How To Keep My Verizon Phone Number

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Don't Lose Your Number! Your Ultimate Guide to Keeping Your Verizon Phone Number

Hey there! Ever worried about losing that precious phone number you've had for years? The one tied to your bank, your friends, your family, and what feels like every online account you own? Well, you're not alone! Keeping your existing phone number when making changes to your service, carrier, or even just your device is a top priority for most people. And if you're a Verizon customer, or considering becoming one, understanding how to navigate this process is crucial.

This isn't just about making calls; it's about maintaining your digital identity and avoiding a massive headache. Imagine the pain of updating everyone with a new number, or worse, missing important calls because people don't have your current one.

Fear not! This lengthy guide is designed to walk you through every scenario, step-by-step, ensuring your cherished Verizon number stays right where it belongs – with you!

Step 1: Understand Your Number Portability Rights – Your Foundation for Success!

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's get you empowered. Did you know that in many countries, including the United States, regulations are in place to protect your right to keep your phone number when switching carriers? This is known as number portability, and it's your best friend in this entire process.

  • What does it mean for you? It means that your phone number is yours, not the carrier's. Even if you've been with Verizon for decades, you have the right to take that number to another carrier, or even keep it when upgrading your phone or plan within Verizon.

  • Why is this important? Understanding this right will help you confidently approach any changes and ensure that no one tells you your number is "stuck." Knowledge is power!

Step 2: Scenario 1: Upgrading Your Phone or Changing Your Plan Within Verizon

This is often the simplest scenario, but it still warrants attention to avoid any unforeseen hiccups.

Sub-heading: New Phone, Same Great Number!

So, you're eyeing that shiny new smartphone, or maybe your current one is on its last legs. The good news is that keeping your number when upgrading your device with Verizon is usually seamless.

  1. Select Your New Device: Whether you're buying outright, on an installment plan, or through an upgrade program, choose your new phone.

  2. Ensure Your Account is Active: Before initiating the upgrade, make sure your Verizon account is in good standing and all bills are paid up. This prevents any holds or delays.

  3. Data Transfer (Optional but Recommended): While your number stays with your account, your data (contacts, photos, apps) is on your old device. Verizon often offers tools or assistance for data transfer. Take advantage of these or back up your data to the cloud (Google Drive, iCloud, etc.) before the switch.

  4. Activate Your New Phone: Once you receive your new device, you'll need to activate it. This usually involves following on-screen prompts or logging into your My Verizon account. Your existing number will automatically be associated with your new activated phone.

  5. Deactivate Old Phone: Once the new phone is active and confirmed, you can typically wipe and recycle or trade-in your old device.

Sub-heading: Plan Changes: Keeping Your Number Intact

Thinking of switching to a different data plan, adding lines, or consolidating accounts? Your number will almost always remain unaffected.

  1. Review Plan Options: Browse Verizon's current plans and choose the one that best fits your needs.

  2. Initiate the Change: You can typically do this through your My Verizon app, online account, or by speaking with a customer service representative.

  3. Confirmation is Key: After making the change, always confirm that your number is still associated with your account and the new plan. You'll usually receive an email or text confirmation.

Step 3: Scenario 2: Porting Your Number From Verizon to Another Carrier

This is where understanding number portability really comes into play. If you're moving to AT&T, T-Mobile, a smaller MVNO, or any other carrier, you can almost certainly take your Verizon number with you. This process is often referred to as "porting out."

Sub-heading: The Port-Out Process: Your Number's Journey to a New Home

This is a critical process, and a few key pieces of information are absolutely vital.

  1. Do NOT Cancel Your Verizon Service Yet! This is the single most important piece of advice. If you cancel your Verizon account before the port is complete, you risk losing your number permanently. The new carrier needs an active account to "pull" the number from.

  2. Gather Necessary Information: You'll need specific details from your Verizon account to provide to your new carrier. This typically includes:

    • Your Verizon Account Number: You can find this on your bill or in your My Verizon account.

    • Account PIN or Password: This is a security measure. If you don't know it, you can often reset it through My Verizon or by calling customer service.

    • The Phone Number You Want to Port: Double-check this!

    • The Account Holder's Name and Billing Address: Ensure it matches what Verizon has on file.

  3. Contact Your New Carrier: This is the carrier you want to port your number to. Inform them you want to bring your existing number from Verizon.

