How to Change Your Phone Number—and Keep Your Old One, Too

On February 25, 2026 By newsroom Topic: Technology Buyers Guide

Switching your phone number doesn’t mean you have to lose your old one! With a little planning and tools like Google Voice, you can retain access to your old number while using a new one as your primary contact. Here’s how to do it:

Steps to Change and Keep Your Number

1. Choose Your New Number

Use a service like Google Voice to find a new virtual number.
Google Voice lets you pick an unused number in your preferred area code and customize the digits.

2. Port Your New Number to Your Cellular Plan

Unlock the Google Voice number for porting:
Go to Google Voice Settings > Number Porting > Unlock Number (Fee: $3).
Contact your carrier: Provide the Google Voice account details and voicemail PIN to port the number into a new cellular account.
Activate the number: Use a virtual eSIM for faster activation, or wait for a physical SIM card.

3. Transfer Your Old Number to Google Voice

Keep your old number active with your current carrier during the process.
Port your old number into Google Voice:
Get the account number and PIN from your carrier.
In Google Voice, select Transfer Number to Google Voice and pay the $20 fee.

4. Test and Use Both Numbers

Calls and texts to your old number will now be forwarded to your new primary number.
Manage texts from your old number in the Google Voice app, while calls from that number will show a Google Voice notification.

Tips for a Smooth Transition

Timing Matters
- Ensure your current carrier plan is near renewal to avoid wasting prepaid time or incurring early termination fees.

Avoid Losing Your Number
- Never let a number go inactive or untied to a service—it can be reassigned.

Inform Your Contacts
- Proactively notify friends and family about your number change to avoid confusion or missed messages.

Prevent Scams
- Be cautious when receiving messages from new numbers claiming to be someone you know. Verify identity if unsure.

Alternative Option: Adding a New Line

Ask your carrier to add a second number to your existing account.
While you won’t have as much control over the new number, it skips the need to use Google Voice for number creation and porting.

Cost Breakdown

Google Voice unlock fee: $3
Porting your old number into Google Voice: $20
Total cost: $23

With this setup, you can enjoy a new primary number while maintaining your old one for calls and texts. It’s a cost-effective way to keep your connections intact without the hassle of losing your digits!