Keep Your Number When Switching Carriers

Get a free phone with a port number, then transfer your personal number to your new carrier. Here's the complete playbook.

How It Works

1. Pick a deal on our deals page.

2. Buy a port number for $14 — delivered to your email in minutes.

3. Take it to the carrier store and claim your free phone.

4. Later — transfer your personal number to your new line.

Your personal number is never at risk. It stays on your old carrier until YOU decide to move it.

Step 1: Claim Your Free Phone Deal

Carriers like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T offer free phones worth $200 to $1,300 when you "switch" from a competing carrier. The way they verify you're switching is through number porting — bringing a phone number from a different carrier.

You don't have to port your personal number. Instead, buy a port number for $14 from the right carrier family and use it at the store. The carrier sees a number coming from a competitor and gives you the deal.

1
Browse deals
Find a deal you want on our deals page. Note which carrier family the port number needs to come from.
2
Buy a port number ($14)
Order from portinnumbers.com. You'll get a phone number, account number, and PIN via email in 5-15 minutes.
3
Go to the carrier store
Tell the rep you want to switch carriers. Give them the port number details. They process the port and apply the deal.
4
Walk out with your phone
The deal is applied. You have a new line with a free phone (or bill credits). Your personal number is untouched.

Step 2: Transfer Your Personal Number (Optional)

After claiming your deal, you have two lines: your old personal number on your old carrier, and the new promo line with the free phone. If you want to consolidate to one carrier, you can port your personal number onto the promo line, replacing the port number.

1
Wait for promo credits to confirm
Give it 1-2 billing cycles. Make sure the promotional credits are showing on your account before making changes.
2
Call your new carrier
Tell them you want to port your personal number onto your existing promo line, replacing the current number on that line.
3
Provide your old carrier details
They need your personal number, old carrier account number, transfer PIN, and ZIP code.
4
Confirm promo credits are unaffected
Ask the rep to verify credits will continue. Credits are tied to the line, not the number — so this should not be an issue.

Important: Do NOT cancel your old carrier plan before porting. Porting automatically closes the old account. If you cancel first, you lose the number.

What If I Want to Use My Own Number for the Deal?

If you're switching between different carrier families (e.g., AT&T to T-Mobile), your own number qualifies for the deal. You keep your number AND get the free phone — no separate port number needed.

If you're switching within the same family (e.g., T-Mobile to Metro), your number won't trigger the promo. That's when you need a separate port number for $14.

Not sure which family you're in? Check the carrier family chart.

Common Questions

Can I keep my number if I switch carriers?
Yes. The FCC requires all carriers to allow number porting. You have a legal right to take your phone number with you when you switch.
How do I transfer my number to a new carrier?
Don't cancel your current plan. Go to the new carrier and tell them you want to port your number. Provide your phone number, account number, transfer PIN, and billing ZIP. The new carrier handles the transfer.
How long does it take to transfer my number?
In-store ports usually complete within 30-60 minutes. Online ports can take 1-2 business days. Your old account closes automatically once the port finishes.
Will I lose service during the switch?
There may be a brief gap — usually a few minutes to a few hours. Plan your switch for a time when a short interruption is manageable.
Can I keep my number AND get a free phone deal?
Yes, but it depends on which carrier family you're coming from. Carriers require you to port in a number from a different carrier family. If you're switching between families (e.g., AT&T to T-Mobile), your own number qualifies. If not, you can buy a separate port number for $14 and still keep your personal number.
What if my carrier says I can't port my number?
Carriers are legally required to release your number. If they refuse, file a complaint with the FCC. Common blockers include unpaid balances or unreturned equipment — resolve those first.

Related Guides

What Is a Port Number?

Learn what port numbers are, how they work, and why carriers require them.
How to Port Your Number

Everything you need to know about transferring your number to a new carrier.
How Porting Works

Step-by-step guide to using a port number to claim carrier switch deals.
Today's Active Deals

Browse all current switch carrier deals across T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, and more.

Ready to Switch?

Check today's deals or get a port number to qualify for carrier promotions.

See Active Deals Get a Port Number