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To switch phone carriers and keep your number, ask the new carrier to initiate a number port. In the U.S., the FCC says you can generally keep your number when you switch providers within the same geographic area. Have your current account details ready, and confirm the new carrier can accept the number and what its current activation process requires.
How do I switch phone carriers and keep my number?
- Check that the new carrier can accept your number. Contact the carrier you plan to join and confirm that your number can be ported to the service and location you want. The FCC describes number retention when switching providers within the same geographic area; that general rule does not confirm eligibility for every individual number or provider. See the FCC’s consumer guidance.
- Gather the information for the port request. For a wireless-to-wireless transfer, the FCC lists four items: your phone number, current account number, five-digit ZIP code, and any customer-assigned passcode. Copy these details from your current carrier’s account records.
- Ask the new carrier to submit the request. The receiving provider sends the port request with your identifying information. Your current provider validates it, and the providers coordinate the transfer. Ask the new carrier for its current timing estimate and activation instructions; a universal completion time is not established by the FCC materials cited here. The FCC’s 2023 order explains the wireless porting process.
- Follow the new carrier’s activation instructions. Use the steps and timing it gives you for service activation. Do not assume a particular sequence for ending your existing service; confirm what to do with both providers for your account.
- Check account balances and charges. Review your current account and ask the providers whether you have a device balance, contract obligation, remaining bill, port charge, or other account-specific cost. The sources cited here do not establish a universal switching fee or amount.
What information do I need to port my number?
For a wireless-to-wireless port, have these details ready for the new carrier:
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- The phone number you want to keep
- Your current carrier account number
- The five-digit ZIP code associated with the account
- Any customer-assigned account passcode
Accurate information matters because the current provider validates the request. If the details do not match its records, ask the new carrier how to correct and resubmit the request rather than guessing at account information. The FCC’s specific list appears in FCC 23-95.
Will my current phone work with the new carrier?
Keeping your number and keeping your handset are separate questions. An unlocked phone might work on another provider’s network, but unlocking alone does not guarantee compatibility. Give the new carrier your phone’s exact model and ask it to check network compatibility; also confirm whether the device is unlocked. The FCC discusses number portability and unlocking in its consumer guidance.
#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
How can I protect my number and accounts during the switch?
A port-out scam or SIM swap can let an impersonator take control of your phone number and receive calls and text messages. Before switching, set or refresh your cellular account PIN or password. Do not share account details in response to unsolicited requests. For important accounts, consider replacing text-message-only verification with an authenticator app or security key when the service offers one. The FCC’s 2023 order describes port-out fraud, and the FTC recommends account protections against SIM-swap scams.
What should I do with my old phone?
If you are trading in, selling, or giving away the old device, handle its stored data separately from the number transfer. Back up information you want to keep, remove SIM and SD cards as appropriate, and erase personal data before handing over or disposing of the phone. A new generic SIM purchase is not necessarily required to keep your number; follow the new carrier’s instructions for your service and SIM. The FTC’s phone-preparation guidance covers backing up, removing cards, and erasing a device.
Rank #2
- Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB**** of RAM.
- Fluid display + immersive stereo sound. Bring your entertainment to life with an ultrawide 6.5" 90Hz* HD+ display plus stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res Audio**.
- 50MP*** Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- 64GB**** built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps—and add up to 1TB more with a microSD card*****.
- Unbelievable battery life. Work and play nonstop with a long-lasting 5000mAh battery.*****
How should I compare carriers before switching?
Compare options using details that apply to your address, phone, and account—not a broad ranking that may not fit your needs. Check:
- Coverage where you regularly use your phone
- Total recurring plan cost, included service, taxes, and fees
- Whether a quoted price is promotional and when it expires
- Your phone’s compatibility and unlocking status
- The carrier’s current porting and activation instructions
- Available account-security controls, such as a PIN or password
Verify plan terms and coverage directly with each provider. The FCC explains why portability gives customers a choice of providers, but it does not establish current carrier prices, coverage rankings, or a comparative security score.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- GSM Unlocked: Enjoy seamless connectivity with your preferred GSM carrier. Compatible with T-Mobile, Metro PCS, AT&T, Cricket, Mint Mobile and other GSM networks. SIM card not included. For network compatibility, please check with your carrier. Note: Not compatible with CDMA networks like Verizon (Visible, Spectrum Mobile, US Mobile, Total Wireless, Straight Talk Wireless)
- Boundless Views: Enjoy immersive viewing on the spacious 6.5” HD+ display. Whether you're watching videos, browsing, or gaming, every detail comes through with stunning clarity.
- Smooth Performance, All Day: Powered by an efficient octa-core processor, the G35 ensures smooth performance for your everyday tasks. Enjoy faster app launches, seamless multitasking, and reliable speed.
- Snap, Share, Repeat: The G35 features a dual rear camera setup for sharp, detailed shots, and a front-facing camera that’s perfect for selfies and video calls. Capture every moment with ease and clarity.
- Effortless Access: Keep your phone secure with A.I. Face ID technology. Instantly unlock your G35 with just a glance. It's fast, easy, and secure.
Rank #4
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, other CDMA carriers, it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- 4G LTE Bands: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28/B38/B40/B41
- Display: Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
Rank #3
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
