Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your current phone number just isn't working for you anymore? Maybe you're getting too many unwanted calls, or perhaps you've moved to a new area and want a local number. Whatever the reason, changing your phone number with Verizon is a straightforward process, and I'm here to walk you through it step-by-step. Get ready to embrace your new digital identity!
The Complete Guide to Changing Your Verizon Phone Number
Changing your phone number might seem like a daunting task, but Verizon has made it quite user-friendly, especially if you do it online. Let's dive in!
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| How To Change Phone Number Verizon |
Step 1: Assess Your Need and Prepare for the Change
Before you even log into your Verizon account, let's take a moment to think about why you're making this change and what it entails.
Why Change Your Number?
People change their phone numbers for a variety of reasons:
Privacy Concerns: If your number has been compromised, or you're receiving spam calls and texts incessantly, a fresh start can be incredibly liberating.
Relocation: Moving to a new state or even a different part of your current state might make you want a local area code.
Harassment or Stalking: In more serious cases, changing your number is a crucial step for personal safety.
Brand New Start: Sometimes, you just want a clean slate!
What to Consider Before Changing
Notification List: Make a comprehensive list of everyone who needs your new number: family, friends, colleagues, banks, doctors, online accounts (email, social media, shopping sites), utilities, and any services you use that link to your phone number for verification (like two-factor authentication). This is crucial to avoid getting locked out of accounts!
Voicemail and Text Messages: Understand that your old voicemails and text messages may not transfer to your new number. It's wise to save any important ones before initiating the change.
Cost: While changing your number online through My Verizon is typically free, there might be a $15 fee if you opt to do it by calling customer service. So, online is often the most cost-effective route!
Account Owner/Manager: You must be the Account Owner or an Account Manager on your Verizon account to perform a number change.
Step 2: Access Your My Verizon Account
QuickTip: Pay attention to first and last sentences.
This is where the magic begins! You have two primary ways to initiate the number change: through the My Verizon website or the My Verizon app.
Option A: Using the My Verizon Website
Go to Verizon.com: Open your web browser and navigate to the official Verizon website.
Sign In: Click on "Sign In" (usually located in the top right corner) and enter your Verizon Wireless User ID or mobile number and password.
Pro Tip: If you have trouble logging in, use the "Forgot User ID" or "Forgot Password" links.
Navigate to Account & Devices: Once logged in, look for the global navigation menu. Select "Account," then "My Devices."
Find "Change Mobile Number": Within the "My Devices" section, you should see an option labeled "Change mobile number." Alternatively, from your Account Overview, you can select the specific device you want to change the number for and then look for the "Device Management" section to find the "Change mobile number" option.
Option B: Using the My Verizon App
Open the My Verizon App: Launch the app on your smartphone. Ensure your app is updated to the latest version for the most accurate steps.
Log In: If prompted, enter your password, use your fingerprint, or Face ID to log in.
Select Your Plan Type: Depending on your plan, tap on the "Mobile" or "Home" tab.
Go to Devices: From the "Devices" section, tap on the mobile number you wish to change. If you have multiple lines and need to select a different one, navigate to "Devices" then "Manage all devices," and tap "Manage" below the applicable phone number.
Tap "Change mobile number": Within the "Device Management" section, you'll find and tap "Change mobile number."
Step 3: Initiate the Number Change Process
Once you've reached the "Change mobile number" page, the system will guide you.
Review Information: You'll likely see some important information about changing your mobile number. Read this carefully, especially regarding the impact on your old number and any services linked to it. Tap "Continue" under the selected device.
Get a New Number: You'll be presented with the option to "Get a new number." (If you were planning to port a number from another carrier, that's a different process and typically handled during new line activation or through a separate porting tool.)
Enter Your Zip Code: You'll need to enter the 5-digit Zip code associated with your desired new mobile number. This helps determine the available area codes and prefixes.
Choose Your Prefix: A dropdown or list will appear, allowing you to choose the first 6 digits (area code + prefix) of your new number from the available options in that Zip code.
Select the Change Date: You can choose when you want your number to change:
Today: The change happens almost immediately.
End of bill cycle: The change will occur at the end of your current billing cycle.
Pick a date: You can select a specific future date for the change.
Once you've made your selection, tap "Continue."
Step 4: Select Your New Number and Confirm
This is the exciting part – picking your new digits!
Choose the Last Four Digits: You'll often be given a selection of available last four digits for your new number. Act fast, as these numbers can be claimed by others! If you don't like the options, you might be able to search for more (Verizon usually allows up to six number searches per day). If you reach the limit, you'll have to choose from the displayed numbers or wait 24 hours.
Review and Authorize: On the "Make sure everything looks good" screen, meticulously review all the information, especially your new chosen number and the effective date.
