How Much Does It Cost to Change a Phone Number?

Need a fresh start with a new phone number? Costs range from free to $36 depending on your carrier and how you request the change. Verizon is free online or via the mobile app, T-Mobile offers two free changes per year, and AT&T charges $36 after your first 30 days of service.

This guide breaks down exactly what each major carrier charges, how long the change takes, and what to do before, and after, you make the switch.

Key Takeaways

• Costs vary widely by carrier. Verizon lets you change your number free online or in the app, T-Mobile gives you two free changes per year then charges $15, and AT&T charges $36 after your first 30 days of service. Mint Mobile keeps every change free.

• The switch is fast but needs follow-up. Most carriers complete the change in a few hours, though caller ID systems can take up to three days to update. Skipping account updates can lock you out of two-factor authentication on banking, email and healthcare logins.

• Use your carrier app to save money and time. Log in, find the number-change option under account or device settings, pick your area code and confirm. Then update your banks, password manager, Apple ID or Google account and messaging apps right away.

Summary generated by AI, verified by MoneyLion editors

Carrier Cost & Policy Comparison

How Long Does Changing a Phone Number Take?

Changing your phone number is usually a quick process. However, in some cases and depending on your provider, it could take a few hours for the transition to finalize. 

For example, T-Mobile asks customers to wait four hours before the phone number change is official. Additionally, landline numbers take longer to change than cell phone numbers. 

4 Good Reasons to Change Your Phone Number

The choice should be yours when it comes to changing your phone number. Here are some reasons why people may want to change their phone number.

1. You Need to Separate Your Work and Personal Life

If you need a phone for work, it might seem more reasonable for you to use your personal phone number for professional reasons, too, but this can eventually get complicated. Setting a clear boundary between work and personal time can be tricky when your phone number is the same for both. 

This is especially true if you want to stay connected to personal calls and disconnected from work calls. If a clear distinction between those two parts of your life is what you need, a new and separate phone number for work might be the best idea. 

Learn More: How to Organize Your Bills in 12 Easy Tips

2. You Are Eager to Avoid Certain People 

If you have had the same phone number for a long time, odds are there are some people that have your number despite you wishing that they no longer did. Changing your number is a great way to gain control over who has access to you.  

3. You Want to Avoid Telemarketing Calls

Telemarketing calls can be a pain, especially if you receive them often or by mistake. This can happen if your phone number ends up on the call lists of telemarketers. 

Other times, this situation might be a mistake made by someone who accidentally gave them your number as a result of typing in your number by accident. You can change your number for peace of mind, but remember that these calls might start back up eventually regardless. 

4. You’ve Moved to a New City

Moving to a new city can feel like a great time for a fresh start. Maybe you want a new number to disconnect from your old city completely. 

It could also be the case that you want to change your number so that you have the same area code as the locals in your new place of residence. Regardless, this change can be an excellent way to feel like you’re genuinely starting over. 

How to Change Your Number or Get a New Number

If you’re looking to change your phone number or get a new number might sound challenging, but the process is quick and easy once you make the decision to follow through. Here's the general flow for most carriers:

1. Log into your carrier's app or website. This is almost always cheaper than calling, Verizon waives the $15 fee entirely for online changes.

2. Find the number-change option. It's usually under Account → Manage Device → Change Number (or similar).

3. Choose your area code. You can usually select the first 6 digits; the last 4 are auto-assigned.

4. Pick your effective date. Most carriers let you change immediately or schedule it.

5. Confirm and wait. The change typically completes in a few hours, though caller ID systems can take up to 3 days to reflect your new number.

After You Change Your Number: Update Checklist

Don't skip this step! Losing access to 2FA codes can lock you out of important accounts.

• Banks, credit cards, brokerage and tax accounts (2FA/OTP recovery)

• Email and password managers (account recovery)

• Apple ID and Google account (recovery phone)

• Messaging apps: iMessage, FaceTime, WhatsApp, Signal

• Healthcare portals and pharmacies (appointment reminders)

• Employer HR/benefits systems

• Ride-share and delivery apps: Uber, Lyft, DoorDash

• Business listings: Google Business Profile, Yelp

• Insurance, utilities and subscriptions

New Number Phone Number, New You

No matter what your reasoning is, changing your phone number can be a big deal. This might be especially true if you have had the same phone number for a long time. 

Though a fee might be involved, the relief you’ll feel without spam calls and the joy you’ll experience with a new area code can be worth it to many people. Just remember to tell those you care about that you have a new number.

FAQs

Does it cost money to change your number?

It depends on the carrier and the frequency at which you change your number. T-Mobile allows one free phone number change per year, while AT&T charges you if your service has been activated for more than 30 days.

How much does AT&T charge to change your number?

If your service has been activated for more than 30 days, there is a $36 fee to change your phone number with AT&T.

How long does it take for someone to get your old number?

It depends on the carrier, but most providers will wait to recycle your old number for about 90 days.