  4. Provide the Information: Give the new carrier all the details you gathered in step 2. They will initiate the porting request.

  5. Wait for the Port to Complete: This can take anywhere from a few hours to a few business days, though most mobile number ports are completed within 24-48 hours. Do not cancel your Verizon service during this time. Your Verizon service will remain active until the port is successful.

  6. Test Your Number: Once you're notified the port is complete, test your phone with the new carrier. Make and receive a few calls and texts to ensure everything is working correctly.

  7. Verizon Service Will Automatically Cancel (or you can confirm): Once the port is successful, Verizon's system will typically recognize that the number has been ported out and will automatically cancel that line of service. You may receive a final bill for any remaining charges. It's a good idea to call Verizon after a day or two to confirm the line has been fully disconnected.

Sub-heading: Troubleshooting Port-Out Issues

Sometimes, ports can get stuck. Here's what to do:

  • Double-Check Information: The most common reason for a failed port is incorrect account information. Verify your Verizon account number, PIN, and billing address.

  • Contact Both Carriers: If a port is delayed, first contact your new carrier to check the status. If they can't resolve it, then contact Verizon. They can often tell you if they've received a port request and why it might be on hold.

  • Don't Give Up: Porting is your right. Be persistent if you encounter issues.

Step 4: Scenario 3: Porting Your Number To Verizon from Another Carrier

Welcome to the Verizon family! If you're coming from another carrier (AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint legacy, etc.) and want to bring your existing number to Verizon, the process is very similar to porting out.

Sub-heading: Bringing Your Number Home to Verizon

  1. Do NOT Cancel Your Old Carrier's Service! Just like with porting out, your previous carrier's account must remain active for Verizon to successfully "pull" the number.

  2. Gather Information from Your Old Carrier: You'll need:

    • Your Old Carrier's Account Number:

    • Account PIN or Password:

    • The Phone Number You Want to Port:

    • The Account Holder's Name and Billing Address: Ensure it matches their records.

  3. Choose Your Verizon Plan and Device: Select the Verizon plan and phone (or bring your own device) that you want.

  4. Initiate the Port with Verizon: When you sign up for service with Verizon online, in-store, or over the phone, inform them that you wish to port an existing number from another carrier. Provide them with all the necessary information you gathered.

  5. Wait for Activation: Verizon will initiate the porting request. You'll often receive a temporary Verizon number while the port is in progress.

  6. Test Your Number: Once Verizon confirms the port is complete and your original number is active on your new Verizon device, make and receive calls/texts to confirm.

  7. Old Service Will Cancel: Your old carrier's service for that line will automatically cancel once the number has been successfully ported to Verizon. You may receive a final bill from your previous carrier.

Step 5: Scenario 4: Keeping Your Number When Moving or Going Abroad (Temporarily/Permanently)

What if you're not switching carriers but your location is changing significantly?

Sub-heading: Moving Within the US: Address Changes and Number Continuity

Moving to a new state or even a new city within the US generally does not affect your ability to keep your Verizon phone number. Your phone number is tied to your account, not your physical location.

  1. Update Your Billing Address: The most important step is to update your billing address with Verizon through your My Verizon account or by calling customer service. This ensures you receive bills and important communications.

  2. Verify Service in New Area: While your number will remain, ensure Verizon has strong coverage in your new location. You can check their coverage map online.

Sub-heading: Going Abroad: Short-Term vs. Long-Term Solutions

This is a more nuanced situation.

  • Short-Term Travel (Vacation/Business Trip): For short trips, you can typically keep your Verizon service active and use international roaming features. This allows you to keep your number and use it abroad (though often at a cost). Check Verizon's international plans and daily passes.

  • Long-Term Stay/Move Abroad: If you're moving abroad indefinitely, keeping a US Verizon number can become costly.

    1. Suspend Service: Verizon may offer options to suspend your service for a period, keeping your number reserved. This is usually for a limited time and might incur a small monthly fee. Check their policies on military suspensions or travel suspensions.

    2. Port to a VoIP Service: A popular option for long-term travelers or expats is to port your Verizon number to a Voice over IP (VoIP) service like Google Voice, NumberBarn, or a dedicated VoIP provider.

      • How it works: You port your number to the VoIP service, effectively "parking" it there. You can then access calls and texts associated with that number via Wi-Fi or data through their app on any device, anywhere in the world. This keeps your number active and accessible for a minimal cost, without needing a traditional cellular plan.

