Can i switch a verizon phone to at&t

Q: Can you switch a Verizon phone to T Mobile?

Verify your phones eligibility. Most phones from Verizon are eligible, but check the list to make sure your phone will give you a great experience on our network.

Making the switch from Verizon to AT&T should be easy but the process is not always a breeze.

Table of Contents Show

Unlock a Verizon Phone
Switching to AT&T
Continuing Verizon Messages
Why Switch?
Unlock Your Phone
Switch At The Right Time
Keep Your Number
Deals When You Switch
Shake It Up
Can you switch a Verizon phone to T Mobile?
Can I transfer my phone number from Verizon to AT&T?
Is it worth switching from Verizon to AT&T?
How long does it take to switch from Verizon to ATT?

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Making the switch from Verizon to AT&T should be easy but the process is not always a breeze. In fact, a 2018 lawsuit alleges the companies intentionally make it difficult to switch services as a means of retaining customers. That said, switching is possible using a basic set of instructions and the customer service personnel from both companies.

Unlock a Verizon Phone

Before making the change, you must first cancel the Verizon service and unlock the phone. Locked phones are stuck on the Verizon network and will not allow the change so this step is especially important. You can cancel service and unlock the phone by either calling the customer support number or visiting a store directly. Both options require the account password to prove identity and make any changes.

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Visiting the Verizon store is the easiest method of canceling and unlocking the phone. Customer service on the phone often involves wait times and the in-person visit ensures you complete the entire process. Verizon will unlock the phone after the account is canceled. Make sure to request the unlocked phone, otherwise, they might not pursue this step. Unlocking the phone yourself is not possible and only the company will unlock to accept new service providers.

The type of phone is not important, as all modern smartphones with Android or iOS platforms can unlock to switch between service providers. It only requires the company to unlock and release the phone from the contract. Unlock Verizon Samsung phones or iPhones at the store or through customer service to move forward.

Switching to AT&T

After the phone is unlocked and free, the switch to AT&T is fairly simple. The most difficult aspect of the process is selecting the best plan. AT&T offers plans for individuals and families with options to sign contracts of varying lengths. Some plans also offer an upgrade to a new phone after the contract reaches a certain time period. Spend some time researching and shopping for the best option before entering the AT&T store.

When you know the options, visit a store in-person to register the phone with AT&T and start the plan. They will draft a contract that requires signatures before activating the phone. Make sure you understand the new contract and the terms for breaking the contract as the fees are often significant. Negotiate if needed to ensure the plan is reasonable and delivers the desired level of data and service.

After signing, the agent will activate the phone on the AT&T network and test the phone. Go ahead and make a test call as well before leaving the store. At this point, you are up and running on the new network.

Continuing Verizon Messages

Although the phone is now running on the AT&T network, it may continue receiving Verizon message updates or show notifications about not being on the Verizon network. Original Verizon phones come with software installed specifically for the Verizon network. These intermittent notifications have no effect on the functionality and can simply be ignored.

Prepaid phones work in a slightly different manner and are often actually easier to transfer between networks because they are not locked into a contract. The Verizon prepaid phone unlock code obtained from the customer support service will open the phone to other networks, including AT&T. The prepaid phone will require a new SIM card from AT&T but otherwise, the signup process remains the same once the phone is unlocked.

If the phone does not function properly on the new network, AT&T customer support is the best option for help as Verizon no longer is contracted for service.

You want to switch phone carriers, but aren't sure how. You don't want to lose money, or have to pay extra fees when transitioning carriers. In this article, I'll tell you how to switch from Verizon to AT&T.

Why Switch?

There are no wrong answers when it comes to switching your carrier. One common reason is that AT&T might have better coverage in your area, as compared to Verizon. You certainly don't want to pay for a service that doesn't provide enough for you locally.

