Keeping Your Number When You Switch Phone Plans: What Can Go Wrong and How to Avoid It
A simple checklist to keep your number, avoid delays and protect your phone plan deals.
Changing your phone number can be a hassle, but switching mobile carriers doesn’t usually mean you have to. In most cases, you can keep your existing number by transferring it to your new provider through a process known as number porting.
According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), carriers may charge a fee to port a number, though those fees are sometimes negotiable or waived. Importantly, your phone number belongs to you, and once you request a transfer, your current carrier can’t refuse to release it.
While porting a phone number does require you to follow a few specific steps, the process is generally straightforward. Before you start the switch, it helps to know what information you’ll need and what can slow things down.
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Why do many phone plan deals require a port-in?
Many phone plan deals require you to port in a number because those promotions are typically limited to new customers. Bringing a number from another provider helps confirm that you’re truly switching carriers, not simply opening an additional line with the same company.
Requiring a port-in can also increase customer loyalty. Porting a phone number takes time and a bit of effort, so if you’re willing to complete the process, you’re more likely to stick with the new carrier once service is active.
From the carrier’s perspective, having you bring your existing number can make promotional phone deals more profitable. By offering an attractive incentive upfront, carriers aim to keep you as a long-term customer and recover those costs over time.
What you need before you start the switch
Before you start to port your number, take a few minutes to make sure you have the right information on hand. Missing details can slow the transfer or temporarily disrupt your service, so a little preparation can save time and frustration. Make sure you have the following:
- Account number: You’ll need to enter your account number with your current carrier as part of the porting process.
- Transfer PIN: Request a transfer PIN from your current mobile carrier. This is a four- or six-digit number that you’ll provide to your new carrier during the porting process.
- Name/address match: Your name and address in your accounts with your current and new providers must match in order to port your number.
- Device compatibility: Use your device’s IMEI number to verify that it is unlocked and compatible with the new mobile carrier’s network.
Common port-in problems that delay service
Porting a number typically takes a few days, but certain issues can delay your service:
- Wrong PIN: Entering a wrong PIN can delay your service. Contact your old service provider right away to request a new PIN so you can correct the issue with your new provider.
- Closed account too early: It’s important to leave your old account open until the porting process is complete. Closing the account too early can cause the transfer to fail, and while your old carrier may be able to reactivate the number, there’s a risk it could be released or reassigned.
- Incompatible phones: If your phone is incompatible with the new service provider, the porting process can’t be completed. Check to make sure your phone is unlocked. If the phone is older and is incompatible with the new service provider’s network technology, you may need to buy a new phone, rather than keeping your old phone.
- Partial service during transition: You may experience a brief service interruption during the porting process. Be sure to leave your old account active during this time and only cancel it once the number is fully active with your new service provider.
How long does a number transfer usually take?
The FCC requires mobile carriers to process simple ports in one business day, but the process can take a few days to complete. If you’re making more complex changes, like porting more than one line, the process can take longer.
Porting a prepaid number can take one to five days, while porting to a postpaid account often takes just a few hours. For example, Verizon states that mobile ports can take between four and 24 business hours, while landline ports can take two to 10 business days.
When switching makes sense and when it may not
Switching mobile carriers may make sense if it allows you to take advantage of a good family plan deal. Saving money on multiple lines can quickly add up, so while porting multiple lines to a new provider can take a bit longer, the switch may be worth the inconvenience.
If you’ve recently started working for a new employer, you might consider switching your mobile carrier to take advantage of employer discounts. Check with your employer’s HR department to see if a wireless discount program is available. These programs often offer discounts on your monthly mobile bill, so switching could help you save.
However, many of these programs require you to choose one of the top tier plans, so if you wouldn’t normally choose that plan, you might overpay for service that you really don’t need.
Switching providers may help you take advantage of device financing offers, so you don’t have to pay in full for a phone upfront. If you’re considering switching for a financing offer, carefully review the required phone plans and the term.
Many financing options require a three-year commitment, and if you break your contract, you’ll be responsible for paying the remaining balance on your phone. Consider how long you plan to stay with a carrier and whether the financing offer is really worth it.
Examples of carriers that offer port-in promotions
Many carriers offer port-in promotions, so you can take advantage of a new deal without giving up your phone number. It’s worth confirming which carriers operate in your area and contacting them directly to ask about current port-in offers. Below are a few examples we found:
- Total Wireless offers deals to new customers who port in an existing number. Currently, the carrier is offering an iPhone 16e for $199.99 when you port in a number and activate a three-month 5G+ Unlimited plan.
- Visible offers gift cards ranging from $200 to $300 when you port-in a number, purchase an eligible device and make three months of payments.
- Mint Mobile offers $15-per-month introductory pricing on its prepaid Unlimited premium wireless plan. It’s also free to port in your number.
Porting a phone number can make switching mobile carriers more convenient and may help you find a plan that better fits your needs and your budget.
Just be sure to review the plan details carefully before making the switch, including pricing, required commitments and the length of the plan term, so there are no surprises down the road.
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