Switch Cell Phone Carriers: Compare AT&T, Verizon & T-Mobile
How to switch phone carriers and keep your phone number
Follow our simple step-by-step guide to find the best cell phone provider for you. Switch to AT&T without any hassle.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- How to switch to AT&T
- How AT&T compares to Verizon and T-Mobile
- Will AT&T pay off my phone when I switch?
- Can I switch phone carriers for free?
- How can I get a new cell phone when I switch to AT&T?
- What should I know before switching phone carriers?
- Make the switch to AT&T from Verizon or T-Mobile
- How to bring your own phone to AT&T
- What’s the cheapest unlimited plan at AT&T?
How to switch your carrrier to AT&T step by step
Switching your cell phone carrier is simple. Here are three key steps to ensure the process is seamless.
1. Find the best cell phone plan for you
When choosing a plan, consider key factors such as:
- Your data usage habits
- Hotspot data allowances
- Network coverage
- Device compatibility
- International calling and roaming options
- Security features
AT&T’s top unlimited data plans include AT&T Unlimited Starter® SL, Unlimited Extra® EL, and Unlimited Premium® PL. With AT&T Unlimited Your Way®, you can mix and match any of our best unlimited* plans.1
All our top unlimited* plans include AT&T 5GSM,2 AT&T ActiveArmor® (our advanced security service),3 and hotspot data.
*After 75GB, AT&T may temporarily slow data speeds if the network is busy.
Learn more tips for choosing the best unlimited plan for you
Once you’ve picked a plan that meets your needs, make sure it fits your budget. Looking for deals and discounts on cell phone service? Here are some popular ways to save:
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Save on your monthly bill when you switch to AT&T and bring your own smartphone. Learn more about our best switcher offer
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Enjoy benefits from the AT&T Signature Program for eligible employees, teachers, students, members of the military, first responders, nurses, physicians, union members and more.
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Bundle your AT&T services and save on your monthly bill.
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Get our lower price for eligible seniors with AT&T’s 55+ plan.
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Consider an AT&T Prepaid® plan.
2. Bring your own phone or buy a new phone
You have two options when you switch wireless carriers:
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Buy a new phone. Both new and existing customers get our best deals on every smartphone when choosing an unlimited plan. You might even be eligible to get the latest iPhone on us.4
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Bring your own phone. Make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with the network. Once you pick a plan and back up your data, you’re ready to go.
3. Keep your phone number when you switch
Transferring (or porting) your number to AT&T is easy. When you’re ready to switch, don’t cancel your service with your old carrier yet. Instead, once you’ve picked a new plan and phone on att.com, choose Keep my number at checkout.
Have these items ready:
- The name and ZIP code on your current wireless account
- Your current wireless account number
- Your current cell phone number
- Your number transfer PIN, if applicable. Learn how to find your number transfer PIN and account number
- The AT&T SIM card we sent you, if you’re bringing your own device
What to expect during the transfer
Your current phone service will stay active until you authorize the transfer and the process is complete. Once your new AT&T service is active, you’ll receive an SMS confirmation. Your old account and service should automatically cancel, but you can contact your previous carrier if you’d like to confirm that your service has been canceled.
If there’s an issue with your transfer, you’ll receive an SMS identifying the issue. If you need help, you can call us at 800.331.0500, and we’ll guide you through the next steps.
While your number is moving between carriers, you may notice a few temporary changes:
- You may experience “mixed service” for up to four hours. During this time, your old device might still receive calls while your new device can make calls. This happens because it takes time for your phone number to transition through the systems between your current wireless provider and AT&T.
- SMS and MMS messages may take up to eight hours to function properly during this process, but your mobile data will work immediately on your new phone after activation.
1AT&T Unlimited Premium® PL, AT&T Unlimited Extra® EL, & AT&T Unlimited Starter® SL.
2Req’s compatible plan & device. Coverage not available everywhere. Learn more at att.com/5Gforyou.
3Compatible device for 5G, & AT&T ActiveArmor app access. Download of app req'd. Some mobile security features not available while roaming internationally. 5G coverage not available everywhere. Learn more at att.com/5Gforyou.
4Req’s trade-in of iPhone 12 or higher. Savings via bill credits. Speed restrictions & other terms apply.
Friendly reminder: Don’t cancel your current service too soon
Make sure not to cancel your current service until your switch to AT&T is finalized. Canceling too early could result in losing your phone number. Keep your service active until the transfer is complete.
