How To Switch From Verizon To AT&T

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.