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SUPPORT
New to T-Mobile? Switching is easy Set up your device Using the app Sprint Migration Center All get started topics Ways to pay your bill All about your bill Line permissions Your T-Mobile ID Your PIN/Passcode All account resources topics T-Mobile network In-flight texting and Wi-Fi Wi-Fi Calling International roaming Mobile Without Borders All network & roaming topics Find the right plan Netflix on Us HotSpot plans Voicemail Use Mobile HotSpot All plans support topics Tutorials Troubleshooting Unlock your device Protect your device SIM card & eSIM All device assistance topics Get T-Mobile for Business Billing and payments Manage your account Orders and shopping Account Hub registration All business support topics

Are you with us? Transfer your mobile or landline number to T-Mobile and join the Uncarrier! If you have questions about how to transfer (port out) your mobile number to another carrier, we’ve got the information right here.

On this page:

Thinking about switching to T-Mobile and wanting to keep your number?

You can keep the number you already have from another wireless or landline carrier. Transferring your number, also known as porting, is the process by which you transfer your phone number from one carrier to another. In rare circumstances, we are unable to transfer a number to our network. This is often because we don’t have a transfer agreement with the original service provider.

  • There is no charge for transferring your phone numbers.
  • Wireless line: the transfer will typically complete from 10 minutes to 3 hours.
  • Landline: the transfer may take anywhere from 3–10 days. The timing of your number transfer depends on the accuracy of the information provided.
  • If your phone is not active with your new phone number after you have waited the expected time, contact T-Mobile Customer Care at 1-800-T-Mobile. Sometimes we need to validate or modify information, such as misspelled names, addresses, etc. before we can complete the transfer.

Take advantage of these offers to switch to T-Mobile

  • Carrier Freedom​: T-Mobile will pay early termination fees or device payments for up to five lines that are currently under a postpaid contract with AT&T or Verizon.
  • Deals: Looking for a deal? We've got you covered. 
  • Bring your own device program: Love your current device? That's fine, too. 

Business and Prepaid accounts

More information on switching can be found on our pages for Business transfers or Prepaid lines.

How do I transfer my number to T-Mobile?

  • Get started online: Follow the number transfer instructions on the payment page at checkout. We recommend this method if you don't need to use your current phone until your new T-Mobile equipment arrives.
  • Contact us to let us know that you're ready to make the switch! For prepaid, call 1-877-778-2106.
  • Visit a store: Get some Facetime with us to begin the process.

 For postpaid services: In order to properly verify identity, new and existing customers will need to have an acceptable form of government-issued ID such as State ID, Driver’s License or US Passport.

Complete these steps to ensure a successful number transfer experience:

  1. First, check your eligibility​​​. In rare instances, your number may not be eligible if we don't have a transfer agreement with your original service provider. If this happens, we can give you a brand-new number.
  2. Here's the information you'll need to transfer your number: 
    • Phone number(s) you want to transfer from your current service provider.
    • Current service provider name.
    • Account number (usually located on your bill or service provider portal).
    • Billing address (including ZIP code).
  3. Contact your current service provider and do the following:
    • Request a Porting Pin / Password (needed to move your number over.
      • Some accounts may require a Temporary Port Out PIN.
      • Some accounts may require the general account PIN/Passcode.
    • Confirm your device is unlocked and can be ported to another service provider.
    • Request the removal of any blocks or requirements on your accounts so you can port.
    • Ensure all balances are paid to your current service provider.

Now you can start the transition to your new T-Mobile account

  • You'll get a text message from T-Mobile indicating your number transfer has started.
  • You may experience dual service during the transfer process. This is a period of up to 24 hours where service may be active on both phones. If you must call 911 during this time, stay on the line. 911 may not be able to call you back.
  • After completing your number transfer to T-Mobile, any remaining lines with your previous service provider that you do not intend to keep may need to be canceled to avoid unexpected charges.
  • Contact us to check the status of your transfer request at 1-877-789-3106.

Canceling with your current service provider

  • Your account with your previous service provider must remain active to transfer your number over. Make sure you do not cancel your account until after the transfer process has been completed.
  • Back up your contacts, voicemail, and text messages before transferring your number to T-Mobile. Your voicemail will reset after the port completes.
  • To make sure you don't miss any important calls or texts, it's best to wait to transfer your number until after you get your new device and SIM card.

Getting reimbursed for an Early Termination Fee (ETF)

  • Option 1: Contact us when you receive your new equipment. We recommend this method if you need to use your current phone until your new equipment arrives. 
  • Option 2: Follow the number transfer instructions on the payment page at checkout when purchasing your new equipment. We recommend this method if you don’t need to use your current phone until your new equipment arrives.

