Can I keep my phone number if I switch carriers?

Want to change your mobile carrier but worried that you may lose your phone number?

If the question pops up in your mind, “Can I keep my phone number when switching carriers?” The answer is yes.

So, how can you keep your number while making the switch? With the feature called phone number porting, you can easily change your carrier while keeping your phone number the same.

In this article, we will discuss how number porting works, the steps you need to take to ensure a smooth transition, and everything you should know to keep your number while switching carriers.

What is Number Porting and How does it work?

Number porting is the technical procedure of moving your phone number from one carrier to another. It’s a right you have, not a service they are providing. When you switch, you aren’t getting a new number; you are keeping your own! It doesn’t matter if you are switching from T-Mobile to Xfinity Mobile or Verizon to someone new; your new carrier will make the arrangement.

Here’s how it works:

I. Initiate the Transfer: When you switch to your new carrier, you’ll notify them that you’re keeping your number. The new carrier will ask you for your old phone number and probably some basic account details (the account number, PIN, and charges).

II. Porting Request: After they have all of your information, they will get in touch with your previous carrier. After confirming the request, the original carrier starts the transfer.

III. Activation: Once everything checks out, your phone number is switched over to your new carrier’s network. If you’re using your current device, you’ll just pop in a new SIM card. If you’re upgrading to a new phone (like the Samsung Galaxy S25), the new carrier will activate it for you.

So, whether you’re looking for better coverage, a new phone plan, or just want to upgrade to a more powerful phone, number porting makes it easy to keep your number intact.

What do you need to do before switching carriers?

This is where most people mess up. There are a few things to tick off your list prior to diving into switching phone carriers and keeping your number. These will avoid surprises and make the process of number porting smooth:

• Don’t close your existing account until the number porting is complete, or else your number is gone.

• Check your existing mobile phone account for any early termination fees, end date of the contract, or any other early leave fees.

• If your phone is locked to your current network, call your carrier to unlock it so you can use it with your new provider.

• Ensure your account is in good standing. Unpaid devices or outstanding bills can hold up or prevent number porting.

• Compare coverage maps, phone plan choices, data limits, and monthly fees for different carriers.

• Check out websites like Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau to read genuine complaints and reviews about the service.

• Check the fine print from your new supplier to avoid unexpected rules or hidden charges.

• Check compatibility for your phone; not all phones are compatible with all networks. Check that your current phone or the new phone will work with the new provider.

• Check for activation fees, SIM card charges, and other upfront charges before switching.

• Some carriers offer incentives like low-cost streaming features, mobile hotspots, or special deals for switching.

How to Switch Phone Carriers and Still Keep Your Number

So, you’ve done the prepared work, and now it’s time actually to make the switch. Here’s a step-by-step guide to switching carriers while keeping your number:

1. Switch to a new phone carrier

This is the most common route, and most careers, including Xfinity Mobile, T-Mobile, and Verizon, make the transfer process simple.

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Pick Your New Carrier

Start off by searching which carrier has the best most overall coverage and phone plan that you fit well with. For example, Xfinity Mobile is priced competitively and has wonderful network coverage. Once you figure out which carrier you should utilize, look at their coverage map so they have coverage where you will need it most.

Step 2: Sign Up and Initiate the Porting Process

During sign-up, there’s usually a checkbox that says, “Keep my number.” Click it. Then, fill in the information. They’ll need to know your current number and your old carrier’s account information.

Step 3: Wait for Confirmation

You will usually receive an email or SMS message that your port request is done. Although it may take a few hours, some ports are done within less than an hour. It will take longer if you are porting from a landline or VoIP provider.

Step 4: Swap your SIM card

If you aren’t getting rid of your old phone, you can simply remove your SIM card for the new SIM card provided to make the switch to the new carrier hassle-free. If you are switching to a new phone, then your new carrier will give you instructions on how to activate your new device.

2. Porting Phone Number to a VoIP Phone System

If you’re looking for more freedom with your phone number, moving to a VoIP phone system might be another option. VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. It’s one of the best solutions for switching carriers. It’s not as complicated as it sounds.

What you typically need is a physical SIM card from a cell carrier. With VoIP, you can use your number over the internet. This means you can receive and make calls wherever you want, such as on your phone, tablet, laptop, and desktop. You are not tied to one device, and you don’t need a traditional cell plan to obtain your number.

