Hello there! Ever found yourself in a situation where the main phone number on your Verizon account, the one tied to the account owner, needs to change? Maybe you're the account owner and you're getting a new personal number, or perhaps you're taking over an account from a family member and need to update the primary contact. It can seem like a daunting task, but don't worry, I'm here to walk you through it step-by-step.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about changing the account owner's phone number on Verizon, whether you're swapping a number on an existing account or completely transferring ownership. Let's dive in!
Understanding the Verizon Account Owner Role
Before we get into the "how-to," it's crucial to understand what the "Account Owner" signifies on Verizon. The Account Owner is the individual who holds the ultimate legal and financial responsibility for the entire account. This person:
Is financially responsible for the account and its associated charges.
Has full access to all information and can manage all mobile phones/lines on the account.
Is the only one who can designate Account Managers.
Cannot be changed without a formal transfer of service.
It's important to distinguish the Account Owner from an Account Manager. An Account Manager can perform most actions an Account Owner can, like viewing bills, changing plans, and adding features, but they cannot change the Account PIN, add or remove other Account Managers, or initiate certain account-level changes like transferring ownership.
Method 1: Changing the Mobile Number Associated with the Existing Account Owner
This method is for when the current Account Owner is simply changing their primary phone number, but the ownership of the account itself remains with the same person.
Step 1: Prepare for the Change
Alright, before we even touch My Verizon, let's get you prepared! Do you have your My Verizon login credentials handy? This includes your username and password. Also, make sure you know your Account PIN, as it might be required for certain changes. It's a good idea to have your new desired phone number's ZIP code ready, as you'll be able to select the first six digits based on that.
What to Consider Before You Start:
Voicemail and Text Messages: Be aware that changing your mobile number may result in the loss of voicemails and/or text messages. It's always a good idea to back up anything critical before proceeding. Contacts and call logs, however, should typically remain on your device.
Timing: You can choose for the number change to happen immediately or at a chosen future date (e.g., at the end of your billing cycle).
Cost: Changing your mobile number online or through the My Verizon app is free. However, if you call customer service to make the change, there might be a $15 fee.
Step 2: Accessing My Verizon
You have two main ways to do this:
Sub-step 2.1: Through the My Verizon Website
Open your web browser and go to the official Verizon website (verizon.com).
Click on "Sign In" and enter your My Verizon username and password. You may be prompted to re-enter your password or verify your identity.
Sub-step 2.2: Through the My Verizon App
Open the My Verizon app on your smartphone or tablet.
Log in using your credentials. You might be prompted for your password, fingerprint, or Face ID. Ensure your app is updated to the latest version for the most accurate steps.
Step 3: Navigating to the "Change Mobile Number" Section
Once you're logged in, you'll need to find the option to change your mobile number.
Sub-step 3.1: On the Website
From your My Verizon Home page, select the "Account" tab.
Then, look for "Devices" or "My Devices" and select it.
Locate the specific phone number (your account owner number) that you wish to change. You might see an option like "Manage all devices" and then "Manage" next to your number.
Look for the option that says "Change mobile number".
Sub-step 3.2: On the App
From the main screen, tap on "Manage device" or navigate to the "Devices" section.
Select the specific mobile number you want to change.
Scroll down to the "Preferences" or "Device Management" section.
Tap on "Change mobile number".
Step 4: Selecting Your New Number
This is where the magic happens!
Sub-step 4.1: Confirm Device and Get a New Number
You'll likely be asked to confirm the device for which you are changing the number. Confirm it's the correct line.
Select the option to "Get a new number."
Sub-step 4.2: Enter ZIP Code and Choose Prefix
Enter the 5-digit ZIP code associated with the location of your new desired number. This will help Verizon provide available numbers in that area.
Select the dropdown icon to choose the first six digits (area code and prefix) of your new number from the available options.
Sub-step 4.3: Choose Last Four Digits and Set Change Date
You'll then be presented with options for the last four digits of your new number. You can often search for up to six different combinations per day if you're looking for something specific.
Select your preferred number.
Next, you'll be asked when you want the number to change. You can usually choose "Today" for immediate activation or "Pick a date" for a future change (often at midnight ET on the selected day).
Step 5: Review and Confirm
This is your final check before the change is processed.
