How to Switch Phone Carriers & Keep Your Number?

Yes, you can keep your old phone number when changing carriers through a process called phone number porting. This allows you to transfer your existing number from your current provider to a new one without interruption. Almost all major carriers support phone number portability, so you don’t have to start over with a new number.

When switching carriers while keeping your phone number, you need to meet a few basic requirements, including verifying ownership and submitting recent billing and authorization documents.

• Number Portability: Check your phone number portability to confirm that your existing number is eligible for transfer between carriers in accordance with telecom regulations.
• Active Phone Number: Your current phone number must still be active with your existing carrier. If it’s disconnected or suspended, the number cannot be transferred.
• E.164 Format: The number you are considering to port must be in E.164 format, a universal numbering standard: +[country code][area code][subscriber number]. It ensures your number is recognized correctly across global networks.
• Letter of Authorization (LOA): You must sign an LOA to approve the number transfer to your new carrier. It verifies you’re the legitimate owner of the phone number being ported.
• Copy of Bill (COB): You’ll need to share a recent phone bill (usually within the last 30 days) from your current carrier. It verifies that the number is active and billed under your name.
• Customer Service Record (CSR): Your CSR from your current carrier includes account number, service address, and the 4-digit PIN or passcode linked to your account. It helps your new carrier verify your ownership and match all the necessary details.
• Compatible Device: Before switching, make sure your phone supports the new carrier’s SIM card and network technology. An incompatible device may prevent your SIM from activating properly and stop the number transfer process.

You can keep your old number when switching carriers through mobile number portability (MNP) or by porting it to a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service. Both options help in retaining your existing number while changing networks or upgrading to an internet-based phone system.

To port your mobile number, check that your number is active, registered in your name, and unpaid bills. Then, send the message “PORT <your 10-digit number>” to your existing carrier’s designated porting number, and share it with your new provider, along with ID and a recent bill for verification.

• Step 1: Go to the phone’s built-in messaging app.
• Step 2: Send “PORT <your number>” to the existing carrier, requesting a porting code.
• Step 3: Share the received porting PIN with your new carrier.
• Step 4: Submit your identification proof, a recent bill, and any other documents required for verification.
• Step 5: Wait for your new carrier to process the porting request with the old carrier.
• Step 6: Once approved, the new carrier activates your number.
• Step 7: Insert the new SIM card provided by your new carrier (only the SIM card changes; the number stays the same).

To port your number to a VoIP provider, sign up for an account on a reliable VoIP carrier, submit your existing carrier details and documents, and request number transfer. The process typically takes 3–7 business days to activate your existing number on the VoIP system.

• Step 1: Sign up for a reliable VoIP carrier and log in to your dashboard.
• Step 2: Select the option to port your existing phone number from the dashboard or contact the support team.
• Step 2: Fill out the porting form with your current carrier details and the number you wish to transfer.
• Step 3: Upload the required documents, including your LOA, a recent phone bill, and your CSR to verify number ownership.
• Step 4: Wait for your new provider to contact your old carrier. If everything goes without disruptions, it typically takes 3–7 business days to port a number.
• Step 5: Once approved, your number will be activated on the VoIP system.

There are certain myths you probably heard when switching carriers, like you could lose your number, face long delays, or deal with complex steps when changing providers. In reality, modern telecom systems and number porting processes make it simple, quick, and secure.

In the past, every phone line was tightly tied to one provider and changing networks meant getting a new SIM and, often, a new number altogether. Since the introduction of number porting in 1997, you can switch carriers freely while keeping your existing phone numbers active and intact.

Years ago, transferring a number between carriers could take weeks due to manual paperwork and provider coordination. However, modern telecom systems have simplified the process through digital verification and automated routing.

Not always. If your new carrier uses the same network type, you can often continue using your current SIM and device. If not, they’ll simply activate your same number on a new SIM; nothing changes for your contacts.

Many people assume switching carriers is complicated, imagining endless forms and service interruptions. But you only need to share your LOA, recent bill, and account details, and your new provider handles the rest.

Many people still believe that switching to a VoIP phone system means starting over with a new number. In reality, the process transfers your current number from a traditional network to an internet-based one, letting you call, text online, all with the same number.

Switching to a new carrier doesn’t mean you have to lose your existing phone number. As long as your number is active, registered in your name, and your bills are up to date, you can easily transfer it to your new provider through number porting.

There are two main ways to do it: Mobile Number Portability (MNP) and VoIP porting. While both options make switching carriers simple, porting your number to a VoIP system might be the better choice if you want more flexibility. Unlike MNP, which depends on physical SIM cards and network coverage, VoIP lets you handle calls from anywhere; all you need is an internet connection.

For an easy, reliable switch, Calilio offers a cloud-based phone system that lets you port your existing number and handle all your calls online. With features like AI-powered call analytics, smart routing, and voicemail-to-email, Calilio keeps you connected and professional, wherever you are.

Ready to switch without losing your number? Port your number with Calilio today.