Do you want to hold onto that familiar number, the one everyone knows, even if your mobile needs change? Whether you're switching carriers, moving internationally, or simply looking for options to keep your beloved digits, this comprehensive guide is for you! We'll walk you through the various scenarios and the precise steps to ensure your Verizon phone number stays right where it belongs: with you.
Step 1: Assess Your "Why" – Why Do You Want to Keep Your Verizon Number?
Before we dive into the how-to, let's consider why you're looking to retain your Verizon number. Understanding your motivation will help us navigate the best path forward. Are you:
Switching to a new carrier but love your current number? This is a common scenario, and thankfully, very straightforward.
Moving abroad for an extended period and want to maintain your US number for banking, contacts, or two-factor authentication? This requires a different approach, potentially involving international plans or porting to a VoIP service.
Simply looking to temporarily suspend service but reactivate it later with the same number? Verizon offers options for this too.
Transferring your line to another individual on a Verizon account? This is an "Assumption of Liability" process.
Engage with me here: What's your primary reason for wanting to keep your Verizon number? Knowing this will help you focus on the most relevant sections of this guide.
Step 2: Understanding the Core Concepts: Porting, Transferring, and International Options
To effectively keep your Verizon number, it's crucial to grasp the key terminology and what each process entails:
Sub-heading: What is "Porting Out" (Switching Carriers)?
Definition: Porting out is the process of transferring your existing phone number from Verizon to a different mobile carrier (e.g., AT&T, T-Mobile, or a smaller MVNO). This is a legal right granted by the FCC, ensuring you own your number, not the carrier.
Key Requirement: Your Verizon account must remain active until the porting process is complete. If you cancel service prematurely, you risk losing your number permanently.
Essential Information: You'll need your Verizon Account Number and a Number Transfer PIN (NTP) to authorize the transfer.
Sub-heading: What is "Transferring Service" (Within Verizon)?
Definition: This refers to moving a line of service (and its associated number) from one Verizon account to another. This is often done when family members or individuals want to take over responsibility for a line.
Key Requirement: Both the relinquishing party (current account owner) and the assuming party (new account owner) must consent and meet certain eligibility criteria (e.g., credit check, active account status).
Sub-heading: International Solutions for Your Verizon Number
TravelPass/International Monthly Plans: Verizon offers various plans that allow you to use your existing number for talk, text, and data while traveling abroad, typically for a daily or monthly fee.
VoIP Services (for long-term international moves): If you're moving permanently or for an extended period and want to avoid high international roaming charges, porting your Verizon number to a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service (like Google Voice, TextNow, or a dedicated VoIP provider) can be a cost-effective solution. This allows you to receive calls and texts to your US number over Wi-Fi or data.
Step 3: Step-by-Step Guide to Porting Your Verizon Number to a New Carrier
This is the most common scenario for wanting to keep your Verizon number. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth transition:
Sub-heading: Pre-Porting Checklist – What You Need Before You Start
Do NOT Cancel Your Verizon Service: This is paramount! Your number must be active for the new carrier to "pull" it from Verizon.
Gather Your Verizon Account Information: You'll need:
Your 10-digit Verizon Phone Number.
Your Verizon Account Number (found on your bill or in My Verizon).
Your Number Transfer PIN (NTP). This is different from your account password or security PIN. Verizon has a specific process to generate this.
Check for Contracts/Device Payments: Be aware of any outstanding device payment agreements or contract termination fees with Verizon. You'll likely be responsible for these upon porting out.
Unlock Your Device (Optional but Recommended): While not strictly necessary to keep your number, if you plan to use your existing Verizon phone with the new carrier, ensure it's unlocked. Verizon typically unlocks devices after 60 days of active service on postpaid plans.
No Pending Orders: Make sure there are no pending orders on your Verizon account, as this can delay the porting process.
Sub-heading: Generating Your Verizon Number Transfer PIN (NTP)
Verizon has made generating an NTP relatively easy:
Dial #PORT from your Verizon smartphone. This is often the quickest way. Verizon will send you a text message with a link to generate the PIN in My Verizon.
