How do I keep my phone number if I cancel my plan in 2027?

What Is Number Porting and Why Does It Matter?

Number porting is the process of moving your existing phone number from one carrier to another. It's governed by the FCC's Local Number Portability rules, which have been in place since 2003. These rules require all wireless carriers and most VoIP providers to allow you to take your number with you when you switch. In 2027, this still applies to every major carrier — Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and their prepaid brands like Visible, Cricket Wireless, and Metro by T-Mobile, as well as MVNOs such as Mint Mobile, US Mobile, Boost Mobile, Google Fi, Xfinity Mobile, and Spectrum Mobile.

The key rule is that you must request the port before you cancel your service. Once a line is canceled, the number goes into a "cooling-off" period (usually 30–90 days) before being reassigned, and you cannot reclaim it. If you cancel first, you lose the number permanently.

Choosing Where to Port Your Number

You have several options for where to move your number. The best choice depends on whether you want to keep using the number on a new plan or just hold it temporarily.

• New carrier with a plan: If you're switching to a different provider, just port the number during activation. For example, if you're leaving AT&T for T-Mobile, you can port your number when you sign up for a Go5G plan. The new carrier will handle the transfer, and you only need your account number and PIN from AT&T.
• Prepaid or MVNO: These are often cheaper and have no long-term contracts. Mint Mobile (T-Mobile network) offers 3-, 6-, or 12-month plans starting around $15/month. Visible (Verizon network) has unlimited plans for $25/month (Visible+ is $35/month). Cricket Wireless (AT&T network) starts at $30/month. All support number porting.
• Number-parking service: If you don't need active service but want to keep the number, use a service like NumberBarn (one-time fee around $5–$10, then $2/month) or Google Voice (free, but requires a U.S. phone number for verification and forwards calls to another line). These services hold your number indefinitely.
• VoIP provider: Services like Skype or VoIP.ms can accept ported numbers, but they require a credit balance and may have monthly fees. This is less common for consumers but works if you want a virtual number.

The Porting Process in Detail

When you initiate a port, your new carrier sends a request to your old carrier with your account number and PIN. The old carrier must approve the transfer within one business day, though most complete within a few hours. During this time, your old service remains active. You may experience a brief interruption of a few minutes when the number switches.

Important details to have ready:

• Account number: Found on your bill or online account.
• Port-out PIN: Many carriers (like T-Mobile and Verizon) require a separate PIN you generate in your account settings. For T-Mobile, it's a 6-15 digit number you set online. For Verizon, it's a "Number Transfer PIN" available in the My Verizon app. AT&T uses a wireless transfer PIN (also called a "port-out PIN") that you can get from your online account or by calling.
• Billing address: Must match what the carrier has on file.
• Account holder name: Exactly as listed on the account.

If you have a postpaid account (e.g., a monthly bill from Verizon or AT&T), you may also need to pay off any device installment plans or early termination fees before the port can proceed. Unpaid balances can block the transfer. For prepaid accounts, you generally just need the account number and PIN, and there are no device payment obligations.

What Happens If You Cancel First?

If you cancel your plan without porting, the number is released. Carriers typically hold a canceled number for 30–90 days before reassigning it to a new customer. You cannot request it back after cancellation. The only exception is if you reactivate the same line within the grace period (usually 30 days) with the same carrier, but that requires starting a new account and may not be possible if the number has already been reassigned.

To avoid this, always port before canceling. Even if you're moving to a number-parking service, initiate the port while your old line is active.

Costs and Fees

Porting a number is free under FCC rules — your old carrier cannot charge you to release the number. However, your new carrier may charge a one-time activation fee or SIM card fee. For example:

• Mint Mobile charges a $5 SIM kit fee (sometimes waived with promos).
• Visible charges a $5 SIM fee for physical SIMs (eSIM is free).
• Cricket Wireless charges a $25 activation fee for new lines (waived during promotions).
• NumberBarn charges a $5 one-time port-in fee plus $2/month for parking.

Number-parking services like Google Voice are free, but you must have a U.S. phone number to verify your account, and Google Voice numbers are not considered "wireless" for all purposes (e.g., some banks may not accept them for two-factor authentication).

