Changing your phone number can feel like a fresh start, whether you're trying to escape unwanted calls, streamline your personal and professional life, or simply want a new identity in the digital world. If you're a Verizon customer, getting a new phone number is a straightforward process, and in this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through every step to make it as smooth as possible.
Ready to ditch that old number and embrace a new one? Let's get started!
Step 1: Understand Why You're Changing Your Number & What to Expect
Before diving into the technicalities, take a moment to consider why you're seeking a new number. Is it for privacy? To separate work from personal life? Or perhaps you're tired of spam calls? Understanding your motivation can help you prepare for the implications of a new number.
Important Considerations:
Loss of Voicemails and Text Messages: This is a big one! When you change your number, your current voicemails and text messages may be lost. It's crucial to back up anything important before proceeding. Verizon often advises saving crucial data before a number change.
Updating Contacts: Your existing contacts won't magically know your new number. You'll need to notify everyone important.
Linked Accounts: Many online services, banks, and apps use your phone number for verification (two-factor authentication). You'll need to update these accounts with your new number after the change.
Cost: Changing your number through the My Verizon app or online is generally free. However, if you call customer service to make the change, Verizon typically charges a $15 fee. Save yourself some money and do it yourself online!
Immediate Change vs. Scheduled Change: You can usually choose to have your number change immediately or schedule it for a later date (e.g., at the end of your billing cycle).
Step 2: Accessing Your My Verizon Account
The easiest and most recommended way to get a new phone number with Verizon is through your My Verizon account, either online or via the My Verizon app.
Sub-heading: Via the My Verizon App
Open the My Verizon App: Ensure your app is up to date for the most accurate steps.
Log In: If prompted, enter your password, use your fingerprint, or Face ID to log in.
Navigate to Devices:
Depending on your plan, tap the Mobile or Home tab.
From the "Devices" section, tap the mobile number you wish to change.
Alternatively, navigate to Devices > Manage all devices, then tap Manage below the applicable phone number.
Sub-heading: Via the My Verizon Website
Go to Verizon's Website: Open your web browser and go to verizon.com.
Sign In: Log in to your My Verizon account using your username and password.
Find "Change Mobile Number":
From the global navigation, select Account, then My Devices, and look for "Change mobile number".
Or, from your Account Overview, select the device you want to change. Look for the "Device Management" section, and you'll see the option for "Change mobile number".
Step 3: Initiating the Number Change Process
Once you've accessed the device management section, the process for changing your number will begin.
Confirm Selected Device: You'll likely be asked to confirm the device for which you want to change the number. If it's correct, proceed.
Tap/Click "Change mobile number": This will take you to a dedicated page for the number change.
Review Information: Verizon will present important information about changing your mobile number, including potential data loss. Read this carefully before tapping/clicking Continue.
Select "Get a new number": You'll usually have the option to "Get a new number" or "Bring another number" (if you're porting in from another carrier). For this guide, we're focusing on getting a new Verizon number.
Step 4: Choosing Your New Number
This is where the fun begins! Verizon allows you some customization when choosing your new number.
Enter Your Zip Code: Enter the 5-digit Zip code associated with the location where you want your new mobile number to be based (this helps determine available area codes).
Select Area Code and Prefix: You'll see a dropdown icon or a list of options to choose the first 6 digits (area code and prefix) of your new number.
Choose the Last 4 Digits: Once you've selected the first six digits, Verizon will present you with available options for the last four digits.
Tip: You usually get up to six number searches per day. If you don't like the initial options, you can try searching again. If you reach the limit, you may need to wait 24 hours or choose from the displayed numbers.
Select Your Preferred Number: Choose the number that you like best from the available options.
Step 5: Scheduling the Change & Finalizing
Almost there! Now you'll decide when your new number goes live.
Select Change Date: You'll be asked to choose a date for your number to change. Options typically include:
Today: The number change will happen immediately after you complete the process.