Log in to My Verizon (website or app):
As the Account Owner or Account Manager, navigate to the security section or search for "Number Transfer PIN" within the My Verizon portal.
Follow the prompts to Generate PIN.
Important Note: The NTP is valid for only 7 days and can be generated a maximum of 5 times per line in one day. Use it promptly!
Sub-heading: Initiating the Port with Your New Carrier
Contact Your New Carrier: Inform them you want to "port in" your existing number from Verizon.
Provide Required Information: Give them your Verizon phone number, Account Number, and the Number Transfer PIN (NTP) you just generated.
Choose Your New Plan and Device (if applicable): Select the plan and whether you're bringing your own device or getting a new one.
Authorize the Transfer: Your new carrier will submit the port request to Verizon on your behalf. You may receive a text message from Verizon confirming the port request; if you didn't initiate it, immediately contact Verizon to prevent unauthorized transfer.
Wait for Completion: Mobile number ports typically take 4-24 business hours to complete. Landline ports can take longer (2-10 business days). During this time, your Verizon line will still be active. You'll receive a text from your new carrier when the transfer is complete.
Activate Your New Service: Once the port is complete, follow your new carrier's instructions to activate your service and device. You may need to power cycle your phone (turn it off, wait 5 minutes, then turn it back on) to fully connect to the new network.
Verizon Service Disconnection: Once the port is successful, your Verizon line of service will automatically disconnect. You do not need to call Verizon to cancel that specific line. However, ensure all lines on your account are ported out if you intend to fully close your Verizon account. You'll receive a final bill from Verizon.
Step 4: Keeping Your Verizon Number When Moving Internationally
If your goal is to maintain your Verizon number while living or traveling extensively outside the US, you have a few options:
Sub-heading: Short-Term International Travel (Verizon's Solutions)
Verizon TravelPass: This is the easiest option for short trips. For a daily fee ($12/day in most countries, $6/day in Canada/Mexico), you get unlimited talk, text, and data (with a high-speed allowance before reduced speeds) in over 210 countries. TravelPass is automatically added to many Unlimited plans. You can also add it by texting TRAVEL to 4004 or via My Verizon.
International Monthly Plans: For longer trips (9+ days), a monthly plan might be more cost-effective. These offer set amounts of high-speed data, talk, and text for a flat monthly fee.
Pay As You Go: If you don't add an international plan, you'll be charged per minute, per text, and per MB of data, which can become very expensive very quickly.
Sub-heading: Long-Term International Stays (VoIP or Account Suspension)
Porting to a VoIP Service: This is often the most economical and practical long-term solution.
Choose a VoIP Provider: Research reliable VoIP services that allow number porting (e.g., Google Voice, TextNow, or a paid VoIP provider like Callcentric, Phone.com).
Initiate Porting from Verizon to VoIP: Similar to porting to a new mobile carrier, you'll provide your Verizon account details and NTP to the VoIP provider.
Access Your Number Over Wi-Fi/Data: Once ported, your Verizon number will become a VoIP number, allowing you to make and receive calls and texts using an app over an internet connection, anywhere in the world. This helps you avoid international roaming charges entirely.
Consideration: Some services (like two-factor authentication) may have issues with VoIP numbers, so test thoroughly.
Suspend Service (Seasonal or Military Suspension): Verizon offers options to temporarily suspend your service while keeping your number.
Seasonal Suspension: If you'll be away for a few months, you might be able to suspend service for a reduced monthly fee. Your number is held, and you can reactivate it upon your return.
Military Suspension: Active duty military personnel may be eligible for specific suspension programs that retain their number for extended periods without charge.
Check Verizon's policies and fees associated with suspension.
Step 5: Transferring Your Verizon Number to Another Verizon Account
This process is known as an "Assumption of Liability" (AOL) or "Transfer Your Service."
Sub-heading: Requirements for Transferring Service
Both Parties Consent: The current account owner (relinquishing party) and the new account owner (assuming party) must agree to the transfer.
Account Status: The relinquishing account must be current on payments. The line being transferred must have been active for a certain period (e.g., 30 days for personal lines, 5 days for business lines).
Credit Check: The assuming party will undergo a soft credit check.
