Are you ready to break free from Total by Verizon and explore new horizons with a different carrier? Porting out your phone number can seem like a daunting task, but with the right information and a step-by-step approach, it's a smooth sailing process. Let's get you on your way to your new mobile adventure!
How to Port Out of Total by Verizon: Your Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Switching carriers, or "porting out," means transferring your existing phone number from Total by Verizon to a new service provider. This guide will walk you through every essential step to ensure a successful and stress-free transition.
Step 1: Gather Your Vital Total by Verizon Account Information (This is CRUCIAL!)
Hold on a moment! Before you even think about contacting your new carrier, the absolute first thing you must do is collect specific details from your Total by Verizon account. Missing even one piece of this information can lead to significant delays and headaches.
What You'll Need:
Total by Verizon Account Number: This is often the trickiest part for Total by Verizon (and other TracFone brands) users.
If you're using a Total by Verizon device, your account number is typically the IMEI/MEID of that phone. You can usually find your phone's IMEI by dialing
*#06#on your dial pad.If you're using a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), your account number is usually the last 15 digits of your SIM card number.
Pro Tip: Some users have reported success by logging into their Total by Verizon online account and checking the "Devices" tab for their handset number, which may match the last four digits received by texting IMEI to 611611.
If you're still struggling to find it, try texting "FOUR" to 611611 to see if the 4-digit number matches the last four of your IMEI or SIM.
Total by Verizon Port-Out PIN / Number Transfer PIN (NTP): This is a specific PIN different from your account security PIN.
The easiest way to get this is to text "NTP" to 611611 from your Total by Verizon phone number. You should receive a text message with your unique Number Transfer PIN.
Important: This PIN is typically valid for only 7 days, so make sure you're ready to use it promptly. Do not generate a new NTP if you've already provided one to your new carrier, as this could interfere with the porting process.
Billing Address and Name on Account: Ensure you have the exact billing address and the full name of the account holder as it appears on your Total by Verizon account. Even minor discrepancies can cause a port to fail.
Your Current Total by Verizon Phone Number: This might seem obvious, but have it readily available!
Step 2: Keep Your Total by Verizon Service Active!
This is a critical step that many users overlook, leading to lost phone numbers. Do NOT cancel your Total by Verizon service before the porting process is complete!
Your Total by Verizon account must remain active for the port to go through successfully. If you cancel your service prematurely, you risk losing your phone number forever, as it becomes inactive and unavailable for transfer.
Keep your phone topped up with service or ensure auto-pay is enabled until you receive confirmation from your new carrier that the port is complete and your service has fully transferred.
Step 3: Choose Your New Carrier and Initiate the Porting Request
Now for the exciting part – picking your new provider! Once you've chosen the carrier that best suits your needs, it's time to begin the actual porting process with them.
Sub-step 3.1: Select Your New Carrier
Research different carriers based on coverage in your area, plan pricing, data allowances, and features that are important to you. Whether it's a major carrier like AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon Postpaid, or an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) like Visible, US Mobile, or Mint Mobile, ensure they support porting from Total by Verizon.
Sub-step 3.2: Contact Your New Carrier
This is where the magic happens. Once you've selected your new carrier, contact their sales or activation department. You can typically do this online during the sign-up process, over the phone, or in person at one of their retail stores.
Inform them that you wish to port your existing number from Total by Verizon.
Sub-step 3.3: Provide the Necessary Information to Your New Carrier
Your new carrier will ask for the Total by Verizon account information you meticulously gathered in Step 1. Provide them with all the details:
Your Total by Verizon phone number
Your Total by Verizon account number (IMEI/MEID or last 15 digits of SIM)
Your Total by Verizon Number Transfer PIN (NTP)
The name of the account holder as it appears on your Total by Verizon account
The billing address associated with your Total by Verizon account
Crucial Note: Double-check every piece of information you provide. Even a single typo can delay the port significantly.
Step 4: Wait for the Port to Complete and Confirm Your Service
The waiting game begins! The porting process usually takes a few hours, but it can sometimes extend to 24-48 business hours, especially if there are any discrepancies or issues.
Sub-step 4.1: Monitor Your Phone
Keep your Total by Verizon phone on and active during this period. You might experience a brief period where your old service stops working, and your new service hasn't fully activated yet. This is normal.
Your new carrier may send you text message updates on the status of your port.
Sub-step 4.2: Confirm the Transfer
Once the port is complete, your Total by Verizon service will automatically disconnect. You'll know it's successful when your phone with the new carrier's SIM card starts receiving calls and texts to your ported number.
Test it out! Make a few calls, send some texts, and have someone call and text you to ensure everything is working correctly on your new service.
Step 5: Follow Up on Any Potential Issues
While most ports go smoothly, sometimes issues can arise. Don't panic!
Common Issues:
Incorrect Information: The most frequent reason for a failed port is providing incorrect account number, PIN, or billing address.
Inactive Account: As mentioned, if your Total by Verizon account becomes inactive before the port finishes, the number can be lost.
"Number Lock" or "Port Protection": While less common with Total by Verizon specifically, some carriers have a "number lock" feature to prevent unauthorized ports. If you encounter this, you'll need to contact Total by Verizon customer service (see contact info below) to have it removed.
What to do if there's a problem:
First, contact your new carrier's porting department. They have tools to check the status and can often see the reason for a denial.
If the issue points back to Total by Verizon, you may need to call their porting specialist line. Some users have reported success by calling 1-866-806-1840 and referencing number 332264 for Total Wireless port specialists. Their general customer service number is 1-866-663-3633.
Be patient and persistent. Provide them with any reference numbers your new carrier gave you.
By following these steps, you'll be well-equipped to port out of Total by Verizon with confidence and minimize any potential hiccups along the way!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about porting out of Total by Verizon, with quick answers to help you navigate the process.
How to Find my Total by Verizon Account Number?
Your Total by Verizon account number is typically the IMEI/MEID of the phone you activated on their network (dial *#06#) or the last 15 digits of your SIM card if you brought your own device.
How to Get my Total by Verizon Port-Out PIN?
Text "NTP" to 611611 from your Total by Verizon phone to receive your Number Transfer PIN (NTP).
How to Know if my Total by Verizon Account is Active?
Ensure you have an active service plan with Total by Verizon and that your phone is able to make calls and send texts. Do not let your service lapse or cancel it prematurely.
How to Speed up the Porting Process?
Ensure all information provided to your new carrier (account number, PIN, name, address) is 100% accurate and matches your Total by Verizon records exactly. Any discrepancy will cause delays.
How to Handle a Porting Rejection?
If your port is rejected, contact your new carrier's porting department first to get the reason. If it's a Total by Verizon issue, call their porting specialist line (e.g., 1-866-806-1840, reference 332264) to resolve it.
How to Keep my Phone Number when Switching Carriers?
To keep your existing phone number, you must initiate a "port-out" request with your new carrier. Do not cancel your old service yourself.
How to Know When my Number has Fully Ported?
Your Total by Verizon service will automatically cease, and your new carrier's service will begin working on your phone with your ported number. Test calls and texts to confirm.
How to Contact Total by Verizon Customer Service for Porting Issues?
For general support, call Total by Verizon at 1-866-663-3633. For specific porting issues, some users have reported success with 1-866-806-1840 (reference 332264).
How to Avoid Losing my Phone Number During a Port?
The most crucial step is to keep your Total by Verizon account active until the port is 100% complete with your new carrier. Do not cancel service or let your plan expire.
How to Find my Total by Verizon Billing Address?
Your billing address is the one you provided when you set up your Total by Verizon account. You can usually find this by logging into your online account or checking any old billing statements/receipts.