Tired of your current carrier but love your phone number? You're not alone! Many people want to switch providers for better deals, coverage, or features, but the thought of changing their long-standing number can be a huge deterrent. The good news is, you absolutely can get your number released from Verizon and take it with you to a new carrier. This process is called "number portability" or "porting," and it's protected by FCC regulations, meaning Verizon must release your number.
Ready to make the switch? Let's dive into the step-by-step guide to seamlessly move your number from Verizon to your new provider!
Step 1: Engage Your New Carrier FIRST!
Hang on a second! Before you even think about calling Verizon, your very first action should be to contact your new desired carrier. This is a crucial step that many people overlook, leading to unnecessary complications. Why? Because your new carrier initiates the porting process. They will request your number from Verizon. If you cancel your Verizon service before the number is successfully ported, you risk losing your number permanently.
What to do:
Research and Choose: Explore various carriers (e.g., T-Mobile, AT&T, Boost Mobile, Mint Mobile, etc.) and their plans. Consider coverage in your area, pricing, data allowances, and any specific features you need.
Contact Your New Carrier: Reach out to your chosen new carrier. You can do this online, by phone, or by visiting one of their stores.
Inform Them You're Porting: Clearly state that you want to bring your existing Verizon number to their service. They will guide you through their specific sign-up process.
Step 2: Gather Essential Verizon Account Information
Your new carrier will need specific details from your Verizon account to initiate the porting request. Having this information readily available will significantly speed up the process and prevent delays.
Here's what you'll need:
Your Verizon Account Number: This is a crucial identifier for your account.
How to find it: You can typically find your account number on your Verizon bill (paper or electronic), or by logging into your My Verizon online account or the My Verizon app. In My Verizon, go to "Account" then "Account Settings" or "My Profile."
Your Verizon Number Transfer PIN (NTP): This is a temporary, special PIN that authorizes the transfer of your number. It's different from your regular account PIN or password.
How to get it:
Dial #PORT (#7678): This is often the easiest and quickest method. From your Verizon smartphone, simply dial #PORT and press call. Verizon will send you a text message with a link to generate your Number Transfer PIN.
My Verizon Online: Log in to your My Verizon account. Look for sections related to "Account," "Account Settings," "Number Transfer," or "Security." There should be an option to "Generate PIN" or "Number Transfer PIN."
Important Note: This PIN is usually valid for 7 days. Do not generate it too far in advance, and provide it to your new carrier promptly. Also, be aware that you can generally generate it a maximum of 5 times per line in one day.
The Phone Number You Want to Port: Double-check the exact 10-digit number.
The Billing Address Associated with Your Verizon Account: This must match exactly what Verizon has on file.
Account Owner's Name (and possibly last four digits of SSN): The name on the Verizon account is important for verification. In some cases, the new carrier might ask for the last four digits of the account owner's Social Security Number for identity verification.
Step 3: Initiate the Porting Process with Your New Carrier
With your Verizon information in hand, your new carrier will take the lead.
Here's how it generally works:
Provide Information: Give your new carrier all the Verizon account details you gathered in Step 2.
New Plan & Device: They will set you up with your new service plan and help you get a new SIM card (or activate an eSIM if your device supports it). If you're bringing your own device, ensure it's unlocked from Verizon. Verizon devices purchased after July 23, 2019, are typically locked for 60 days from purchase.
Authorization: You will authorize your new carrier to contact Verizon and request the number transfer.
Keep Your Verizon Service Active: This is paramount! Do NOT cancel your Verizon service until your number has fully transferred to the new carrier. If you cancel too early, Verizon might release the number, making it difficult or impossible for your new carrier to claim it. The porting process will automatically trigger the disconnection of that specific line from Verizon once it's complete.
Step 4: Monitor the Porting Status and Be Patient
Once your new carrier initiates the port, it's a waiting game. The timeframe can vary depending on the type of number and how quickly the carriers communicate.
Typical Timelines:
Mobile Numbers: Generally, 4-24 business hours.
Landline Numbers (or VoIP): Can take longer, typically 2-10 business days, sometimes more.
