Are you considering a switch to Verizon but want to keep your current/existing phone number? Porting your number is a straightforward process that lets you move to Verizon’s robust network without the hassle of sharing a new number with your contacts. This guide offers a step-by-step procedure for porting your number, from gathering the necessary information from your current carrier to activating your number with Verizon.
Whether you’re switching for better coverage, competitive pricing, or enhanced services, we’re here to make sure your transition is smooth and hassle-free. Follow along for essential tips and detailed instructions to successfully port your number to Verizon and start enjoying their reliable service with ease.
Let’s get into the details of the seamless number porting process to Verizon…
Why Port Your Number To Verizon?
There are many reasons why you might want to port your number to Verizon. Here are just a few:
- Reliability: Verizon has one of the most reliable wireless networks in the United States.
- High-Speed Data: Verizon offers some of the fastest data speeds available.
- Excellent Customer Service: Verizon is known for its excellent customer service.
- Wide Coverage Area: Verizon has a wide coverage area, so you can stay connected even when you’re traveling.
- Exclusive Deals and Discounts: Verizon often offers exclusive deals and discounts to its customers.
Key Requirements For Transferring Your Number To Verizon
To successfully transfer your number to Verizon, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:
- Device Compatibility: You can use either a locked carrier phone or an unlocked phone for the transfer.
- Active Number: Ensure your current number is active and in good standing with your current carrier.
- No Early Termination Fees (ETFs): If you have an outstanding ETF with your current carrier, you may need to pay it off before transferring.
- Paid Phone Charges: Make sure all your current phone charges, including any fees or add-ons, are up-to-date.
- Primary Account Holder: The primary account holder on your current plan will need to be involved in the transfer process.
- Active Plan: Maintain your current phone plan active until the transfer is complete. This ensures a seamless transition.
Fulfilling these requirements will make you well-prepared to transfer your number to Verizon and enjoy their services.
How To Port Your Number To Verizon?
Here is the detailed and informative guide for users looking to port their number to Verizon.
Initiating The Port
Before initiating the process, you need to gather this information – current carrier holding number, account number, and account PIN. There are two ways to initiate the porting process:
- Contact Verizon: Call a Verizon representative at *611 from your Verizon phone (even without an active number) or visit a Verizon store. Inform them you want to port a number from another carrier to your Verizon account. Submit the port request and execute the steps.
- Current Carrier: You might need a Number Transfer PIN from your current carrier to initiate the port with Verizon.
New Line Or Existing Line?
Verison Wireless representatives ask you whether you want to port your new number to an existing line or to a new line.
- New Line: Verizon will add a new line to your account and assign a temporary number until your ported number replaces it.
- Existing Line (Caution): Porting over an existing line means you will lose that number and use the new one. Consider call forwarding to avoid missing calls during the transition.
Fees
Verizon typically doesn’t charge for porting a number in. Existing contracts won’t be restarted, but confirm details with your representative. For instance, if you have 6 months left on your contract, then only the 6 months will be left on the line after the port request goes through. However, you may be charged an early termination fee (if a minimum contract term hasn’t been completed), pay off any remaining device payment balances, and cancel any connected device lines to stop charges for those lines.
Programming Your Phone
Once the port completes, you might need to reprogram your phone to transmit the new number for caller ID. This usually involves dialing a code specific to your phone model. Porting a phone number requires the cooperation of both parties (current and new carriers).
Waiting For The Process To Complete
- Wireless Transfer: The FCC will automate this porting system between carriers. Wireless-to-wireless transfers are usually faster, taking less than 24 hours in most cases.
- Landline/VOIP Transfer: Porting from a landline or VOIP carrier can take 3-4 business days. The reason for this might be the porting system won’t be automated as wireless carrier porting departments.
- FOC Date: If your current carrier is VOIP or landline, contact Verizon after 1-2 business days to get the Firm Order Commitment (FOC) date, which confirms the scheduled porting date.
Once The Port Is Completed
- You might receive a text from Verizon confirming the port.
- Dual/Mixed Service: There might be a brief period (usually 24-48 hours) where outbound calls work but some inbound calls still go to your current carrier. This is normal and should resolve itself. Contact Verizon only if it persists beyond 2 days.
- Text Messaging: Text messaging functionality might take up to a few business days to work normally.
Useful Contact Information
- Verizon Customer Service: *611 (from your Verizon phone)
- Verizon General Customer Service: Check the website for the current number
- Verizon Porting Department: 800-844-7095
- Verizon Porting Status Check: [link http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/support/switch-to-verizon (or) https://www.verizon.com/switch-to-verizon/check-status/]
Follow this procedure to successfully port your number (or switch it) to Verizon.
What Are The Methods For Porting Your Number To Verizon?
To port your number to Verizon, you’ll need to provide the following information:
- Your current phone number
- Your account number with your current carrier
- A security code from your current carrier. This may be called a Number Transfer PIN, security PIN, account PIN, or password. It’s specific to the line/number, it’s not the log-in code for your account.
- Another number where Verizon can reach you during the transfer process (other than the number you’re bringing to Verizon).
- Name on account
- Address on account (including Zip code)
- Tax ID on the account (only for specific cases, check with current carrier)
You can port your number to Verizon online, over the phone, or in person at a Verizon store.
To Port Your Number Online
- Go to the Verizon website and click on the “Switch to Verizon” page.
- Enter your current phone number and select your current carrier.
- Click on the “Continue” button.
- Enter the security code from your current carrier.
- Enter another number where Verizon can reach you during the transfer process.
