There are various reasons why you might want or need to change your mobile phone number – perhaps you’re dealing with unwanted calls or messages, moving to a new area permanently, or simply desire a fresh start. If you’re a Verizon Wireless customer in the United States, changing your number is a process the carrier facilitates.
Before You Change Your Number
Making the decision to change your phone number shouldn’t be taken lightly, as it has several implications.
Important Considerations
- Voicemail: Your current voicemail box will be reset. You will lose any saved messages, so be sure to listen to and note down any important information before proceeding.
- Notifying Contacts: You will need to inform your friends, family, colleagues, and any other important contacts about your new number.
- Linked Accounts: Many online accounts, banking services, and apps use your phone number for login verification, password resets, or two-factor authentication (2FA). You’ll need to update your number across all these services, ideally before losing access to the old one if possible.
- Potential Fees: Verizon may charge a one-time fee for changing your mobile number. It’s best to confirm the current fee amount directly with Verizon.
- Promotional Plans: In rare cases, changing your number might affect certain legacy or promotional plan features. It’s wise to inquire about this when you request the change.
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Keeping Your Old Number vs. Getting a New One
This article focuses on replacing your existing Verizon number with a new number assigned by Verizon. This is different from “porting” a number, which involves transferring an existing number from another carrier to Verizon, or vice-versa.
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How to Request a Number Change with Verizon
Verizon provides a few ways to initiate the number change process. Often, contacting customer service directly is the most reliable method.
Using the My Verizon Website or App
While some account changes can be made online, changing a mobile number often requires direct interaction for security and confirmation. You can log into your My Verizon account online or via the app to explore device and account management options. If a self-serve option is available, it would likely be under your device settings or profile management. However, you may be directed to contact customer service.
Contacting Verizon Customer Service
This is frequently the recommended and required method for changing my number verizon.
- By Phone: Call Verizon customer service (typically by dialing 611 from your Verizon phone or using their main customer service number). You will need to navigate their phone menu or speak to a representative.
- Through Chat: Log in to your My Verizon account on the website and look for the option to chat with a representative.
Be prepared to verify your identity as the account owner or an authorized user using your account PIN or password.
Visiting a Verizon Store
You can also visit an authorized Verizon retail store. A representative there can assist you with the number change process. Ensure you bring a valid photo ID for account verification.
What to Expect During the Process
Information Needed
To process the change, Verizon will need to verify your identity. Have your account password or PIN ready if contacting them by phone or chat. In-store, a government-issued photo ID will be required.
Choosing Your New Number
Verizon will assign you a new number. You can typically request a specific area code based on your location or preference, subject to availability. You may sometimes have limited options for the prefix (the three digits after the area code), but often the full number will be assigned based on available inventory within that area code.
Activation Time
The change is usually processed fairly quickly, often within minutes, but it can sometimes take up to a few hours for the new number to become fully active across the network. Verizon will inform you when the change is complete. Your phone may need to be restarted.
Potential Fees
As mentioned earlier, Verizon may charge a fee for this service. Ask the representative about the current “Number Change Fee” when you make the request.
After changing my number verizon
Once your new number is active, there are crucial follow-up steps:
Updating Your Contacts
Reach out to everyone who needs your new number. Consider sending a group text or email (from an email account, not the old number!) to notify people efficiently.
Updating Online Accounts and Two-Factor Authentication
This is critical. Go through your important online accounts (email, banking, social media, shopping sites) and update your registered phone number. Pay special attention to any services using your number for two-factor authentication (2FA) to avoid getting locked out.
Setting Up New Voicemail
Your voicemail will be reset. You’ll need to go through the setup process again to record a new greeting and customize your settings.
Conclusion
While it requires some planning and follow-up, changing my number verizon is a manageable process. The key is to understand the implications beforehand, back up any essential voicemail messages, and be prepared to update your contacts and online accounts promptly after the change. Contacting Verizon customer service directly is often the most efficient way to initiate the change and get accurate information on current procedures and any associated fees.
