Changing a phone number is a straightforward process, but how you go about it varies depending on your carrier and personal preferences. Most providers nowadays allow customers to get a new phone number through their mobile applications or online. You may also need to order a new SIM card and pay for the number change during the process.
In this article, we’ll explain how to get a new phone number and answer commonly asked questions about this topic. Read on to find out how to get a new phone number for your mobile, landline, and VoIP.
How to Get a New Mobile Number
With many mobile network operators competing with one another, most providers allow customers to change their phone numbers rather than letting them go to one of their competitors. Popular cell phone carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon all allow you to get a new mobile number.
Since the process of getting a new phone number varies, you should check your provider’s website for instructions on how to change your number. While some providers may require you to get a new SIM card, others may issue you a new phone number and activate it within hours.
Many providers also change their customers’ phone numbers for free. However, you may need to pay a fee depending on how you get a new phone number. For example, Verizon doesn’t charge customers to change their numbers using the My Verizon app or online but will charge a $15 fee if you call customer service to change your mobile phone number.
That said, you should check your carrier’s website or app for instructions on how to get a new phone number. Once you get a new phone number, it can take a few hours to activate. While the activation process is usually quick, note that it can take a few days for the correct calling ID information to show up when you call someone.
How to Get a New Landline Number
Getting a new landline number is the same as changing your mobile phone number. Typically, the process of getting a new landline number involves requesting the change and paying the fee if your provider charges you for this service.
Your provider may also ask why you want to change your phone number. If there’s a valid reason for the provider to make the change, the fees associated with issuing a new phone number are usually waived.
Once requested and the process begins, your provider will ask if you want the change to take effect immediately or schedule it for later. After confirming this with your provider, your landline number will be updated, but it may take a few days to activate.
How to Get a New VoIP Number
VoIP numbers are often the fastest to change. You can get a new VoIP number with the click of a button through your provider’s app or website. For example, you can get a new VoIP number on Skype by going to Edit Profile. The process usually takes a few minutes, and your new VoIP number will be ready to use immediately.
However, as mentioned, you may need to pay a fee to get a new VoIP number. Most providers generally don’t have fees for changing a number for the first time but may charge a small amount for subsequent requests.
Check the History of Your New Phone Number
When getting a new phone number, you will pick something from the provider’s pool of available numbers. However, not all phone numbers in the pool are brand new. The majority of available numbers were generally in use at one point. Some are thrown back into the pool in a matter of a few months, while others may be inactive for years.
Regardless, it’s important to know the history of the new phone number you’re getting. The best way to learn everything about your new phone number’s history, as well as the people who once were using it, is through reverse phone number lookup tools.
We recommend using UnMask.com’s phone number search for this purpose. It is a quick and reliable way to learn about a phone number. UnMask scans public records and web pages to prepare a complete report that details everything associated with the number. This can also help you pick the best number from the list of available numbers.