Review all the information carefully on the "Make sure everything looks good" screen. Double-check your chosen new number and the effective date.
Select "Next" or "Continue."
Verizon will send an authorization code to a designated phone number on the account (often your current number or another line you select).
Enter the authorization code you receive via text message into the provided field and select "Next."
Review the final "Confirm number change" message. This is your last chance to ensure everything is correct. Remember, your previous number will no longer be available once confirmed.
Select "Confirm" to complete the number change.
Step 6: Power Cycle Your Device
After confirmation, Verizon will send a confirmation to the email address associated with your My Verizon account.
Important: Turn your device off and then back on again.
Wait approximately 2 minutes for your device to update and register the new number.
You can call a toll-free number like #832 from your device to verify that your new number is working correctly.
Method 2: Transferring Account Ownership (Change of Account Holder)
This is a more involved process and is necessary when you need to change the actual Account Owner – for instance, if you're taking over a family member's account, or if the current owner is no longer able to manage it. This is referred to as a "Transfer of Service."
Step 1: Understand Eligibility and Requirements
Before initiating a transfer of ownership, both the current Account Owner (the "relinquishing party") and the new Account Owner (the "assuming party") need to meet certain criteria.
Current Account Owner Requirements:
The account balance must be current.
The line being transferred must have been active on the account for at least 30 days (for standard monthly accounts) or 5 days (for business accounts).
They will need the full name and email address of the person taking over the line.
New Account Owner Requirements:
Must be 18 years or older (19 in Alabama).
Must pass a soft credit check. A security deposit may be required.
Must be eligible to assume any device payment agreements if they are being transferred with the line.
If already an existing Verizon customer, they must be an Account Owner or Account Manager on their current account.
All transferred lines may be required to switch to a currently available plan.
The new owner has 15 days (or 30 days for business lines) to accept the transfer request.
Step 2: Initiating the Transfer of Service
The transfer process usually starts with the current Account Owner.
Sub-step 2.1: Log In to My Verizon
The current Account Owner (or an Account Manager, with the Account Owner's explicit permission) should log in to their My Verizon account via the website or app.
Sub-step 2.2: Navigate to Transfer Service
On the website, go to "Account" > "My devices" > "Transfer your service."
On the app, navigate to "Devices" > select the relevant mobile number > "Device Management" > "Transfer your service."
Sub-step 2.3: Start a New Transfer
Review the eligibility and plan information provided.
Select "Start a new transfer."
Choose the line(s) you wish to transfer and click "Continue."
Sub-step 2.4: Enter New Account Owner Information
Select whether you are transferring to a personal account or a business account.
Enter the first name, last name, and email address of the new Account Owner. You can apply this information to all lines if transferring multiple.
Confirm the email address to receive confirmation emails, or add additional email addresses if needed.
Click "Submit" or "Continue."
Sub-step 2.5: Review and Acknowledge
Review the disclosures and authorizations carefully.
Select "Accept & Acknowledge."
Review the transfer request details one last time and select "Continue."
An email with instructions on how to approve and complete the transfer will now be sent to the new Account Owner.
Step 3: The New Account Owner Accepts the Transfer
The new Account Owner now has a crucial role in completing the process.
Sub-step 3.1: Access the Transfer Request Email
The new Account Owner will receive an email titled something like "You have a line transfer request to complete."
Open this email and select "Transfer now."
Sub-step 3.2: Verify Request Details
On the "Start or resume your transfer request" screen, verify that the auto-populated request number matches the details from the email.
Sub-step 3.3: Choose Account Setup
From the "Let's complete your transfer" screen, you'll have two options:
"Set up a new account" (if you don't have an existing Verizon account).
"Sign in" (if you want to add the line(s) to an existing Verizon mobile account). If signing in, follow the on-screen prompts to log in as the receiving Account Owner or Account Manager.
Sub-step 3.4: Review and Accept Service Transfer
Review the request details carefully.
Select "Accept."
Review the disclosures and authorizations again and select "Accept & Acknowledge."
Step 4: Completing Account Setup (for New Account Owners)
If the new Account Owner selected "Set up a new account" in Step 3.3, they will proceed with these additional steps:
Sub-step 4.1: Provide Credit Information
From the "We need your credit information" screen, select "Consumer" or "Business."
