How Do I Transfer My AT&T Account to Another Carrier?

In a nutshell: To transfer your AT&T account to another carrier, you need account information and a Number Transfer PIN. Research and choose a new carrier that suits your needs. Check your AT&T contract for obligations and fees. Purchase a SIM card from the new carrier and back up your data. Contact the new carrier with your AT&T account number and SIM card details. Activate the new SIM card, test the new service, and cancel your AT&T account.

Introduction

AT&T offers wireless communications, internet services and wholesale services. To transfer your AT&T account to another carrier, you must have the required account information and a Number Transfer PIN. Ensure that you request a number transfer with your new carrier before disconnecting your AT&T service. Switching to a new mobile carrier offers cost savings, better coverage and new features. If you’re considering moving your AT&T account to another carrier, these steps will help ensure a smooth transition.

Research and Choose Carrier

Before starting the transfer process, compare different carriers to find the one that best suits your needs. Customer reviews and pricing plans are essential to help you make an informed decision. Choose a carrier whose network is compatible with your device. Most phones have manufacturer and carrier information in the settings app. To find carrier information, open the settings app on your device and tap “About phone.” Tap SIM status and explore the Network section.

How Do I Transfer My AT&T Account to Another Carrier? (Step 1)

Check for Contract Obligations

It’s essential to review your ongoing contract with AT&T to ensure there are no obligations or penalties associated with early termination. To find out the remaining contact duration or any fees involved, contact AT&T’s customer service. Alternatively, go to our account overview, tap “My wireless” and select “Manage device and features.” The service commitment end date is found below at the bottom of the page. Understanding your contractual obligations will help avoid unexpected costs.

How Do I Transfer My AT&T Account to Another Carrier? (Step 2)

Obtain a New SIM Card

After choosing your new carrier, visit their nearest store to purchase a SIM card. The SIM card lets you connect your device to the new carrier’s network. During the process, you may be required to provide your details and the device’s IMEI number. To find your device’s IMEI number, open the phone app and dial *#06#. The IMEI displays on a new screen.

How Do I Transfer My AT&T Account to Another Carrier? (Step 3)

Back Up Your Data

To avoid the potential loss of essential information, you must back up important data on your device. Create a backup for your contacts by syncing them to the cloud. Open your device settings and select Contact Sync settings. On the next page, click manage settings and turn on automatic backup and sync.

How Do I Transfer My AT&T Account to Another Carrier? (Step 4)

Contact the New Carrier

After purchasing your new SIM card, contact your carrier and inform them that you want to transfer your AT&T account to their service. Provide any necessary information they’ll ask you for, such as your AT&T account number and the new SIM card details. You may be asked for some additional documentation to complete the transfer smoothly.

If you want to retain your existing number while switching carriers, inform your new carrier during the transfer. They will initiate a number porting process, which transfers your phone number from AT&T to the new carrier. After a successful transfer, your new carrier will confirm the activation of your phone number.

Activate Your New SIM Card

The next step involves following the instructions provided by your new carrier to activate your account. Insert your SIM card into your device and complete the activation process by following the on-screen prompts. You must test the new carrier’s service to ensure everything functions properly. If you encounter issues, request for immediate assistance from your service provider. After ensuring that your new SIM card works well, you can cancel your AT&T account.

Conclusion

You must test the new carrier’s service to ensure everything functions properly. If you encounter issues, request for immediate assistance from your service provider. After ensuring that your new SIM card works well, you can cancel your AT&T account.

Further questions?

Ask a followup or related question and we will try to provide an answer in seconds.
Christian has been writing about long hold times and customer service call center experiences since 2010. He's been featured in Bloomberg, the Wall Street Journal and the Boston Globe.
How Do I Transfer My AT&T Account to Another Carrier?

Why does GetHuman Write How-to Guides for AT&T Problems?

GetHuman has been working for over 10 years on sourcing information about big organizations like AT&T in order to help customers resolve customer service issues faster. We started with contact information and fastest ways to reach a human at big companies. Particularly ones with slow or complicated IVR or phone menu systems. Or companies that have self-serve help forums instead of a customer service department. From there, we realized that consumers still needed more detailed help solving the most common problems, so we expanded to this set of guides, which grows every day. And if you spot any issues with our How Do I Transfer My AT&T Account to Another Carrier? guide, please let us know by sending us feedback. We want to be as helpful as possible. If you appreciated this guide, please share it with your favorite people. Our free information and tools is powered by you, the customer. The more people that use it, the better it gets.

AT&T

Asked 4 years ago
Updated 4 months ago
Viewed 518,124 times
AT&T
transfer my AT&T
contact AT&T
chantge carrier
switch carriers
change plans

Paying Too Much for TV?

We created a free, impartial concierge you can speak to right now that can compare TV, cable, phone, and Internet deals in your area. Are you already getting the best deal? Call now and talk to a real, live person who can tell you what promotions you are missing out on.

Call Free Anytime: 888-379-2546Our service is unaffiliated and thus can compare plans across many providers
Was this page helpful?
Thank you and please share!
Thank you and please share!
Needs work
Sharing is what powers GetHuman's free customer service contact information and tools. You can help!