How To Change Your Carrier While Keeping the Same Phone Plan
Switching phone carriers doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch. With certain providers, you can often keep your existing plan and number while moving to a network that offers better value.
You can often switch carriers without changing your plan by confirming your plan is transferable, ensuring your phone is unlocked and compatible, collecting porting details, choosing the right network and SIM/eSIM, activating and porting in the correct order, then testing service before closing old billing.
And with providers like RedPocket, you can keep your current phone and find a plan that works for you: no contract, great coverage, and activation in minutes.
Check if your plan can move networks
Before beginning the process, know that not all plans transfer between carriers. Start by reviewing your plan’s terms and contacting your provider to ask about portability and any carrier-specific restrictions. Carriers sometimes lock plan features to their networks, while many MVNOs and basic plans are designed for portability.
Plans that commonly transfer well:
- Basic unlimited talk and text
- Standard data plans without carrier-specific features
- MVNO plans built for flexibility
- Simple prepaid plans
Plans that often face restrictions:
- Carrier-branded premium plans with exclusive features
- Family plans with complex sharing rules
- Business plans tied to specific infrastructure
- Plans with embedded carrier services (streaming partnerships, etc.)
Technical differences, especially in 5G implementations and frequency bands, can prevent a plan from translating cleanly to another network, so confirm compatibility before committing.
However, the growing MVNO market generally increases plan portability because virtual operators buy network capacity from major carriers, enabling more flexible offerings.
Make sure your phone is compatible and unlocked
An unlocked, compatible phone lets you move freely between carriers. To check the unlock status, insert a SIM from another carrier. If it connects without an unlock code, it’s unlocked. You can also contact your carrier to confirm. Most carriers will unlock eligible devices (if paid off and active for the required period).
Verify network compatibility by checking supported technologies and bands: modern phones commonly support GSM and multiple 5G bands, but older devices may be limited. With the rise of 5G adoption, ensure your phone supports the target carrier’s 5G frequency bands for the best speeds and coverage.
Gather your account and port-out details
It will be important to collect all required account details before initiating a port to avoid delays: your current account number (not your phone number), account PIN/password, the account holder’s name as billed, and the billing ZIP code. Confirm these with your current carrier and ask about any carrier-specific port-out requirements.
However, do not cancel your old service before the port completes, because canceling can release the number and prevent the transfer. Document details securely and verify accuracy to minimize hold-ups, and be aware that some carriers use retention or verification procedures that can slow porting.
All in all, having correct information helps resolve issues faster. Note that MVNO customers may be deprioritized during tower congestion, which can affect perceived service during and after a switch.
Choose a network and SIM/eSIM
Decide between major network operators (MNOs) and MVNOs by weighing cost, coverage, and priority access: MNOs (Verizon, AT&T, T‑Mobile) usually offer wider coverage and priority during congestion, while MVNOs often provide lower prices but may deprioritize traffic.
Also, it’s important to consider your usage; heavy data users benefit from MNO priority, while light users and budget-conscious customers often save with MVNOs.
Compare physical SIM vs eSIM:
- eSIM: instant activation, multiple profiles, easier switching, requires device and carrier support
- Physical SIM: universal compatibility, simple device-to-device transfer, no dependence on carrier eSIM support
Research coverage maps and third-party tests for areas you frequent (home, work, travel routes). Many carriers and MVNOs offer trial periods or satisfaction guarantees, so you can use them to validate real-world performance before fully committing.
Activate, port your number, and don't cancel yet
Follow this sequence to avoid service gaps:
- Activate the new service.
- Confirm device functionality and coverage on the new service.
- Initiate the port with your new carrier, providing the account number, PIN, account-holder name, and billing ZIP code.
Keep your old service active until the port completes; canceling early can release your number and stop the port. Porting usually takes minutes to a few business days, depending on carriers and the accuracy of the provided details.
You can monitor the progress through your new carrier’s portal or support. Because porting touches multiple systems and third-party providers, occasional delays or verification issues can arise; contacting both carriers helps resolve them.
Test your service, then close out old billing
It’s important to extensively test your new service before finalizing the switch: make calls in multiple locations, send/receive SMS and MMS, test data speeds during peak and off-peak times, and verify any international or roaming features included in your plan.
You can also use several speed-test tools and check both indoor and outdoor coverage where you spend the most time. Once satisfied, confirm your final billing details with your previous carrier: settle outstanding charges, clear any device payment plans or early-termination fees, cancel automatic payments, and request a final statement for your records.
Verify that device financing or trade-in terms are handled per your carrier’s policies, and always keep documentation of the port completion and final bill in case of disputes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change networks without changing my phone plan?
Yes, many carriers, especially MVNOs and basic plans, let you keep the same plan structure when switching networks. The key is finding a carrier with similar features and pricing.
Will I lose my phone number when I switch?
No, if you provide accurate account details and keep your old service active until the port completes, the number porting process should easily transfer your number to the new carrier.
How long does it take to transfer my number?
Simple ports often complete within a few hours. More complex transfers or corrections can take 1–3 business days, and weekends or holidays may extend processing. Ports from VOIP/landlines can take beyond the 1-3 business days, regardless of weekends/holidays. They can take 7-10 business days.
Do I need a new SIM, or can I use eSIM?
If your device supports eSIM and the new carrier offers it, you can often switch digitally without a physical SIM; otherwise, you’ll need a physical SIM card via mail or store pickup.
What if my phone is locked or not compatible?
Request an unlock from your current carrier if your device meets their eligibility rules. If the phone lacks required network bands or technology, you may need a compatible device. Many carriers offer trade-ins or financing to assist with upgrades.
Sources:
Porting: Keeping Your Phone Number When You Change Providers | Federal Communications Commission
Mobile Virtual Network Operator Market Size Report, 2030
Factors driving mobile network operator profitability | ScienceDirect
