Transfer your phone number (2024)

Are you with us? Transfer your mobile or landline number to T-Mobile and join the Uncarrier! If you have questions about how to transfer (port out) your mobile number to another carrier, we’ve got the information right here.

On this page:

  • Thinking about switching to T-Mobile and wanting to keep your number?
  • How do I transfer my number to T-Mobile?
  • Transfer your T-Mobile number to another carrier
  • Get a T-Mobile Temporary Port Out PIN
  • Check port status

Thinking about switching to T-Mobile and wanting to keep your number?

You can keep the number you already have from another wireless or landline carrier. Transferring your number, also known as porting, is the process by which you transfer your phone number from one carrier to another. In rare circ*mstances, we are unable to transfer a number to our network. This is often because we don’t have a transfer agreement with the original service provider.

  • There is no charge for transferring your phone numbers.
  • Wireless line: the transfer will typically complete from 10 minutes to 3 hours.
  • Landline: the transfer may take anywhere from 3–10 days.The timing of your number transfer depends on the accuracy of the information provided.
  • If your phone is not active with your new phone number after you have waited the expected time, contact T-Mobile Customer Careat 1-800-T-Mobile. Sometimes we need to validate or modify information, such as misspelled names, addresses, etc. before we can complete the transfer.

Take advantage of these offers to switch to T-Mobile

  • Carrier Freedom​: T-Mobile will pay early termination fees or device payments for up to five lines that are currently under a postpaid contract with AT&T or Verizon.
  • Deals: Looking for a deal? We've got you covered.
  • Bring your own device program: Love your current device? That's fine, too.

Business and Prepaid accounts

More information on switching can be found on our pages forBusiness transfersorPrepaid lines.

How do I transfer my number to T-Mobile?

  • Get started online: Follow the number transfer instructions on the payment page at checkout. We recommend this method if you don't need to use your current phone until your new T-Mobile equipment arrives.
  • Contact us to let us know that you're ready to make the switch! For prepaid, call1-877-778-2106.
  • Visit a store: Get some Facetime with us to begin the process.

Complete these steps to ensure a successful number transfer experience:

  1. First, check your eligibility​​​. In rare instances, your number may not be eligible if we don't have a transfer agreement with your original service provider. If this happens, we can give you a brand-new number.
  2. Here's the information you'll need to transfer your number:
    • Phone number(s) you want to transfer from your current service provider.
    • Current service provider name.
    • Account number (usually located on your bill or service provider portal).
    • Billing address (including ZIP code).
  3. Contact your current service provider and do the following:
    • Request a Porting Pin / Password (needed to move your number over.
      • Some accounts may require a Temporary Port Out PIN.
      • Some accounts may require the general account PIN/Passcode.
    • Confirm your device is unlocked and can be ported to another service provider.
    • Request the removal of any blocks or requirements on your accounts so you can port.
    • Ensure all balances are paid to your current service provider.

Now you can start the transition to your new T-Mobile account

  • You'll get a text message from T-Mobile indicating your number transfer has started.
  • You may experience dual service during the transfer process. This is a period of up to 24 hours where service may be active on both phones. If you must call 911 during this time, stay on the line. 911 may not be able to call you back.
  • After completing your number transfer to T-Mobile, any remaining lines with your previous service provider that you do not intend to keep may need to be canceled to avoid unexpected charges.
  • Contact us to check the status of your transfer request at1-877-789-3106.

Canceling with your current service provider

  • Your account with your previous service provider must remain active to transfer your number over. Make sure you do not cancel your account until after the transfer process has been completed.
  • Back up your contacts, voicemail, and text messages before transferring your number to T-Mobile. Your voicemail will reset after the port completes.
  • To make sure you don't miss any important calls or texts, it's best to wait to transfer your number until after you get your new device and SIM card.

Getting reimbursed for an Early Termination Fee (ETF)

  • Option 1: Contact uswhen you receive your new equipment. We recommend this method if you need to use your current phone until your new equipment arrives.
  • Option 2:Follow the number transfer instructions on the payment page at checkout when purchasing your new equipment. We recommend this method if you don’t need to use your current phone until your new equipment arrives.

Transfer your T-Mobile number to another carrier

If you need help with your account or device,Contact us!. If you still want to transfer your number, contact the other carrier to start the port-out process. To ensure a successful and seamless experience transferring your number out of T-Mobile, you’ll need the following information for your new service provider:

  • Account Number (located on your T-Mobile account or bill).
  • Temporary Port Out PIN (unless you are on a Business or Government account).
    • The Temporary Port Out PIN may only be generated by the Primary Account Holder.
    • Authorized Users looking to switch will need to contact the Primary Account Holder to get their Temporary Port Out PIN.
  • Business accounts: You'll need the account PIN/Passcode.
  • Government Accounts:Contact us to get started.

Get a T-Mobile Temporary Port Out PIN

If you have a personal account, you will need to generate a Temporary Port Out PIN to move your phone number from T-Mobile. Use the steps below to generate your PIN, then provide it to your new service provider.

Only the Primary Account Holder will be able to generate a Temporary Port Out PIN.

T-Mobile app

  1. Download and log in to the T-Mobile app.
  2. SelectAccount, then selectProfile Settings.
  3. ChooseLine Settings, then selectRequest a transfer PIN.
  4. Follow the on-screen directions.

