Hey there! Ever found yourself in a situation where you just need a new phone number? Maybe you're getting too many spam calls, or perhaps an old acquaintance just won't stop reaching out, or you simply want a fresh start. Whatever the reason, changing your phone number can feel like a daunting task, but with Verizon, it's actually quite straightforward.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of changing your Verizon phone number, whether you're doing it online, through the app, or even if you need to speak to a representative. Let's dive in!
Changing Your Verizon Phone Number: A Step-by-Step Guide
Changing your Verizon phone number is a process that can be completed primarily through their online portal or the My Verizon app, often without any direct human interaction. This guide will focus on these convenient self-service options, but we'll also touch upon other methods.
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Step 1: Identify Your Need and Prepare for the Change
Before you even log into your account, take a moment to consider why you're changing your number. This isn't just a casual thought; it helps you prepare for any potential implications.
Why the Change? Are you trying to escape unwanted calls or texts? Or is it for a fresh personal start? Understanding your motivation can help you articulate your needs if you end up speaking with customer service.
Inform Important Contacts: This is crucial! Make a list of everyone who needs your new number: family, friends, work contacts, banks, doctors, schools, online accounts (email, social media, two-factor authentication), and any subscription services. It can be a real headache if you forget to update critical services.
Backup Your Voicemails and Texts: While your contacts and call logs typically remain on your phone, voicemails and text messages may be lost when you change your number. If you have any important messages, make sure to back them up or save them elsewhere.
Understand Potential Costs: Good news! Verizon generally does not charge a fee if you change your mobile number through the My Verizon app or online in My Verizon. However, there is a $15 fee if you opt to call customer service to change your number. This is a good incentive to use the self-service options!
Check Account Privileges: Ensure you are the Account Owner or an Account Manager on your Verizon account. Only these roles have the authority to make changes to phone numbers.
Step 2: Accessing Your My Verizon Account
This is where the magic begins. You'll need to log into your Verizon account, either via their website or the My Verizon app.
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Option A: Using the My Verizon Website
Open your web browser and navigate to the official Verizon website.
Look for the "Sign In" or "My Verizon" button, usually located in the top right corner of the page.
Enter your User ID or Verizon mobile number and your password. If you've forgotten your login details, use the "Forgot User ID" or "Forgot Password" links to regain access.
Option B: Using the My Verizon App
Ensure you have the latest version of the My Verizon app installed on your smartphone. If not, download it from your device's app store (Google Play Store for Android, Apple App Store for iOS).
Open the app and log in with your Verizon credentials. You might be prompted to use a password, fingerprint, or Face ID for authentication.
Step 3: Navigating to the "Change Mobile Number" Section
Once you're logged in, the next step is to find the option to change your number. The exact path might vary slightly depending on updates to the website or app interface, but the core idea remains the same.
On the My Verizon Website:
From the global navigation menu, select "Account."
Then, look for and select "My Devices."
You should see an option for "Change mobile number" associated with your device.
Alternatively, from your Account Overview, select the specific device (phone number) for which you want to change the number. Within the Device Management section, you'll typically find the "Change mobile number" option.
On the My Verizon App:
After logging in, you'll usually find an option like "Manage device" or a similar entry that lists your active lines.
Tap on the device (phone number) you wish to change.
Scroll down to the "Preferences" or Device Management section.
Tap on "Change mobile number."
Step 4: Selecting Your New Number
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This is the exciting part! Verizon will guide you through the process of choosing a new number. While you won't get to pick every single digit, you typically have some control over the area code and prefix.
Confirm Your Device: First, you'll likely need to confirm that you've selected the correct device (phone number) to change.
Choose "Get a new number": You might be presented with an option to either get a new Verizon number or bring a number from another carrier (port-in). For this guide, we're focusing on getting a new Verizon number.
Enter Your Desired ZIP Code: You'll be asked to enter a 5-digit ZIP code associated with the location where you'd like your new mobile number to be based. This helps determine available area codes and prefixes.
Select Area Code and Prefix: Verizon will then present you with available options for the area code and the first three digits (prefix) of your new number based on the ZIP code you provided.
Choose Remaining Digits: While the last four digits are often randomly generated, some users have reported getting a small list of available numbers to choose from. You typically cannot type in a specific number you want unless it's available within a very limited selection.
Review and Confirm: Take a moment to review the proposed new phone number. Ensure it's what you want before proceeding.
Step 5: Scheduling the Change and Authorizing It
Once you've selected your new number, you'll proceed to finalize the change.
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Choose a Change Date: You may be presented with an option to choose when Verizon should switch to the new phone number. This can sometimes be immediate or scheduled for a later time. For prepaid accounts, this step might not be applicable.
Review Your Information: Carefully review all the details of your request on the summary screen. This is your last opportunity to make sure everything is correct.
