I'm about to get a new phone (iPhone 13) and, for the first time, transfer my carrier account and phone number from the old phone (an android). What do I have to do to make sure the number transfers? I want to get the phone directly from Apple, not from the carrier. Can I order the phone first, and take care of the transfer once it's here?
I tried searching for relevant info on the Apple site, with no success.
FWIW. I have been ordering my iPhones directly from Apple for years. In my case I have AT&T for my phone service, but it should work the same with Verizon. When I order a new replacement phone, I select the cellular provider at that time. The process then asks if I already have an account with that provider, and since I do, Apple takes care of contacting that provider to activate the phone with them with the same phone number.
When the phone arrives, it already has the SIM card installed and activated so it is ready to use. I did not have to contact AT&T for anything during this process.
In addition, my original 2-year contract with AT&T has lapsed. Since then, I am on a monthly plan with them. Regardless, there were no issues getting the new phone with both the same month-to-month service and with the same phone number. I believe, you can also request a new phone number during the ordering process.
FWIW. I have been ordering my iPhones directly from Apple for years. In my case I have AT&T for my phone service, but it should work the same with Verizon. When I order a new replacement phone, I select the cellular provider at that time. The process then asks if I already have an account with that provider, and since I do, Apple takes care of contacting that provider to activate the phone with them with the same phone number.
When the phone arrives, it already has the SIM card installed and activated so it is ready to use. I did not have to contact AT&T for anything during this process.
In addition, my original 2-year contract with AT&T has lapsed. Since then, I am on a monthly plan with them. Regardless, there were no issues getting the new phone with both the same month-to-month service and with the same phone number. I believe, you can also request a new phone number during the ordering process.
You can do it two ways. You can order a phone from Apple that is locked to the carrier you are currently using, or you can buy an unlocked phone that can be used with any carrier.
If you buy it carrier locked, it will come with a SIM. You will either need to contact your carrier and have them setup your phone with your old number, or move your current SIM to the new phone.
If you buy an unlocked phone, you will need to move your SIM from you old phone to you new one.
If you don't feel comfortable doing this yourself, take it to your carrier's store and they can help you switch it or take it to an Apple store and the Genius Ben can help you.
Just take the SIM out of your old phone and put it your new one. That will transfer your number.
To help reassure you about your pending phone order, I suggest that you talk with an Apple iPhone Specialist. They should be able to address any questions you may have.
You can reach them here: Chat with an iPhone Specialist - Apple
... and have fun with your new iPhone!
Both phones remain active. Typically, I use Apple's Trade-in program so I keep the old phone active until I receive the new one and makes sure it works (they always do). Then I prepare the old phone for the trade-in including removing the SIM card. I keep the card as a "spare."
... and yes, I don't have to switch SIM cards.
In case you are curious, the following support article shows you how easy it is to access the SIM card:
I'm not making it clear. The phone I'm ordering will already be locked to my current carrier (Verizon). Doesn't that mean it will already have the SIM card needed? All I need is for Verizon to switch my current phone number to the new phone. I can't find a straight answer from either Verizon or Apple. I'm not changing from another service. Just getting a new phone. You'd think this would be something they answer a zillion times a year.
That sounds encouraging, thank you! I wondered why Apple would ask what carrier we're with, unless that would help smoothly transfer service. I hope it works the same way with Verizon as with AT&T.
May I ask, does your old phone continue to work until you personally activate the new one? Are you out of service for a short time? And you don't need to move the SIM card from the old phone to the new one, right?
Thanks for the link. My old phone is so old, it's not worth anything to Apple. Plus, it's an Android. I hope I don't have to switch the card.
Thanks again. Sounds like I can go ahead and order the iPhone, and deal with Verizon later as needed.
I did that shortly before your first note here--in fact, your note came in while I was on the phone with the rep. I read him what you wrote, and he wasn't aware it worked like that. Said it may depend on the carrier (so it might not be as easy with Verizon as with AT&T). He thought I'd have to switch the SIM cards. But he also said it wasn't his area of expertise. You've actually done it, so I trust your answer and will just hope the process is as smooth & easy with Verizon.
Hey, Tesserax, I just ordered the phone. It was exactly like what you described for AT&T--Apple will contact them, they'll transfer the #, the old phone will work until I deactivate it, etc. The only difference is that the new phone won't come with a SIM card. I can use one if I want, but it doesn't need it.
Thanks again for the help.
? I don't know how to do that. Like, nothing about how to do that. When I get it from Apple, it will have the carrier's SIM in it, won't it? Otherwise, why does Apple ask me to specify the carrier?
Thank you for the help. Can I contact the carrier after I have the new locked phone, or do I need to do that before I order the phone?
If you want help inserting the SIM in your new phone, you would need to wait until you physically have it.
new phone, old number
