Verizon Number Lock and Number Transfer PIN
Verizon has two tools against number hijacking: a lock you switch on yourself and a PIN that is needed to move a line to another provider.
By Siddharth ShankarUpdated October 21, 2026Verizon says consumer accounts require a dedicated six-digit Number Transfer PIN to port a line to a new provider, and that it is free and automatically enabled on postpaid consumer accounts. You can also switch on Number Lock in the Security section of the app’s settings. The business support page says a PIN is unique to its line, lasts 7 days, and that Number Lock must be off before one can be generated.
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If someone ports your number away from you, they can intercept your login codes. Verizon uses two protections against that: Number Lock and the Number Transfer PIN.
Number Lock
In a Verizon news post on stopping scams, the company says Number Lock “makes it harder for thieves to use this method to take control of a customer’s online accounts.” To switch it on, open the Security section of the app’s Settings menu and enable Number Lock.
Number Transfer PIN
The same post says consumer accounts “now require a dedicated six-digit PIN to port a line to a new service provider.” It describes the feature as free and automatically enabled on postpaid consumer accounts. Customers can use the Port FAQs page to get the PIN before porting a number.
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Details from Verizon’s business page
Verizon’s business support page explains how the PIN works for business lines. The consumer process may differ, but the principles are useful:
- A Number Transfer PIN is temporary and unique to the number it was generated for.
- Number Lock must be turned off before a PIN can be generated.
- The PIN is sent by text to the device being ported and by email to the authorised user who requested it.
- It is valid for 7 days, and up to 5 PINs can be generated per line in a day.
- Do not generate a new PIN after giving one to another carrier, because that may disrupt the move.
If you are moving your number
1Keep your Verizon account open
The line must stay active until the move is complete.
2Turn off Number Lock
It has to be off before a PIN is created.
3Generate the PIN
Use the route Verizon gives for your account type.
4Give it to the new carrier
Share it only with the carrier you chose, with your account number.
5Turn Number Lock back on if you stay
If you decide not to move, lock the number again.
If you get a port-out text you did not request
The business page says that if you receive a port-out confirmation text you did not authorise, call the number in that message. To be safe, contact Verizon through its official app or website and secure your email and bank accounts too.
Why the PIN is temporary
Making the PIN valid for only a short time limits the window in which a stolen code is useful. If you generate one and then change your mind, switch Number Lock back on and let the old PIN expire. Do not keep unused PINs in screenshots or messages.
Business and consumer accounts
The details above mix consumer information from Verizon’s news post with a business support page. If you have a consumer account, rely on the steps shown in your app or Verizon’s consumer support pages, and use the business page only as a guide to how the PIN generally works.
Keep the rest of your life safe
A locked number is one layer. Use an authenticator app instead of text codes where you can, and watch for scams that try to talk you into giving up a PIN. See SIM swap and phone number fraud statistics, AT&T’s Account Lock and T-Mobile’s PIN.
Sources
- Verizon: Stop scams, talk tech with experts, call for help (Number Lock in app Settings, six-digit PIN, free, automatic on postpaid consumer accounts)
- Verizon Business Support: Port out my number (PIN uniqueness, Number Lock off first, 7-day validity, 5 PINs per day, port-out text advice)
Frequently asked questions
What is Verizon Number Lock?
A setting in the app’s Security section that makes it harder for thieves to take over your number.
Do I need a PIN to port my Verizon number?
Verizon says consumer accounts require a dedicated six-digit Number Transfer PIN to port a line.
How long is the PIN valid?
Verizon’s business page says 7 days, and PINs are unique to the line they were generated for.
Do I need to turn Number Lock off first?
The business page says yes, Number Lock must be off before a PIN is generated.
What if I get a port-out text I did not request?
Verizon says to call the number in the message. Also contact Verizon through its official app or website.
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