Every step below is from an official source
Switch from Verizon to T-Mobile
What to do at Verizon before you leave, what T-Mobile 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 Verizon, before you leave
Get a Number Transfer PIN from VerizonBefore
Dial #PORT from the phone with the number, or create the PIN in the My Verizon app or website. You must be the Account Owner or Account Manager on a standard monthly account.
Move your mobile number to another carrier FAQsVerizon. ReviewedGive your new carrier the PIN and account numberBefore
Your new carrier uses the Number Transfer PIN and your Verizon account number to start the transfer. The PIN expires after 7 days.
Move your mobile number to another carrier FAQsVerizon. ReviewedDon't disconnect your Verizon line before the moveBefore
Keep your Verizon line until your number has moved. If you disconnect first, you must reactivate the number before your new carrier can move it.
Move your mobile number to another carrier FAQsVerizon. ReviewedPay your final bill and any device balanceAfter
Your Verizon account stays open until your last line has moved and the final bill is issued. You must pay off any remaining device payment balance.
Move your mobile number to another carrier FAQsVerizon. Reviewed
At T-Mobile, when you join
Start the transfer in the app, online or in storeBefore
You can start in the T-Life app, online during checkout, or at a T-Mobile store. Prepaid customers can also call.
Transfer your phone numberT-Mobile. ReviewedHave your transfer PIN, account number and billing ZIPBefore
From your current carrier, have your number transfer PIN, your account number and your billing ZIP code.
Transfer your phone numberT-Mobile. ReviewedKeep your previous account activeBefore
Your account with your previous provider must stay active for the number to transfer.
Transfer your phone numberT-Mobile. Reviewed
Then: everything else the switch affects
The steps above are what Verizon and T-Mobile 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.