Authorization Code: For security, Verizon will likely send an authorization code (via text message) to a verified phone number on your account (often your current number or an alternative contact number). Enter this code when prompted to confirm your identity and authorize the change.
Confirm the Change: After entering the code, click "Confirm" or a similar button to finalize the process. You'll usually receive a confirmation email to the email address associated with your My Verizon account.
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Step 6: Activating Your New Number on Your Device
The change isn't complete until your phone registers the new number.
Power Cycle Your Phone: The most important step here is to turn off your phone completely and then turn it back on. This allows your device to re-register with the Verizon network and pick up the new number.
Wait a Few Minutes: Sometimes it takes a couple of minutes for the change to fully propagate through the network. If your phone isn't working immediately after the first restart, wait 2-5 minutes and then power cycle it again.
Verify the New Number: You can typically verify your new number by:
Calling a friend or family member and asking them to confirm the caller ID.
Calling Verizon's automated system (sometimes by dialing #832 toll-free) to verify your new number is active.
Checking your phone's settings (e.g., "About Phone" on Android, "Phone" or "General > About" on iPhone) which should now display your new number.
Update Your Contacts and Services: Now is the time to start informing all those important contacts and updating your online accounts with your brand new phone number. This is the most time-consuming part, but essential for a smooth transition.
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| How Can I Change My Verizon Phone Number |
Important Considerations and Tips:
Accidental Number Changes: If you accidentally change your number and want your old one back, act immediately. Verizon may be able to restore your old number if you contact them within a very short timeframe (often 7 days or less). Contact customer support as soon as possible.
Porting in a Number: If you're looking to replace your Verizon number with one from another carrier, the process involves "porting in" that number. You'll typically initiate this on the "Change Mobile Number" page in My Verizon by selecting the option to bring a number from another carrier. You'll need information like your old carrier's account number and a Number Transfer PIN. Do not cancel your old service until the port is complete; your old provider's account will disconnect automatically.
Privacy and Security: Changing your number for privacy or to stop harassment is a common and valid reason. Remember to update your privacy settings on various apps and services. If harassment persists, you can also consider contacting law enforcement or filing a complaint with the FCC.
Voicemail Setup: After changing your number, you might need to set up your voicemail greeting again.
eSIMs: If you're using an eSIM, ensure your device instructions are followed for downloading or transferring your eSIM profile with the new number.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to:
How to choose a specific new Verizon phone number?
While you can select the area code and the first few digits (prefix) based on a ZIP code, Verizon generally provides a limited list of available numbers for the final digits. You usually cannot type in and request a specific full phone number unless it happens to be on that short list.
How to change my Verizon phone number without changing my plan?
Changing your phone number is a separate process from changing your plan. You can absolutely change your number without affecting your current Verizon plan or its features. The steps outlined above are specifically for changing the number on an existing line.
How to find the "Change Mobile Number" option in My Verizon?
On the website: Go to "Account" > "My Devices" and look for "Change mobile number." Alternatively, from Account Overview, select the device and look for "Device Management."
On the app: Tap "Manage device" (or similar), scroll to "Preferences" or "Device Management," and tap "Change mobile number."
How to know if there's a fee for changing my Verizon phone number?
There is no charge if you change your mobile number through the My Verizon app or online in My Verizon. However, there is a $15 fee if you call Verizon customer service to make the change.
How to keep my old voicemails and text messages when changing my Verizon number?
Your contacts and call logs typically remain on your phone. However, voicemails and text messages may be lost. It's highly recommended to back up or save any important voicemails or texts before proceeding with a number change, as Verizon's systems might not transfer them.
How to restore my old Verizon phone number after changing it?
Contact Verizon Customer Service immediately. While not guaranteed, they may be able to restore your old number if you act quickly, often within a few days of the change. Time is of the essence for this!
How to change my Verizon number if I am experiencing harassment?
Follow the standard steps for changing your number online or via the app. For persistent harassment, consider blocking unwanted numbers, reporting them to the FCC, or contacting law enforcement if necessary. Verizon's number change service is a practical first step.
How to ensure all my online accounts are updated after a Verizon number change?
Create a list of all critical online accounts (banking, social media, email, two-factor authentication, shopping sites, etc.) and systematically log into each one to update your contact number. Pay special attention to accounts used for security verification.
How to know how long it takes for a Verizon phone number change to be effective?
For a mobile number change within Verizon, it's typically instant once you complete the online process and power cycle your phone. However, Verizon sometimes states it may take up to 24 hours. If you are porting in a number from another carrier, it can take 4-24 business hours for mobile numbers and 2-10 business days for landlines.
How to change my Verizon phone number if I don't have internet access or the My Verizon app?
You can visit a Verizon corporate store for assistance. Be aware that a $15 fee may apply if a representative helps you with the change, as opposed to using the self-service options. Bringing a valid ID and being the account owner will be necessary.
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