End of bill cycle: The change will take effect at the beginning of your next billing cycle.
Pick a date: You can choose a specific future date.
Select your preferred option and tap/click Continue.
Review and Confirm: A "Make sure everything looks good" screen will appear. Carefully review all the information, especially your chosen new number. Once you submit, your previous number will no longer be available and usually cannot be retrieved.
Authorization Code: Verizon will send an authorization code (via text message) to a designated device on your account (often the one you're changing the number for, or another line on the account).
Select the number to which the code should be sent, then tap/click Send code.
Once received, enter the authorization code and tap/click Next.
Final Confirmation: You'll see a "Confirm number change" message. Tap/click Confirm to complete the process.
Step 6: Post-Change Actions
Once the number change is complete, there are a few crucial steps to ensure everything works smoothly.
Power Cycle Your Device: This is essential! Power your phone off completely and then turn it back on. Wait approximately 2 minutes for your device to update and recognize the new number.
Verify New Number: To confirm your new number is working, you can try:
Calling #832 (toll-free) from your phone. This is a Verizon service to verify your number.
Calling a friend or family member to confirm they see your new number.
Update Your Contacts: Start informing all your important contacts about your new number. A group text or email can be helpful.
Update Online Accounts & Services:
Banking Apps
Social Media Platforms
Email Accounts
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) services
Messaging Apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.)
Delivery Services (Food, Shopping)
Healthcare Portals
Any other service where your phone number is linked for login, verification, or communication.
Do this as soon as possible to avoid being locked out of accounts or missing important notifications.
Congratulations! You've successfully changed your Verizon phone number! Enjoy your fresh start.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to check if I can keep my old voicemails and texts?
Verizon explicitly states that voicemails and text messages may be lost when changing your number. It's highly recommended to back up any important messages or voicemails before initiating the change. Some devices have built-in backup options, or you can use third-party apps.
How to change my phone number if I'm not the Account Owner?
Only the Account Owner or an Account Manager can change the mobile number for any line on the account. If you are not one of these, you'll need to ask the Account Owner to make the change or grant you Account Manager permissions.
How to know if there's a fee for changing my Verizon number?
There is no charge to change your mobile number if you do it yourself through the My Verizon app or online in My Verizon. However, there is typically a $15 fee if you call customer service to change your number.
How to choose a specific new phone number (e.g., a "vanity number")?
When changing your number online or through the app, you can select the area code and prefix. The last 4 digits will be automatically assigned to you based on what's available. While you can't pick any specific number, you do get some options for the last four digits and can try searching multiple times (up to 6 per day) for a combination you like. For truly specific "vanity" numbers, you might need to contact customer service, but availability is rare.
How to ensure my contacts know my new number?
After changing your number, send out a group text, email, or post on social media to inform your contacts. Consider a personal message to your most important contacts.
How to update my two-factor authentication (2FA) with my new number?
Log into each service or app that uses your old number for 2FA before changing your Verizon number. Go to the security or profile settings and update your phone number there. If you've already changed your number, you may need to use recovery options for those accounts.
How to transfer my old number to another device on my Verizon account?
If you have two phones active on your Verizon mobile account, you can swap the phones between your existing numbers. However, this is different from changing the number itself. You typically need to contact Verizon customer service to arrange a number swap between devices.
How to reactivate my old number if I regret changing it?
Once you change your number, your previous number is generally released and becomes unavailable. Verizon explicitly states that your previous number "cannot be retrieved" after the change is submitted.
How to change my number if I have a prepaid Verizon account?
The process for changing a number on a prepaid account is largely similar to postpaid accounts through the My Verizon app or website. You will still follow the steps to select a new number and confirm the change.
How to get a new number for a Verizon business account?
For Verizon business accounts, you can typically manage numbers through the My Business portal. You can also contact Verizon Business Customer Service directly (e.g., 800-922-0204 for My Business Wireless) for assistance with adding or changing numbers.