{"id":8693,"date":"2025-10-02T11:25:04","date_gmt":"2025-10-02T18:25:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.consumercellular.com\/blog\/?p=8693"},"modified":"2025-10-06T11:30:13","modified_gmt":"2025-10-06T18:30:13","slug":"keep-phone-number-switching-carriers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.consumercellular.com\/blog\/keep-phone-number-switching-carriers\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Keep Your Phone Number When Changing Carriers?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Yes, you can change carriers and keep your number thanks to an FCC rule called wireless local number portability<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s dive into the details and take away the mystery surrounding how to keep your number when switching wireless providers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Number Porting?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019t have to lose touch with friends, family or business contacts when you make a switch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019t have to ditch your number even when you decide to ditch your wireless provider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And now that you know all about number porting, it\u2019s time to learn the simple steps to take before switching providers and keeping your number\u2014plus the steps to making the actual switch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pre-Switch Step 1: Check Eligibility & Compatibility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before you start the switch your number to a new wireless provider, double-check two things:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Your number is eligible.<\/strong> Most are, but your new carrier will confirm.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Your <\/strong>phone is unlocked<\/strong><\/a> and compatible.<\/strong> If you\u2019re bringing your own device<\/a>, it needs to be unlocked and compatible to work on a new network.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Pro Tip:<\/em><\/strong> Need a full step-by-step switching guide? Check out our blog post on <\/em>how to switch cellphone providers<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Pre-Switch Step 2: Gather Required Information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Having the right details on hand before starting the switch makes the process smooth. Typically, you\u2019ll need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n