How to Port Your Skype Number: A Complete Guide

Did you hear the news? Skype is officially shutting down. If you’ve been using a Skype number for personal or business calls, you might be wondering what happens to your number now. Do you have to start over with a new one? Will you lose essential contacts?

The good news for you is that you don’t have to lose anything. With the power of number porting, you are able to keep yourself active and even switch to a better provider with enhanced features and lower costs.

This blog explores how to port Skype number so that you have a backup for when the closing of Skype officially takes place.

Let’s go!

What Does It Mean to Port a Skype Number?

Number porting refers to the process of carrying over an old phone number to a new company but not altering the number itself.

In the case of Skype, it entails the feature of porting your Skype number to another new telephony or VoIP company without losing the contacts you have gained. It benefits customers and companies that need to switch companies but not numbers.

Porting a Skype number is a great plan when you find there is a different carrier with lower fees, more features, or even improved reliability. If you’re porting out from Skype, first check your new provider has support for your cell phone number.

You can change to a service that would be better for you, whether that is lower cost per call, improved customer support, or additional features. You are not stuck in Skype’s world, so you can search for other alternatives that will be a better choice for you, giving you more control over your communication services.

Benefits of Porting a Skype Number

• Keeping Your Existing Number – Avoid the hassle of having to change contacts and inform clients or colleagues of a new number. Phone number porting allows you to keep your current Skype number without interruption.
• Changing to a Preferred Service Provider – If a different provider is more competitive with prices, features, or reliability, porting allows for an easy change without giving up your number.
• Improved Features and Cost Savings – The other providers could provide better call quality, extra features such as call forwarding, voicemail transcription, or cheaper subscription rates, making the change more cost-saving and valuable.

Key Considerations Before Porting Your Skype Number

Here is a concise overview of the key factors before porting your Skype number:

Eligibility Criteria for Porting

• Active Skype subscription: Your Skype number must be active and in good standing. In case your subscription has expired or is inactive, porting will not be successful.
• Local regulations compliance: There are a few particular rules in areas, such as presenting proof of identity or banning porting of specific types of numbers. Inquire from your local authorities or your new provider.

Things to Validate Before Beginning the Process

• Validate new provider porting support: Verify that your new provider supports the porting of Skype numbers. They might not, so inquire in advance to spare yourself trouble.
• Pay outstanding balances: Pay any overdue charges or account lockouts against your Skype account. Exceptional issues can stop or deny porting.
• Check contract terms: If you’re registered under contract with Skype, verify the contract so that you do not face penalties or early termination charges.

• Backup important data: Export your call history, contacts, and other essential data from Skype before porting because you will no longer have access to such data after porting.

• Timing and downtime: Remember, porting takes a few days to complete, and your number will have intermittent downtime. Plan ahead to keep things running uninterrupted.

Why These Steps Matter

• Avoid delays or rejection of porting.
• A smooth transition to your new carrier.
• Avoid losing your favorite number or precious information.

By considering these factors, you can port the process hassle-free and enjoy the benefits of your new provider without unnecessary trouble.

How to Port Skype Number: Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s look at a step-by-step guide on how you can port your Skype number:

Step 1: Contact Your New Carrier

Before proceeding with the porting, make sure that your new carrier allows Skype number porting. Not all carriers support this service, so you should check if your desired carrier can port your Skype number. Your current carrier may have some requirements for porting phone numbers—check before initiating the transfer.

You will also be required to present some documents to verify your identity and your ownership of the Skype number. These are typically:

• Proof of ownership: Your Skype account details, your account email address, or any statements for your account verifying the registration of your number.
• Account information: Your Skype account number and whatever details your new provider needs in order to facilitate the porting process.

Step 2: Ask Skype for Porting Authorization

Once you have confirmed that the new provider accepts the porting of your Skype number, the second step is to ask Skype for porting.

Here is how you can do it:

1. Log in on Skype: Login via the Skype website or using the Skype software.
2. Go to settings: Reach the “Account Settings” section and search for the “Manage Features” or “Phone Number” menus.
3. Request port-out: You will be given a choice to ask for the porting of your number. Follow the guidelines, give them any details they require, and complete the request.

Skype will initiate the request and let you know once it has been received. It may take some time, so prepare for a short wait.

Step 3: Finalize the Porting Process with Your New Provider

Once Skype approves the porting of your number, you can proceed to work with your new provider to complete the exercise.

To facilitate a smooth transition, you’ll need to give the new provider the following:

• Your account details on Skype
• The number you are porting

Your new provider will ask for the porting and will handle the transfer of the number. This typically involves verifying ownership and making sure that you’re the rightful owner of the number. If you’re having issues porting from Skype, please don’t hesitate to give feedback to your new provider for support.

