Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
In the U.S., you can usually keep your phone number when you switch carriers by asking the new carrier to transfer—or “port”—it while your old line is still active. Porting moves the number; it does not automatically cancel every line on your old account, pay off a device, or erase fees you may owe. Check the phone’s unlock status and compatibility separately, and review the former carrier’s billing terms after the move.
What changes when you port your number—and what doesn’t
| Item | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Phone number | Usually transfers to the new carrier after it accepts the request and verifies the old-account details. Some numbers may not be eligible, including where providers lack a transfer agreement. T-Mobile’s transfer guidance |
| Old wireless line | Keep it active until the transfer completes. The FCC says only activated wireless numbers can be ported and warns that canceling first may prevent you from keeping your number. FCC consumer guide |
| Old account and other lines | The ported line may be removed from the old account, but other lines or connected services may remain active and continue to bill. Confirm the account’s status with the former carrier. T-Mobile transfer guidance; Verizon port-out guidance |
| Phone and network access | Number portability does not unlock a phone or establish that it works on the destination network. Check both with the current and new carriers before switching. T-Mobile bring-your-phone guidance; Verizon port-in FAQ |
| Money owed | Existing service agreements, device installments, and any applicable termination charges can remain due after porting. A number transfer is not debt forgiveness. FCC consumer guide; Verizon port-out guidance |
| Voicemail and saved content | Back up voicemail, contacts, and messages before moving. T-Mobile says voicemail resets after a completed port; the cited guidance does not establish one universal rule for every carrier or every saved item. T-Mobile transfer guidance |
How to switch without risking your number
- Check number and phone eligibility. Ask the new carrier whether your number can be transferred and whether your current phone is compatible. Separately confirm with the old carrier whether the phone is unlocked and what conditions remain. T-Mobile transfer guidance; T-Mobile bring-your-phone guidance; Verizon port-in FAQ
- Gather the old account details. You will typically need the exact account number, billing address or ZIP code, and a Number Transfer PIN or port-out password. The transfer PIN may be specific to a line and different from the usual account passcode. On a family plan, the account owner or an authorized user may need to approve changes. T-Mobile transfer guidance; AT&T transfer PIN guidance; Verizon port-in FAQ
- Remove any transfer block and get a current PIN. Ask the old carrier whether port-out protection or another block must be turned off for the line. T-Mobile, for example, says its port-out protection can block unauthorized transfers and must be managed for the line. T-Mobile transfer guidance
- Back up important information, then start the port with the new carrier. Do not cancel or deactivate the old line yourself first. The FCC advises customers not to contact the current provider to cancel before switching because doing so may prevent them from keeping the number. FCC consumer guide
- Watch the transfer and test service. Follow the new carrier’s status updates. Once the new SIM or eSIM is active, test calls and texts. T-Mobile says a period of dual service can occur during a transfer and may last up to 24 hours; this is its operational guidance, not a universal port-duration guarantee. T-Mobile transfer guidance
- Review the old account after completion. Confirm which lines and services remain, whether any equipment balance or other charges are due, and when the final statement will issue. Verizon notes that remaining connected device lines may need to be canceled when the final phone line moves. Verizon port-out guidance
What you may still owe after switching
Porting a number does not settle your old account. Depending on your agreement and billing terms, you may still owe device installments, plan charges, taxes, or an applicable early termination charge. Check the agreement and ask the former carrier what remains due and when the final bill will be issued. Do not assume unused service will be prorated or that the bill will arrive on a particular date; those terms vary by provider and plan.
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A new carrier may advertise reimbursement for a device balance, but that is a specific promotion—not a general consequence of porting. Read its eligibility rules, required documentation, and deadlines before counting on reimbursement. T-Mobile’s bring-your-phone guidance
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Back up voicemail and other information first
Save anything important before initiating the transfer, especially voicemail. T-Mobile specifically says voicemail resets after a completed port. Carrier guidance cited here does not establish a single rule covering every carrier’s contacts, messages, or saved content, so do not rely on those items carrying over automatically. T-Mobile transfer guidance
#1 Best Overall
Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Smart Phone 128GB US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty Black | Large AMOLED, High-Res Camera, Durable Design, Super Fast Charging, Expandable Storage, Circle to Search, 2025
- 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.
When you should contact the old carrier
For the number transfer itself, start with the new carrier and leave the old line active. Contact the former carrier to obtain the correct account information or transfer PIN, address port-out protection if needed, check unlock conditions and outstanding balances, and verify which account services remain after the number moves. The FCC’s advice is explicit: “You should not contact your current wireless provider first and cancel or deactivate your wireless service because this may prevent you from being able to keep your current number.” FCC consumer guide
Quick Recap
SaleBestseller No. 2
Bestseller No. 3
Bestseller No. 4
Best Value
BLU G35 | 2025 | Unlocked | 6.5” HD+ Infinity Display | Dual 8MP Camera + LED Flash 5MP Selfie Camera | 32GB/3GB I US Version | US Warranty | Grey
- 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
SAMSUNG Galaxy A16 4G LTE (128GB + 4GB) International Model SM-A165F/DS Factory Unlocked 6.7" Dual Sim 50MP Dual Cam (Case Bundle) (Gray)
- 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
Samsung Galaxy A16 4G LTE (128GB + 4GB) International Model SM-A165F/DS Factory Unlocked, 6.7", Dual SIM, 50MP Triple Camera (Case Bundle), Black
- 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.
Rank #2
Sale
Motorola Moto G Play LTE | Unlocked | Made for US 4/64GB | 50MP Camera | Sapphire Blue
- 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.*****
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