When you port your number to a VoIP network, your real, actual number becomes virtual. Along with being able to receive and make calls, there are all sorts of VoIP features you can use, such as sharing your number and forwarding calls with a virtual number, while also managing calls over the internet.

VoIP ensures that your service remains uninterrupted during the porting process, as the switch is managed entirely online.

Dialaxy is a great VoIP phone service and gives you the freedom to keep your current number, and you can even manage your calls using any device. If you want to connect really easily via the web and not have a phone service provider, then Dialaxy is a great option. The steps to port your phone number to Dialaxy- and have it portable when switching carriers, are as follows:

Step 1. Go to Dialaxy’s website and create an account.

Step 2. Once you have logged in, navigate to Settings > My Numbers > Port Number to begin the porting process.

Step 3. Submit all the required documents, including your current carrier details, such as phone number, current carrier name, account number, PIN, or passcode.

Step 4. Dialaxy team will take care of your transfer and contact your previous carrier to arrange it.

Step 5. After reviewing your documents, you will get a notification that they’ve ported your phone number to Dialaxy.

How long does it take to Port a Number?

If you’re switching from one cell phone company to another, it usually only takes up to 24 hours. It’s quick and painless, and yes, you can keep your phone number if you switch carriers.

But if you’re switching from a landline or a VoIP service like Dialaxy, the transfer process might take a little longer, usually around 3 to 7 business days.

Don’t drop your current phone plan until it’s essential. Your number must stay active so that porting can take place. Make sure to double-check your account details before you start. Also, make sure your cell phone is unlocked and compatible with your new cell phone provider.

A bit of patience goes a long way. But if something doesn’t seem right, delays or error messages, don’t wait around. Also, you can call your new carrier’s customer support. Most are quick to help, especially carriers like Xfinity Mobile.

Once it’s done, your number doesn’t change, and you’re set with a new phone plan. Nobody even needs to know you switched. It’s very easy and convenient.

Conclusion

So, let’s answer that big question one last time: Can I keep my phone number if I switch carriers? The answer is yes. You need not start over with a new number, and you’ll forget in five minutes.

It does not matter whether you are moving to Xfinity Mobile, getting a better phone plan, or finally upgrading your current number.

You just need to maintain your current plan (genuinely, don’t let it go early), keep your account details at hand, and keep your phone unlocked. Once you’ve started the transfer process, most of it is waiting around. It lasts a few hours. It takes a tad longer to transfer from a landline or a VoIP company like Dialaxy.

You don’t have to be a computer genius to make it. Your number is your own. You can switch phone companies, get better service, save some money, and keep your digits.

So go for it, compare shop for a better rate, check out that coverage map, and switch. Your phone number will come with you.

FAQs

Do I still need a physical SIM to switch carriers?

It depends on what type of service you are switching to. If you switch to a regular mobile phone carrier like Xfinity Mobile, you’ll get a physical SIM or an eSIM. But if you switch to a VoIP provider, there is no physical SIM necessary, your number works over the internet on your cell phone, tablet, or even computer.

Is call forwarding the same thing as porting my number?

No. When you port a phone number, you’re literally moving it to a new carrier. With call forwarding, the number stays at the old carrier but just forwards calls to the new one. But porting is permanent. Call forwarding is just a workaround.

When’s the right time to switch phone carriers?

If your phone plan is getting too expensive, your coverage is spotty, or you’re just tired of dealing with poor customer service, it might be time to switch. Also, look out for better deals or when you’re planning to upgrade your device.

How long does number porting actually take?

In most cases, porting a number from one mobile carrier to another is done in a matter of hours, sometimes 24 hours. If you’re porting from a landline or a VoIP carrier, it will take a few business days. The FCC states that basic number transfers should be done within one business day.

Can I switch carriers if I still owe money on my phone?

Yes, but with a catch. If you still have an outstanding balance on your cell phone, you should pay that off first. Some carriers will pay off your current contract if you switch to them, so shop around before you switch.

Can I keep my phone number if I switch carriers online?

Yes. If you’re switching in-store or online, you can keep your number. Make sure your existing account remains active and your information is correct. Porting online is the same as doing it face-to-face, about a handful of clicks, and you’re good to go.