If you’re wondering how to change your phone number on Verizon, the process is surprisingly simple and can often be done for free right from your smartphone or computer. Whether you want a fresh start, need to escape nuisance calls, or want to bring a number from another carrier, this guide will walk you through every step. A Verizon phone number change is a request many customers have, and understanding the process is key to a smooth transition.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know. We’ll cover not just how to do it, but also the critical things you must consider beforehand, like saving your voicemails, updating security settings on your bank accounts, and ensuring you don’t accidentally lose hundreds of dollars in promotional credits. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to change your Verizon phone number with confidence.
Understanding the Basics of a Verizon Number Change
Before you start the process, it’s important to understand what changing your number involves and what your options are. The path you take depends on whether you want a brand-new number or plan to bring an existing one over to your Verizon line.
What Does It Mean to Change Your Number?
When you change your Verizon number, you are replacing the phone number associated with one of your lines of service. Your account, including any device payment plans, remains active, but it will now be linked to the new number. This is a significant account change that can only be performed by the Account Owner or an Account Manager. An Account Member on the plan does not have the authority to request a phone number change on Verizon.
Key Difference: Getting a New Number vs. Porting a Number
There are two primary reasons people look into changing a phone number on Verizon, and each requires a different approach.
- Getting a Brand-New Verizon Number: This is the right choice if you want a completely new, randomly assigned number from Verizon. It’s a common solution for those looking to stop spam calls or for privacy reasons. When you choose this option, you’ll provide a ZIP code to determine the area code for your new number.
- Porting a Number from Another Carrier: This process, known as Local Number Portability (LNP), is for when you want to replace your current Verizon number with a number you already own from a different provider (like AT&T, T-Mobile, or a landline). This is perfect for consolidating your phone lines with Verizon while keeping a number you’ve had for years.
Knowing which option you need is the first step. Requesting a new number is a quick internal process, while porting a number requires coordination between Verizon and your old carrier.
Are You Eligible to Change Your Number?
To ensure the process goes smoothly, you must meet a few requirements:
- Account in Good Standing: Your Verizon account must be current on its payments.
- Authorized User: You must be the Account Owner or an Account Manager.
- No Pending Orders: Your account cannot have any pending orders, like a device upgrade or plan change. You must complete or cancel these before you change your Verizon number online.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change Your Verizon Phone Number
Verizon provides a few ways to complete a Verizon wireless number change. The easiest and most recommended methods are the self-service options, which are free.
Method 1: Use the My Verizon App (Easiest Method)
The My Verizon app is the most convenient way to manage your account and change your number on Verizon.
- Sign In: Open the My Verizon app and log in as the Account Owner or Manager.
- Select Your Device: Go to the Mobile tab, tap on Devices, and choose the line of service you want to change.
- Find the Option: Scroll down to “Device Management” and select Change mobile number.
- Choose Your Path: Select Get a new number.
- Set Your Location: Enter the 5-digit ZIP code for your desired area code.
- Select a Prefix: Verizon will show you available area codes and prefixes (the first six digits). Choose one.
- Schedule the Change: You can make the change effective immediately (Today), at the end of your billing cycle, or on a specific date.
- Authorize: Verizon will send a temporary security code to a phone on your account to verify your identity.
- Confirm: Enter the code and confirm the request.
- CRITICAL FINAL STEP: Restart Your Phone. Once you get the confirmation, power your phone completely off. Wait at least two minutes before turning it back on. This step is essential for your phone to connect to the network and activate the new number.
Method 2: Use the My Verizon Website
If you prefer using a computer, you can change your Verizon number online. The steps are very similar to the app.
- Sign In: Go to the Verizon website and log into your My Verizon account.
- Navigate: Go to Account, then My Devices, and find the Change mobile number link for the correct line.
- Follow the Prompts: The website will guide you through the same process: select Get a new Verizon number, enter a ZIP code, choose your area code and prefix, and set the date for the change.
- Select the Final Digits: The website might offer a small selection of the last four digits to choose from.
- Review and Submit: Review the summary, verify your identity with a security code, and submit the request.
- CRITICAL FINAL STEP: Restart Your Phone. Just like with the app, you must power cycle your device after the change is confirmed to activate the new number.
Method 3: Porting a Number to Replace Your Verizon Number
If you’re asking, “How do I change my cell phone number with Verizon to one I already have?”, you’ll need to port it.
The Golden Rule of Porting: DO NOT cancel your old service. Your number must remain active with your previous carrier to be ported. The old account will close automatically once the port is complete.
Information you will need:
- The phone number you want to port.
- Your account number from the old carrier.
- A special Number Transfer PIN from your old carrier (this is not your regular account PIN).
- The account holder’s full name and billing address.
The Porting Process:
- Initiate the Request: In the My Verizon app or website, navigate to Change mobile number and select the option to Bring another number.
- Check Eligibility: Enter the number to confirm it can be ported.
