How to transfer phone number to a new phone

If you're switching service providers and remaining in the same geographic area, you can keep your existing phone number. This process – often referred to as phone number porting – can be done between wireline, IP and wireless providers.

Getting the porting process started

You may request service from a different company at any time. When changing companies:

• Review your current contract. Your contract may contain early termination fees and/or outstanding balances that you are obligated to pay.
• Do not terminate your service with your existing company before initiating new service with another company.
• Contact the new company to start the process of porting your number.
• Provide the new company with your 10-digit phone number and any additional information required.

Are there fees for porting?

• Companies may charge you to port your number, but you can ask whether any fees can be waived or negotiated.
• Once you request service from a new company, your old company cannot refuse to port your number, even if you owe money for an outstanding balance or termination fee.

How long does the porting process last?

FCC rules require simple ports, which generally do not involve more than one line or more complex adjustments to telephone switching equipment, to be processed in one business day. You may be able to use your phone within a few hours for changes among wireless service providers. However, porting from wireline to wireless service may still take a few days.

Service issues for wireline to wireless transition

If you port from a wireline phone to a wireless phone, there may be a period when you have two telephones with the same number.  Ask your new wireless company whether you will be able to continue using your current wireline number during the one-day transfer process.  

Wireless 911 location and callback services (where available) may be affected during the transition.  Calls should go through, but 911 operators may not be able to call you back if disconnected.  Before porting, ask your new company if your 911 service will be affected during the process.

Also, your wireline long distance company will not move with you.  Your long distance service will likely be provided by your new wireless company, which you should verify.

Porting is not always possible

If you are moving to a new geographic area, you may not be able to keep your current phone number when changing providers.

Also, some rural wireline service providers may obtain waivers for the porting requirement from state authorities. Their customers may be unable to port their number to a new provider. If you are unable to port your number for that reason, contact your state public utilities commission for further information.

Printable Version

Portability: Keeping Your Phone Number When Changing Service Providers (pdf)

SWITCH TO AT&T

New wireless plan.
Same phone number.

It’s easy to transfer your current phone number when you switch to the nation’s most reliable network.

AT&T is awarded Most Reliable Network by GWS OneScore 2022. GWS conducts paid drive tests for AT&T and uses the data in its analysis.

Check eligibility

Have the following on hand when
transferring your number:

Your Social Security number or
the name associated with your
current cell plan.

Your current account number
and the PIN or password if
applicable.

If you’re bringing your own
device, you’ll also need the
AT&T SIM card we’ve sent you.

Check your current carrier’s transfer requirements before moving your number.

Find out if your number is eligible

Enter your 10-digit phone number to see if it can be transferred when you switch to AT&T.

Your current phone service will work
until you authorize the transfer and
the process is complete.

Checking your eligibility will not
affect your current/existing
phone service.

Numbers not associated with a
wireless device and current AT&T
numbers are not eligible for transfer.

Bring your
own device

Keep the phone you love—and everything on it! We’ll send you a free SIM kit to get your device running on America’s most reliable network.

AT&T is awarded Most Reliable Network by GWS OneScore 2022. GWS conducts paid drive tests for AT&T and uses the data in its analysis.

Frequently asked questions

• How do I transfer my number?

  It’s easy to bring your number when you order online. But first, it’s important that you do not cancel service with your old provider until the port process completes. Cancelling service with your old provider will result in the number transfer and wireless order being cancelled.

  When you’re ready to bring your number to AT&T:

  1.     Choose Keep my number at checkout.

  2.     Enter the phone number you want to bring to AT&T.

  3.     Verify and add your carrier information. Be sure to enter it correctly so we can process the request. If there are errors in the information you enter it may delay the number transfer. Online orders will be canceled if not resolved.

• What information do I need to start the transfer?

  You’ll need the following information for verification purposes:

  - Account holder’s Social Security number.
  - The 9 – 18 digital account number from your current carrier.
  - Passcode or PIN, if applicable, for your current carrier account.
    You may need to establish or reset your PIN in order to complete the transfer.

  We'll ship your new phone or SIM card. Once it arrives, you will be able to activate your service and complete your transfer.

  For common issues, please see “What if I run into an issue?”

• What should I expect after I’ve given you my account information?

  Once we have your account information, we’ll begin to work with your current carrier to approve the number transfer. We won't officially bring your phone number to AT&T until you authorize the transfer and the process is complete.
  Here are a few things to know:
  - If we can't confirm your transfer immediately, we'll work with your current wireless company and email you when we have an update. Please check your email in case we need you to take additional steps.
  - Your current service will continue to work until you authorize us to transfer your number to AT&T and the transfer is complete.
  - Don’t cancel your current wireless service. Your number must be active so we can bring it to AT&T. We'll contact you if we need more information or if there is a problem.
  - When you activate, you may experience "mixed service" for up to 4 hours. This means your old device may receive calls while your new device can make calls. This is due to the time it takes for your phone number to move through all the systems between your current wireless company and AT&T. SMS/MMS messages could take up to 8 hours to work properly while this happens.
  - Data will work on your new phone immediately after you activate.

Change your carrier and keep your number

Are you’re planning on switching to AT&T, but you’re worried about potentially losing your number? The good news is that you’ll usually be able to keep your current phone number. Just let us know at checkout and we can work with your current wireless carrier to get your number moved. If you’re shopping online, you can also select the “Keep my number” option at checkout. 

Keep your phone, too

With our bring your own device (BYOD) program, not only can you keep your current phone number in most cases, but you may also be able keep your current phone, whether it is Android or iOS. In fact, if you decide to bring your own device to AT&T, we’ll send you a free SIM card and waive your $30 activation fee.  

Preparing to transfer your phone number

If you’re planning on transferring your number to AT&T, you’ll want to be ready with a few key pieces of information first, including your phone number, the account holder’s social security number, and any passcodes or pin numbers you might use with your current wireless carrier. 

What to expect while you’re transferring to AT&T

AT&T will work with your carrier to get your number moved. In the meantime, assuming you haven’t cancelled your plan and your service isn’t suspended for some other reason, your current phone service should keep working until you officially authorize the transfer and the process is complete.

If you do have any issues while attempting to transfer your number, you can check your number transfer status online or call 855.401.9291 for additional help.

1. att.com
2. Wireless
3. Transfer Your Number

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