Porting a mobile number from one carrier to another usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. Under FCC rules, a simple port between carriers should finish within one business day. Landline numbers and business accounts with several numbers can take several days. Most delays come from a wrong account number, PIN or ZIP code, so getting those right is the quickest fix.
How long each kind of port takes
| Moving from | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Mobile carrier to mobile carrier | Minutes to a few hours; within 1 business day under FCC rules |
| Landline or VoIP to mobile | Often 1 to 10 business days |
| Business account, several numbers | Several days or more |
Under FCC rules, a simple port, meaning one number moving between two carriers with matching account details, should finish within one business day. Most mobile-to-mobile ports finish in minutes. Ports started late in the evening or on a weekend can roll into the next business day.
What you need
- Your account number with the old carrier (not your phone number).
- A transfer PIN for the number.
- The billing ZIP code and the name on the account.
- An active line. Don't cancel the old service first, or the number can be lost.
Where to get your account number and transfer PIN
| Carrier | Where to find it |
|---|---|
| Verizon | My Verizon app or website: request a Number Transfer PIN; your account number is in account settings. |
| T-Mobile | T-Life app or website: create a Number Transfer PIN; your account number is on your bill. |
| AT&T | myAT&T app or website: request a number transfer PIN; your account number is on your bill. |
| Visible, Mint and other prepaid carriers | In the carrier's app or account page, usually under account or number transfer. |
Step by step
- Get your account number and transfer PIN from the old carrier.
- Turn off any number lock or port-out protection on the old account.
- Sign up with the new carrier and choose to bring your number.
- Enter the account number, PIN, billing ZIP and name exactly as they appear on the old account.
- Set up the eSIM or SIM card on the new carrier.
- Wait for the old phone to lose service, then restart the phone on the new carrier.
- Make a test call and send a text, then check your final bill from the old carrier.
Why ports get stuck
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Wrong account number or PIN | Copy them again from the old carrier's app; PINs can expire |
| Billing ZIP or name doesn't match | Use exactly what's on the old bill |
| Port protection or a number lock is on | Turn it off in the old carrier's account |
| Old account has a past-due balance or the line was cancelled | Call the old carrier; a cancelled number may not be recoverable |
During the port
Your old phone keeps working until the transfer finishes, then loses service. Calls and texts start arriving on the new carrier, usually within minutes. On eSIM you can set up the new line before the port completes, and you can test a carrier first with a free trial on a temporary number.
After the port
- The old line closes automatically. Check the final bill for a remaining phone balance and partial-month charges.
- iMessage and FaceTime: on a new iPhone or SIM, check Settings so your number is selected.
- Two-factor codes for banks and apps keep working, since the number is the same.
- Turn your number lock or port-out protection on at the new carrier.
Verizon's network, no contract, each line on its own account. Switching your number? Code 5OFF5 takes $5/mo off Visible+ or Visible+ Pro for 5 years.
See Visible plans →Prices checked October 31, 2026. We may earn a commission if you sign up through this link, at no extra cost to you.
If it's taking longer than a day
Contact the new carrier first: it starts the port and can see why it's stuck. If the old carrier is refusing to release your number, you can file a complaint with the FCC. More in our guide to switching and keeping your number.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to transfer a number to a new carrier? +
Will I lose service while porting my number? +
Should I cancel my old carrier before porting? +
Why is my number port taking so long? +
Can I port a number on a weekend? +
Can I port a prepaid number? +
Can I port a landline to a cell phone? +
Does porting my number cancel my old plan? +
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Jean has tested carrier plans independently since 2019, running SIMs on all three networks and paying for every line himself. He ranks carriers on the bill you actually get, taxes and fees included, not the price on the ad.