How to Switch Phone Carriers: Costs, Fees & Deals (2026)

Have you asked yourself "should I switch phone carriers?". It usually comes down to one of a few common pain points. If your current service feels like a bad fit, here are the primary triggers that suggest it's time for a change:

• Lower Monthly Bill: The most common reason to jump ship is pure math. If you’ve noticed your monthly statement creeping up while other carriers are offering identical coverage for half the price, switching can save you hundreds of dollars a year.
• Better 5G Coverage: Not all networks are created equal in every zip code. If you find yourself hunting for a signal at home or dealing with dropped calls during your commute, switching to a provider with a stronger 5G infrastructure in your specific area is a better way to get the performance you're paying for.
• New Device Upgrades: Carriers are constantly battling for new customers by offering "free" or heavily subsidized flagship phones. If your current device is slow and your provider doesn't offer you a loyalty discount, switching can often be a more cost-effective way to get the latest tech in your pocket.
• Incentives and Switching Deals: Beyond the hardware, many providers offer "buyout" programs where they pay off your remaining device balance or provide significant gift cards offers just for joining.

Customer Service Issues: Technical reliability matters, but so does how you’re treated when things go wrong. If you’re tired of long wait times, unhelpful chatbots, or hidden fees that never get resolved, moving to a carrier with award-winning support may save you hours of future frustration.

Early Termination Fees or Device Installment Agreements (DIAs).

Most major carriers have eliminated the two-year contract for consumers, so early termination fees (ETF) are quickly becoming a thing of the past. Depending on when you got your last phone, however, you could still be subject to an ETF impacted by the length of time left on your service contract, any money owed on your device and any device promo terms left unfulfilled. The system automatically calculates the ETF based on the contract effective date and disconnect date, so the less time you have left on your contract, the lower your fee. Check with your current provider to confirm what fees you may owe before switching.

Your Device Payoff Balance.

Unless you purchased your phone outright or you’ve had it for a few years, you’ll likely have to pay it off. Any outstanding balance must be paid in full before switching carriers. How much you owe depends on a number of factors including payments left on devices, current account balance, billing promotions, and trade-in value of phones you may be willing to sell to the carrier. Check with your provider to find out your remaining device balance. Some carriers also may have deals where they’ll pay off your phone when you switch, so keep an eye out when setting up new service.

Phone Cost.

All major wireless carriers offer Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programs. To participate, your phone must be unlocked and compatible with the new carrier’s network. If you are purchasing a new phone, ask your new provider about the all-in cost of your device, including taxes. Often, you can get credit for trading in a device if you aren’t required to surrender it when you cancel your current contract. 

Phone Unlock & Compatibility.

All major wireless carriers offer Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programs. To participate, your phone must be unlocked and IMEI-compatible with the new carrier’s network. The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number is a unique identifier for your device, and carriers use it to verify compatibility. You can typically find IMEI compatibility checkers on the new carrier's website to ensure your phone will work before you switch. If you are purchasing a new phone, ask your new provider about the all-in cost of your device, including taxes. Often, you can get credit for trading in a device if you aren’t required to surrender it when you cancel your current contract.

eSIM vs. Physical SIM.

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan from your carrier without needing a physical nano-SIM card. This is useful when you want to switch carriers quickly or use two different phone numbers on the same device. Most major carriers now support eSIM activation, making switching carriers easier than ever.

Miscellaneous switching fees.

Two common fees often accompany a phone carrier switch:

• Most service providers charge an activation fee to create a new account and configure a device for their network.
• It’s common for carriers to charge a one-time fee for providing and programming a SIM card (or activating an eSIM). Without the card or digital profile, your device won’t work on the new network.

Backing Up Your Phone

Before switching carriers, it is crucial to back up the data on your phone to ensure you don't lose contacts, photos, apps, or other important information.

For iOS (iPhone) users:

1. Connect to Wi-Fi.
2. Go to Settings > [Your User Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
3. Tap Back Up Now.
4. You can also back up to a computer using Finder (macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (older macOS or Windows).

For Android users:

1. Connect to Wi-Fi.
2. Go to Settings > Google > Backup. (The exact location may vary by device manufacturer).
3. Ensure Back up to Google Drive is turned on.

Tap Back up now to save your app data, call history, contacts, settings, and photos/videos (if Google Photos is set to back up).

1. Compare plans and coverage.

Research and compare apples to apples before you switch carriers. How much will each element, including data, hotspot coverage and added bundles for streaming and gaming cost? Will you have access to 5G network speeds? How much are overage charges, if any? Can you get the device you really want?

2. Watch for switching deals.

Carriers occasionally offer special promotions. Popular offers include cell phone discounts or extra money for a trade-in when you switch. Also, look out for deals that could save you money on third party streaming and subscription services with cell phone plans.

3. Gather personal information.

Make sure you have all the necessary details, including your current account number, current provider’s billing zip code, password/PIN and your phone’s ESN/IMEI number. You can usually find this on the back or under the battery. You will also need to obtain a Number Transfer PIN if you are keeping your number. This is generated by your provider and is valid for 7 days.

