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Keep Your Current iPhone Number When Switching Phone Companies

By Sam Costello Sam Costello Writer Ithaca College Sam Costello has been writing about tech since 2000. His writing has appeared in publications such as CNN.com, PC World, InfoWord, and many others. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on December 5, 2019 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email iPhone & iOS Switching from Android Cellphone numbers are portable—you can move them from one provider to another when you switch cellular service providers. This means that people can switch from AT&T to Verizon or another service or vice versa without losing their iPhone numbers, whether or not they buy a new iPhone or take their older compatible phone with them. The process of switching mobile carriers while maintaining the same phone number is possible as long as both carriers offer cellular service in the same geographic location. If you have a lease arrangement or a contract with your current cellular provider, you must pay off that commitment before leaving the carrier. In some cases, there is an early termination fee. However, if you own your phone and aren't under contract, there should be no fees involved in transferring your number to a new provider. Considering moving from your current company to Verizon? Learn more in Should You Switch Your iPhone to Verizon?

iPhone Compatibility

As long as your iPhone is compatible with the new carrier, that carrier can switch on your service using the same phone number. Unlocked iPhones are compatible with all current carriers. Older iPhone models are not necessarily compatible due to technology differences; check with the new provider to see if your iPhone is compatible. If not, you can purchase or lease a new iPhone from the second carrier and use your original phone number. In some cases, you can request your old carrier to unlock a locked iPhone you purchased from the provider. Do not cancel your current cell phone service before you successfully transfer your old phone number to your new provider, and your service is activated. The new cellular provider will do this for you. If you cancel the number before this is done, you will lose your phone number. Typically, it takes between 4 and 24 hours for the number transfer to take place. Note: In some cases, it is possible to transfer a number from an older technology phone that is not a smartphone to a new iPhone, but it takes longer, sometimes up to 10 days. Ask your new provider about this possibility before you commit to the change.

Check Eligibility

Major cellular providers have websites where you can check if you are eligible to transfer your phone number to their service. Just go to the website and enter your existing number and ZIP code. They include: AT&T Verizon Sprint T-Mobile All the cellular services stress that you should not cancel your service with your current provider yourself. The new company provides that service to guarantee your number is ported satisfactorily. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Switch Phone Carriers How to Check if an iPhone Is Unlocked How to Park Your Cellphone Number How to Change Your Phone Number on Android How to Fix It When Your iPhone Has No Service Can I Keep My Existing Phone Number While Using VoIP? How to Transfer Messages from iPhone to iPhone How to Restore WhatsApp Messages What to Consider Before You Buy an Unlocked Smartphone How to Email a Text Number Portability: Can I Transfer My Cell Phone Number? The 7 Best Cheap Cell Phone Plans of 2022 How to Set Up a New Android From an Old Phone How to Unlock a Phone From Any Carrier What Phone Company Is Best for the iPhone? How to Know If Someone Blocked Your Number Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies