Losing your phone number when you leave a company can feel like losing a piece of your digital identity, especially if that number is tied to countless contacts, accounts, and memories. But fear not! If you're a Verizon customer, there are definite steps you can take to keep your number even after you've moved on from your current employer. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, ensuring a smooth transition and helping you avoid any unnecessary headaches.
Step 1: Are You Ready to Take Control of Your Number? Let's Find Out!
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's figure out your current situation. Think about your company-provided Verizon phone number. Is it a personal line you've always used, or was it purely for work? This is the most crucial first question because it dictates the path we'll take.
Scenario A: Your Company Owns the Number. This is the most common scenario. The company pays the bill, and the number is under their business account. If this is you, don't worry, keeping the number is still very much possible, but it requires cooperation from your employer.
Scenario B: You Already Own the Number, and the Company is Just Reimbursing You or Paying a Portion. This is less common but happens. If the Verizon account for that number is already in your name, then the process is much simpler. You just need to remove the company's payment method.
Got your scenario in mind? Great! Let's move on to the practical steps.
Step 2: Understand the "Porting" Process – Your Key to Freedom
The magic word here is "porting." Porting (or number portability) is the process of transferring your existing phone number from one carrier to another, or in this case, from a business account to a personal account, either with Verizon or a different provider. It's a regulated process designed to give you control over your number.
2.1 What You'll Need to Port Your Number
To ensure a smooth porting process, gather the following essential information:
The phone number you wish to port.
The account number from your company's Verizon business account. You'll likely need to obtain this from your IT department or the person responsible for company mobile accounts. This is often the trickiest piece of information to get.
The account holder's name and address (i.e., your company's name and address as it appears on the Verizon bill).
The account holder's Social Security Number (SSN) or Tax ID (EIN) if you are porting to a personal account with a new carrier, or if Verizon requires it for identity verification for a transfer of ownership. For a simple transfer of liability within Verizon, this might not be strictly necessary, but having it on hand is always a good idea.
The Verizon account PIN or password for the business account. Again, your IT department will be your go-to for this.
Your new personal Verizon account information (if you're staying with Verizon) or your new carrier's account information.
Step 3: Communicating with Your Company – The Crucial First Contact
This is perhaps the most delicate but vital step. You need to initiate a conversation with your employer, ideally before your last day.
3.1 Who to Talk To
Your immediate supervisor: They might be able to direct you to the right person.
Human Resources (HR): HR often handles offboarding processes and might be able to guide you.
IT Department/Company Administrator: This is usually the department responsible for managing company phones and accounts. They will have access to the Verizon business account information.
3.2 What to Ask For
When you speak with them, clearly state your intention to keep your phone number. You'll specifically need to ask for:
Permission to port the number: Some companies have policies against this, so it's essential to get their explicit approval.
The Verizon business account number.
The Verizon account PIN/password.
The exact account holder's name and address as it appears on the Verizon bill. Even a slight discrepancy can cause porting delays.
Be prepared for a "no." While most companies are amenable to this, especially if you've been a long-standing employee, some may have strict policies against it due to security or administrative reasons. If they say no, unfortunately, there might not be much you can do. However, it's always worth asking!
Step 4: Choosing Your Next Path – Staying with Verizon or Switching?
Once you have your company's approval and the necessary account details, you have two main options:
4.1 Option A: Staying with Verizon (Transfer of Billing Responsibility)
This is often the easiest option if you're happy with Verizon's service. You're not "porting out" but rather initiating a "Transfer of Billing Responsibility" (ToBR) from the company's business account to your new personal Verizon account.
Step 4.1.1 Initiate the Transfer with Verizon
Contact Verizon Customer Service: You'll need to call Verizon's customer service, specifically asking for the "Transfer of Billing Responsibility" department. Explain that you are leaving your company and wish to take over the existing phone number on a personal account.
Provide Account Information: Be ready to provide the company's Verizon business account number, the phone number you want to keep, and the account PIN/password.
Set Up Your New Personal Account: Verizon will guide you through setting up a new personal account. You'll choose your plan, and they will run a credit check.
Confirmation: Once everything is processed, the number will be transferred to your personal account. Make sure to get a confirmation number and keep it safe.
4.2 Option B: Porting to a New Carrier
If you've decided to switch to AT&T, T-Mobile, Mint Mobile, or any other carrier, the process is slightly different.
Step 4.2.1 Contact Your New Carrier
Choose Your New Carrier and Plan: Select the carrier and phone plan that best suits your needs.
Inform Them You Want to Port Your Number: When setting up your new service, tell the new carrier that you wish to port your existing Verizon number.
Provide Porting Information: Your new carrier will ask for the Verizon business account number, the phone number you're porting, the account holder's name (your company's name), and the account PIN/password. This is where accurate information from Step 3 is critical.
Do NOT Cancel Your Verizon Service: This is crucial! If you cancel the service with Verizon before the port is complete, you will lose your number. Your new carrier will handle the cancellation of that specific line with Verizon once the port is successful.
Activation: Once the port is complete (which can take anywhere from a few hours to a few business days), your number will be active with your new carrier.
Step 5: Follow Up and Confirm – Don't Leave Anything to Chance!
Regardless of whether you stay with Verizon or switch, follow up to confirm the transfer or port was successful.
Test Your Phone: Make calls, send texts, and receive calls to ensure everything is working correctly on your personal account or with your new carrier.
Check Your Old Company's Bill (If Possible): If you have any way to confirm with your company that the line has been removed from their business account, it's a good extra step.
Update Your Contacts: Inform important contacts about the change in account ownership if it affects how they reach you (though ideally, it shouldn't).
Important Considerations and Pro Tips:
Timing is Key: Start this process well before your last day of employment. Rushing can lead to errors and stress.
Get Everything in Writing: If your company is providing you with account details, ask for them in an email or documented form to avoid miscommunication.
Be Patient: Porting or transferring a number can sometimes take longer than expected, especially if there are discrepancies in the information provided.
Backup Your Data: Before any significant phone changes, always back up your contacts, photos, and other important data.
Understand Potential Costs: Be aware of any early termination fees your company might incur if they have a contract with Verizon for that line. This is rare when porting out, as the line isn't truly "terminated" but rather transferred, but it's good to be aware of.
Check for Device Compatibility: If you're switching carriers, ensure your current phone is compatible with the new network. If not, you might need a new device.
By following these steps, you significantly increase your chances of successfully keeping your valuable phone number as you embark on your next professional adventure. Good luck!
How to Keep Your Phone Number When Leaving a Company Verizon: Related FAQs
How to find my company's Verizon account number?
You will need to ask your company's IT department, HR, or the person responsible for managing company mobile accounts. They are the only ones with access to this sensitive information.
How to get the Verizon account PIN or password for a business account?
Similar to the account number, the account PIN or password will be held by your company's IT department or the administrator of their Verizon business account. You must request this from them.
How to transfer my company Verizon number to a personal Verizon account?
Contact Verizon customer service and specifically ask for the "Transfer of Billing Responsibility" department. You'll need the company's account number, the phone number, and the account PIN to initiate this process.
How to port my company Verizon number to a different carrier like AT&T or T-Mobile?
Contact your new chosen carrier and inform them you wish to port your existing Verizon number. Provide them with the Verizon business account number, the phone number, the account holder's name (your company's name), and the account PIN. Do not cancel your Verizon service yourself.
How to avoid losing my number if my company refuses to give me the account details?
Unfortunately, if your company refuses to provide the necessary account details or explicitly denies permission to port the number, you may not be able to keep the number. Your options would then be to get a new number or try to negotiate further with your company.
How to ensure a smooth porting process?
Ensure all information provided to Verizon or your new carrier (account number, PIN, account holder name, address) is exactly as it appears on the company's Verizon bill. Even minor discrepancies can cause delays.
How to know if the number porting or transfer was successful?
Test your phone by making and receiving calls and texts. You should also receive a confirmation from Verizon or your new carrier once the transfer/port is complete.
How to deal with a delayed number port?
If your port is delayed, first contact the new carrier (or Verizon, if transferring internally) to inquire about the status. They can often provide a reason for the delay and an estimated resolution time.
How to back up my phone data before transferring a number?
You can back up your phone data to cloud services (like Google Drive for Android or iCloud for iPhone), or by connecting your phone to a computer and transferring files manually. This is a good practice before any major phone-related change.
How to confirm my company has removed the line from their account?
Ideally, your company would confirm this with you. If not, you could try to confirm with Verizon by asking if the line associated with your number is still active under the business account after your successful transfer/port (though Verizon might have privacy restrictions on this information).
