Mobile phone numbers have become almost like fingerprints. Many people spend years with the same one, bringing it from carrier to carrier. However, you might one day decide that it’s time for a change. Luckily, unlike fingerprints, you can change your phone number without too much effort. Here’s how to change your phone number on Verizon.
If you’re looking to bring a phone number to Verizon, only some of these steps apply. It’s best to follow the online procedure, as it offers the option to port your line.
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QUICK ANSWER
The fastest way to change your Verizon phone number is to log into your My Verizon account. Select Manage device on the phone you want to change, and choose Change mobile number. Perform a quick authorization to continue the process. Select the first six digits of your phone number based on your zip code. Finish your new number with four more digits from a drop-down menu. Now choose a date that you want the phone number change to take effect from.
JUMP TO KEY SECTIONS
How to change your Verizon phone number
Verizon makes life pretty easy when you want to change your number. There are two ways to do so, and they both follow the same set of steps. We’ll break down both methods for you below.
Also, keep in mind that your contacts will no longer be able to reach your old phone number. Verizon doesn’t automatically forward messages, so you’ll want to let everyone know that you’re changing your phone number. You’ll also have to be an account manager to change your phone number, which means children can’t do so unsupervised.
Using the My Verizon app
The My Verizon app might be the easiest and most accessible way to change your phone number. After all, you can do it right from the palm of your hand. Log in to the app and follow these steps:
- Select Manage device on the phone you want to change.
- Scroll down to Preferences and select Change mobile number.
- Enter your zip code and choose the first six digits of your new number from a drop-down menu.
- Choose the date you want the number change to take effect, and Verizon will assign your last four digits.
That’s all there is to it. If you’re changing your own phone number, Verizon doesn’t seem to push you for authorization as you’ve already logged into your account. Now just sit tight and wait for the change to take effect.
Online
If you’d prefer to change your phone number in a web browser, the steps are almost identical. This might be a better option if you’re changing a number with your parents’ permission, too, since it’s easier for everyone to see. Head to vzw.com and log in to your account. Now, follow these steps:
- Click Manage device on the phone you want to change.
- Locate and select Change mobile number under the Manage device options.
- Choose your phone again on the Change mobile number page.
- Select either Get a new number or Transfer an existing number.
- Enter your zip code and select the first six digits of your new phone number.
- Choose the remaining four digits from a drop-down menu.
- Confirm your decision and wait for Verizon to update your number.
There you go, one shiny new Verizon phone number. Remember, it can take a few hours for the change to go into effect. In the meantime, sit tight and wait for Verizon to do its thing.
Is it free to change your Verizon number?
Depending on the method you use to change your Verizon number, you may incur a small fee. Using the My Verizon app will cost you $15 each time you update a phone number. However, you can log into the online version of My Verizon, and Big Red will waive the change number fee.
Read more: The best mobile plans for every type of user
FAQs
Q: Why isn’t my phone working after changing my Verizon number?
A: This can happen at times, but all you have to do is restart your phone. It should work properly once restarted, or you may have to reset your network settings. To do this, go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
Q: How long does it take for my Verizon number to change?
A: Verizon numbers are surprisingly quick to change. The whole process takes between four and 24 hours, but you can still use your old phone number while you wait. You’ll be able to place outgoing calls, but other contacts will not be able to make incoming calls to you.
Q: Do I lose my contacts if I change my Verizon number?
A: No, you will not lose your contacts if you change your phone number. However, your contacts will not automatically know what your new number is. It’s best to let contacts know that you’re changing your number and give them your new digits ahead of time if possible.
