Last updated: April 2026
Switching carriers takes about 20 minutes if you have an eSIM-compatible phone, or a few hours if waiting for a SIM card in the mail. Your number transfers with you — this is a legal right in the US (FCC number portability). Your old service stays active until the port completes.
Carriers are legally required to unlock your phone after a minimum period of service (60 days for Verizon and AT&T, 40 days for T-Mobile). Go to Settings → General → About on iPhone and look for a carrier lock indicator, or call your current carrier.
Use the parent carrier's coverage map: verizon.com/coverage for Verizon MVNOs, t-mobile.com/coverage for T-Mobile MVNOs, att.com/maps for AT&T MVNOs. Check your home address, workplace, and any important locations.
Most unlocked iPhones (11 and newer) and Google Pixels (4 and newer) work on all three major US networks. Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer also has broad compatibility. Use the IMEI checker on the new carrier's website to confirm.
You need these to port your number. Do this BEFORE you cancel anything — you need to initiate the port at your new carrier while your old account is still active.
Sign up with your chosen MVNO online (Mint Mobile, Visible, Cricket, etc.)
Choose eSIM at checkout — no SIM card needed
Complete the purchase. You'll receive an eSIM activation code.
On iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add Cellular Plan → scan QR code. On Android: Settings → Network → SIM manager
During eSIM activation, enter your porting information: current carrier account number and transfer PIN
Wait 1–24 hours for the port to complete. Keep your old SIM in your phone during this time.
When the port completes, your new service is live — old service cancels automatically.
Sign up online and select physical SIM card at checkout
SIM arrives by mail in 3–5 business days
Insert the new SIM when it arrives — keep your old SIM active in the meantime
Follow the activation instructions in the box or online
Enter your current carrier account number and PIN to initiate the port
Wait 1–24 hours for port completion. Old service cancels automatically when done.
My Verizon app → Account → Transfer number → Get transfer PIN. Or: call 1-800-922-0204 and ask for your account number and transfer PIN. PIN expires after 7 days.
myAT&T app → Account → Manage → Port number → Get PIN. Or: call 1-800-331-0500. Ask for your account number and number transfer PIN. PIN is typically 6 digits.
T-Mobile app → Account → Line settings → Number transfer PIN. Or: call 1-877-746-0909. PIN is a 6-digit code. T-Mobile unlocks phones after 40 days (shorter than other carriers).
If you're still paying off a phone on installments, you typically must complete the payments or pay the remaining balance before switching. Your carrier generally won't unlock the phone until it's paid off. Some MVNOs (Mint Mobile, US Mobile) have run promotions offering to buy out existing installments — worth checking before you switch.
| Phone | All 3 networks? | eSIM? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 11 and newer | Yes | Yes | Full compatibility with Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile networks |
| iPhone XS / XR | Yes | Yes (XS) | Broad compatibility. XR has eSIM, earlier models do not. |
| Google Pixel 4 and newer | Yes | Yes (Pixel 4+) | Excellent compatibility across all networks |
| Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer | Yes | Yes | Unlocked models have broadest compatibility |
| Moto G series (recent) | Most | Some models | Check specific model IMEI at new carrier's website |
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