How to Port a Phone Number: Step-by-Step for T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T and Google Voice
- Porting moves your phone number to a new carrier, so you keep it.
- You need 4 things: the number, the account number, a Transfer PIN, and the name + ZIP on the account.
- A simple mobile-to-mobile port usually takes a few hours. FCC rules say within 1 business day.
- Golden rule: don't cancel your old service until the new one works.
Switching carriers or buying a new number? Porting is how the number travels with you. It sounds technical, but it's really a short checklist. Here's the whole thing in plain English. 👇
🧾 What you need before you start
The phone number
The number you want to move.
Account number
From the provider the number is leaving. It's on your bill or in the app, and it's not your phone number.
Number Transfer PIN
A special code just for porting. At most carriers it's different from your account PIN.
Name + billing ZIP
Typed exactly as the provider has them on file.
🔑 How to get your Transfer PIN
Request it right before you port. Transfer PINs often expire after a few days.
App: T-Life → Settings → Permissions & Controls → Transfer PIN
Phone: dial 611
Fastest: dial #PORT (#7678) · PIN is 6 digits
App: My Verizon → Account → Edit Profile → Number Transfer PIN
Fastest: dial *PORT (*7678)
Online: People & Permissions → Wireless → Transfer phone number → Request a new PIN
📌 Other carriers and prepaid brands: look for "Transfer PIN" or "Port-out PIN" in the app, or ask support.
🚀 Port your number in 5 steps
- Check it will workAsk your new provider if it accepts the number. Some only take mobile numbers; landline and VoIP numbers can have extra rules.
- Keep your old service onCancelling early can release the number and stop the transfer.
- Start the port with your new providerChoose "keep my number" or "transfer a number," then enter the account number, PIN, name and ZIP.
- Wait for the confirmationKeep your phone on. You'll usually get a text or email when the number moves.
- Test it ✅Make a call and send a text. Once both work, the old account for that number closes on its own. Watch for a final bill.
⏱️ How long does it take?
Sent late in the day or on a weekend? It usually finishes the next business day.
💻 Porting to Google Voice
A personal Google Voice account can port in an eligible mobile number for a one-time $20 fee. Google checks eligibility before you pay, so run that check first. Google Workspace (business) Voice has its own process.
🛠️ Port rejected? Here's the fix
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| 🔑 Wrong or expired PIN | Request a fresh Transfer PIN and try again. |
| 🏠 Name or ZIP doesn't match | Copy them exactly as they appear on the bill. |
| 🔢 Used the phone number as the account number | They're different. Use the account number from your bill or app. |
| 🚫 Number not eligible | Some providers can't accept certain number types. Ask before you start. |
| ⏳ "Number already in use" | Often a short timing gap between systems. Wait a couple of hours and retry. |
❓ Quick questions
Does porting cost money?
Most major carriers don't charge to port in. Some providers charge a fee, and you may still owe a final bill or device payments on the old account.
Can I port a number I just bought?
Yes. That's how buying a number works: you get transfer details, then port it to your carrier. On an existing line, the new number replaces the one currently on that line.
Will I lose my texts and contacts?
No. Porting moves the number, not the data on your phone.
Real U.S. numbers by area code, digits or pattern. 20% off every number, and a full refund if it can't be transferred.
Browse numbers →Carrier menus change from time to time, so check your carrier's app for the latest steps. Sources: FCC: Keeping your phone number · AT&T: Transfer a number.