T-Mobile.com

  1. Log in to T-Mobile.com.
  2. In the top right corner, selectMy Accountor your name.
  3. ChooseProfile, then selectLine Settings.
  4. SelectRequest a transfer PIN, then selectGet a transfer PIN.
  5. Follow the on-screen directions.

Please note: While text messages are normally very quick it can sometimes take up to 24 hours for the message with your Temporary Port Out PIN to be received during extreme cases. Please wait before requesting a new PIN.You can only receive a maximum of 8 PINs in a 24-hour period.

Check port status

To check the status of your port request, contact us at 1-877-789-3106. We'll look up your request and give you any updates.

Transfer your phone number (2024)

FAQs

How do I complete a phone number transfer? ›

Quick Steps
  1. Contact your provider and ask if your phone number can be ported, but don't cancel yet.
  2. If your number can be ported, contact your new provider and sign up for a phone plan.
  3. Provide information to your new provider so they can initiate a number transfer.
  4. Wait for the transfer to complete.

Why won't Verizon let me transfer my number? ›

There are a few payment requirements for transferring a line: Both the sending and receiving Verizon accounts need to be up-to-date on payments. Downpayments on the devices must have been paid in full.

Why can't my phone number be transferred? ›

The most common reason a carrier rejects your number port comes down to a basic data mismatch. They have one name and address, and you supplied them with something just a little bit different. When you submit a Letter of Authorization (LOA), the data it contains need to match that on the Customer Service Record (CSR).

What does it mean to transfer a phone number? ›

Simply put, transferring/Porting a number means taking an existing phone number from one provider and transferring it to another.

How do I complete a phone transfer? ›

  1. Connect both devices wirelessly. Turn on your new Android phone and follow the on-screen prompts. ...
  2. Select your data. Follow the on-screen instructions to choose what comes with you — contacts, photos, videos and calendar events. ...
  3. Transfer. That's it.

How do you transfer your mobile number to a new phone? ›

How do I transfer my mobile number?
  1. Text your current provider to request a mobile PAC code. A PAC code should be given to you immediately over the phone or within two hours by text. ...
  2. Contact your new network and give them the PAC code. ...
  3. Check the SIM works in your phone and the new number has ported across.
Jan 2, 2024

Can Verizon refuse to port my number? ›

Once you request service from a new company, your old company cannot refuse to port your number, even if you owe money for an outstanding balance or termination fee. Step 3: Choose Your New Carrier Make your pick and navigate over to their website/app to begin setting up your new plan.

How do I transfer My Verizon phone number to a new phone? ›

My Verizon app - Transfer Your Service
  1. Open the. ...
  2. Account tab. ...
  3. From the Devices section, tap any mobile number.
  4. From the Device Management section, tap. ...
  5. Start a new transfer. ...
  6. Select the line(s) to be transferred then tap.
Jun 20, 2024

Can Verizon transfer everything from one phone to another? ›

Transfer your photos, videos and music, as well as contacts, call logs and text messages from your old device to a new one. Content can be transferred over the air without the need for wires or additional equipment. Visit our content transfer tool and content transfer center for more information.

What to do if your phone isn't transferring? ›

Restart your current device. On most devices, press and hold the power button until the device fully restarts. Try a cable transfer again. If that still doesn't work with your current device, learn how to transfer without a cable from Android or iPhone.

What are the disadvantages of porting a number? ›

What are the drawbacks of mobile number portability?
  • In some cases, the change in carrier actually increases call charges.
  • Customers may find it confusing and bothering to follow the process of number portability.
  • In some cases, a number stays in the not working state for more than 24 hours.
May 17, 2021

Can a phone company refuse to transfer a number? ›

A consumer wishing to port a number should contact the prospective new carrier, who will start the process of porting by contacting the consumer's current carrier. Commission rules require carriers to port a number when they receive a valid request, and carriers may not refuse to port.

Can I still use my phone while my number is being transferred? ›

In these cases, you can probably expect the transfer to take place the next working day after the weekend. While you're waiting for the transfer to be processed, you should keep your old SIM in your handset. That way you'll still have a service and will be able to carry on using your phone.

How long does it take to port a number to Verizon? ›

Typical timelines are: Mobile – 4-24 business hours to complete your transfer. Landline – 2-10 business days to complete your transfer.

How long does it take to transfer your phone number? ›

The industry average for porting a number is 7 to 10 days. The actual time it takes is dependent on a few factors. In this article, you will learn how porting a number works, and what can stall the process when porting your number to Smith.ai.

What is the process of porting a mobile number? ›

A. 1. Generate UPC at the point of sale of recipient operator. SMS the word 'PORT' (which shall be case-insensitive, i.e., it can be 'port' or 'Port' etc.) followed by a space and the ten-digit mobile number which is to be ported, to 1900. The UPC will be received through SMS on the mobile of the Subscriber.

How do I set up call transfer? ›

Transfer a call
  1. Answer the call.
  2. When ready, tap Transfer . Voice puts the call on hold.
  3. From your list of contacts, find the person you want to transfer the call to. If the person isn't a contact, enter their number instead.
  4. When ready to transfer the call, tap the person's name or number. ...
  5. Tap Close.

How do I set up transfer number on iPhone? ›

On your new iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular, tap Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM, then tap Transfer From Nearby iPhone or choose a phone number. On your previous iPhone, follow the instructions to confirm the transfer.

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