Every step below is from an official source
Switch from T-Mobile to Verizon
What to do at T-Mobile before you leave, what Verizon needs when you join, and everything else the switch touches. Your full plan is built in your browser and stays there.
Official sources reviewed . How we review sources
The rules that apply: Federal Communications Commission
These apply whichever mobile carrier you're moving between.
Contact your new company to start the portBefore
You start porting your number by contacting the new company, not the old one.
Portability: keeping your phone number when changing service providersU.S. Federal Communications Commission. ReviewedKeep your old service until the new one startsBefore
Don't end service with your current company before you start new service with another company.
Portability: keeping your phone number when changing service providersU.S. Federal Communications Commission. ReviewedGive the new company your number and requested detailsBefore
Give the new company your 10-digit phone number and any other information it asks for.
Portability: keeping your phone number when changing service providersU.S. Federal Communications Commission. ReviewedKnow your old company can't refuse to portDuring
Once you request service from a new company, your old company can't refuse to port your number, even if you owe money. You may still have to pay early termination fees or balances under your contract.
Portability: keeping your phone number when changing service providersU.S. Federal Communications Commission. ReviewedExpect a wireless port to take a few hoursDuring
When you switch between wireless providers, you may be able to use your phone within a few hours.
Portability: keeping your phone number when changing service providersU.S. Federal Communications Commission. Reviewed
At T-Mobile, before you leave
Generate a Temporary Port Out PIN as primary account holderBefore
Only the Primary Account Holder can generate a Temporary Port Out PIN. You can do it in the T-Life app or on T-Mobile.com.
Transfer your phone numberT-Mobile. ReviewedTurn off Port Out Protection if it's onBefore
If Port Out Protection is active on the line, disable it so the Temporary Port Out PIN works.
Transfer your phone numberT-Mobile. ReviewedGive your new provider your account number and PINsBefore
Contact your new provider to start. Have your T-Mobile account number from your account or bill, the Temporary Port Out PIN, and your account PIN or passcode.
Transfer your phone numberT-Mobile. ReviewedCheck whether your device can be unlockedBefore
Check device unlock status in your T-Mobile account. Once a device is eligible, T-Mobile unlocks it automatically within two business days if it supports remote unlock.
T-Mobile device unlockT-Mobile. Reviewed
At Verizon, when you join
Bring your number when you activate a Verizon lineBefore
You can keep your current number when you activate a new Verizon line. Start online, contact Verizon, or visit a store.
Bring your number to Verizon FAQsVerizon. ReviewedHave your account number and Number Transfer PIN readyBefore
Verizon needs the active number, your current carrier's account number, your Number Transfer PIN from that carrier, and another number to reach you during the switch.
Bring your number to Verizon FAQsVerizon. ReviewedKeep your old service active during the switchBefore
Don't cancel your existing service while Verizon moves your number. Your old account disconnects automatically when the switch is complete.
Bring your number to Verizon FAQsVerizon. ReviewedAllow 4 to 24 business hours for mobile numbersDuring
Verizon says the exact time depends on your current provider. For mobile numbers it lists 4 to 24 business hours.
Bring your number to Verizon FAQsVerizon. Reviewed
Then: everything else the switch affects
The steps above are what T-Mobile and Verizon say. Your full checklist adds the accounts, codes, payments and devices that depend on your mobile carrier, in a safe order. It's built from your answers, in your browser.