Equipment, Devices and Services
Bring your number to Verizon FAQs
Find out how to bring your number when you switch your business to Verizon. Learn what you need to do, how long it will take, and what to expect during the process. You can bring your device when you bring your number, or shop for a new Verizon phone.
About bringing your number
When you activate a new line with Verizon you'll have the option to transfer your current mobile or landline number from another carrier.
You can also visit our Bring your own device page online, contact us or visit a store to transfer your number to Verizon.
Most phone numbers are eligible to be brought to Verizon:*
- Some numbers may not be eligible based on geography, service area coverage, technology or ownership of the line you're transferring the number from.
- Check if your phone number is eligible on our Bring your own device page.
*Local Number Portability, a government mandate, requires mobile and landline service providers to let customers keep their eligible phone numbers when switching carriers.
How long it takes to bring your number to Verizon depends on your carrier and on when you activate your device on the Verizon network. We text you a link to track the status of your number transfer.
Typical timelines are:
- Mobile – 4-24 business hours to complete your transfer.
- Landline – 2-10 business days to complete your transfer.
Note: These are average time frames. With certain circumstances, it could take more or less time.
You can replace your existing Verizon mobile number with a phone number from another carrier. Visit the Change Mobile Number page in My Business.
Before you bring your number
To start the process of bringing your number, we need to know:
- The current active number that you want to bring to Verizon.
- The account number of your old carrier as it appears on your bill.
Note: If you’re starting the number transfer process in person, bring your most recent bill.
- Account PIN or password. It's specific to the line/number, it's not the log-in code for your account.
- Another number where we can reach you during the transfer process (other than the number you’re bringing to Verizon).
During the transfer process
Here's what happens when you bring your number to a new line at Verizon:
- During the number transfer process, you still have service with your previous carrier. Your new Verizon line can make calls but can't receive them and texting may not work.
- We text you when your number transfer is complete.
- Program your phone with our texted instructions. If you do not receive a text follow the activation guide supplied with the device. If you are still not able to receive calls you may need to power cycle the device (turn it off, wait 5 minutes and then turn it back on) to complete the number transfer.
- Once your number transfer is done, all your mobile services will be through Verizon.
Here's what happens when you bring a number to replace a Verizon number:
- Both your lines of service work until the number transfer is complete.
- We text you when your number transfer is complete.
- Your line with the other carrier stops working.
- Program your phone with our texted instructions. If you do not receive a text follow the activation guide supplied with the device. If you are still not able to receive calls you may need to power cycle the device (turn it off, wait 5 minutes and then turn it back on) to complete the number transfer.
- All your mobile services will be through Verizon, on the number you brought over.
When you bring a number to us from a Verizon Wireless Reseller (e.g., Spectrum Mobile, Xfinity Mobile) here's what happens:
- Your new Verizon mobile phone won't work until the transfer is complete.
- We text you when your number transfer is complete.
- Your line with the other carrier stops working.
- Program or power cycle your phone using our texted instructions right away. Power cycle the device (turn it off, wait 5 minutes and then turn it back on) to complete the number transfer.
- Your phone is on the Verizon mobile network, using the number you brought over from another carrier.