After that’s all completed, the porting will take as long as 10 days. There will be temporary interruptions in service during this period. They will notify you when it is complete, and your number will be fully transferred over to your new carrier.

Keep in mind that even if Skype will be holding onto your number for some time, you will be losing your Skype number when the porting is done. Do remember to update your contact list with your new number if needed.

Challenges on Skype Porting and How to Overcome Them

Porting a Skype number can be challenging at times due to technical and administrative issues. Being aware of these potential challenges and how to deal with them can make the process easier.

A. Delays in the Porting Process

Delays are among the most common issues with number porting. This can be due to missing forms, incorrect information, or varying processing times by providers.

How to Overcome It:

• Ensure Right Information – Double-check carefully that your Skype account details, including your name you were registered with, your address, and account number, are all the same as what you provide to the new provider.
• Supply All Documents Required – Some providers require additional authentication, e.g., proof of ownership of the number. Make all documents ready in advance so as not to have any delay.
• Follow Up Periodically – Contact both Skype and your new carrier periodically to check on the status of the porting request and address any issues in a timely fashion.

B. Compatibility Issues

Not all telephony or VoIP carriers support Skype number porting, which can cause issues if your new carrier is not familiar with Skype numbers within their system.

How to Get Over It:

• Confirm Portability in Advance – Before porting, make sure your new carrier allows Skype numbers.
• Ask for Alternatives – In case direct porting is not permitted, ask to divert calls from your Skype number to your new carrier temporarily while shifting over to an alternative number.

By being proactive and taking the initiative, you can successfully minimize inconvenience and port your Skype number to a superior service provider.

Alternatives if Porting Isn’t Possible

If porting your Skype number is not an option, fret not—there are a few practical solutions available to carry on with communication requirements. One suitable solution is employing call forwarding services provided by Skype. Ensure that your billing address remains the same as data on file with your current service provider to avoid delays.

You can also redirect incoming calls from your Skype number to another phone or device so that you do not miss important calls while searching for other providers.

The second choice is seeing virtual phone numbers as an adjustable solution. Virtual numbers from brands like Dialaxy give you numbers that you can utilize on multiple devices such that you can change companies without a disruption in functionality.

These numbers often include additional features like voicemail, call recording, and analytics, and are a great option when porting is not an option. You can have smooth communication while changing as per your requirement with these services.

Explore Dialaxy: A Reliable Alternative to Skype

If porting your Skype number becomes a necessity, Dialaxy is a reliable and feature-rich solution. With affordable plans, enhanced call handling, and easy porting, Dialaxy never makes you perspire.

Dialaxy, in contrast to Skype, has functionalities like voicemail-to-email, call recording, and intelligent call routing, making it a suitable option for both personal and business use.

Switching to Dialaxy provides you greater mobility, better voice quality, and affordable plans suited to your requirements. Should you want to port your Skype number or acquire a fresh virtual number, Dialaxy is the solution.

Enjoy greater control over your calls with an organization committed to reliability and innovation. Discover Dialaxy today for a brilliant calling experience!

Conclusion

Porting your Skype number has various benefits, including retaining your existing number, switching to a more effective service provider, and having the option of utilizing advanced features at a lower cost.

Migration can enable you to experience improved call quality, enhanced call management features, and the option of having greater control in choosing a provider that best meets your needs.

If you’re looking for better reliability, cost savings, and more control over your communication, now is the time to take action.

Research your options, ensure compatibility, and start the porting process with a trusted provider like Dialaxy. Don’t stay locked into a service that no longer fits your needs—port your Skype number today and enjoy a seamless, more efficient communication experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I port my Skype number internationally?

Porting a Skype number abroad is governed by the laws of the nation you are taking it to and if your new carrier supports international porting. Certain countries do not support porting abroad. It’s always best to check with Skype as well as your new carrier prior to proceeding.

How long does the process take?

The duration of number porting varies but typically takes a few days to complete.

Porting itself will typically only take a few weeks to a few days, depending on your new provider and how quickly all the information required is verified. Ensuring that you provide the correct information and documents needed will help speed up the process.

What happens if I cancel my Skype subscription during the porting process?

If you do that prior to the porting being done, you will lose your number for good. To avoid this, have an active Skype account until you receive notice that the porting has been successfully completed.

Is there a fee for porting a Skype number?

They may charge you once, though others will perform the port for you at no extra cost. Even Skype could potentially charge you a release fee. Be sure to ask both Skype and your new provider how much of a price you should be expecting to pay.

Can I reverse the porting process if I change my mind?

Once a number has been ported, it is difficult or impossible to turn back the process. If you have second thoughts, review both Skype and your new provider’s policies before initiating the port.