to Metro
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Switch to Straight Talk
- Switch to Total Wireless
- Switch to Tracfone
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Switch to Visible
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Switch to US Mobile
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Switch to Consumer Cellular
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Switch to Google Fi
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Switch to Mint Mobile
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Switch to Ultra Mobile
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Switch to H2O Wireless
Switch and save with the best carrier deals
Carriers love handing out bill credits, free phones, and early termination fee payoffs to new customers who switch over from a competitor. Check out the best current deals below to see what you can save before you settle on a new plan:
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Verizon
Unlimited Ultimate
$85.00/mo
+ Taxes & Fees. Price includes AutoPay & Paperless discount.
+ $40 Upfront
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PureTalk
Unlimited Data w/ 30GB Hotspot Plan
$15.00/mo
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T-Mobile
Experience Beyond
$100.00/mo
with Auto-Pay + Taxes and fees
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What is number porting?
Porting is the technical name for moving your number from one carrier to another. The whole process usually takes between 1–2 business days, and most actually wrap up in a few hours.
You might notice a short stretch of mixed service while the transfer completes (just like I dealt with), where you get calls and texts on your old phone and your new one. That's normal, and it clears up fast as your new number settles in with your new carrier. Just don't cancel your old service until you get confirmation the port went through.
It only takes 15 minutes to switch to T-Mobile
T-Mobile has made it even easier to switch to America’s most extensive 5G network. You can easily compare plans, pick the best T-Mobile perks, and finish the whole switching process in just 15 minutes.
Ready to make the switch for top 5G speeds? Check out the most popular T-Mobile plans below:
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T-Mobile
Experience Beyond
$100.00/mo
with Auto-Pay + Taxes and fees
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T-Mobile
Go5G
$75.00/mo
with Auto-Pay - Taxes & Fees included
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T-Mobile
Go5G Plus
$90.00/mo
with Auto-Pay - Taxes & Fees included
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Can I keep my phone when I switch carriers?
Yes, you can keep your phone when you switch carriers, but your phone must be:
- Unlocked from your current carrier
- Compatible with your new carrier’s network.
A locked phone stays tied to your old carrier until you request an unlock, which most carriers approve automatically once your device is paid off and your account doesn’t have any unpaid bills. Check out our guide on how to unlock your phone from any carrier for step-by-step instructions.
Whether your phone is compatible with the network depends on your specific phone model and the network your new carrier runs on. Every major carrier offers a free compatibility checker online, and all it needs is your phone's IMEI number. You can find your device’s IMEI number in your settings.
Either way, you'll need a new SIM card or an eSIM profile to activate your number on the new network. Carriers usually let you choose which method you prefer; a physical SIM is easy to swap, but you might lose it, while an eSIM (an embedded digital SIM) is convenient but difficult to reinstall if you get a new phone. Either way, you can certainly take your phone to your new carrier.
What if my phone is locked?
If you find your phone is still locked, you’ll need to call your carrier to ask them to unlock your phone. Luckily, it’s a simple process as long as you meet your carrier's requirements. In order to unlock your phone, you need to:
- Complete a minimum length of time with your carrier.
- Keep your account in good standing (no unpaid charges or bills).
- Have a device that is not reported lost/stolen.
Requirements vary from carrier to carrier, so check your carrier’s specific unlock policy. We have more unlocking info plus full carrier unlock guides, but here are some general unlock requirements for the three major carriers—AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
Need an upgrade? Best phone deals to save you money
Switching carriers is a perfect time to ditch your old phone with a cracked screen and upgrade to the latest flagship devices. New customers can snag steep discounts with the best phone deals and can save hundreds of dollars on the newest models.
If you’re in the market for a new handheld, here are the best phone deals currently available:
Galaxy A26 5G
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 8MP, 2MP
- Front Camera: 13MP
Galaxy A27 5G 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 5MP, 2MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
Galaxy A37 5G 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 8MP, 5MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
How to keep your number: FAQ
Which carrier pays you to switch?
Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile most often pay you to switch to their network. These incentives usually show up as trade-in deals or bonus cash and credit back to your account.
How can I switch phone carriers without paying?
Switching to another carrier doesn't cost anything on its own, unless you have a locked contract. You'll still pay for your new plan and for any remaining balance on a financed phone you haven't paid off yet. But major carriers often run deals that cover that remaining balance, so make sure to check the best phone deals before you switch.
What's the best cell phone company to switch to?
There are a lot of solid carriers out there to switch to. The best option is the one that fits your needs the most. Some of our favorites include Visible for great unlimited plans on the Verizon network for much less than you'd pay with Verizon, or Mint Mobile with great prices for super-fast plans on the T-Mobile network.
In fact, most people are overpaying for phone service. Switching to an MVNO will help you save even more on top-notch service.
When is the best time to switch phone carriers?
Right now is the best time to switch if your current plan feels too expensive. But if you want a new phone or multiple lines, wait until Black Friday and the holidays for more new customer discounts. Otherwise, carriers usually offer super switching deals around the launches of new flagship devices. Apple’s iPhone launch is a good time to switch, since the latest phones are discounted.
How do I know if I have a compatible phone for my new carrier?
The best way to check if your phone is compatible with a new carrier is by running an IMEI check on the carrier’s website.
What does BYOD/BYOP mean?
BYOD/BYOP is short for “bring your own device” or “bring your own phone.” Carriers often use these terms interchangeably.
Jessica Santero
Staff Writer
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.jpg?w=160&h=160&usm=20&usmrad=0.8&fit=crop "How to Switch to TracFone and BYOP")
.jpg?w=160&h=160&usm=20&usmrad=0.8&fit=crop "How to Switch to Straight Talk & BYOP")
.png?w=280&h=280&usm=20&usmrad=0.8&fit=crop "How to Switch Phone Carriers and Keep Your Phone and Number")