Enter the required personal information.
Check the box to consent to a soft credit check, then select "Check credit."
Sub-step 4.2: Create Account and PIN
Review your billing information on the "Create your account" screen and select "Continue to next step."
Create a PIN for your My Verizon account by entering and re-entering it, then select "Continue to next step."
Sub-step 4.3: Select Plan and Finalize
On the "Select Plan(s)" screen, you can choose to "Keep the plan" (if compatible) or "Pick a new plan." Follow the on-screen steps to select an option if picking a new plan.
Review your estimated monthly cost details.
View and accept (check) the "Verizon Wireless Customer Agreement" and "Taxes, Surcharges and Fees" documents.
Select "Accept & Complete transfer."
Important Considerations After Changing/Transferring
Billing Changes: If you transferred ownership, the relinquishing party will be billed for charges up to the effective date of the transfer. The incoming customer will be responsible for all charges from that date forward. Prorated charges or credits may appear on your next bill.
Device Payment Agreements: If a line with a device payment agreement is transferred, the relinquishing party can pay off the balance, or the agreement can transfer with the line (subject to credit approval for the new owner).
Promotions and Discounts: Be aware that certain special offers, airtime, line access discounts, or equipment/feature discounts may not transfer to the new account. Individual content promotions or subscriptions should transfer.
Router and Device Settings (for Fios): If Fios services are involved in an account transfer, existing settings like parental controls and DVR content will remain on the equipment. The new owner should reset router settings (username, password, Wi-Fi password) and adjust TV settings as needed.
Wrapping Up
Changing the account owner's phone number on Verizon, whether it's a simple number swap or a full account ownership transfer, requires careful attention to detail. By following these steps and understanding the roles and responsibilities involved, you can navigate the process smoothly. Always double-check information and don't hesitate to reach out to Verizon customer support if you encounter any difficulties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to check who is the account owner on Verizon?
You can determine who the account owner is by logging into My Verizon (website or app) with your credentials. The account owner role is typically displayed in your account profile or settings. Only one mobile number per account can be registered as the Account Owner.
How to transfer a Verizon account to another person?
To transfer a Verizon account (ownership) to another person, the current account owner initiates a "Transfer of Service" request online or through the My Verizon app, providing the new owner's details. The new owner then receives an email to complete their portion of the transfer, including a credit check and plan selection.
How to change the primary phone number on a Verizon account online?
To change the primary phone number associated with the account owner online, log in to My Verizon, go to "Account" > "Devices," select the relevant line, and then choose "Change mobile number." Follow the prompts to select a new number and confirm the change.
How to find my Verizon Account PIN?
Your Verizon Account PIN is typically set up when you create your account. If you've forgotten it, you can usually reset it through the My Verizon website or app by going to your profile or security settings, or by contacting Verizon customer service.
How to add an Account Manager to a Verizon account?
Only the Account Owner can add an Account Manager. Log in to My Verizon, go to "Profile & Settings" or "Account managers," and select "Add Manager." You'll need to enter the manager's name and potentially their mobile number on the account.
How to tell the difference between a Verizon Account Owner and Account Manager?
The Account Owner has ultimate financial and legal responsibility and exclusive rights to perform certain actions like changing the Account PIN or adding/removing Account Managers. An Account Manager can manage most account aspects but lacks these specific owner-level permissions.
How to change my Verizon phone number without affecting other lines?
When you change your mobile number (not transferring ownership), it only affects that specific line. Other lines on your account will remain unchanged. Follow the online or app steps for changing a single mobile number.
How to avoid fees when changing my Verizon number?
To avoid the $15 fee for changing your Verizon mobile number, perform the change yourself through the My Verizon website or the My Verizon app. Calling customer service for this change incurs a fee.
How to verify my new Verizon number is working after a change?
After changing your number, turn your device off and then back on. Wait a couple of minutes. You can then dial a toll-free number like #832 to confirm that your new number is active and working correctly.
How to get help from Verizon if I'm stuck during the process?
If you encounter issues during the process, you can contact Verizon customer service by calling their support number (e.g., *611 from your Verizon phone or 1-800-922-0204 from any phone). You can also visit a Verizon store for in-person assistance.
