Cell phone numbers are portable: You can transfer them from one carrier to another if you change wireless providers. This means that people can switch from AT&T to Verizon or another service, or vice versa, without losing their iPhone numbers, whether they buy a new iPhone or bring along their older compatible phone.
How to Switch Carriers | Keep Your Phone AND Your Number
The process of switching mobile carriers while keeping the same phone number is possible as long as both carriers offer cellular service in the same geographic location. If you have a lease or contract with your current mobile carrier, you will need to pay off that obligation before leaving the carrier. In some cases, there is an early termination fee. However, if you own your phone and are not on a contract, there should be no fees associated with porting your number to a new carrier.
As long as your iPhone is compatible with the new carrier, that carrier can enable your service using the same phone number. Unlocked iPhones are compatible with all current carriers. Older iPhone models aren’t necessarily compatible due to technological differences; check with your new carrier to see if your iPhone is compatible. If it isn’t, you can purchase or lease a new iPhone from your second carrier and use your original phone number. In some cases, you can ask your old carrier to unlock a locked iPhone you purchased from them.
Do not cancel your current cell phone service until you have successfully ported your old phone number to your new provider and your service is activated. Your new cell phone provider will do this for you. If you cancel your number before this is done, you will lose your phone number.
