Need a fresh start with a new phone number? Major cell phone providers like T-Mobile and AT&T typically charge around $36 for this service, though some may offer a one-time free change. Despite potential cost involved, the benefits of changing your number might outweigh the expense, depending on your situation.
In this guide, we’re going over everything to know about how much it costs to change a phone number and exactly how to change your number. ☎️
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How long does changing a phone number take?
Changing your phone number is usually a quick process. However, in some cases and depending on your provider, it could take a few hours for the transition to finalize.
For example, T-Mobile asks customers to wait four hours before the phone number change is official. Additionally, landline numbers take longer to change than cell phone numbers.
Good reasons to change your phone number
The choice should be yours when it comes to changing your phone number. Here are some reasons why people may want to change their phone number.
1. You need to separate your work and personal life
If you need a phone for work, it might seem more reasonable for you to use your personal phone number for professional reasons, too, but this can eventually get complicated. Setting a clear boundary between work and personal time can be tricky when your phone number is the same for both.
This is especially true if you want to stay connected to personal calls and disconnected from work calls. If a clear distinction between those two parts of your life is what you need, a new and separate phone number for work might be the best idea.
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2. You are eager to avoid certain people
If you have had the same phone number for a long time, odds are there are some people that have your number despite you wishing that they no longer did. Changing your number is a great way to gain control over who has access to you.
3. You want to avoid telemarketing calls
Telemarketing calls can be a pain, especially if you receive them often or by mistake. This can happen if your phone number ends up on the call lists of telemarketers.
Other times, this situation might be a mistake made by someone who accidentally gave them your number as a result of typing in your number by accident. You can change your number for peace of mind, but remember that these calls might start back up eventually regardless.
4. You’ve moved to a new city
Moving to a new city can feel like a great time for a fresh start. Maybe you want a new number to disconnect from your old city completely.
It could also be the case that you want to change your number so that you have the same area code as the locals in your new place of residence. Regardless, this change can be an excellent way to feel like you’re genuinely starting over.
What to know about changing your phone number
Changing your phone number is a simple concept, but there are a few things you should know before you make the switch. For starters, you must have an account with your current provider before you can change you number.
Sometimes, the provider will need your account to be up to date on payments, meaning you don’t have any past-due amounts. Your phone number cannot be changed to a toll-free number either.
In most cases, you will provide the city and the state of your current phone number so that you can be associated with local area codes. Finally, don’t forget that voicemails are attached to your phone number.
When you change your phone number, you will often lose any of your saved voicemails, so try to download them if you want to before making the change.
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How to change your number or get a new number
If you’re looking to change your phone number or get a new number might sound challenging, but the process is quick and easy once you make the decision to follow through.
1. Contact your telecommunications provider
Most providers will let you change your phone number either online or via a mobile app. In most cases, it is best to contact your provider and let them know that you want to change your phone number because they can help you and provide you with the best guidance.
2. Pick your number
If you have the option to choose the digits of your new phone number, try to pick something that is easy for you to remember. For example, try not to choose a number that is too similar to your old one. Doing so could make your new number even harder to remember.
3. Update your contacts
When you change your number, your cell phone company will not notify anyone of your new number or provide an away message associated with your old number. Therefore, it is up to you to notify your contacts that you changed your number.
This is an excellent opportunity for you to only inform those you care about as to your new number. You can send them a text message or give them a call to let them know about your changed number.
New number phone number, new you
No matter what your reasoning is, changing your phone number can be a big deal. This might be especially true if you have had the same phone number for a long time.
Though a fee might be involved, the relief you’ll feel without spam calls and the joy you’ll experience with a new area code can be worth it to many people. Just remember to tell those you care about that you have a new number.
FAQ
Does it cost money to change your number?
It depends on the carrier and the frequency at which you change your number. T-Mobile allows one free phone number change per year, while AT&T charges you if your service has been activated for more than 30 days.
How much does AT&T charge to change your number?
If your service has been activated for more than 30 days, there is a $36 fee to change your phone number with AT&T.
How long does it take for someone to get your old number?
It depends on the carrier, but most providers will wait to recycle your old number for about 90 days.