See how we stack up against the competition
Enjoy your choice of the best deals, no matter what plan you choose. Plus get flexible payment options.
AT&T Unlimited Premium PL | T-Mobile Experience Beyond | Verizon Unlimited Ultimate | |
|---|---|---|---|
AT&T Guarantee | |||
Unlimited talk, text, and high-speed data | |||
AT&T Turbo | |||
AT&T Next Up Anytime | |||
Mix and match with other plans | |||
Advanced security features included | Spam call blocking, public Wi-Fi protection, identity monitoring, and more | Scam Block, caller ID, scam reporting, and more | Call Filter included, more features available for additional monthly cost |
Cost for four lines | $204/mo. with AutoPay | $215/mo. with AutoPay | $220/mo. with AutoPay |
1Req. purchase of eligible smartphone on AT&T installment PlanSM with extra $10/mo. Next Up Anytime feature, qualified credit and eligible svc. Upgrade eligible with qualified turn-in. Maximum 3 upgrades in a 12-month period. Limits & restrictions apply.
2Data speeds may temporarily slow if the network is busy, except on top plans.
Will AT&T pay off my phone when I switch?
While we don’t cover your old phone’s payoff, switching to AT&T means you could save on your monthly bill or get the latest iPhone on us. Check out our best offers for switchers
Can I switch phone carriers for free?
Switching your phone carrier is usually free and easy. Before you make the move, keep these important points in mind:
- Are you currently under contract? Check if there are any early termination fees.
- Do you have an outstanding device balance? You might need to pay off your phone before switching.
Don’t forget to explore your new carrier’s switcher deals—you could qualify for discounted cell phone service and savings on popular devices!
How can I get a new cell phone when I switch to AT&T?
At AT&T, all customers—new and existing—enjoy our best deals on every smartphone when you choose an unlimited plan. Check out the latest deals on popular phones, like iPhone and Samsung Galaxy devices.
What should I know before switching phone carriers?
Thinking about switching carriers? Here are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Check for early termination fees: Before canceling your current service, find out if your carrier charges any fees for ending your contract early.
- Settle your balance: Make sure to pay off any outstanding bills with your current carrier before switching.
- Keep your phone number: Don’t cancel your old service until your number has successfully transferred to your new carrier.
- Bring your other devices: If you have smartwatches, tablets, or other devices, remember to connect them with your new plan.
- Make the switch online: You can often switch carriers entirely online or over the phone—no need to visit a store. But if you prefer, your local AT&T store is always ready to help. Find your closest AT&T store
Have more questions? Visit our wireless support page to chat, call, or drop by a store. Our experts are happy to assist!
Make the switch to AT&T
Before canceling your current service, be sure your phone number has successfully transferred to AT&T.
Cancel your Verizon service
Once your number transfer is complete, call Verizon to cancel your current
cell phone service.
Cancel your T-Mobile service
If you wish to cancel your wireless service with T-Mobile:
Call 877.453.1304How to bring your own phone (BYOP) to AT&T
Switching carriers? You can keep your current phone and simply add an AT&T wireless plan. You bring the phone, and we provide the service.
Here’s how to get started:
- Check your phone: Make sure your device is unlocked and compatible with the AT&T network.
- Activate your device: Visit the BYOP page and follow the easy on-screen steps to select a plan, transfer your number, and complete activation.
Why should you bring your own phone to AT&T?
- You might have just finished paying off your phone with your current provider. In this case, there’s no need to buy a new one.
- You won’t need an AT&T Installment PlanSM since you already own your device. That means no monthly payments for your device.
- You can keep your current phone number, if it’s eligible for transfer.
- You’ll take advantage of exclusive offers available only when you bring your own phone.
Ready to make the switch? Learn more about bringing your own phone to AT&T
What’s the cheapest unlimited plan at AT&T?
The most affordable unlimited plan is the Unlimited Starter SL plan. It includes unlimited talk, text, and data. (AT&T may temporarily slow data speeds if the network is busy.)
This plan also offers 5GB of mobile hotspot data per line per month1 and includes AT&T ActiveArmor® security to help protect your device.
Plan pricing varies depending on the number of lines. Configure your plan and check pricing on our best unlimited plans
More articles and information
AT&T’s best cell phone plans
Compare pricing and features of our best unlimited and data-only plans.
