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 circumstances, 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, follow these steps:

  1. Have thePrimary Account Holder:
    • Disable Port Out Protection on the line.
    • Generate a Temporary Port Out PIN for the line.
  2. Contact your new service provider to start the process. Make sure you have:
    • Your T-Mobile account number, located on your T-Mobile account or bill.
    • The Temporary Port Out PIN.
    • The account PIN/Passcode.
    • Government account mustcontact 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? ›

How To Port a Number
  1. Choose a new provider. Review different providers and pick the best phone service that you'd like to port your number to, based on your business needs.
  2. Gather required information. ...
  3. Set up your new account. ...
  4. Prepare your device(s). ...
  5. Wait for the port to complete. ...
  6. Cancel your old plan.
May 28, 2024

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 you transfer a mobile phone number? ›

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.
Jul 24, 2024

Why is it taking so long to port my number? ›

If your number has specialized features like call forwarding, voicemail services or multiple lines, porting can take longer. Contact your carrier to see if removing features before porting is a good option to expedite the process. Otherwise, ensure your request is complete and accurate to reduce port time.

How do I complete a phone transfer? ›

On your old device
  1. On your old device, open the Google app .
  2. Search set up my device .
  3. Tap Next.
  4. When it shows, “Get started,” tap Next.
  5. Check that shapes and numbers match on both phones.
  6. Tap Next. ...
  7. Choose which apps and data you want to copy.

Can I transfer my phone number myself? ›

Yes, you can port your number yourself by notifying your current provider and new provider that you'll be switching services. You also need to provide the right paperwork to your new provider.

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. Just like you, we want your number ported as easily and quickly as possible.

Why is my phone number not transferring? ›

If your number port is rejected, it may be due to one of the following reasons: Incorrect data. Incorrect or invalid PIN. Inactive or overdue account.

How do I know when my number has been transferred? ›

When your new phone or SIM arrives, make sure you're disconnected from Wi-Fi and simply make a call or send a text. We'll then text you within 24 hours to let you know the date your number will be transferred. Your phone will lose service on the day your number is due to transfer.

How do I transfer from one phone to another? ›

  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 I transfer my phone number to my new iPhone? ›

On your new iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan. Choose a cellular plan to transfer from another iPhone. If you don't see a list of numbers, tap Transfer From Another iPhone. This requires both devices to have iOS 16 or later.

How do I know if my number has been ported successfully? ›

1> Check your phone's network status: Look at your phone's network settings to see if it's connected to your usual carrier's network or if it's showing a different carrier name. 2> Call your carrier: Contact your current mobile service provider and inquire about the status of your phone number.

Can I use my phone while my number is being ported? ›

You may be able to use your phone within a few hours for changes among wireless service providers. However, porting from wireline to wireless service may still take a few days.

Can I port my number immediately? ›

Porting within a Licensed Service Area (LSA) (e.g. porting within Gujarat LSA) takes 3 working days. The porting from one LSA to another LSA (e.g. Delhi to Mumbai) takes 5 working days. Also, in case of porting of Corporate number, Porting time is 5 working days.

What is the process of porting a mobile number? ›

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.

What information is needed to port a phone 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).

How do I transfer my straight number to my new phone? ›

An upgrade is when you wish to transfer your phone number and benefits from one Straight Talk device to another. To upgrade, go to www.straighttalk.com/Activate. Select "Activate or reactivate my phone with a number transferred from another Straight Talk phone" and then select "Continue."

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