How to Transfer Your AT&T Number to Another Carrier?

Requirements to Port Your Phone Number from AT&T

Before porting your phone number from AT&T, make sure your number and device are compatible with the new carrier, your account is active, and all required information is accurate to avoid porting issues. It’s also important to prepare for brief downtime and back up your device data before completing the transfer.

1. Your Number and Device Must Be Compatible with the New Carrier: While most numbers can be ported, it’s essential to check a phone number's portability status. Additionally, if you plan to use your existing AT&T device with the new carrier, make sure to unlock the device before porting to ensure it works properly after the transfer.
2. Get Your AT&T Account Details: You’ll need accurate account information to submit the port request, including your AT&T account number, billing address, and port-out PIN or Number Transfer PIN.
3. Ensure AT&T Account Lock is Turned Off: If Wireless Account Lock is enabled on your AT&T account, you must disable it before requesting your Number Transfer PIN. This security feature prevents unauthorized changes, so turning it off is necessary to complete the port-out process.
4. Do Not Disconnect Your AT&T Number Before the Transfer Is Complete: Keep your AT&T service in place until your new carrier completes the transfer. If you disconnect the number too early, AT&T says you will need to reactivate it before the port can be completed. Suspended wireless accounts can still request a Number Transfer PIN online or through the AT&T app. AT&T transfer guidance.
5. Understand Outstanding Bills and Device Installments: An unpaid balance or contract obligation does not by itself allow a carrier to hold your phone number during a port. However, you remain responsible for any amount owed. If you also want to use your current AT&T device with the new carrier, AT&T requires the device to be paid in full and, for current customers, the account bill cannot be past due before the device can be unlocked. FCC porting guidance and AT&T device unlock requirements apply.
6. Plan for Potential Downtime: Prepare for brief periods of downtime during the porting process, as your AT&T number may temporarily deactivate while the transfer completes. Keep an alternative communication method ready to avoid any interruptions.
7. Back Up Your Data: Back up your essential device data, such as contacts, messages, photos, and app information, before switching carriers to ensure you don’t lose anything during the transition.

How to Port Your Phone Number from AT&T?

To port your phone number from AT&T, first gather your AT&T account details. Then, give this information to your new carrier, and they’ll process the transfer and notify you once the port is complete.

• Step 1 - Gather all your required AT&T account information: Keep your AT&T account number, the address associated with your account, and your Number Transfer PIN at hand.
• Step 2 - Contact Your New Provider: Reach out to your new provider and give the necessary details. Your new carrier will initiate the port request and may ask you to complete an authorization form or Letter of Authorization (LOA) if required for your transfer.
• Step 3 - Wait for Porting Completion: After submitting the porting request, your new carrier will notify you once the process is complete.

How to Unlock AT&T Phones or Devices When Switching Carriers?

A locked AT&T device is restricted to its network and cannot be used with another carrier until AT&T removes the lock. The unlocking process depends on the type of AT&T account you have: Wireless, Business, or Prepaid.

i. AT&T Wireless & Business Devices

To unlock an AT&T Wireless device, it must meet all eligibility criteria: the device must have been purchased more than 60 days ago, be fully paid off, not be reported lost or stolen, and, for current AT&T customers, the account bill cannot be past due.

For AT&T Business devices, these requirements also apply, and unlocking requires authorization from the company that manages the account. Any applicable contract or term agreement must also be completed.

Here are the methods to find out if an AT&T wireless and business device is unlocked:

Method 1: Sign in to your AT&T account and open the device details section. If the device is already unlocked, you’ll see “Device unlocked” listed under the phone number associated with that device.

Method 2: Check directly on your device:

• On iPhone: Go to Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock (if it says “SIM locked”, it’s still locked).
• On Samsung: For devices released before September 1, 2025, go to Settings → About phone → Software information and check the Service provider software version. For Samsung devices released after September 1, 2025, go to Settings → Connections → More connection settings → Network lock status. For other Android devices, follow AT&T’s device-specific unlock guidance.

How to Unlock AT&T Wireless and Business Devices?

If your wireless or business device is locked or you’re unable to confirm its status, you can submit an unlock request through AT&T’s Device Unlock Portal.