What to do:
Stay in Touch: Your new carrier should provide you with updates, often via text message, on the status of your number transfer. They might also have an online port status checker.
Temporary Service (Optional): During the transfer, your old Verizon line will continue to work. Your new line might be able to make calls but not receive them until the port is complete.
Troubleshooting: If the port takes longer than expected or you encounter issues, contact your new carrier first. They are managing the transfer and can best investigate. Common reasons for delays include incorrect information provided (account number, PIN), outstanding balances, or an inactive Verizon account (which you should avoid as per Step 3).
Step 5: Confirm Port Completion and Cancel Verizon Service (if necessary)
You'll know the port is complete when your phone, with the new carrier's SIM, starts receiving calls and texts to your old Verizon number.
Here's how to finalize:
Test Your Service: Make and receive calls and texts on your new carrier's service to confirm everything is working with your ported number.
Automatic Disconnection (for the ported line): For the line you ported out, Verizon should automatically disconnect it once the port is successful.
Canceling Remaining Verizon Service (if applicable):
If you ported all lines from your Verizon account, the account should close automatically after the last line is moved and your final bill is issued.
If you only ported some lines and are keeping others, or if you changed carriers and got a new number (not a port), you will need to contact Verizon directly to cancel the remaining lines or the entire account.
To Cancel Verizon Service (if not automatic):
Call Customer Service: Dial *611 from a Verizon phone or 1-800-922-0204 from any other phone. Be prepared with your account information (account owner's name, phone number, account PIN, or last four digits of SSN).
Be Prepared for Retention: Verizon customer service representatives may try to offer you incentives to stay. Be firm if you've made your decision.
Early Termination Fees (ETFs) & Device Payments: Be aware that if you are still under a contract term or have an outstanding device payment balance, you may be charged an Early Termination Fee (ETF) or the remaining balance on your device. These will appear on your final bill.
Return Equipment: If you were leasing or renting any Verizon equipment (e.g., Fios router), make sure to return it within the specified timeframe to avoid unreturned equipment charges.
By following these steps carefully, you can successfully release your number from Verizon and enjoy your new carrier with your familiar phone number!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Porting Your Number from Verizon
Here are 10 common questions related to porting your number from Verizon, with quick answers:
How to get my Verizon Account Number for porting?
Your Verizon Account Number can be found on your monthly bill, by logging into your My Verizon online account or My Verizon app, usually under "Account" or "Profile" settings.
How to get a Number Transfer PIN (NTP) from Verizon?
The quickest way is to dial #PORT (#7678) from your Verizon phone. Verizon will text you a link to generate your NTP. You can also generate it by logging into My Verizon online.
How long is the Verizon Number Transfer PIN valid?
The Verizon Number Transfer PIN is typically valid for 7 days from the time it's generated.
How long does it take to port a number from Verizon?
For mobile numbers, it usually takes 4-24 business hours. For landline or VoIP numbers, it can take 2-10 business days.
How to avoid losing my number when switching from Verizon?
Do NOT cancel your Verizon service before your new carrier confirms the number has been successfully ported. Your new carrier will initiate the transfer, which automatically disconnects the line from Verizon.
How to check the status of my number port from Verizon?
Your new carrier should provide you with updates, often via text or through an online portal. If not, contact your new carrier's customer service for status updates.
How to know if my device is unlocked from Verizon?
Most Verizon devices purchased after July 23, 2019, are locked for 60 days from the purchase date, after which they automatically unlock. If unsure, contact Verizon customer service to inquire about your device's unlock status.
How to cancel my Verizon service after porting my number?
If you ported all lines, Verizon should automatically close the account. If you only ported some lines or got a new number, you'll need to call Verizon Customer Service (1-800-922-0204) to cancel remaining services.
How to avoid early termination fees (ETFs) when leaving Verizon?
ETFs are typically charged if you cancel service before your contract term ends or if you have an outstanding device payment balance. You generally cannot avoid these unless your contract term has expired and all device payments are complete.
How to handle issues during the number porting process?
If you encounter any issues or delays, the first point of contact should always be your new carrier, as they are managing the porting request. Provide them with any error messages or details of the problem.