Authorization Code: Verizon will need to send an authorization code to one of your devices (likely the one you're changing the number for, or another line on your account for security). Select the number to send the code to, then tap "Send code."
Enter the Code: Once you receive the authorization code via text message, enter it into the designated field in the My Verizon app or website. Tap "Next."
Confirm Number Change: You'll see a final "Confirm number change" message. This is your last chance to review before it's permanent. If everything is correct, tap "Confirm" to finalize the change.
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Step 5: Activate Your New Number
QuickTip: Read again with fresh eyes.
Congratulations! You're almost there.
Power Cycle Your Device: The most crucial step after confirming the change is to power your device off and then back on again. This allows your phone to connect to the network with its new number.
Wait Briefly: Verizon recommends waiting approximately 2 minutes after the power cycle for your device to fully update and register the new number on the network.
Confirmation Email: You'll also receive a confirmation email to the address registered with your My Verizon account. This email will contain additional instructions and confirm your number change.
Test Your New Number:
Try making a call to someone to ensure your outgoing calls work with the new number.
Have someone call your new number to verify incoming calls.
Send and receive a text message.
You can also call #832 toll-free from your Verizon phone to verify your new number is working.
Step 6: Update Your Contacts and Accounts
This is where your prep work from Step 1 comes in handy!
Notify Your Contacts: Start informing your family, friends, and close contacts about your new number. You can do this through a mass text, a social media post (if comfortable), or individual messages.
Update Online Accounts: Methodically go through your list of online accounts (banks, social media, email, streaming services, etc.) and update your phone number for security and verification purposes. This is extremely important for two-factor authentication.
Business Contacts: If you use your phone for work, make sure your professional contacts and business platforms are updated.
Physical Records: Don't forget any physical records like emergency contact forms or doctor's office information.
Important Considerations and What Happens Next
Old Number Deactivation: Your previous number will be immediately deactivated and will no longer be available. Calls to your old number will receive a "number no longer in service" message.
No Call Forwarding: Verizon does not forward calls from your old number to your new number.
Content on Phone: Content stored directly on your phone (like photos, apps, contacts saved to the device) will remain.
Network-Stored Content: Voicemails and possibly some text messages stored on the Verizon network may be lost. Back up anything critical before the change.
Troubleshooting: If your phone isn't working after the change, try powering it off and on again, waiting 2-5 minutes, and repeating. If issues persist, contact Verizon Customer Support.
By following these steps, you'll successfully change your Verizon phone number and be ready to enjoy your new digits!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check if I am eligible to change my Verizon phone number?
You are eligible to change your mobile number if you are the Account Owner or an Account Manager on your Verizon account.
QuickTip: Reread for hidden meaning.
How to change my Verizon phone number online for free?
You can change your Verizon phone number online through the My Verizon website or the My Verizon app for no charge. This saves you the $15 fee associated with changing it via customer service.
How to choose a specific new phone number with Verizon?
When changing your number online or via the app, you can typically select the area code and prefix based on a given Zip code. The last four digits will be automatically assigned from available options, though you usually get to pick from a selection. You cannot request a completely custom number.
How to port my old number to Verizon from another carrier?
This guide is for changing an existing Verizon number. If you're looking to transfer a number from another carrier to Verizon (also known as "porting"), you'll do this when you activate a new line of service with Verizon. You'll need your old account number, account PIN/password, and the billing address associated with your old carrier.
How to ensure my contacts transfer when I change my Verizon phone number?
Contacts saved directly to your phone's memory or synced with a cloud service (like Google Contacts or iCloud) will remain. Contacts saved only to your old SIM card or Verizon's network may be lost. It's always best to back up your contacts before a number change.
How to inform all my accounts about my new Verizon number?
Tip: Read once for gist, twice for details.
Create a comprehensive list of all online accounts, banks, services, and contacts that use your phone number for verification or communication. Systematically log into each one and update your phone number in their settings. Prioritize accounts with two-factor authentication.
How to get my old voicemails after changing my Verizon phone number?
Generally, voicemails are tied to your old number and stored on Verizon's network. When you change your number, these voicemails are typically lost. Listen to and save any important voicemails before initiating the change.
How to troubleshoot if my new Verizon number isn't working?
After changing your number, power your device off and on again, then wait about 2 minutes. If it still doesn't work, repeat the power cycle. If problems persist, contact Verizon Customer Service for technical support, mentioning you recently changed your number.
How to avoid the $15 fee for changing my Verizon phone number?
To avoid the $15 fee, ensure you complete the entire number change process yourself through the My Verizon website or the My Verizon app. The fee applies only when a customer service representative facilitates the change.
How to change the phone number for another line on my Verizon account?
As the Account Owner or an Account Manager, you can change the phone number for any line on your Verizon account by following the same steps in the My Verizon app or website, selecting the specific device associated with the line you wish to modify.
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