Get a new phone number

A new number can give you a fresh start, but it’s a big job, and it doesn’t fix every problem. Here’s when it’s worth it, how the big phone companies handle it, how to lock your number so a thief can’t steal it, and a checklist of who to tell.

When a new number helps, and when it doesn’t

Only you can decide if it’s worth the trouble. Things to think about:

It may help if:

• Scam and robocalls won’t stop, even after you’ve tried call blocking. Try the free tools in our scam calls guide first. They are less work than a new number.
• Someone is harassing you and you want them to lose your number. If you feel unsafe, call 911. Save the messages first, because they can be evidence.
• After identity theft, if a thief knows your number and uses it to fool companies or you. Follow the identity theft guide too.

It probably won’t fix things if:

• The problem is your accounts, not your number. If a scammer got into your email or bank account, change those passwords and turn on two-step sign-in (see Stay safe online). A new number doesn’t lock them out.
• You plan to hand the new number out the same way. People-search sites and data brokers may list it again. See Remove your personal info online.
• You rely on the number for work or family and can’t update everyone. Weigh that against the calls you’re getting.

How to change your number

Before you start, the carriers suggest:

• Add the new number to your important accounts as soon as you can. T-Mobile says to remove text-message two-step sign-in from apps before you change, so you don’t get locked out. You can turn it back on with the new number afterward.
• Save your voicemails and important texts. AT&T says voicemail messages can’t move to the new number. T-Mobile says voicemail is deleted. Verizon says you may lose voicemails and texts.
• Turn off any account lock that blocks changes (AT&T says you must turn off Wireless Account Lock first). Turn it back on when you’re done.

Fees and steps were checked on each carrier’s own page on Oct 18, 2026, and can change. Your carrier has the final word.

A second number instead? Some people keep their main number for family and banks, and use a separate number for stores, forms, and websites. Some carriers and apps offer a second number, some free and some paid. usaBob doesn’t recommend any particular one. Read the app’s privacy policy before you sign up.

Lock your number: SIM swap and port-out protection

In a SIM swap, a thief tricks your phone company into moving your number to a SIM card or phone they control. In a port-out scam, they move your number to a different company. The FCC says that once a thief has your number, they get your texts and calls and race to reset passwords on your bank and social media accounts. All three big carriers offer free protection:

• Verizon: Number Lock (free; it blocks moving your number to another company) and SIM Protection (free; it blocks SIM changes). Turn them on in My Verizon under security settings. Verizon says there’s a 15-minute wait after you turn SIM Protection off. To switch carriers later, you’ll need a Number Transfer PIN.
• AT&T: Wireless Account Lock (free, in the AT&T app). It helps stop unauthorized changes like SIM changes and number transfers. AT&T sends you an email and a text when it’s turned on or off.
• T-Mobile: SIM Protection and Port Out Protection (both free). T-Mobile says only the Primary Account Holder can turn them off.
• Any carrier: ask for a PIN or password on your account. The FCC suggests it if you don’t already have one.

Federal rules: in 2023, the FCC adopted rules that require wireless carriers to use secure ways to check a customer’s identity before moving a number to a new phone or company, to notify you right away about a SIM change or port-out request, and to offer customers a way to lock their account.

Also, from the FCC: turn on email and text alerts for your bank and other important accounts, and keep details like your birthday, pet’s name, and last four Social Security digits off social media.

If your phone suddenly loses service

The FCC says losing service, or a phone that only allows 911 calls, is often the first sign of a port-out scam. If it happens:

1. Contact your phone company right away, from another phone or in a store.
2. Contact your bank and other financial companies.
3. File a police report.
4. Place a fraud alert on your credit reports and get copies of your reports. Our identity theft guide walks you through it.
5. Report it to the FCC and the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov.

Sign-in links for the government accounts: my Social Security, Medicare.gov, and IRS Online Account. Type these addresses yourself, or use the links here. Don’t use links in texts or emails.

Your old number

• Ask your carrier if it offers a way to keep the old number for a while, like a second line or a message that gives out your new number. Options and costs vary.
• Verizon says callers to an old number hear that it’s no longer in service, and calls aren’t forwarded.
• Old numbers get reused. T-Mobile says old numbers are held 45 to 90 days, then can go to a new customer. Make sure no account still sends codes to the old number.