How to Get a New Phone Number (and Whether You Can Keep Your Old One)

There are plenty of reasons to want a new phone number: moving to a new city, starting a business, separating work and personal calls, or simply wanting a number you actually like. Here are your options, and what each one means for your current number.

Option 1: Ask your carrier for a new number

Your mobile carrier can usually change the number on your line. It's quick, but you typically get whatever number is next in their system — you have little say over the digits. Some carriers charge a fee for a number change. Your old number is released and, after a waiting period, may be given to someone else.

Option 2: Choose a specific number and transfer it in

If you want a particular area code or a number that's easy to remember, you can pick one from an inventory of available numbers, buy it, and then transfer (port) it to your phone service. This is how you get a number like 555-8888 or one with meaning to you instead of a random one.

Keep in mind that when you transfer a number onto an existing line, it replaces the number currently on that line. If you want to keep your old number too, see the next option.

Compatibility depends on your carrier and plan, so it's worth checking before you buy. Our Porting Guide walks through the process step by step, and you can ask us if you're not sure a number will work with your service.

Option 3: Add a second number and keep your old one

Many people want a new number without giving up their current one — for example a separate business line. Common ways to do that:

• A second line or eSIM. Many recent phones support two numbers at once. Your carrier can add a line, and you can transfer your new number onto it.
• A business phone or calling app. Many business phone services and calling apps let you use an additional number on the same phone. Check whether the service accepts transferred numbers before you buy.

How to choose the new number

• Area code: pick the city your callers are in, or one you have a connection to. The Area Code Guide lists every code by state.
• Memorability: repeating digits, sequences and round endings are easiest to recall — see 7 patterns to look for.
• Budget: standard numbers cost less; distinctive patterns cost more because they are limited.
• Meaning (optional): if digits matter to you or your family, look at the optional Thai and Chinese readings shown with each number.

Before you switch

• Don't cancel your current service until your new number is fully working.
• Update your number with your bank, two-factor login apps, doctors, schools and delivery accounts.
• Tell friends and clients, and update your email signature and social profiles.

Ready to start? Search available numbers by state, area code or digits on Browse Numbers, or use Find a Number to get a shortlist matched to your needs.