Thinking About a Verizon Change Number? Here’s What You Need to Know

There are various reasons why you might want to change your Verizon Wireless phone number in the United States. Perhaps you’re dealing with unwanted calls or texts, moving to a new area and desiring a local number, or simply looking for a fresh start. Whatever the reason, initiating a Verizon change number request is a manageable process.

How to Initiate a Verizon Change Number Request

Verizon offers a couple of ways to change the mobile number associated with a line on your account.

Online via My Verizon (Recommended & Free)

The easiest and most cost-effective method is using the My Verizon website or the My Verizon app. Only the Account Owner or an Account Manager can make this change.

1. Log In: Sign in to your My Verizon account.
2. Select Device: Navigate to your account overview or devices section and choose the specific line you want to change the number for.
3. Find Option: Look for a “Device Management” or similar section and select the option labeled “Change mobile number.”
4. Choose New Number Type: You’ll typically choose “Get a new Verizon number” (as opposed to bringing a number from another carrier).
5. Select Area Code/Prefix: Enter the 5-digit ZIP code for the desired location of your new number. Based on this, you’ll be presented with available area code and prefix combinations (the first 6 digits). Select your preferred combination.
6. Choose Last Four Digits: The system will then display available options for the last four digits of the number. Select one from the list provided. Note that you usually have a limited number of searches per day.
7. Select Effective Date: Choose when you want the number change to take effect: “Today” (usually effective almost immediately), “Next bill cycle,” or pick a specific future date.
8. Review and Confirm: Carefully review the details of the change. You’ll likely need to authorize the change, possibly by receiving and entering a security code sent to another line on the account.
9. Complete: Once confirmed, the process is submitted. Remember to restart the phone associated with the new number after the change becomes effective.

Read more about: verizon text messages

Contacting Customer Service

You can also request a number change by calling Verizon Customer Service or visiting a Verizon retail store. However, be aware that requesting the change through a representative typically incurs a fee.

Choosing Your New Number

While you have some control, there are limitations:

• Area Code and Prefix: You can guide the selection by providing a desired ZIP code, allowing you to choose from available area code and prefix combinations relevant to that area.
• Last Four Digits: The final four digits of your new number are assigned based on system availability from the pool associated with your chosen prefix. You cannot typically request specific “vanity” numbers through this standard process. You’ll select from a list of available options.

Costs and Timing

Understanding the cost and timing is important:

• Fee Structure: Performing the Verizon change number process yourself online through My Verizon is free. If you have a Verizon representative assist you over the phone or in-store, there is typically a $15 fee.
• Effective Date Options: If you choose “Today,” the change usually happens very quickly after confirmation (requires a phone restart). If you select a future date, the change typically occurs at midnight Eastern Time on that day.

What Happens After the Change?

Changing your number has several consequences:

• Your Old Number is Gone: This is permanent. Once the change is effective, your old number is disconnected and cannot be recovered. Anyone calling your old number will hear a standard message stating the number is no longer in service. Calls are not forwarded to your new number.
• Voicemail and Messages: Voicemails associated with your old number will likely be deleted and inaccessible. Text messages stored on your phone’s local storage should remain, but messages stored only on the network might be lost.
• Impact on Contacts and Services: Your contacts stored on your phone won’t be affected, but you must notify every one of your new number. Existing device payment agreements and most plan features tied to that line generally remain unaffected by the number change itself.

Important Considerations before You Verizon Change Number

Keep these points in mind:

• Account Authority: Remember, only the Account Owner or an Account Manager on the Verizon account has the permission to change a phone number for any line.
• Keeping Your Number When Moving: If you’re moving, you can almost always keep your existing Verizon wireless number thanks to number portability regulations in the US. Changing your number solely due to a move is usually unnecessary unless you specifically want a number with a local area code for your new location.