How Phone Number Porting Works with AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon

Phone-number porting is the process of moving a phone number from one provider to another while keeping the same digits.

AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon each have their own account screens and security steps, but the basic transfer process is similar.

What you usually need

The new carrier may ask for:

• the phone number being transferred
• the current provider account number
• a transfer or port-out PIN when required
• the account holder name and related account information

The details need to match the current provider's records.

Do not cancel the old line first

This is the most important rule. Keep the existing service active while the port is in progress.

Cancelling first can cause the transfer to fail or make the number harder to recover.

How long does porting take?

Some wireless transfers finish quickly. Other transfers take longer depending on the provider, number type and whether the submitted information matches.

A delay does not automatically mean the number is lost. If a request is rejected, the rejection reason usually tells you what needs to be corrected.

What happens after the port completes?

Once the transfer finishes, the number becomes active with the new provider. Service for that number with the old provider may close automatically.

If the number is part of a multi-line account, check how moving one line may affect the remaining account before making changes.

What about a number you purchased?

A purchased number follows the same basic idea. When the number is ready, the seller or current provider gives you the transfer information. You submit that information to the carrier where you want to use the number.

Do not assume a newly purchased number is ready immediately. Some marketplace numbers need additional time before transfer information becomes available.

Carrier procedures can change

Account security steps, transfer PIN rules and online menus can change. Before starting a port, check the current instructions from your new carrier and make sure the information from the current provider is still valid.

Read the full SDM Numbers porting guide before starting, or browse phone numbers for sale if you are still choosing a number.