How do I keep my phone numbers when switching to new iPhone and Samsung phones?
Answer
You can usually keep numbers by porting them to the new lines before the old service is canceled. Each number must still be active with the current carrier, and you will need account details from that carrier to authorize the transfer.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Canceling or disconnecting a number too early can make it impossible to transfer later.
Follow these steps
Confirm each number is still active
Check with the current carrier that every number you want to keep is active and eligible to port. If a number was already canceled or inactive for a long time, ask whether it can still be recovered.
You should see: You know which numbers can transfer and which ones are no longer available.
Collect port-out details for each line
From the current carrier account, gather the account number, port-out PIN or transfer passcode, and the billing name and ZIP code exactly as the carrier has them on file.
You should see: You have the transfer information the new carrier will request for each number.
Order or set up the new phones without canceling yet
Purchase or prepare the new iPhone and Samsung lines with the new carrier or retailer, but leave the old service active until porting is finished.
You should see: The new devices are ready for activation while the old numbers still work.
Start the number transfer on each new line
During activation, choose to transfer or keep your number and enter the port-out details for the matching line. Put the first number on the first phone, then repeat for the second number on the other phone.
You should see: Each new line shows a pending or completed number transfer for the correct phone number.
Wait for port completion before closing old service
Keep the old SIMs or eSIMs active until calls and texts work on the new phones. Only then cancel any leftover old lines if the carrier did not close them automatically.
You should see: Calls and texts arrive on the new iPhone and Samsung using the original numbers.
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Extra tips
What to look for: Whether each number is still active, which carrier currently owns it, and whether the new lines are iPhone, Samsung, or mixed devices
Before you change anything: Do not cancel the old phone lines until the new carrier confirms the numbers have transferred. Gather the current account number, transfer PIN or port-out info, and billing ZIP for each line. Decide which number goes on which new phone before activation. Avoid sharing account PINs with unexpected callers.