How to Switch Phone Carriers

Switching cell phone providers was once a long, drawn-out process. It typically required you to contact your current carrier to cancel your plan, swap out the SIM card, lose your existing phone number, and start service with a new provider.

Thankfully, those days are long gone. Changing cell phone providers is much easier today thanks to streamlined processes and options like eSIMs.

Before you switch and save with AT&T, there are some important things to know about the process. In many cases, switching phone carriers can be done over the phone or online without ever setting foot in a store.

You can keep your number 

Long gone are the days when you had to get a new number when switching cell phone providers. In most cases, you can transfer your number over from your old carrier. You just need to make sure your current phone plan is still active when you initiate a number transfer (also called porting). Don’t cancel your current plan before you initiate service with your new carrier.

Have your current account information ready to give to your new carrier to expedite your transfer. You’ll need the name on your current plan (yours or the primary account holder’s on a family plan), your account number, and a port-out PIN or account passcode (if applicable). Once you provide this information to your new carrier, they can ​activate your new wireless plan.

You don’t have to purchase a new phone 

Many carriers let you bring your own device (BYOD) as long as it is compatible. However, if you want to purchase a new phone and upgrade your technology, your new service provider will have options to suit your needs. We offer upgrade deals to ensure you get the latest phones that fit your needs and lifestyle.

You may need your current carrier to unlock your phone

If your device is eligible, your current carrier can unlock it to use with your new carrier. Most carriers can do this over the phone or online. Contact your current provider to have your phone unlocked before switching to a new provider. You’ll replace your old SIM card with a new one from your new provider or activate an eSIM.

Some devices are not compatible across all networks 

While many devices are compatible with all networks thanks to evolving technology, there are still some that aren’t. You can check your device compatibility on the carrier’s website to make sure your phone will work on its network. If not, you may need to choose a new smartphone.

Make sure your phone is paid off 

Many providers offer installment plans to help you split the cost of a phone into monthly payments. However, if you’re looking to switch to a new cell phone carrier, this might create an extra step in the process.

If you still owe a balance on your phone, you’ll need to pay it off before your current carrier unlocks it. Otherwise, you’ll need to purchase a new phone or use a different unlocked phone. You’ll also want to make sure there aren’t any early termination fees. In some cases, your new carrier might cover these as part of a deal, but you’ll want to check with both your old and new carriers to find out.

Make sure the data on your phone is backed up 

While transferring contacts, photos, videos, files, and data from one smartphone to another is easier than ever by signing in with your device- or cloud-specific ID, it’s still a good idea to back up your important information. Before you start the process, back up your phone data to a cloud service or your computer for safekeeping.

You may not have to switch to another long-term plan 

With these tips, you’ll be ready to switch cell phone providers when the time is right. If you’re considering switching phone plans, you can check out some of the great AT&T phone plans available. With a wide variety of choices, take the opportunity to find the best phone plan for you.

In some cases, you may not want an unlimited postpaid plan and may be ready for something new. For instance, a prepaid phone plan might be a better fit. Learn more about prepaid phone plans vs. postpaid phone plans to see what’s right for your budget, data needs, and lifestyle.

Regardless of what you choose, you’ll find the latest smartphones, affordable plans, and great accessories to make the switch well worth it.

Visit att.com to browse our products and accessories. Find your local AT&T store to browse in person or to speak with an in-store representative.

This article was edited by Zoya Cochran on January 5, 2026.

This article is AT&T sponsored content written by Tiffani Anderson, a TechBuzz contributor. The statements in this article are her own and don’t necessarily represent the positions, strategies, or opinions of AT&T.