Comparing Your Options

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Mermaid Flowcharts

What to Do If You’ve Already Canceled Your Plan

If you’ve already canceled your plan and your number hasn’t been reassigned yet, act quickly. Carriers typically hold a canceled number for a short grace period (often around 30 to 90 days) before returning it to the pool. During this time, you may be able to reactivate your old account and then port out. Contact your former carrier immediately, explain you want to keep your number, and ask if they can reinstate your line. If they can, follow the standard porting process to a new provider or parking service. If they cannot reactivate the line, the number is likely lost, and you’ll need to choose a new one. To avoid this situation entirely, always initiate the port before canceling.

How Number Parking Services Work as a Temporary Home

Number parking services allow you to keep your phone number without an active cellular plan. These services act as a middle ground: you pay a small monthly or annual fee to hold your number, and you can forward calls or voicemails to another number or an app. Examples include services like NumberBarn, Google Voice (which requires a one-time forwarding setup), or specialized parking providers. The process is straightforward: you sign up with the parking service, provide your current account details, and they initiate the port. Once the number is parked, you can cancel your old plan. This option is ideal if you’re between carriers, traveling abroad, or simply want to keep a number indefinitely without a monthly contract. Note that parking services may not support all number types (e.g., landlines or VoIP numbers), so verify compatibility first.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them in 2027

Even with the right steps, mistakes can happen. Here are frequent issues and how to prevent them:

• Incorrect account details: Your new carrier needs the exact account number, PIN, and billing address from your old carrier. If any detail is wrong, the port will fail. Double-check these by calling your current provider or checking your online account before starting.
• Port-out PIN not set: Some carriers require a separate port-out PIN (different from your account login PIN). If you don’t have one, request it from customer service. Without it, the transfer may be blocked.
• Account not in good standing: If you have an unpaid balance or your account is suspended, the port will be rejected. Pay any outstanding bills before initiating the transfer.
• Number locked or restricted: Certain prepaid or promotional accounts may have porting restrictions. Check your carrier’s policy—some require a minimum service period before you can port out.
• Timing the cancellation wrong: Never cancel your old plan until the port is complete. If you cancel early, the number goes back to the carrier. Wait for confirmation from your new provider that the number is active on their network.
• Using a VoIP number for parking: If you port to a VoIP service like Google Voice, you may lose some features (e.g., emergency services) or face delays. Test the service before relying on it.

By being meticulous with details and timing, you can keep your number without interruption.

FAQ

Can I keep my number if I cancel my plan and don't switch to another carrier? No. You must port the number to another active service (carrier or parking service) before canceling. If you cancel first, the number is released and cannot be reclaimed.

How long does it take to port a number? Most ports complete within a few hours, but FCC rules allow up to one business day. Some ports between landline and wireless may take longer (up to 7 days).

What if my current carrier charges a fee to port out? They cannot. Under FCC rules, you cannot be charged a fee for releasing your number. If a carrier tries, file a complaint with the FCC.

Can I port a number from a prepaid plan? Yes. Prepaid numbers are portable just like postpaid. You need your account number and PIN (often the last 4 digits of your phone number or a PIN you set when activating).

What happens to my number if I owe money on my phone? You can still port the number, but your old carrier may block the port if the account is suspended for nonpayment. Pay off any device installment plans or late fees before starting.

Can I port a number to Google Voice? Yes. Google Voice allows you to port in a number for a one-time $20 fee (as of 2025). After porting, the number forwards calls to another phone or provides voicemail. Note that Google Voice numbers are VoIP, not wireless, so some SMS features may be limited.

What if I want to keep my number but switch to a home phone service? You can port to VoIP home phone providers like Ooma or Vonage. The process is the same, but you'll need a compatible adapter or device.

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Sources

• FCC Local Number Portability Rules
• Verizon Number Transfer PIN Instructions
• AT&T Wireless Transfer PIN Help
• T-Mobile Port-Out PIN Guide
• NumberBarn Number Parking Service
• Google Voice Porting Information
• Mint Mobile Porting Instructions
• Visible Porting FAQ
• Cricket Wireless Porting Policy
• PCMag: How to Port Your Phone Number

Bottom Line

To keep your phone number in 2027, port it to a new carrier or a number-parking service before you cancel your plan. The process is free, takes a few hours, and is protected by FCC rules. Gather your account number and PIN, choose a new provider (like Visible, Mint Mobile, or NumberBarn), and initiate the port during sign-up. After the transfer completes, cancel your old plan. Never cancel first — you will lose the number permanently.