There are dozens of cellular phone companies and hundreds of different cell plans, and chances are there’s a better deal out there if you are just willing to do a little legwork.

We’ve all seen the commercials for cell companies offering plans for $40 or $30 or even $20 per month or less. It is tempting to want to jump ship from one of the big three cell companies and save some money, and you can, but you need to get your ducks in a row first.

First, you need to know the status of your current cell plan and any obligation you may have to your current carrier. Have you signed up for a plan with an early termination fee? Have you taken advantage of a free phone deal? Those free phones tie you to your carrier for the duration of the deal (usually 24-36 months). Free phones are actually financed and the phone companies credit your account for the monthly payment.

If you decide to leave early, you’ll owe them the balance remaining on your phone.

If you are keeping your phone and wanting to activate it on your new plan, you’ll need to make sure the phone isn’t carrier locked. If you get your phone from your carrier, chances are they’ve put a software lock on it, which prevents it from working with another carrier.

Unlocking a phone isn’t difficult and can be done wirelessly in a day or less.

Different companies have different unlocking policies. For instance, Verizon unlocks all its phones after your account has been active for 60 days.

Once you decide to move on and change companies, you’ll need some information to provide to the new company. They’ll need to know your current phone company, account number and a special code called a Port Out PIN, which your old company will generate for you if you call them.

When you call your current company, it is important to tell them you want a Port Out PIN, but don’t tell them you are canceling your service. They’ll know what you’re doing. Believe me, they won’t mind or try to guilt you. They do this hundreds of times per day. Cellular phone companies expect the customer turnover, also known as customer churn.

You may get offered a better deal, and you certainly could decide to stay, but don’t count on it.

Your new phone company will initiate the transfer and contact your old company with the information you provided. If everything checks out, the actual number transfer should only take a few minutes. The act of porting out your number will cancel your plan with your old carrier.

It is important to know that if you have a family plan, porting out the main number will likely cancel the service of all your phones.

If you are moving your whole family from one carrier to another, do the main number last.

If your phone still takes a physical SIM card, your new company will mail you a new SIM card, or you may pick one up at a retail location if that’s convenient. Once you get the SIM, you’ll install it in your phone and initiate the transfer.

If your phone uses eSIM, which is an electronic SIM card, you don’t have to do anything. The transfer will just happen. You’ll need to be connected to Wi-Fi for the duration of the transfer.

If you have issues, you should keep the customer service contact information for your new carrier handy.

Good luck.

©2025 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.