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If you want to switch cell phone carriers but keep the same old phone number, yes, it is possible without any difficult task. Switching phone carriers while keeping your current phone number is a simple process. This process can be done through “porting” phone numbers.
Porting is the process that helps you keep your existing number and move from your current carrier to another one. Stick to the guide below; at the end, you will use your favorite cell phone carrier without your existing cell number.
How to Switch Cell Phone Carriers
This guide will help you switch between the three major cell phone carrier providers, i.e., AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. Let’s start the process.
Research New Carrier Plans
Whenever you start doing anything new, research is the fundamental element. Start by exploring different carriers and their plans. It is better to compare other phone carriers for the required features.
When comparing, you may consider factors like coverage in your area, data packages, call packages, and text plans. You may also search for additional features like international roaming or streaming services.
Some carriers also offer welcome features to attract new customers, so you should look for special offers or promotions for new customers that might benefit you while switching carriers.
Check the status of your current cell phone carrier
As you have decided to switch to a cell phone carrier, it is essential to check your contract status with the current one. Carefully review your current position with the existing provider. Review your current contract with your current cell phone carrier.
Changing cell phone providers from one to another is not difficult, but check whether there are any termination fees or specific conditions from the current carrier. If there is something like this, contact them and sort out things. Changing phone service providers is not difficult, but contracts may hurt you, so be careful.
Gather Information
Gather all the crucial information from your current cell phone carrier. You might find this information on your billing statement or by contacting customer service. To be exact, while changing phone service providers, you may need to gather some information. Look at this information before switching phone providers.
- Your full name
- Full address
- Account number
- Password of your account
- Search for your phone IMEI number (you might need it at some stage)
Contact New Carrier
Now that you have decided to switch to a new cell phone carrier, it is time to contact the new service provider. You may visit the new carrier franchise office or do the process online. Visiting the office in person and talking to an expert while switching between two carriers is always recommended.
Inform the carrier team that you want to change (for example, switching from AT&T to Verizon) and that you want to keep your current number. They will guide you through the process, which might involve filling out an online form or providing the necessary details over the phone.
Should You Keep your old phone or trade it in?
Sometimes, older phone owners might think about trading for a new smartphone. It is not part of switching between wireless providers or changing carriers, but sometimes older phones like iPhone 5 or iPhone 6 do not support switching carriers. In this case, trading the phone might be the best decision. You get some credit for a new phone. Sometimes, with trade-in, you get some perks during a mobile carrier switch.
Check Trade in values by carriers;
T Mobile Trade-in Process & Value
You may check cell phone trade-in for each provider, i.e., Apple, Samsung, and others.
Suppose you don’t want to trade in your phone; switch to a new phone carrier. Your phone must be compatible with the latest carrier you want to change. Besides the compatibility, your phone needs to be unlocked.
If you are looking at switching from ATT to Verizon, from T-Mobile to ATT, or from Verizon to T-Mobile or AT&T, your current smartphone compatibility is essential, and you must keep this in mind.
Start the Porting Process
Once you’ve provided the required information to your new carrier and have decided whether to keep the existing smartphone or trade it in, the next step is the porting process. The technical representative will initiate this process. They will start the porting process, and it will take some time. In the porting process, your current number from your old carrier to the new one. Sometimes, it takes a few hours; in some cases, if compatibility issues arise, it may take some days.
Porting Phone Numbers of Major Providers
Switching phone carriers, for example, T mobile switch from ATT, switching to AT&T from T-Mobile, or switching from ATT to any other two phone service providers in the USA., is a quick and straightforward process. There might be a slight change in each phone carrier provider, but the core process of switching phone carriers is the same. Let’s have a look at the porting process of major carrier providers.
Porting to Verizon
- Both cell phone and landline can be ported to Verizon
- Make sure your phone is not locked
- Gather all the information, such as account number, PIN, and cell phone bill
- Start the porting process online or through a representative of Verizon
- Make sure you don’t do anything by yourself; leave everything to Verizon, and they will handle the complete porting process for you
Porting to AT&T Carrier
- You can only transfer mobile phone numbers to the ATT
- Check your cell phone criteria at the ATT online portal
- Keep your current carrier information ready. ATT will initiate the transfer process on behalf of you
- ATT porting process will be completed in less than 3 hours
Porting to T-Mobile
- Porting to T-Mobile is the best and easiest process among all three carriers.
- It supports both mobile and landline numbers
- Almost 100% numbers are compatible with T-Mobile
- Keep your current wireless account information ready, i.e., account number, PIN, billing address, etc.
- A T-Mobile representative will start the process for you, and they will handle the phone-related process on your behalf.
- They will contact your current phone carrier to transfer your number to T-Mobile.
Wait for Activation to be Completed
Activation takes some time, so in the process, do not cancel your old service while the number porting process is underway. Allow the new carrier to handle the transfer process. You’ll receive notifications or updates about the transfer status from the new carrier provider.
Cancel Old Service
Once your old number is activated from the new carrier, your old service will be terminated without input. So, it is an automatic process.
FAQs
How to switch service from one phone to another?
If you want to switch phones, you may find iPhone, Samsung, and Google trade-in options on their websites. But if you switch the carrier service from one to another, you have to follow the process.
Can you keep your phone number if you switch carriers?
Yes, the same number can be used when switching between two carriers.
What happens when you switch phone carriers?
When you switch phone carriers, your number remains unchanged but is live from the new carrier provider.
How do you switch from Verizon?
- You can switch your phone number and landline to Verizon
- Make sure your phone is unlocked
- Gather all the information, including billing info
- Visit a representative of Verizon
- Make sure you don’t do anything by yourself; leave everything to Verizon, and they will handle the complete porting process for you.
What company will pay off my phone if I switch?
It is a free process, and no charges are involved in switching the carrier. However, if you want to buy a new cell phone, you must pay accordingly.
Can you keep the same phone number when switching providers?
The main idea behind switching providers is to keep your existing number and change to a new carrier.
When can I switch cell phone providers?
Phone carrier provider can be switched whenever you want.
What do I need to change phone carriers?
Choose a carrier, visit their website, and check for the process. Complete the switching of carrier process online or see the nearest franchise.
What information do you need to switch phone carriers?
You have to provide your name, address, bill of the current provider, password, or PIN.
How do you switch from Verizon to T Mobile?
The Verizon to T Mobile process is simple as T-Mobile supports almost every number, and porting is the simplest among them. Visit a T-Mobile office and provide them with all your information; their representative will initiate the porting process for you.
Can you switch phone carriers and keep the same phone?
Yes, you can switch phone carriers and keep the same old phone. But if you are switching to 5G and your current phone is not supporting it, you need to change it.
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