- Review your information and click on the “Submit” button.
To Port Your Number Over The Phone
- Call Verizon at 800-922-0204.
- Tell the customer service representative that you want to port your number to Verizon.
- Provide the customer service representative with the information listed above.
To Port Your Number In Person
- Go to a Verizon store.
- Tell the store representative that you want to port your number to Verizon.
- Provide the store representative with the information listed above.
Additional Methods-
- New Phone Porting: If you’re purchasing a new Verizon-compatible phone, you can often initiate the porting process during the purchase process.
- Verizon Wireless Store Porting: Directly visit a Verizon Wireless store to request and complete the porting process.
Choose either of these methods that best suits your preferences and convenience to port your number to Verizon.
Understanding Port Status
There are three different port statuses:
- Pending Status: This means that the porting process is still in progress.
- Approved Status: This means that the porting process has been completed and your number has been successfully ported to Verizon.
- Rejected Status: This means that the porting process has failed. There are a number of reasons why a port might be rejected, such as an incorrect porting PIN or a balance due on your account with your previous carrier.
What To Expect During The Porting Process?
During the porting process, you may experience a few things:
- Temporary Number Usage: You may be assigned a temporary phone number to use during the porting process. This is typically only necessary if your current carrier deactivates your number before Verizon has activated it.
- Possible Downtime: There may be a brief period of downtime during the porting process. This is typically only a few hours long, but it is important to be aware of the possibility.
- Notification From Your Previous Carrier: Your previous carrier may send you a notification that your number has been ported to Verizon.
How Long Does The Porting Process Take?
Porting typically takes 4-24 hours for wireless numbers and 2-10 business days for landline numbers. However, in some cases, porting may take longer.
Tips For Porting To Verizon
Porting your number to Verizon can be a smooth process if you follow these tips:
- Verify Compatibility: Before initiating the port, ensure that Verizon can support your specific type of number. This includes checking if they can handle your area code and any special features associated with your current service.
- Specify Wireline Port: If you’re porting a landline number, explicitly inform Verizon that it’s a wireline port. This will help them select the appropriate porting settings.
- Complete The Port Form: When filling out Verizon’s porting form, make sure to provide all required information accurately and completely. Missing or incorrect details can delay the process.
- Direct Contact: For faster and more efficient results, consider bypassing Verizon’s general support and contacting their porting department directly. They are specifically equipped to handle porting requests and can provide more specialized assistance.
- Confirm Port Date: Once Verizon approves your porting request, reach out to their customer service to confirm the exact date they will port your number. This will help you plan accordingly and avoid any service disruptions.
Follow these tips to streamline the porting process and ensure a successful transition to Verizon.
Benefits Of Porting Your Number To Verizon
There are a number of benefits to porting your number to Verizon, including:
- Keep Your Existing Number: This is especially important if you have a lot of contacts or if you’re used to your current number.
- Take Advantage Of Verizon’s Network And Services: Verizon has one of the largest and most reliable networks in the United States. High-speed broadband, streaming video, and voice over LTE (VoLTE) are just a few of the features that Verizon provides.
- Get A New Phone: If you’re due for a new phone, you can take advantage of Verizon’s device deals and promotions.
FAQs:
Porting fees vary depending on various factors like your current carrier and any outstanding balances but are typically minimal. Check with Verizon for specific costs.
Yes, you can port your number, but you may be subject to early termination fees, which vary based on your carrier and contract terms.
Yes, Verizon supports porting both mobile and landline numbers. Porting a landline number might take longer than porting a mobile number.
If your request is rejected (due to any reasons like incorrect information or outstanding balances), you’ll need to resolve the issues causing the rejection and resubmit the request.
To get your Number Transfer PIN, log in to your Verizon account – my profile – number transfer PIN – generate PIN (or) create your number transfer PIN using My Verizon app. This PIN authorizes the transfer of any or all lines on your account. Keep it secure and only share it with your new carrier or an authorized Account Member. Verizon will never ask for this PIN. Note that the PIN is valid for 7 days, so provide it to your new carrier promptly. Also, you can get this PIN by contacting Verizon customer service.
No, you don’t need to cancel your Verizon account. Once your new carrier connects you to their network, your Verizon account will automatically close. However, there might be a final bill to pay for any services used up to the transfer date.
Transferring a number usually takes 24-48 hours, though it can be completed more quickly. It’s important to note that the transfer time varies based on certain factors like time of the day, volume of transfers, etc.
While most numbers can be ported, some cannot. You can check if your number is eligible for porting using Verizon’s online tool: Portability Check. However, certain types of numbers might have restrictions on porting. So, check whether your number has any such restrictions before proceeding.
No, according to the FCC, a company cannot refuse to port your number, even if you have an outstanding balance or unpaid termination fees. While Verizon can’t refuse to port the number, they can charge applicable fees or penalties if the account is in arrears.
If your new carrier doesn’t provide service in your area or if your number is no longer active, it cannot be transferred. Only active numbers are eligible for porting. Also, if the new carrier doesn’t have coverage in your area, then the transfer might not be possible, even if the number is active.
Conclusion
Porting your number to Verizon is a straightforward process that can offer significant benefits, such as improved coverage, better plans, and the ability to stay connected with your contacts. Follow the steps outlined in this guide to seamlessly transfer your number and enjoy the advantages of Verizon’s services. Remember to gather the necessary information, initiate the porting request, and be patient during the transfer process. With proper planning and execution, you’ll be enjoying your new Verizon number in no time.
