How to Switch Phone Carriers - Easy Steps to Keep Your Number

Switching phone carriers seamlessly generally comes down to three key factors: keeping your existing number, minimizing downtime, and avoiding unnecessary charges. In this article, we’ll explain when it might make sense to switch phone carriers, what to check before switching, and the exact step-by-step process on how to switch phone carriers while keeping your phone number. We’ll also share practical tips for reducing costs and answer some common questions you may have before switching carriers.

Why consider switching phone carriers?

Switching isn’t just about chasing a cheaper bill. Here are 5 common reasons people may switch:

Better coverage or performance in key locations (home, work, travel routes)
More generous data, hotspot, or international roaming terms
Customer service experience or network reliability
Incentives, credits, or promotions offered by new carriers
Dissatisfaction with contract terms, hidden fees, or price increases

Before switching, it’s good to know exactly what you want: lower cost, better signal, more flexibility, etc. Use that as your decision filter.

Before you switch carriers: What you need to know

Before making the jump, there are several checks and preparations you should complete. These tips may help you avoid delays or service interruptions.

1. Check your current contract and fees

Look for early termination fees (ETF)
Check if you have an outstanding device balance or installment plan on your phone
Gather your account number, PIN/password, and billing zip code - your new carrier will often need this to port your number (e.g., transfer your existing phone number without interruption).

2. Make sure your phone is unlocked

If your phone is locked to your current carrier, it won’t work with a new one. Most carriers require you to finish device payments or meet account age requirements before unlocking.

3. Confirm device compatibility

Even with an unlocked phone, it must support the network bands and technology (LTE, 5G, etc.) used by your new carrier. Many carriers provide an online compatibility checker where you enter your IMEI number, which is the 15-digit identification number unique to your device.

4. Don’t cancel your current service yet

If you cancel service prematurely, you risk losing your phone number. Keep your line active until your number transfer begins.

5. Consider backing up your phone

Backing up your phone isn’t required when you switch carriers, but it can give you extra peace of mind. Most of your data (i.e., contacts, photos, and apps) will stay put if you keep the same phone. Still, having a recent backup means you won’t lose anything important if you also upgrade devices or run into issues during the transition.

Easy backup options

iPhone: Use iCloud (Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now) or back up to a computer with Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows).
Android: Turn on Backup by Google One in your settings or use manufacturer tools like Samsung Cloud. You can also copy files manually to your computer or an external drive.

When backups are most useful

If you’re switching to a new device while changing carriers
If you want a safeguard against unexpected issues during setup
If you’re moving between platforms (Android to iPhone or vice versa)

How to switch phone carriers: 5 typical steps and how to port your number

Here’s the typical flow when you switch carriers broken down into 5 steps:

Step 1: Choose a new carrier and plan

Compare coverage, customer reviews, plan allowances, and pricing
Decide whether to bring your own device or purchase a new one
Check for switching incentives or reimbursements

Step 2: Initiate your new service and number transfer

When signing up with the new carrier, provide your current account number, account PIN, billing ZIP, and confirm your current phone number. This is required to port your number.

Step 3: Wait for the porting process

Mobile numbers: transfer within 10 minutes to a few hours in most cases
Carriers may request updates if info doesn’t match (e.g., wrong name or ZIP code)

During the porting time, you may continue to use your old service, but incoming calls may shift to the new line once the port completes.

Step 4: Activate your new SIM or eSIM

Once the port completes, swap in your new SIM card or enable your eSIM (the digital version of the physical SIM card), both identify your device to provide network connection. Check that calls, messaging, and data work.

Step 5: Verify and finalize

Confirm your number is working
Test voice, text, and data
Contact your old carrier to confirm final billing or device payoff
Make sure discounts, autopay, or promos are active on your new account

9 FAQs about switching phone carriers

What if I cancel my old service too soon?
You risk losing your number. Keep the line active until the transfer is complete.

Will my features carry over when I switch carriers?
Some do, some don’t - check with the new carrier for support.

What happens to my voicemail when I switch carriers?
Save or transcribe important messages before switching, since they don’t transfer.

What if I switch to a smaller Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) carrier?
The process is the same, but confirm they support your device and features.

How many lines can I port at once?
Multiple lines can transfer, but each line needs accurate account info.

Can I switch carriers before my billing cycle ends?
Yes, but you may lose service days or not get prorated refunds.

What if my phone isn’t eligible or compatible when switching carriers?
You may need to purchase a new phone through the new carrier or a third party. Some carriers can help you pay off your old device or offer promotional financing.

What if there is a porting failure or delay?
If porting fails, it’s often due to mismatched account information. Carriers will usually notify you if there’s an issue and request corrections.

What should I do if I have issues with voicemail, messages, or apps?
Save any voicemails before switching devices, as they don’t transfer automatically. You may need to set up features like visual voicemail again. If you’re changing phones, back up your data to keep your files, photos, and apps.

Switching wireless providers just got easier - you can now switch to T-Mobile in as little as 15 minutes per line. See for yourself how effortlessly you can make the switch to T-Mobile. Device activation, data & number transfer will take additional time.

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