Device Payment Agreements: If a device with an outstanding payment agreement is being transferred, the assuming party must be eligible to take over those payments.
Sub-heading: How to Initiate a Transfer of Service
Through My Verizon (Website or App):
The Account Owner or Account Manager logs in.
Navigate to the "Devices" or "Account" section and look for "Transfer Your Service" or "Assumption of Liability."
Follow the guided steps to select the line(s) to transfer and provide the recipient's information (name, email).
Verizon will send an email to both parties with instructions to complete the transfer.
Contact Verizon Customer Service: You can also call Verizon directly (dial #611 from your Verizon phone or 1-800-922-0204) to initiate the transfer, especially for complex scenarios or if you encounter issues online.
Recipient Accepts Liability: The person assuming the line will receive an email with instructions to accept the transfer, set up their own account (if new to Verizon), or add it to an existing one, and choose a plan.
Completion: Once the assuming party completes their steps, the transfer is usually finalized within a short period.
Step 6: Important Considerations and Pitfalls to Avoid
Do NOT Cancel Service Too Early! I cannot stress this enough for porting out. Your number needs to be active for the new carrier to claim it.
Number Lock: Verizon has a "Number Lock" feature to prevent unauthorized port-outs. If this is enabled on your line, you must turn it off before initiating a port. You can do this in My Verizon (under Security) or by dialing *611.
Early Termination Fees (ETFs) & Device Payments: Be prepared to pay any outstanding balances or ETFs when you port out. These are separate from the porting process itself.
Voicemail: Voicemail messages often do not transfer when porting a number. Save any important messages before you port.
Promotional Offers: If you're transferring a line within Verizon, certain promotional offers or discounts tied to that line might not transfer to the new account.
Dual SIM/eSIM: If your phone supports Dual SIM or eSIM, you might consider using a different carrier's SIM for international travel while keeping your Verizon eSIM active for critical calls/texts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to check if my Verizon phone number is eligible for porting?
Most active mobile numbers are eligible for porting. You can check eligibility directly on your new carrier's website during their port-in process, or by providing your number to their customer service.
How to find my Verizon Account Number?
Your Verizon Account Number can be found on your monthly bill, or by logging into your My Verizon account (website or app) and navigating to your account details.
How to get a Number Transfer PIN from Verizon if I can't dial #PORT?
If dialing #PORT isn't an option, log into My Verizon as the Account Owner or Account Manager. Search for "Number Transfer PIN" or go to the security section, and you should find an option to generate it there.
How to turn off Number Lock on my Verizon account?
Log into My Verizon (website or app), go to the "Security" section, find "Number Lock," and toggle it off for the relevant line(s). You may need to verify with a security code sent to your device.
How to transfer my Verizon number if I have a device payment plan?
If you're porting out, you'll generally be responsible for paying off the remaining balance of your device payment plan with Verizon. If transferring service to another Verizon account, the assuming party may be able to take over the device payments, subject to credit approval.
How to keep my Verizon number temporarily suspended while I'm away?
Verizon offers "Seasonal Suspension" for periods of absence. You can request this through My Verizon or by contacting customer service. There may be a reduced monthly fee to hold your number.
How to use my Verizon number in another country for a short trip?
Activate Verizon TravelPass or an International Monthly Plan through My Verizon or by texting "TRAVEL" to 4004 before your trip. This allows you to use your existing number for talk, text, and data in supported countries.
How to port my Verizon number to a VoIP service like Google Voice?
You'll need to initiate the porting process from the VoIP service provider's end. Provide them with your Verizon number, account number, and the Number Transfer PIN. Do NOT cancel your Verizon service before the port is complete.
How to ensure my voicemail messages transfer when porting my number?
Voicemail messages typically do not transfer during a number port. Before initiating the port, save any important voicemail messages by recording them or using a voicemail-to-text service that allows saving.
How to reactivate a Verizon number after it has been disconnected?
If a number has been disconnected, especially for an extended period, it may be difficult or impossible to reactivate it with Verizon as it might have been reassigned. Contact Verizon customer service as soon as possible to inquire about reactivation options.