How to change my phone number on Verizon for free
You can change my phone number on Verizon for free by using the My Verizon app or the Verizon website; calling customer service costs a $15 fee. The free self-service methods take about five minutes and give you full control over picking your new number and scheduling when it goes live. Here is the exact path for both the app and the website, plus what you need to know before you start.
Step-by-step: Change your number in the My Verizon app
Open the My Verizon app on your phone and sign in to your account. Tap the "Mobile" tab at the bottom of the screen, then select "Device Management." From the list of options, tap "Get a new number" to begin the process.
- Choose the line on your account that you want to change (if you have multiple lines).
- Enter a 5-digit Zip code to see available area codes and prefixes for that region.
- Pick the first six digits of your new number from the options shown; the last four digits are auto-assigned based on availability.
- Select whether you want the change to happen immediately or on a future date you choose.
- Review the confirmation screen and submit the request.
- Power your device off and back on to activate the new number.
The app will show you a confirmation message once the number is assigned.
Step-by-step: Change your number on the Verizon website
Sign in to your Verizon account at the official website using your My Verizon credentials. Go to "Account," then "My devices," then look for "Change mobile number."
- Click "Change mobile number" next to the device line.
- Enter the 5-digit Zip code for the area where you want your new number.
- Select the first six digits of your new number from the available combinations; the last four digits are assigned automatically.
- Choose to activate the new number immediately or schedule it for a future date.
- Confirm the change and submit the request.
- Turn your phone off and on again to complete the activation.
If you are replacing your existing Verizon number with a number from another carrier (a port-in), you can do that on the same "Change Mobile Number" page. You will need the active number, your current carrier's account number, and a Number Transfer PIN (NTP) from that carrier. Do not cancel your old service until the transfer is fully complete, and note that most transfers take 4 to 24 business hours. Verizon does not charge a fee to bring a number in, but your previous carrier may charge early termination fees or require device payment balances.
Choosing your new area code and phone number
When you change your number, you will enter a 5-digit Zip code to narrow down the available area codes and prefixes. You can select the first six digits of your new number (the area code plus the next three digits), but the last four digits are automatically assigned based on what numbers are currently available in that prefix. This means you cannot request a custom last four digits, such as a memorable pattern or birthday, through the self-service process. If you have a specific last four digits in mind, you would need to contact customer service and ask about manual number selection, though availability is not guaranteed.
Scheduling the change and activating your new number
Both the app and website let you decide when the number change takes effect. You can choose to have the new number active immediately, or you can schedule it for a future date if you need time to update contacts and accounts first. Once the change is processed, you must power your device off and back on to complete the activation. This power cycle is mandatory, your phone will not receive calls or texts on the new number until you restart it. If you scheduled a future date, the power cycle is still required when that date arrives.
What to expect after you change your number
After the new number is active, content stored on your phone such as contacts and call logs will remain untouched. However, voicemails and text messages may be lost, so back up any important texts or voicemail recordings before you initiate the change. If your phone isn't working after the number change, try turning it off and on again, waiting 2-5 minutes, and repeating the process. If you still have no service, dial #832 to verify that the new number is properly provisioned on the network. This troubleshooting step resolves most activation issues.
Other ways to get a new Verizon number
If you prefer not to use the app or website, you can call Verizon customer service to change your number, but a $15 fee applies. A representative will verify your identity and process the change for you, and you can still choose your area code and prefix using the same Zip code method. You can also visit a Verizon store in person, where a representative will handle the change for you; the same $15 fee may apply depending on how the request is processed. Note that this is completely different from the "Second Number" add-on service, which gives you an extra number on the same device for $15/month (or $10/month for certain myPlan customers). The Second Number service does not change your primary number, it adds a separate line for calls and texts. Also, if you are considering porting and releasing phone numbers, be aware that Verizon's Number Lock security feature prevents unauthorized transfers out of Verizon and must be disabled before you can port your Verizon number out to another carrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my number affect my plan or contract?
No, changing your mobile number does not change your plan, contract terms, or monthly charges. Your data, talk, and text allowances remain exactly the same.
Can I keep my old number after I change to a new one?
No, when you change your number on Verizon, your old number is released and cannot be recovered. If you want to keep your current number, do not change it, instead, consider adding a Second Number if you just need a new line.
How long does it take for the new number to work?
The new number is active as soon as you complete the change and restart your phone, which typically takes under a minute. If you schedule a future date, the number activates automatically on that date, but you still need to power cycle your device.
Can I change my number more than once?
Yes, you can change your number multiple times, but each change through the app or website is free, while each call to customer service incurs the $15 fee. There is no limit stated by Verizon, but frequent changes may trigger a fraud alert on your account.
What happens to my voicemail when I change numbers?
Your voicemail box is reset when the number changes, so any saved voicemails will be deleted. You will need to set up your voicemail greeting again after the new number is active.
