Do you currently have a cell phone plan? If not, it’s time to get one! Cell phones are necessary for today’s society. They allow us to stay connected with family and friends and provide us with the ability to do things like navigate out of a bad neighborhood or find where your car is parked at the airport. But what happens if you need to replace your carrier?
Or what about when the contract expires on your current plan? You can’t just call up your old carrier and ask them for a new number because they’ll tell you that they no longer have that number available.
In this article, we’re going to go over how to change phone plans and keep your number so that you’ll never need to worry about losing touch with your contacts again.
Different ways to change carriers
There are a few different ways to switch from one carrier to another. This article will go over the following: changing carriers without changing your phone number, giving someone else your old phone number and keeping it yourself, and finally, how you can port (transfer) your phone number to a new carrier.
Switching carriers without changing your phone number
The first way is to switch providers without actually changing your phone number. This is done using the Number Portability Administration Center (NPAC).
NPAC allows you to keep your old phone number when you switch providers, which is perfect if you don’t want to lose your number or you’re worried about not being able to receive calls during the porting process.
Remember that the “porting” process may take up to 10 business days, depending on which carrier you switch to and your location. After the phone gets ported over, you’ll be good to go.
How to change phone plans and keep your number
There are many different methods to switch providers without losing your phone number. In this post, we’ll go over the following systems:
Changing carriers without changing your phone number
You can do this with the Number Portability Administration Center (NPAC). NPAC allows you to keep your old phone number when you switch providers, which is perfect if you don’t want to lose your number or you’re worried about not being able to receive calls during the porting process.
Remember that the “porting” process may take up to 10 business days, depending on which carrier you switch to and your location. After the phone gets ported over, you’ll be good to go!
Giving someone else your old phone number and keeping it yourself
You can do that by applying a service like Google Voice. Google Voice permits you to have one number to ring all your devices, including your cell phone, home phone, and even your computer.
It also makes it easy to block spam calls or any pesky unwanted callers who may have gotten ahold of your number when you’re trying to solicit business on Craigslist.
Once you set up Google Voice with your old carrier, change your number in Craigslist to the one provided by Google Voice and start receiving calls on all of your devices!
Porting your phone number to a new carrier
This is the method of transferring your phone number from one carrier to another. The downside of this method is that it can be a bit more complicated and time-consuming than the other methods. It can also be a bit more expensive, depending on your carrier and cell phone plans for 5 lines.
The best way to port your number is to contact your new carrier and ask them for specific instructions. They should be able to walk you through the entire process, which usually includes filling out some paperwork and providing some information like your account number and the billing address on your current plan.
Once that is taken care of, the carrier will contact your old provider and start the porting process. This usually takes around two to four days, but it can vary depending on your location and the carriers involved.
Changing your number with your current carrier
If you’re looking for something quick and easy, you can also change phone plans and keep your number with your current provider. Remember that changing numbers may take anywhere from one day to three weeks, so the sooner you do it, the better.
It also may be a good idea to give your friends and family your new number before you make any changes with your carrier – that way, they don’t have to go through another number change if/when you switch back.
My phone is already unlocked; what else should I know?
When your phone is unlocked, you can use it with any GSM carrier that uses SIM cards. Keep in mind that not every cell phone model will work on all carriers, and some phones won’t work at all.
It’s also important to note that unlocking your phone doesn’t mean you’ll have a reception with a new carrier – you’ll still need to make sure that the new carrier’s network is compatible with your phone.
If you’re looking for a new GSM carrier, we recommend checking out T-Mobile or Straight Talk. Both of these carriers offer the best cell phone plans and coverage in the U.S., and they both use SIM cards, so you can easily switch between them.
There are a few different ways to unlock your phone, and the best method will depend on your carrier and phone model. Here are some of the most popular methods to unlock your phone:
Contacting your carrier
The first thing you should try is contacting your current cell phone provider and asking them to unlock your phone. Some carriers, like AT&T, will automatically unlock your device after it has been paid off in full. Other carriers may not be so quick to help out, and they might require that you wait a specific time or meet certain requirements first.
Requesting an unlock code online
There are also websites available where you can pay to have your phone unlocked, but this is usually the most expensive option.
You’ll need to check with your carrier first to see if they offer a free unlock code for prepaid phones, and you should also try contacting them before ordering a code online.
Using a third-party service
Many companies provide free cell phone unlock codes, and some have been around for quite some time. UnlockRadar is one of the most popular sites available, but you’ll need to check with your carrier before submitting an order if they require specific unlock codes.
Changing your number with your current carrier
If you’re looking for something quick and easy, you can also change your number with your current provider. Remember that changing numbers may take anywhere from one day to three weeks, so the sooner you do it, the better.
It also may be a good idea to give your friends and family your new number before you make any change phone plans and keep your number with your carrier – that way, they don’t have to go through another number change if/when you switch back.
Unlocking your phone from the carrier directly
Some carriers will unlock a device for free, but this is usually restricted to models that aren’t subsidized or are no longer under contract.
You’ll need to contact your carrier and ask them specifically if they offer this service, and you should also be prepared to provide some information like your account number or phone’s IMEI number.
Buying an unlock code online
If none of the other methods work, you can always try buying an unlock code online. This is the most expensive option, and you’ll need to be careful that you’re ordering from a reputable source.
FAQ About the Phone Plans And Keep Your Number
How do I change my phone plan and keep my number?
First, you’ll need to contact your current cell phone carrier and tell them that to unlock your phone. Some carriers, like AT&T, will automatically unlock your device after it has been paid off in full. Other carriers may not be so quick to help out, and they might require that you wait a specific time or meet certain requirements first.
What’s the best way to unlock my phone?
The best way to unlock your phone will depend on your carrier and phone model. You can try contacting them directly or using a third-party service, but be sure to check with your provider first.
Keep in mind that carriers typically don’t unlock prepaid phones, so you may need to pay your current provider for an unlock code if your phone is still locked.
Can I keep my number if I switch to a new carrier?
Yes, you can keep your number if you switch to a new carrier as long as the new carrier uses SIM cards. Keep in mind that not every cell phone model will work on all carriers, and some phones won’t work at all.
Final Verdict
If you’re looking to change your phone plan, don’t worry about losing the number that has been associated with it. You can keep or transfer your old number so long as you do it before canceling any of your current services.
Our guide provides how to change phone plans and keep your number necessary to ensure this is done correctly, so you aren’t left without a way to contact people!