      • Steps: Research VoIP providers, initiate a port-in request with them (just like porting to a new carrier), and then once successful, you can cancel your Verizon service.

    3. Cancel Service and Get a New Number: As a last resort, if you don't need your US number, you can simply cancel your Verizon service and get a local number in your new country. However, remember this means you lose your old number.

Step 6: Important Considerations and Best Practices for a Smooth Transition

No matter your scenario, these tips will make the process easier.

Sub-heading: Don't Forget About Linked Services!

  • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Many online services use your phone number for 2FA. Before porting out or changing your primary number, update your 2FA settings for critical accounts (banking, email, social media, etc.) to a new number or an authenticator app. This is CRUCIAL to avoid being locked out.

  • Banking & Financial Institutions: Inform your bank and credit card companies of any number change.

  • Email & Social Media: Update your recovery phone number on these platforms.

  • Friends & Family: Of course, let your close contacts know if your number changes (though with porting, they won't even notice!).

Sub-heading: Final Bills and Unlocking Your Device

  • Final Bill: Expect a final bill from your old carrier (if porting out) or for any prorated charges from Verizon (if making plan changes).

  • Device Unlocking: If you're porting out from Verizon and want to use your existing Verizon phone with a new carrier, ensure your device is unlocked. Verizon has an unlocking policy, usually after a certain period of active service or if the device is paid off in full. An unlocked phone gives you more flexibility. Contact Verizon customer service to check your device's unlock status if unsure.

Sub-heading: Patience is a Virtue!

While most processes are quick, there can be delays. Be patient, follow the steps, and communicate clearly with the relevant customer service teams if needed.


10 Related FAQ Questions (How to...)

How to Check My Verizon Account Number and PIN?

You can find your Verizon account number on your monthly bill or by logging into your My Verizon account online or via the app. For your PIN, you can usually reset it or find it within your My Verizon security settings, or by calling Verizon customer service.

How to Port My Verizon Number to Google Voice?

To port your Verizon number to Google Voice, you'll first need to ensure your number is eligible for porting by Google Voice. Then, you'll initiate the porting process from within your Google Voice account and provide them with your Verizon account information (account number and PIN).

How to Unlock My Verizon Phone to Use with Another Carrier?

Verizon phones are typically locked for a period after purchase, especially if purchased on an installment plan. Once the device is paid off in full or after 60 days of active service on a postpaid device (or 60 days after activation for prepaid), Verizon automatically unlocks most devices. If you believe your device should be unlocked and isn't, contact Verizon customer service.

How to Keep My Verizon Number When Moving to Another State?

Your Verizon phone number is not tied to your physical address within the US. Simply update your billing address in your My Verizon account when you move. Your number will remain the same.

How to Suspend My Verizon Service While Keeping My Number for Travel?

Verizon offers options to suspend service, often for military deployment or extended travel. You'll need to contact Verizon customer service to inquire about eligibility, the duration of suspension, and any potential monthly fees to keep your number reserved.

How to Transfer My Verizon Number to a Family Member's Account?

This is typically done through an "Assumption of Liability" process. The account holder (or an authorized user) needs to contact Verizon to initiate the transfer of the specific line to another Verizon account holder who then "assumes liability" for that line and number.

How to Tell if My Phone Number Has Been Successfully Ported?

You'll typically receive a text or email notification from your new carrier once the port is complete. The definitive way to tell is to make and receive calls and texts on your new phone with the ported number. If it works, you're good to go!

How to Avoid Losing My Number During a Porting Process?

The absolute most critical step is DO NOT CANCEL YOUR OLD CARRIER'S SERVICE before the port is fully complete and your number is active on the new carrier. An active line is required for the new carrier to "pull" the number.

How to Find My Verizon Account PIN if I Forgot It?

You can usually reset your Verizon account PIN by logging into your My Verizon account online or through the app under security settings. If you're unable to do so, you'll need to contact Verizon customer service, and they will verify your identity before helping you reset it.

How to Port My Verizon Landline Number to a Mobile Service?

Porting a landline number to a mobile service (like Verizon Wireless) is possible but can take longer than mobile-to-mobile ports (sometimes 7-10 business days). You'll need to contact Verizon Wireless and provide them with your landline account information. Again, do not cancel your landline service until the port is complete.

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