• AT&T customers: You’ll receive an email or text with instructions to complete the unlock process.
• Non-AT&T customers (those who purchased an AT&T device but use another carrier’s SIM): You’ll receive an email asking you to confirm your request. Be sure to click the Confirm your request link within 24 hours, or you’ll need to submit a new unlock request.

ii. AT&T Prepaid

To unlock an AT&T Prepaid device, you must meet the specific prepaid eligibility rules: the device must have 12 months of paid AT&T service, must not be active on another AT&T account, and must not be reported lost, stolen, or involved in fraud.

Here is how to see if your AT&T Prepaid device is unlocked:

1. For physical SIM devices: Insert a SIM card from another carrier. If your phone displays a message like “SIM not supported” or “Not compatible with the AT&T network,” the device is still locked.
2. For eSIM devices: You must submit an official unlock request through AT&T.

How to Unlock AT&T Prepaid Devices?

• AT&T Prepaid Android devices: Use the AT&T Device Unlock app, which comes preinstalled on most AT&T Android phones.
• AT&T Prepaid iPhones: Submit an unlock request through AT&T’s Device Unlock Portal and follow the instructions sent to your email.

How to Turn Off AT&T Account Lock?

Wireless Account Lock is a security feature that prevents unauthorized changes to your AT&T wireless or prepaid account. This feature applies only to personal accounts and does not apply to AT&T business accounts.

Here’s how to turn off the lock feature:

i. AT&T Wireless

Wireless Account Lock can only be managed through the AT&T app on a device active with your AT&T Wireless account.

Here is how to unlock an AT&T wireless account:

• Open the AT&T app and sign in if asked. Tap the person icon, scroll to Wireless account lock, then tap Unlock the account. See AT&T Wireless Account Lock instructions.

ii. AT&T Prepaid

Wireless Account Lock can be managed through the AT&T app on an active AT&T Prepaid device.

Here is how to unlock an AT&T prepaid account:

• Open the AT&T app, select your prepaid line, go to Profile & Settings → Account Info & Preferences → Wireless Account Lock, and turn the lock off. AT&T will send a one-time verification code to your device, which you must enter to complete the change.

How to Get an AT&T Transfer PIN?

You can get an AT&T transfer PIN directly by using the AT&T app or your online account. You can also get it directly to your cell phone using a special dialing prefix. Request the PIN close to the time you plan to transfer your number because it expires after 4 days for AT&T Wireless accounts and after 14 days for Business Wireless accounts. AT&T Number Transfer PIN guidance.

i. AT&T Wireless

To request a Number Transfer PIN for personal accounts, you have three main methods:

• Method 1 - Online AT&T Account
  Sign in to your AT&T account profile → go to Settings → scroll to Transfer phone number → select Request new PIN to display your Number Transfer PIN.
• Method 2 - myAT&T App
  Open the AT&T app → sign in and choose your profile icon → select Manage or remove account → tap Settings → scroll to Transfer phone number → select Request a new PIN to display your Number Transfer PIN.
• Method 3 - AT&T Mobile Device
  Call *PORT (7678) from your AT&T device → follow the prompts to receive your Number Transfer PIN by text → enter your account passcode when prompted to generate the PIN.

ii. AT&T Business Wireless

Only the primary user on a Business Wireless account can request a Number Transfer PIN. If you are the primary user, you can follow the online AT&T account steps or contact AT&T to have a representative generate the PIN and email it to you.

How Long Does It Take To Port A Number From AT&T?

The time required to port a number from AT&T depends on the type and complexity of the transfer. Wireless ports are often completed within hours or by the next business day. Under FCC rules, simple wireline and intermodal ports must generally be completed within one business day unless a longer period is requested, while non-simple ports can take longer. FCC porting interval rules.

Conclusion

If you’re not happy with AT&T’s service or features, you can easily transfer to another carrier. For AT&T Wireless and Business Wireless, get your Number Transfer PIN and provide it to the new service provider alongside the required account details; AT&T Prepaid does not require a Number Transfer PIN. If Wireless Account Lock is enabled, turn it off before the transfer. If you plan to keep using your AT&T device with the new carrier, make sure the device is unlocked.

For organizations or individuals wanting more advanced communication tools, porting your existing number to a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service is a smart upgrade. This allows you to keep your current number while gaining access to advanced calling features. Also, you can use your number across multiple devices, including laptops, desktops, and smartphones.

Frequently Asked Questions