How To Transfer Your AT&T Number to a New Carrier?

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Thinking about switching phone companies but want to keep your trusty old number? No worries! Moving your AT&T number to a new carrier is easier than you might think.

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This process, called “number porting,” lets you take your familiar digits with you when you change providers.

Why bother keeping your old number? Well, it saves you from the headache of telling everyone you know about a new number.

Plus, it means your friends, family, and important contacts can still reach you without any fuss.

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How To Transfer Your AT&T Number to a New Carrier?

How To Transfer Your AT&T Number to a New Carrier

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In this guide, we’ll walk you through the whole process step by step. We’ll use simple words to explain everything, so even if you’re not tech-savvy, you’ll understand what’s going on.

We’ll cover everything from checking if you can move your number, to gathering the info you’ll need, right up to enjoying your new service.

Whether you’re switching to save money, get better coverage, or try out new features, this guide will help make your move smooth and stress-free.

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So, let’s dive in and learn how to take your AT&T number with you to your new phone company!

Things to Remember Before You Transfer Your AT&T Number to a New Carrier:

Before you start moving your number, there are a few things you need to check and do. Let’s go through them:

  • Check if You Can Move Your Number

Not all numbers can be moved. Here’s how to check:

  • Make sure your AT&T account is still active
  • Check if you owe AT&T any money (you might need to pay it first)
  • If your phone plan is through your job, you might not be able to move it
  • Your number must be from the US

If you’re not sure, it’s a good idea to call AT&T and ask. They can tell you if your number can be moved.

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  • Get Your Info Ready

To move your number, you’ll need some information. Here’s what to gather:

  • Your AT&T account number
  • The name on your AT&T account
  • Your AT&T phone number
  • A special code called a “transfer PIN” (we’ll show you how to get this later)
  • Your phone’s IMEI number (you might not need this, but it’s good to have it just in case)

Here’s a handy table to help you keep track:

Information Needed Where to Find It
AT&T account number Your AT&T bill or online account
Account holder’s name Your AT&T bill or online account
Your phone number Your phone
Transfer PIN We’ll show you how to get this later
IMEI number Dial *#06# on your phone

Getting all this info ready will make the next steps much easier.

How To Transfer Your AT&T Number to a New Carrier – Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you’re ready, let’s go through the steps to move your number:

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  • 1. Pick Your New Phone Company

First, you need to choose which phone company you want to switch to. Think about:

  • How much it costs
  • If they have good service in your area
  • What kind of plans do they offer

Once you’ve picked one, go to their website or store to start setting up your new plan.

  • 2. Start the Moving Process

When you’re setting up your new plan, they’ll ask if you want to keep your old number. Say yes! This starts the “porting” or moving process.

  • 3. Give Them Your Info

Now, you’ll need to give your new phone company the information you gathered earlier. They’ll ask for:

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  • Your AT&T phone number
  • Your AT&T account number
  • The name on your AT&T account
  • Your transfer PIN

Make sure all this info is correct. If something’s wrong, it can slow things down.

  • 4. Understand How Long It Will Take

Moving your number usually takes about 24 to 48 hours. But sometimes it can take longer. For example:

  • Regular cell phone numbers: 1-2 days
  • Home phone numbers: Up to 10 days

Your new phone company should tell you how long it will take.

  • 5. Wait for Confirmation

After you’ve given all your info, you just need to wait. Your new phone company will work on moving your number. They’ll let you know when it’s done. You might get:

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  • A text message
  • An email
  • A phone call

Keep an eye out for this message. It will tell you when your number has moved to your new service.

Important Things to Follow for Smooth Process:

While you’re moving your number, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

  • Keep Your AT&T Service On

Don’t turn off your AT&T service yet! If you do, you might lose your number. Wait until your new service confirms your number has moved before you cancel AT&T.

  • You Might Have to Pay Some Fees

Moving your number is usually free, but there might be some costs:

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  • Your new phone company might charge a small fee to move your number
  • If you’re still under contract with AT&T, you might have to pay to end it early

Always ask about any fees before you start the process.

  • What to Do If There’s a Problem

Sometimes, things don’t go smoothly. If you have any issues:

  • Contact your new phone company first. They’re in charge of moving your number.
  • If they can’t help, try calling AT&T.
  • Be patient. Sometimes it just takes a little extra time.

Getting Your AT&T Transfer PIN

Remember that transfer PIN we mentioned? Here’s how to get it:

Using Your AT&T Phone

  1. Dial *PORT on your phone
  2. Follow the steps you hear
  3. You’ll get a text with your PIN

Using the AT&T App

  1. Open the myAT&T app
  2. Tap “More”
  3. Tap “Manage profile”
  4. Tap “People & Permissions”
  5. Scroll down to “Transfer phone number”
  6. Tap “Request a new PIN”

On the AT&T Website

  1. Go to AT&T’s website and log in
  2. Click on “People & permissions”
  3. Click “Wireless”
  4. Scroll to “Transfer phone number”
  5. Click “Request a new PIN”

Important Things About the Transfer PIN

  • It only lasts for 4 days
  • You can use the same PIN for all numbers on your account
  • If it expires, just get a new one the same way

After the Transfer AT&T Number to a New Carrier:

Once your number has moved, there are a few last things to do:

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1. Check That It Worked

  • Try making a call with your new service
  • Ask a friend to call your number

2. Set Up Your New Service

  • Put your new SIM card in your phone (if you need to)
  • Set up your voicemail
  • Make sure your phone’s settings are right for the new network

3. Cancel Your AT&T Service

Now that your number has moved, you can safely cancel your AT&T service. Remember to:

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  • Return any equipment you were renting (like a router)
  • Get a final bill to make sure everything’s settled

After you’ve completed the transfer process, it’s important to keep an eye on how things are going. This is where checking your port status comes in handy.

It lets you know exactly where your number is in the moving process. To make this easier for you, we’ve put together a special guide called “Check ATT.com/Port Status“.

This guide walks you through how to check your port status on ATT’s website. It’s a simple way to stay in the loop and know when your number will be ready to use with your new carrier.

We recommend giving it a read to help you stay on top of your number transfer. Knowing your port status can give you peace of mind and help you plan for when you’ll be able to start using your new service.

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Common Questions and Answers

Here are some questions people often ask about moving their AT&T number:

  • Q: Can AT&T stop me from moving my number?

A: No, even if you owe them money, they can’t stop you from moving your number.

  • Q: How long does it take to move my number?

A: Usually 1-2 days, but it can take up to 10 days for some types of numbers.

  • Q: Can I move my number if I’m still under contract with AT&T?

A: Yes, but you might have to pay a fee to end your contract early.

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  • Q: What if my new phone company doesn’t cover my area?

A: If they don’t provide service where you live, you won’t be able to move your number to them.

  • Q: Can I move a number that’s not being used anymore?

A: No, your number needs to be active to move it.

Conclusion:

Moving your phone number from AT&T to a new carrier might seem tricky, but it’s pretty simple if you follow these steps:

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  1. Check if you can move your number
  2. Gather all your AT&T account info
  3. Choose your new phone company
  4. Give them your info and transfer your PIN
  5. Wait for the move to finish
  6. Set up your new service

Remember, the key things are:

  • Keep your AT&T service on until the move is done
  • Make sure all your info is correct
  • Be patient – it can take a day or two

By following this guide, you’ll be able to keep your familiar phone number while enjoying your new phone service. Good luck with your move!

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