4. Back up your data.

Back up your iPhone, Android phone or other device before returning it to your current carrier, trading it in or switching to a new provider. Note: voicemails normally don’t transfer, so listen and respond to them as needed before turning in your phone. Voicemails can be saved in the cloud or to your phone depending on the phone you have, but they may not transfer if you change carriers.

5. Ask about keeping your number.

A carrier isn’t required to accept your old number, so check the policy before canceling your current plan. If you decide to keep your phone number, your current plan will need to remain active until you “port in” at the new carrier. (That’s the process of transferring your number and contact information from your old provider to the new one.)

6. Make the official switch.

You can switch carriers online or in person. Once you’ve activated your new service, your old account should automatically cancel. You’ll receive a final bill, which may include an early termination fee if you’re required to pay one, as well as any balance on your Device Payment Agreement.

The actual process of switching phone carriers is often much faster than the time spent researching and preparing. For most customers, same-day switching is common, especially when moving between major carriers.

The most critical step in the timing is the transfer of your existing phone number, known as "porting." In most cases, number transfers complete within a few hours once the new carrier submits the request to your old provider. However, in rare instances (such as transferring a landline or business line), it can take longer.

• eSIM Activation: If your device supports an eSIM, activation and setup can be nearly instantaneous, often completed in minutes. This digital process avoids the waiting time associated with shipping and physically swapping a SIM card.
• Physical SIM Activation: While still fast, this requires a physical SIM card to be inserted into your device. If you are completing the switch in a store, the new SIM is often activated on the spot. If you order online, you must wait for the SIM card to be delivered.

Crucially, you do not need to call your old provider to cancel. Once the number porting process is complete and your number is active on the new network, service with your old carrier automatically cancels for that line. You will then receive a final bill from your previous carrier that covers any outstanding device balances or prorated monthly charges.

Switching carriers can be a great way to reduce the cost of your wireless bill and, with a move to Verizon, may improve the quality of your service with 5G speeds, designed for streaming, gaming and more. 

Do some research and follow the above six steps so you can confidently choose the best provider and plan for you. Get started with Verizon by exploring our cell phone plans today.

Can I keep my phone number when I switch carriers?

Yes, you can generally keep your phone number, a process called "porting." However, a carrier isn’t required to accept your old number, so you should check their policy before canceling your current plan. If you choose to keep your number, your current plan must remain active until the number transfer is complete at the new carrier.

How much does it cost to switch phone carriers?

The cost is affected by several factors and could potentially save you money in the long run. Costs and fees may include:

• Early Termination Fees (ETF) or Device Installment Agreements (DIA) balance: While ETFs are becoming rare, you may still have one depending on when you started your contract.
• Your Device Payoff Balance: Any outstanding balance on your phone must be paid in full.
• New Phone Cost: If you buy a new device.
• Miscellaneous Switching Fees: This commonly includes an activation fee for a new account and a one-time fee for a SIM card or eSIM activation.

Will my current phone work on a new carrier?

Your current phone will only work if it is unlocked and compatible with the new carrier’s network. Compatibility is verified using the phone's International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. You can often use compatibility checkers on the new carrier's website.

How long does switching phone carriers take?

The actual process is often faster than the preparation, with same-day switching being common between major carriers. The most critical step, the transfer of your existing phone number ("porting"), typically completes within a few hours.

• eSIM Activation: Can be nearly instantaneous, often completed in minutes.
• Physical SIM Activation: Can be done on the spot in a store, or you must wait for the SIM card to be delivered if ordered online.

Do I need a new SIM card when switching carriers?

Yes, you will need either a new physical SIM card or an eSIM activation from the new carrier to connect your device to their network. The carrier will likely charge a one-time fee for providing and programming the SIM or activating the eSIM.

What happens to my voicemail when I switch?

Voicemails normally do not transfer when you switch carriers. You should listen and respond to them as needed before turning in your phone. Voicemails can sometimes be saved to the cloud or directly to your phone, but they may not transfer if you change carriers.

Can I switch carriers in the middle of my billing cycle?

Yes. Once your number porting is complete and active on the new network, service with your old carrier automatically cancels for that line. You will then receive a final bill from your previous carrier that includes any prorated monthly charges or outstanding charges.

What is a Number Transfer PIN and how do I get one?

A Number Transfer PIN is a security measure required to successfully transfer your phone number (porting) to a new carrier. It is a unique PIN generated by your current provider and is typically valid for 7 days. You need to obtain this PIN from your current provider.

Can I switch carriers with the same phone (BYOD)?

Yes. All major wireless carriers offer Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programs. To participate, your phone must be unlocked and its IMEI number must be compatible with the new carrier’s network.

What if my phone is not compatible with the new carrier?

If your phone is not compatible, you will need to purchase a new phone from the new provider to use their service. You should ask your new provider about the all-in cost of the new device, including taxes. You may also be able to get credit for trading in your old device.