Thinking of a Fresh Start? How Easy Is It to Change Your Phone Number with Verizon?
Ever felt the need for a clean slate, a new beginning, even when it comes to your phone number? Perhaps you're getting too many spam calls, or maybe you've moved and want a local area code. Whatever the reason, changing your phone number with Verizon is a surprisingly straightforward process, especially if you handle it yourself through their online platforms. So, if you're ready to embrace a new digit identity, let's dive into how easy it really is!
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| How Easy Is It To Change Your Phone Number With Verizon |
Step 1: Are You Ready for a New Number? Let's Find Out!
Before we jump into the "how-to," ask yourself: Are you truly prepared for a new phone number? This isn't just about picking new digits; it has a few implications you should consider.
Sub-heading: What to Ponder Before the Change
Inform Your Contacts: This is perhaps the most crucial step. Think about all the people who have your current number – family, friends, colleagues, school contacts, doctors, etc. You'll need to notify them of your new number. A mass text, email, or social media post can help, but for important contacts, a direct message or call is best.
Update Online Accounts: Your phone number is often tied to countless online services for verification (like two-factor authentication), password resets, and notifications. This includes banking apps, social media, email, streaming services, and more. You'll need to meticulously go through these accounts and update your contact information.
Voicemails and Text Messages: Be aware that changing your number may result in the loss of voicemails and text messages. If these are important to you, make sure to save them before proceeding.
Financial Institutions: Don't forget your bank, credit card companies, and other financial services. They often use your phone number for security and communication.
Cost Considerations: While changing your number through the My Verizon app or website is free, calling customer service to do it will incur a $15 fee. Keep this in mind when choosing your method.
If you've considered these points and are still ready to proceed, fantastic! Let's get to the practical steps.
Step 2: The Easiest Way - Using the My Verizon App or Website
This is by far the most convenient and cost-effective method to change your Verizon phone number. You'll need to be the Account Owner or an Account Manager to perform this action.
Tip: Take notes for easier recall later.
Sub-heading: Via the My Verizon App
Open the My Verizon App: Ensure your app is up to date for the smoothest experience. If prompted, enter your password, fingerprint, or Face ID to sign in.
Navigate to Devices: Depending on your plan, tap on the "Mobile" or "Home" tab. From the "Devices" section, tap on the mobile number for which you want to change the number. If you have multiple lines, you might need to tap "Devices" then "Manage all devices" and then "Manage" below the applicable phone number.
Find "Change Mobile Number": In the "Device Management" section, tap on "Change mobile number."
Review and Continue: You'll see some information about changing your mobile number. Review it carefully, then tap "Continue" under the selected device.
Get a New Number: Tap "Get a new number."
Select Your New Number:
Enter the applicable 5-digit Zip code associated with your desired new mobile number.
Use the dropdown icon to choose the first 6 digits (area code and prefix) of your new number. The last 4 digits will be automatically assigned based on availability.
Choose Change Date: Select the date you want your number to change (e.g., "Today," "End of bill cycle," or "Pick a date"). Then tap "Continue."
Review and Confirm: On the "Make sure everything looks good" screen, review all the information. Then tap "Next."
Authorize the Change: You'll be asked "Which device should we send the code to?" Select the number the authorization code should be sent to, then tap "Send code." You'll receive a text message with the code.
Enter Authorization Code: Once you receive the code, enter it into the app, then tap "Next."
Final Confirmation: Review the "Confirm number change" message, then tap "Confirm" to complete the process.
Restart Your Phone: Power your device off and back on. Wait approximately 2 minutes for the device to update and activate your new number. A confirmation email will also be sent to the email address registered to your My Verizon account with additional instructions.
Sub-heading: Via the My Verizon Website
Sign in to My Verizon: Go to the Verizon website and sign in to your My Verizon account as an Account Owner or Account Manager.
Access Device Management: From the My Verizon Home page, select "Manage device" below the appropriate mobile number. If necessary, select "Manage all devices" then "Manage" below the desired mobile number.
Locate "Change Mobile Number": In the "Settings & Preferences" section, look for and select "Change mobile number."
Follow On-Screen Prompts: The website will guide you through a similar process as the app, allowing you to select a new area code and prefix, choose a change date, and authorize the change with a security code.