Maybe you want to switch because you're paying too much for your current plan. Many of Verizon's monthly fees come at a premium cost, but that doesn't mean finding a better deal at AT&T is impossible. It's worth looking into other options for carriers, especially if you feel unsatisfied with your current provider.

Another benefit of switching from Verizon to AT&T is that you might get a better deal. Many carriers offer benefits to potential customers who switch from services provided by their competitors.

Plan Ahead

Prior to making the switch, you want to know what you're signing up for. The first step is identifying the exact AT&T plan that suits your needs. After all, there's no point in going through the effort of switching carriers, unless you know there's a better option available.

Want more information about the variety of plans offered by different carriers? Check out our cell phone plan comparison tool!

Unlock Your Phone

If you're switching carriers, but want to keep your current cell phone, you need to make sure your phone is unlocked. In this case, unlocked doesn't mean entering your phone's password. Rather, a locked phone is a device that's only compatible with one carrier or cellular network, while an unlocked phone can be used with any carrier.

If your phone has been on a Verizon plan for at least two months, you shouldn't need to worry about having it unlocked. Verizon temporarily locks devices for the first 60 days after purchase. After, your phone will unlock automatically, so it will be ready to switch at a moment's notice. If you're unsure whether your phone has been unlocked, you can contact AT&T for help.

Switch At The Right Time

If you switch from Verizon to AT&T, you'll want to do it at the end of a monthly pay cycle. If you switch carriers any sooner, your plans will overlap and you'll have paid for a service that you didn't need. You also risk early termination fees, if you break your contract. The ideal time to switch would be at the end of your monthly billing cycle.

Keep Your Number

Much of the convenience that comes with your new cell phone plan will be reversed, if you don't keep your number. However, we recommend waiting to cancel your Verizon subscription until your current number has been accepted by AT&T, as a precaution. If you're not sure if your current number is acceptable for your new plan, check out AT&T's page on transferring your number to confirm your eligibility.

To transfer your number you'll need a few things:

The name or Social Security number associated with your Verizon Plan.
Your Verizon account and PIN numbers.
If you're providing your own phone, you'll also need an AT&T SIM card, so your cell phone and number works with your new plan.

Deals When You Switch

Currently AT&T offers a number of deals for people who switch from their current carriers. Many of these are enticing, especially to customers willing to opt for a new phone.

Some of the most notable deals, including a new phone and are available right now, are the iPhone 11 for half off its retail value, a free Samsung Galaxy S10e or A10e, and an iPhone XR for $5 a month. If you're more interested in cellular deals than new hardware, AT&T also offers a 4 line Unlimited Starter Package for $35 a month per line, if you switch from your current carrier.

Shake It Up

There are a lot of potential benefits when you switch from Verizon to AT&T. Life's too short to be bogged down with unsatisfactory service from your wireless carrier. Shake things up, with this information, you have practically nothing to lose.

Thanks for reading! If you have friends or family looking to switch carriers, please share this article and if you have any further questions, leave them in the comments below.

Can you switch a Verizon phone to T Mobile?

Verify your phone's eligibility. Most phones from Verizon are eligible, but check the list to make sure your phone will give you a great experience on our network.

Can I transfer my phone number from Verizon to AT&T?

Just let us know at checkout and we can work with your current wireless carrier to get your number moved. If you're shopping online, you can also select the “Keep my number” option at checkout.

Is it worth switching from Verizon to AT&T?

It really comes down to small differences in price and perks. AT&T's plan is $5 cheaper, but Verizon's will get you a six month subscription to Disney+. Also, while AT&T's Unlimited Starter plan gives you free 5G access, Verizon's Start Unlimited plan does not. You'll have to pay $10 a month if you want access to 5G.

How long does it take to switch from Verizon to ATT?

If you order your new phone or SIM card online or over the phone, your number transfer may take up to 3-5 business days to complete. Your old phone will still work until you activate your new AT&T phone or SIM card. If you're transferring a non-wireless number, it'll take a minimum of 5-7 business days to complete.