Transfer your T-Mobile number to another carrier

If you need help with your account or device, contact us! If you still want to transfer your number, follow these steps:

  1. Have the Primary Account Holder:
  2. Contact your new service provider to start the process. Make sure you have:
    • Your T-Mobile account number, located on your T-Mobile account or bill.
    • The Temporary Port Out PIN.
    • The account PIN/Passcode.
    • Government account must contact us to get started.

Manage port out protection

Port Out Protection is a free feature offered to all T-Mobile Postpaid, T-Mobile for Business, T-Mobile Prepaid, and Metro by T-Mobile customers. It adds additional security to your account by blocking unauthorized users from transferring your lines to another wireless carrier.

  • This service must be added to each line on your account individually.
  • For added security, the Primary Account Holder will need to turn this feature off.
  • Any Prepaid account line user can contact us to remove the feature but are required to pass an additional account security step.

T-Mobile Postpaid accounts

To add or remove this feature, log in to T-Life or T-Mobile.com with your T-Mobile ID. While you can add Port Out Protection as an Authorized User, only the Primary Account Holder can remove the feature.

Manage Port Out Protection
 

Set up in T-Life

 
  1. Log in to T-Life.
  2. Select the Manage Tab.
  3. Select See Plans in My account section.
  4. Select Manage add-ons in the plan section.
  5. Continue to manage the line populated in the top section or choose select a different line to choose a different line.
  6. Scroll down to select/unselect the checkbox next to Port Out Protection.
  7. Select Continue.
  8. Review your order and select Agree & Submit to add the feature.
  9. Repeat steps 2 - 8 for each additional line on the account to add the feature.
 

Set up on T-Mobile.com

 
  1. Log in to your T-Mobile.com account.
  2. Select Account.
  3. Under Lines and Devices, select the desired line to add protection. This feature must be added individually for each line on the account.
  4. Scroll down to the Active Add-ons section and select Manage add-ons.
  5. Scroll down to the Services section.
  6. Select/unselect the checkbox next to Port Out Protection.
  7. Select Continue.
  8. If prompted, agree to the Terms & Conditions.
  9. Select Agree & Submit.
  10. Repeat steps 2-9 for each additional line on the account to add the feature.

T-Mobile Prepaid accounts

 

Set up Prepaid

 
  1. Go to www.prepaid.t-mobile.com
  2. Select My T-Mobile and login with your T-Mobile ID
  3. Select Line details in the MyT-Mobile option in the menu on your account homepage.
  4. Review or update your account’s Plans and Services
  5. In the Choose your services section, select or unselect Port Out Protection, then select Continue.
  6. Select a start date for the plan or service changes & review the details.
  7. Select Add to cart.
  8. Select Continue and agree to Terms & Conditions when prompted
  9. An on-screen message provides confirmation

Get a T-Mobile temporary port out PIN

If you have a personal account, you will need to generate a Temporary Port Out PIN (TPOP) to move your phone number from T-Mobile. Use the steps below to generate your PIN, then provide it to your new service provider.

Only the Primary Account Holder will be able to generate a Temporary Port Out PIN.

 

T-Life (Postpaid)

 
  1. Log in to T-Life.
  2. Select the Manage Tab.
  3. Select the gear icon in the top right corner.
  4. Select Permission & controls.
  5. Select Transfer PIN.
  6. Select Get a transfer PIN. You may be asked for further account verification.
  7. The temporary PIN displays on the screen. Make note of temporary PIN.
  8. Select Okay.
  9. Be sure to disable Port Out Protection on the line (if active) in order to use the Temporary Port-Out PIN.
 

T-Mobile.com (Postpaid)

 
  1. Log in to your T-Mobile.com account.
  2. At the top right, select your name with the arrow.
  3. Select Profile.
  4. Select Line Settings.
  5. Select Request a transfer PIN. You may be asked for further account verification.
  6. Select Get a transfer PIN.
  7. The temporary PIN displays on the screen. Make note of temporary PIN.
  8. Select Okay. Be sure to disable Port Out Protection on the line (if active) in order to use the Temporary Port-Out PIN.
 

Prepaid

 
  1. Log in to your T-Mobile.com account.
  2. On the upper-right side of the Account landing page, choose My T-Mobile.
  3. Select My Profile on the menu that appears.
  4. On the Manage Profile screen, choose Request Transfer PIN.
  5. On the next page, review options and select “Get a Transfer PIN” if necessary.
  6. The TPOP will be displayed. If Port-Out Protection is active, it must be turned off first. Be sure to disable Port Out Protection on the line (if active) in order to use the Temporary Port-Out PIN.

Please note: While text messages are normally very quick it can sometimes take up to 24 hours for the message with your Temporary Port Out PIN to be received during extreme cases. Please wait before requesting a new PIN. You can only receive a maximum of 8 PINs in a 24-hour period.

Check port status

To check the status of your port request, contact us at 1-877-789-3106. We'll look up your request and give you any updates.

 

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