Confirm and Restart: Once confirmed, you'll receive instructions to power cycle your phone to activate the new number.
Step 3: Troubleshooting and Post-Change Steps
Even after following the steps, sometimes things need a little nudge.
Sub-heading: If Your Phone Isn't Working
Restart Your Device (Again!): Seriously, sometimes all it takes is another power cycle. Turn your phone off, wait 2-5 minutes, and turn it back on again.
Verify New Number: Dial #832 (toll-free) from your phone to verify that your new number is working.
Check SIM Card: Ensure your SIM card is properly inserted. While often not an issue with a number change on the same device, it's a good quick check.
Network Connection: Make sure your device is connected to Verizon's network.
Contact Customer Service: If you've tried the above and still have issues, it's time to reach out to Verizon Customer Service (800-922-0204) to ensure your new number is active and properly provisioned on their end.
Sub-heading: The Crucial Post-Change Checklist
QuickTip: Break reading into digestible chunks.
Update Your Contacts: This bears repeating. Let everyone know!
Update Online Services: Go through your apps and websites. Crucially, if you use your phone number for Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), log into those accounts before changing your number, remove the old number as a 2FA method, and add an alternate method (like an authenticator app or backup codes). After your number changes, add your new number to the 2FA settings. This will prevent you from being locked out.
Personalized Voicemail: Set up your new personalized voicemail greeting.
App-Specific Updates: Some messaging apps like WhatsApp or Snapchat may require you to manually update your number within their settings.
Emergency Contacts: Ensure your emergency contacts are aware of your new number.
How easy is it? A Summary
Changing your phone number with Verizon is generally quite easy, especially when done through the My Verizon app or website. It's a quick, self-service process that takes minutes and is free. The biggest "challenge" isn't the technical change itself, but rather the administrative task of updating your new number across your personal and online life. With a little preparation and careful execution, you'll be enjoying your new number in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to change my Verizon phone number online?
You can change your Verizon phone number online by logging into your My Verizon account as the Account Owner or Account Manager, navigating to the "Devices" or "Manage Device" section, and selecting the option to "Change mobile number." Follow the on-screen prompts to choose a new number and confirm the change.
How to change my Verizon phone number through the app?
Open the My Verizon app, sign in, tap on the "Mobile" or "Home" tab, go to "Devices," select the line you want to change, and then tap "Change mobile number." Follow the guided steps to select a new number and complete the process.
Tip: Bookmark this post to revisit later.
How to avoid fees when changing my Verizon phone number?
To avoid fees, change your Verizon phone number yourself through the My Verizon app or the My Verizon website. Calling customer service to make the change will typically incur a $15 fee.
How to notify all my contacts about my new Verizon number?
You can notify contacts by sending a mass text message, email, or social media post. For important contacts like family, close friends, or professional connections, it's best to reach out individually.
How to update my online accounts after changing my Verizon phone number?
Log into each of your online accounts (banking, social media, email, streaming services, etc.) and manually update your contact phone number within their settings. Pay special attention to accounts that use two-factor authentication (2FA) tied to your phone number.
How to save my voicemails before changing my Verizon phone number?
Tip: Review key points when done.
Verizon advises that voicemails may be lost when changing your number. To save them, you would typically need to listen to them and record them using another device, or check if Verizon offers any specific voicemail saving features for number changes.
How to choose my new area code and prefix with Verizon?
When changing your number through My Verizon, you'll be able to enter a Zip code and select an available area code and the first few digits (prefix) of your new number. The last four digits will be automatically assigned.
How to ensure Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) still works after a Verizon number change?
Before changing your number, log into every account that uses your phone number for 2FA. Remove your old number as a 2FA method and set up an alternative (like an authenticator app or backup codes). After your number changes, add your new number to the 2FA settings for those accounts.
How to reactivate my phone after changing my Verizon number?
After changing your number, you'll typically need to power your device off and then back on. Verizon recommends waiting approximately 2 minutes before powering it back on to allow the network to register the change.
How to confirm my new Verizon phone number is active?
You can confirm your new number is active by calling #832 (a free Verizon test line) from your device. You can also try calling or texting a friend or family member to verify.
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