You’re ready to live on your own—you’ve set up your first apartment, utilities, and even furniture. But do you know how to get off your parents’ phone plan? As you can imagine, that’s a major milestone for many young adults.
In fact, over three-quarters of Americans consider it one of the ultimate signs of adulthood.1 Leaving your family phone plan and signing up for your own wireless package means you’re ready for financial independence and want to use your phone without parental restrictions.
To get an amazing deal on a reliable plan that fits your needs and lifestyle, consider the most important factors to smoothly transition from a family plan. Ask yourself:
- What are my best options for cell phone providers?
- Do I want to switch providers or stay with my current carrier?
- Which parts of my current plan do I want to keep in my new plan?
Once you answer these questions and coordinate with your parents and your current provider, you’ll be texting, calling, and browsing independently in no time.
Why you might want to leave your parents’ phone plan
Before you make that big leap and leave your family plan, think about why having your own plan is beneficial. The first thing that often comes to mind is privacy.
Your own account (and paying your own phone bill) means you don’t have to share usage details, billing info, or other data with anyone. You also choose the package that fits your needs, giving you full control over costs, data caps, features, and more.
Shared data caps, parental controls, and other limits can make family plans feel more restrictive than your own plan.
Once you know you want your own plan, there are some important factors to consider.
What to consider before moving to your own phone plan
Whether you’re looking at the best wireless phone plans for college life, have recently graduated, or are moving out of your parents’ house, most carriers require you to be at least 18 to open your own plan.
Next, look at your current family plan. In some cases, your carrier may charge a fee for removing a line or may make the remaining lines more expensive. So, be sure to talk to your parents first.
Also, list your current plan’s features so you can decide which ones to carry over to a new plan.
Evaluate different phone providers and plans since they vary widely in:
- Talk, text, and data limits
- Pricing
- Coverage areas
- Plan options
- Customer support
- Additional features
Check which providers operate in your area and which plans they offer. Then consider when, where, and how you use your phone. This will help you determine:
- How much talk, text, and data you need
- Which carrier provides the most reliable coverage in your area
- Which plans fit your usage
Decide whether prepaid phone plans or postpaid plans are a better fit for your needs and budget. With a prepaid (pay-as-you-go) phone plan, you pay for service in advance, and your data speeds may be slowed if you exceed your cap. With postpaid (monthly) plans, you pay for your usage after the fact each month.
Another key part of picking a cell phone plan is considering add-ons—like international coverage to call abroad, device insurance, and more. You may also add lines for roommates, friends, or a partner to split the plan’s costs.
Check your device status
If you still owe money on your current device and are switching providers, you’ll typically need to pay it off or get a new one. Also, check that your new carrier supports your specific phone.
If you stick with the same carrier but get a new plan, you may be able to keep your device and continue making payments.
If you’re an AT&T customer, check your device status online.
Do you want to keep your number?
You might want to consider how to get off your parents’ phone plan and keep your number. To port your number to a new plan, ask your parents for:
- The name connected to the family plan
- The account number
- The number transfer PIN or account code
With this information, your new provider can start a new plan with your current number. If you switch carriers mid-contract, you may owe early termination fees, device buyout costs, or other charges to your old provider. And if you get a new phone, you’ll typically pay activation fees and equipment costs.
Check your device lock status with your current provider. If you’ve paid off your phone, your carrier will typically unlock it so you can use it with other carriers.
Credit, fee, and deposit requirements
Some providers may require a credit check before opening an account, so have your information ready. If you have credit issues, you may need to pay a deposit, which varies among carriers.
Carriers may also charge additional fees, so check your old and new providers’ charges to see how much a switch will cost.
While it may seem like there’s a lot to consider, you can get it done when you plan ahead. Make sure all your bases are covered before committing to having a phone plan you’ll be responsible for paying.
How to transition to your own phone plan
Once you’re ready to make the leap, follow a few simple steps to get off your parents’ phone plan and onto your own.
1. Talk to your parents first
Your parents will need to remove you from their account. Ask them to start the process or, if you’re staying with the same provider, have them transfer your line into your name or switch you to a new plan.
2. Choose your carrier and plan
Choosing the right phone plan and carrier means getting the most value for your money. How much does a phone bill cost for one person? It varies by user.
Consider how much talk, text, and data you use to find a package that meets your needs and avoids monthly overages. Think about any other features and perks you might want, such as:
- Device protection
- Threat detection and internet security
- Roaming coverage
Weigh all your options, then browse our reliable, cost-effective wireless phone plans to find your ideal package.
3. Move forward with the transfer process
Contact your current provider—and, if you’re changing carriers, your new one—to start the process. Each provider has a different sign-up process.
4. Transfer your plan to your name (if staying with the same carrier)
If you’re sticking with the same provider, you’ll have to transfer the line from your parents’ account. This may require:
- A credit check
- A deposit
- Consent from you and your parents
Check with your carrier to learn more about switching the plan into your name.
5. Switch to a new carrier (if changing providers)
If you’re changing providers, select the plan that’s right for you and start the porting process to move your number to your new account. After your service is up and running and porting is complete, cancel your plan with your old provider to avoid double billing.
6. Cancel any services linked to your old account
Ending your old phone plan doesn’t necessarily cancel every service (or charge) tied to your account. You may still need to cancel add-ons and extras separately, such as:
- Device insurance
- Cloud services
- Other perks
Make sure these services end with your phone plan to avoid future bills.
7. Activate your new SIM card or eSIM
Insert your new SIM card or activate your eSIM if you’re going cardless. Your phone and carrier will guide you through getting service up and running in minutes.
8. Update your information with linked services
If your new plan comes with a new number, you’ll need to update your information on:
- Any accounts tied to your old number
- Your banking platform
- Any multi-factor authentication (MFA) that uses your old number
Once you update your services with your new number, you’re ready to use your plan and enjoy all its benefits.
Wrapping up: Taking the next step toward independence
Getting off your parents’ phone plan is a milestone worth celebrating—and preparing for. With a little planning and research, you can switch to a plan you can truly rely on.
For the most reliable coverage and unbeatable prices, consider AT&T. With the nation’s widest-reaching network and plans at every price point, we have the perfect wireless package waiting for you.
Thinking about a new device to pair with your new service? Brush up on common signs that you need a new phone to decide if it’s time for a fresh start.
¹Jessica Dickler, “Most Americans say this financial milestone makes you an adult,” Consumer News and Business Channel, June 25, 2025, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/25/top-sign-of-adulting-paying-for-your-own-cell-phone-plan.html.
