To change cell phone providers, first check your current contract for early termination fees (ETFs) and device unlock requirements. Then, choose a new carrier and plan, port your number by requesting a transfer PIN from your old provider, and activate the new service. Porting typically takes 1 business day and costs nothing. Finally, cancel old service after confirming number transfer.
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Compare Plans →Free to compare · No credit check to browse · Affiliate-supportedPrepare to Switch: Check Contract and Unlock Device
The first step to changing cell phone providers is understanding your current contract. If you are still under a service agreement, you may owe an early termination fee (ETF) – typically up to $350 per line, though some carriers reduce it over time. Check your billing statement or online account for ETF details. Also, if your phone is financed or leased, you must pay off the remaining balance before switching. Most major carriers now require devices to be unlocked before they can be used on another network; contact your current provider to request an unlock once the device is paid off. Gather your account number, PIN, and billing address – you will need these to port your number.
Choose a New Provider and Plan
Compare plans from multiple providers. Budget carriers often offer lower monthly rates – as low as $15–$30 per line for limited data – while full-service national carriers charge $50–$80 per line for unlimited plans. Consider coverage maps: the FCC requires carriers to provide coverage maps, but independent apps like OpenSignal or Ookla can give real-world performance. Check if the new carrier offers a network trial (often 7–30 days) so you can test service without commitment. Look for sign-up bonuses, but read the fine print – many require a new line or port-in and may include bill credits spread over months.
| Plan Type | Average Monthly Cost | Data Limit | Contract Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid | $25–$45 | 5GB–unlimited (deprioritized) | No |
| Postpaid (basic) | $50–$70 | Unlimited (priority data) | Often 24 months |
| Postpaid (premium) | $70–$90 | Unlimited with premium data | Often 24 months |
Port Your Number to Keep It
Number portability is guaranteed by the FCC. Request a transfer PIN from your current provider (this is a temporary code valid for a few days) and provide it to the new carrier. The porting process usually takes minutes to one business day. Do not cancel your old service until the port is complete – if you cancel early, you may lose your number. The new carrier will notify you when the transfer is done. After that, your old account automatically closes, but you should still confirm with your old provider that no further charges apply.
Cancel Old Service Without Extra Fees
Once your number is successfully ported, you can safely cancel the old line. However, if you have a shared family plan, ensure you understand the impact on others. Return any leased equipment (e.g., routers, hotspots) to avoid unreturned equipment fees. If you owe an ETF, ask the new carrier if they offer a buyout promotion – many will reimburse up to $500 per line via prepaid card. Document all communications and save final bills for proof of account closure.
- Wait for port confirmation.
- Return leased equipment within the return window.
- Pay any final balance (including ETF if applicable).
- Request a final bill showing zero balance.
Prepaid vs Postpaid: Which Costs Less?
Prepaid plans have no contract and typically cost 25–40% less than postpaid plans for similar data allowances. However, postpaid plans often include perks like international roaming, streaming subscriptions, and device financing. According to the BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey, the average US household spends $114 per month on cell service. Switching to a prepaid plan from a postpaid plan could save you $360–$500 per year. Budget providers often run on the same networks as major carriers, so coverage is comparable. The trade-off: prepaid data may be deprioritized during network congestion. Decide based on your data usage and tolerance for potential slowdowns.