How long does it take to switch from Verizon to AT&T?
The time it takes to switch from Verizon to AT&T can range from a few hours to a few days depending on the circumstances. Here's a step-by-step guide on what to expect when making the carrier switch.
Preparation
Before switching, there are a few things you’ll want to do to make the transition as smooth as possible.
- Contract – Make sure you have paid any contract penalties in advance or any other charges related to contract cancellation are not applicable. You will also need to determine whether you are still under a contract and if so when it expires.
- Secure your account number and account PIN - You will need these details when transferring your number to AT&T. Go to your personal Verizon account to access this information.
- Back-up data –This involves backing up the contact list, photographs, videos, and other media files that are stored in the phone. They can be saved to the desired cloud or even your computer if you prefer.
- Activate your AT&T account – Visit an AT&T store or open an internet browser to begin the new service and porting process. You will need the Verizon account details.
The Porting Process
Porting means moving your mobile number from Verizon to AT&T Internet. Here are the typical porting steps.
1. The port request should begin with AT&T. Provide Verizon account number and account PIN. The whole process is managed between two carriers, without the involvement of the shipper or other third-party entities.
2. For this reason, AT&T will present this port request and Verizon will have no other option than to approve it. This usually takes place immediately after the process is initiated and may take a few minutes at most to complete.
3. Verizon will then turn it over to be transferred to the new company you are switching to. According to the regulations, this must be done within one business day from the day the port request was submitted.
4. Ideally, your number transfer should be completed within 4 hours after Verizon has released it given that all the details tally with the two accounts.
5. The status of the port will be communicated through your email and mobile phone number. AT&T will let you know when this process of the number switch is through.
It is also important to note that during the porting process, you may encounter some random disruptions to your service. You should also leave your old Verizon phone connected if you can for emergencies until the process is completed.
Activating Your AT&T Service
That way, you can also activate your AT&T wireless service once you have ported your number. Here are some tips for seamlessly activating.
- Activate service in-store – If you need help with activating service, you can go to an AT&T store and have a retail representative do it for you.
- Activate online - If you chose self-service on your initial sign-up to AT&T, they will notify you through email and text to activate online once porting is done.
- Activate through customer support – When you encounter some challenges trying to activate the product online, you can contact AT&T customer service for assistance.
The activation process involves changing the settings in the handset to enable it to join the AT&T network. This usually only takes a few minutes to accomplish. Some of the basic things that you may require to do are: adding the new AT&T SIM card if you are carrying your device and altering the APN settings.
After the activation of your service, your phone will join the AT&T network, and your phone number swap will be effective. Altogether, it takes 3-5 hours from the beginning of the creation of your AT&T plan and getting your device activated if everything is perfect.
Using Your AT&T Service
Once activated, test out your device and service to ensure everything works properly.
- Call someone - Place test calls to see how the calls over the AT&T network sounded and whether the voicemail box was transferred appropriately.
- Test text messages – Text your friends and relatives to ensure that the text messaging feature and multimedia messaging feature in your phone are functioning properly.
- Go online – If the user has a smartphone device, use it to search for the internet and conduct speed tests to determine the efficiency of the AT&T data connection in the region.
- Start commonly used apps - This will help in determining if the apps run as they should when connected to AT&T’s network. Scans applications, including mail, social media, and entertainment.
If some features are not working on your device after the switch, do not hesitate to contact AT&T customer support again.
Canceling Verizon
Once your phone number has successfully ported and your AT&T service is tested and working, the last step is to cancel your Verizon account if you no longer require it.
- Review account – It is also advisable to log on to your Verizon account before canceling it to ensure that no plan balance, device payment, or any other open items are left unpaid.
- Cancel service - A customer needs to call Verizon or at least chat with the company’s representatives or go to a local store. Let them know you are no longer with that provider and would like to cancel the service. Claim any outstanding credits from previous refunds.
And that sums up the entire guide on how to switch your mobile phone service from the Verizon network to AT&T. As you can notice it is not a very complicated process, but it has several stages and requires cooperation with other carriers. Such an amount of time is quite reasonable to set, as issues are unlikely to appear if around 3-5 hours are given. Maintaining a customer-friendly approach by being an informed and active participant during the process will guarantee that fewer hitches are experienced during the transition.
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