Yes, you can change carriers and keep your number thanks to an FCC rule called wireless local number portability. To transfer your existing phone number when switching to a new provider, all you need are a few account details and a special transfer PIN, and your new carrier does the rest.
Let’s dive into the details and take away the mystery surrounding how to keep your number when switching wireless providers.
What is Number Porting?
First things first: understanding what number porting is. Number porting is the process of moving your phone number from one carrier to another. It applies to wireless phones, landlines and even VoIP lines. Carriers are legally required to allow it in most cases, so you don’t have to lose touch with friends, family or business contacts when you make a switch.
That said, there are a few exceptions. If you move to a brand-new region or transfer a landline across state lines, you may not be able to keep your number. Smaller or regional providers may also have limitations. But for the vast majority of wireless customers, porting is simple, straightforward and ensures you don’t have to ditch your number even when you decide to ditch your wireless provider.
And now that you know all about number porting, it’s time to learn the simple steps to take before switching providers and keeping your number—plus the steps to making the actual switch.
Pre-Switch Step 1: Check Eligibility & Compatibility
Before you start the switch your number to a new wireless provider, double-check two things:
- Your number is eligible. Most are, but your new carrier will confirm.
- Your phone is unlocked and compatible. If you’re bringing your own device, it needs to be unlocked and compatible to work on a new network.
Pro Tip: Need a full step-by-step switching guide? Check out our blog post on how to switch cellphone providers.
Pre-Switch Step 2: Gather Required Information
Having the right details on hand before starting the switch makes the process smooth. Typically, you’ll need:
- Your current phone number
- Your current carrier’s name
- Your account number (listed on your bill or account portal)
- Your billing address
- A transfer PIN or number-transfer PIN (your current carrier provides this)
Pro Tip: It’s smart to have a backup contact number, like a landline or secondary mobile number, just in case your service briefly goes offline during the switch.
Pre-Switch Step 3: Don’t Cancel Your Service Yet
This is one of the biggest mistakes people make when keeping their number and switching mobile carriers. Do not cancel your old service before the number porting process is confirmed complete.
Your number has to be active with your current carrier to transfer. Once the number port is complete, your old line will be automatically canceled. Canceling too early could mean losing your number permanently. So be patient and don’t preemptively cancel your current service until you know your number on your new service is active and functioning.
Pro Tip: You may also want to take time at this point to back up and save any important voicemails or messages currently on your phone. They should remain intact through the porting process, but on occasion have been susceptible to becoming corrupted or otherwise lost in the port.
How to Initiate a Port
Ready to make the switch official and bring your number with you to a new carrier? Here’s how the process works in four simple steps:
- Contact your new carrier. Don’t call your old one. The new provider handles almost everything.
- Provide your account details. Share your phone number, account number, billing info and transfer PIN.
- Let the new carrier handle it. They submit the port request on your behalf.
- Track the status. Most carriers offer a dashboard, email updates or text alerts so you know when the transfer is complete.
Pro Tip: Consumer Cellular offers a variety of affordable plan options where you can save money and keep your number.
Timeline Expectations When Transferring Your Number to a New Provider
How long does it take to make the switch? It depends:
- Wireless numbers: Often transfer within minutes or a few hours
- Landlines or VoIP: May take a few business days
- Complex accounts: Business numbers, bundled services or multiple lines may require longer processing
During this time, you might notice temporary issues like delayed texts or calls. These usually resolve quickly once the transfer is finalized.
Fees & Contract Considerations When Switching
Most carriers don’t charge a fee to port your number, but a few still do, so be sure to check before switching. Even if the port itself is free, you may face:
- Early termination fees from your previous provider if you’re still under contract
- Device balance payments from your previous provider if you haven’t finished paying off your old phone
Pro Tip: Looking to ditch your old wireless provider and your old device? You can still bring your number along and pair your port with a new device.
After the Port
Once your number is fully transferred, you’ll get a confirmation from your new carrier. At this point:
- Insert your new SIM card to complete your activation or activate your new device through an eSIM process
- Test calling, texting and data to make sure everything works properly
- Set up voicemail and other features
Pro Tip: Right before the port, it’s a good idea to let close contacts know you’ve switched carriers, just in case there’s a short delay with texts or inbound calls routing correctly. Because let’s face it—technology is great, but it’s not perfect.
FAQs: Number Porting & Switching Carriers
Can I keep my phone number when switching carriers?
Yes. In most cases you can transfer your number through number porting.
What do I need to provide to transfer my number?
You’ll need your phone number, carrier name, account number, billing address and a transfer PIN.
Should I cancel my old service before porting?
No. Keep your service active until the transfer is complete.
How long does the porting process take?
Wireless transfers may take minutes to hours. Landline transfers can take several days.
Are there fees for porting?
Some carriers charge a porting fee, though many waive it. You’ll still be responsible for any contract termination fees or device balances.
Keep Your Number and Switch to Consumer Cellular with Confidence
Switching carriers doesn’t mean giving up your phone number. With local number portability, you can take it with you almost anywhere. By gathering your account details, keeping your old line active until the port is complete and letting your new carrier handle the transfer, you’ll be up and running in no time.
And we make it easy to switch while keeping the number you already know and love. Explore our plans, shop our devices and start your switch today—over the phone, in store or online.