- Provide Information: Carefully enter the account number and Number Transfer PIN from your old carrier.
- Submit: Review the details and submit the port-in request.
A mobile number port typically takes 4-24 business hours, while a landline can take 2-10 business days.
Debunking Myths About Changing Your Verizon Number
There are several common misconceptions about the Verizon changing phone number process. Understanding the reality can save you from unexpected fees and major headaches.
Myth: “It always costs money to change your number.”
Reality: This is false. A Verizon wireless change number is FREE if you do it yourself through the My Verizon app or website. Verizon only charges a $15 agent assistance fee if you call customer service or go into a store and ask a representative to do it for you.
Myth: “You can pick your exact new phone number.”
Reality: You have some, but not total, control. You can choose the area code and prefix based on the ZIP code you provide. However, the last four digits of the number are randomly assigned by Verizon’s system from its available inventory. You cannot request a specific vanity number through this standard process.
Myth: “Changing my number won’t affect my contract or promotional credits.”
Reality (CRITICAL WARNING): This is the most dangerous myth. While a simple number change usually doesn’t affect a device payment plan, it can have catastrophic consequences for promotional credits (like trade-in or BOGO deals). These promotions are tied to the specific line of service under specific terms.
For example, if you add a “new line” to get a free phone and then try to swap your old number onto that line, you will likely void the promotion. This violates the “new line” requirement and can cause you to lose all future monthly credits, resulting in a much higher bill. Before you change your number on Verizon, if that line has any promotional credits, you must contact customer service to confirm how the change will impact your specific deal.
Myth: “My voicemails and texts are safe on my phone.”
Reality: This is only partially true. Your text message history, contacts, and photos stored on your phone are safe. However, voicemail messages are stored on Verizon’s network, not your phone. When you change your number, the old voicemail box is deleted, and all saved and new voicemails may be permanently lost. You must save any important voicemails before you begin.
Your Practical Checklist: Before and After the Change
Follow this checklist for a seamless changing Verizon phone number experience.
Before You Change Your Number
- Save Your Voicemails:
- iPhone: Open a voicemail, tap the “Share” icon, and save the audio file to your Files app, email it to yourself, or send it to cloud storage.
- Android: Use the “Save,” “Export,” or “Share” function in your Visual Voicemail app.
- Update Your Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This is the most important step. Many online services (banks, email, social media) use your phone number to verify your identity. If you lose access to your old number first, you could be permanently locked out.
- Make a list of all accounts using your old number for 2FA.
- Log into each one and update it to your new number while your old number is still active.
- Pro Tip: Switch to an authenticator app (like Google Authenticator) for better security that isn’t tied to your phone number.
- Notify Your Contacts: Let friends, family, and colleagues know about your new number. For apps like WhatsApp, use the built-in “Change Number” feature to migrate your account and notify your contacts automatically.
After You Change Your Number
- Troubleshooting Service Issues: If your phone isn’t working, the first step is always to restart it. Turn it off for a few minutes, then back on. You can also dial #832 for a free test call to check if the new number is active on the network.
- Fixing iMessage & FaceTime (iPhone): It’s common for iMessage to get “stuck” on the old number.
- Go to Settings > Messages and turn off iMessage.
- Go to Settings > FaceTime and turn off FaceTime.
- Restart your iPhone.
- Turn both services back on.
- Solving RCS Chat Issues (Android): Android’s RCS messaging can also get stuck.
- In Google Messages, go to Settings > RCS chats and toggle it off and on.
- You can also use Google’s web tool to de-register your old number from the RCS network.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to change my Verizon phone number?
It is free when using the My Verizon app or website. A $15 agent assistance fee applies if a Verizon employee does it for you.
How long does it take to change my Verizon number?
A request for a new Verizon number is usually instant, completed right after you restart your phone. Porting a number from another wireless carrier typically takes 4-24 hours.
Can I get my old Verizon number back?
It is very difficult and not guaranteed. Once changed, the old number is released. While some have had luck contacting support within a day or two, after about 50 days, it is returned to the general pool and can be reassigned to someone else.
Will I lose my promotional credits if I change my number?
There is a major risk. A simple number change might be fine, but complex situations (like moving a number to a line that received a “new line” deal) can void your credits. Always contact Verizon first to confirm the impact on your specific promotion.
What happens to my voicemails when I change my Verizon number?
They will most likely be permanently deleted. Voicemails are tied to your old number’s network mailbox. You must save them before you start the number change process.
Conclusion
Knowing how to change your number with Verizon is empowering. By using the self-service tools, you can complete the process quickly and for free. However, the key to success lies in preparation.
Before you begin, remember to save your important voicemails, update your two-factor authentication on all critical accounts, and verify with Verizon if you have any promotional credits that could be affected. Following the steps in this guide will help you avoid the most common pitfalls and ensure your transition to a new number is smooth, secure, and free of costly surprises.
لا تعليق