Calendar iconMay 22, 2024

How to Port Your Phone Number from AT&T to PureTalk

How to Port Your Phone Number from AT&T to PureTalk

Reading time: 8 minutes

Welcome to PureTalk! We're thrilled to have you with us. Now that you’re here, we want to make sure moving your phone number (also known as number porting) to PureTalk goes as smoothly as possible.

In this particular post, we’re going to talk about how to transfer your phone number from AT&T to PureTalk in eight simple steps! You can also check out our easy-to-follow video right here!

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Step 1:  

Transferring your phone number to PureTalk

 Transferring your phone number might sound like a big deal but, in all honesty, it’s quick and easy. In fact, most of the time there’s no hiccups or delays.

There is one thing you should know right off the bat though…

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 Important: Do NOT cancel your current service

 It’s important you do NOT cancel your current carrier yet. Once your phone number transfers to PureTalk, service with your current carrier will automatically be canceled.

If you want to touch base with your previous carrier to make sure, contact them after your PureTalk number transfer is complete. So, leave it alone until then, ok?

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 This next step is another easy one. To make sure your port request and the transfer process goes smoothly, you’ll need to have some information on hand.

Step 2

 Gather the following information

Your account number

Number transfer pin (port-out pin or security pin number)

Your account billing address

 Write down all of this information to make things easy.

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Step 3

Locate your AT&T account number

Check the AT&T app or your online account

Contact AT&T

To locate your account number, check the AT&T app or your online account. If you’re having difficulty, you can call AT&T for help.  

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If your AT&T account number is an

AT&T pre-paid account

AT&T wireless is bundled

Call AT&T (800) 331-0500

 Now if you have an AT&T pre-paid account or, if your account is bundled, you’ll need to call A&T at 1-800-331-0500 and speak with an agent to get your account number.

Next, you’ll need to get your AT&T number transfer pin.

Man in a blue shirt looking at his cell.

Step 4

Locate your AT&T number transfer PIN

Dial PORT (*7678) from your AT&T phone

Wireless account passcode

Sign in to AT&T.com or the My AT&T app

Go to transfer phone number page

Select Request a New PIN

Call AT&T (800) 331-0500

To get your transfer pin, you have a few options. You can dial PORT or star 7678 from your AT&T phone and follow the prompts for your number transfer pin, which will be sent to by text. You’ll need your wireless account passcode to do this.

You can also sign in to AT&T.com or the app and search for the number transfer page.

Once you’re there, select “request a new pin” and your number transfer pin will show up on your phone.

You can also call AT&T at 1-800-331-0500 and request a number transfer pin from an agent.

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Things to know about your AT&T number transfer PIN:

Your transfer PIN is temporary

Valid for only 4 days

If it expires, you will need to request a new transfer PIN

 Bear in mind that your number transfer pin is temporary and valid for only four days. If you go past the four-day mark, it will expire, and you’ll need to request a new one.

Once you have this information, you’re ready to transfer your phone number during the activation process.

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Bringing your phone number to PureTalk is easy and so is bringing your phone!

Most phones are compatible but to be sure, go to puretalk.com (scroll down to the “Check your phone” section) to check your phone’s compatibility.

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Step 5

Check your phone’s compatibility with PureTalk

You will need your IMEI number

Visit: How to Find your IMEI | PureTalk In The Know Series (youtube.com)

You’ll need your IMEI number to do so but, if you don’t know how to find it or are having difficulty, take a moment to watch our video. The link to it is above.

Once you’ve confirmed your phone is compatible, you’ll also need to make sure the software on your phone is updated to the latest version.

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Step 6

Update and backup your iPhone

Go to Settings

Click General

Click software update

 If you’re using an iPhone, go to Settings, then General, then click on Software update.

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Update and backup your Android

Go to Settings

Locate System or Software update

Update if available

If you’re using an Android, go to Settings, locate the System or Software Update section, and click on it.

If there’s an update available, go ahead and follow the steps to complete it.

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Now that your phone has been updated, it’s time to unlock it. Unlocking your phone means that your phone works with any carrier, not just your previous one.

Most carriers will let you unlock your phone after it’s been fully paid off.

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Step 7

Unlocking your AT&T phone

Go to AT&T.com/deviceunlock

Call AT&T (800) 331-0500

To request your phone be unlocked, you can go to AT&T.com/deviceunlock or you can call and ask them to unlock it at 1-800-331-0500.

After you’ve unlocked your phone and before you go any further, we strongly suggest you back it up to prevent losing any important data.

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Once you’ve completed your back up, you’re ready to activate your SIM card. To do so, visit the link below.

There, choose which kind of SIM card you purchased, physical or eSIM, and follow the instructions on screen.

Step 8

Activate your SIM card or eSIM

Visit: https://www.puretalk.com/activate/start

For SIM Cards, you’ll need your SIM Card Number, which is on the back of the SIM card you got in the mail, as well as your registered email address and billing address.

For eSIM, you’ll need to use the IMEI of your device.

Woman working at her desk.

How to insert your SIM card

 Most phones have the SIM card tray on the side, which can be ejected using a paperclip. If you can’t find the tray, it’s probably under your phone’s battery. Just remove it and you’ll find the slot there.

We’ve got a great video you can watch that takes you through all the steps of inserting your SIM card. You can find it here!

How to Insert Your SIM Card | PureTalk In The Know Series - YouTube

Once your SIM card is in, you’re done!

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Thank you for joining to PureTalk! Have questions or need assistance?

Call (877) 820-7873 or visit www.PureTalk.com/contact

For our complete video on how to bring your phone number from AT&T to PureTalk, click here

 There you have it, you’ve completed your transition to PureTalk! We're proud to be your new carrier and, if you have any questions or need any help, don’t hesitate to reach out to us by contacting customer support. Thank you for joining PureTalk!


Posted 6 months ago