To transfer a phone number from Verizon, you need to obtain your Verizon account number, generate a unique Number Transfer PIN, and ensure Number Lock is disabled before the new carrier can initiate the port. This process, called a port-out, moves your existing personal mobile number to a new provider while keeping your service active.
What you need to transfer your phone number from Verizon
Before contacting your new carrier, gather three critical pieces of information from Verizon. Without all three, the port request will fail. You need your Verizon account number, a Number Transfer PIN (unique to each line being transferred), and confirmation that Number Lock is turned off for that line. Verizon requires a separate Number Transfer PIN for each line you transfer, even on a multi-line account. For multi-line or business accounts, you may need individual account numbers, billing addresses, and associated Social Security numbers or Tax ID numbers for each phone number being transferred. The new carrier uses your account number and Number Transfer PIN to authorize and start the porting and releasing phone numbers process.
Turn off Number Lock on your Verizon line
If Number Lock is enabled on the line you want to transfer, the port request will be rejected. You must disable it before the new carrier can move the number.
- Sign in to My Verizon or My Business (for business accounts). My Verizon app access for transfer requests is documented on an Account Owner or Account Manager device.
- Locate the Number Lock setting for the specific line you are transferring.
- Check the current status. If it shows as enabled, disable Number Lock for that line.
- Confirm the setting shows as disabled before proceeding.
Verizon's business support page confirms you must check Number Lock status in My Business and disable it there before moving the line. Verizon’s community help article gives steps for moving service between Verizon accounts in the My Verizon app, including tapping the Account tab, signing in with password, fingerprint, or Face ID, and selecting Transfer your service from Device Management.
Generate your Verizon Number Transfer PIN
You need a unique, temporary Number Transfer PIN for each line being ported out. Verizon provides three methods to generate this PIN:
- Dial #PORT (or #7678) from the Verizon phone number you want to transfer. The PIN is sent to you via text message.
- Use the My Verizon website. Go to the Create Your Number Transfer PIN page and follow the prompts to generate the PIN for the specific line.
- Use the My Verizon app. Navigate to the line's number-transfer PIN area to generate the PIN.
Each PIN is valid for a limited time and can only be used for the line it was generated for. If you need to transfer multiple lines, generate a separate PIN for each one.
Give your information to the new carrier
Once Number Lock is off and you have your Number Transfer PIN, provide the following to your new carrier so they can initiate the port-in request:
- Your Verizon account number
- The Number Transfer PIN for the line you are transferring
The new carrier uses this information to submit the port request to Verizon. You do not need to contact Verizon yourself to start the port; the new carrier handles the request directly. The My Verizon website supports a Transfer Your Service request for moving lines and billing responsibility from one Verizon account to another. Verizon’s transfer page separates the process into Transfer your service - My Verizon app and Transfer your service - My Verizon website.
Activate your service and complete the transfer
After the new carrier submits the port request and it is approved, your number will begin moving to the new network. You must complete activation with your new provider to finalize the transfer. Follow the new carrier's instructions to activate your line, which may include inserting a SIM card or configuring your device. During the transition, your Verizon service may briefly go offline, and incoming calls or texts may be delayed until the port fully completes. Once the port is finalized, your number will work exclusively on the new carrier's network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my phone number from Verizon to another carrier?
Yes, through a process known as porting, which allows you to keep your existing phone number when switching to a new provider.
How long does it take to transfer a phone number from Verizon?
Transfer times vary by carrier and port complexity. Most ports complete within a few hours, but some can take up to 24 hours.
Does Verizon charge a fee to transfer a phone number out?
Verizon does not charge a fee for porting your number out to another carrier. However, your new carrier may have its own activation or port-in fees.
Can I transfer multiple phone numbers from Verizon at the same time?
Yes, you can transfer multiple lines, but you need a separate, unique Number Transfer PIN for each line. Each PIN is tied to a specific phone number, so you must generate one for each line being ported out.
What if my Number Transfer PIN expires before I give it to the new carrier?
Number Transfer PINs are temporary. If yours expires, generate a new one using any of the three methods described above. The new carrier will need the updated PIN to proceed.
What should I do if my port request is rejected or fails?
First, verify that Number Lock is disabled on the line you are trying to port. Next, confirm you provided the correct account number and a valid Number Transfer PIN. If the issue persists, contact Verizon customer service to check for any account restrictions, outstanding balances, or other blocks that could prevent the transfer.
