How to Port Your Phone Number to a New Provider
How do I keep my existing phone number when switching VoIP providers?
Overview
Switching VoIP providers doesn't mean losing your business number. "Porting" transfers your number from the old provider to the new one. You keep the same number — customers don't notice anything changed.
The process takes 1-3 weeks and requires some paperwork, but it's straightforward. Here's exactly what to do.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Don't cancel your old service yet
This is the #1 mistake people make. **Keep your old service active** until the port completes.
Here's why:
- Porting requires your old account to be active
- If you cancel first, you lose the number permanently
- Once the port completes, your old service cancels automatically (or you can cancel it then)
Most providers will prorate your final bill, so you're not paying double for long.
- •Set a calendar reminder to cancel old service AFTER port confirmation
- •If your old contract has early termination fees, factor that into your switch timing
Gather your porting information
Your new provider needs these details from your OLD account:
**Required:**
- Phone number(s) to port
- Account number with current provider
- Account PIN or password (if applicable)
- Authorized name on the account
- Service address on file
**Where to find this:**
- Your monthly bill has most of it
- Call old provider's support and ask for "porting information"
- Check your online account dashboard
**Important:** The name and address must match EXACTLY what your current provider has on file. Even small differences ("St" vs "Street") can delay the port.
- •Screenshot or save this info — you'll need it for the form
- •Ask your old provider for a "CSR" (Customer Service Record) which has everything
Submit the port request with your new provider
Sign up with your new VoIP provider (if you haven't already) and request the port. This usually happens:
- During signup (many providers ask "Want to port an existing number?")
- In your dashboard under "Phone Numbers" → "Port a Number"
- By contacting their support team
You'll fill out a **Letter of Authorization (LOA)** — this authorizes the transfer. It asks for all the info from Step 2.
**What happens next:**
1. New provider submits request to old provider
2. Old provider verifies the information
3. Both providers coordinate the switch date
4. You get a confirmation with the port date
- •Double-check every field on the LOA — typos cause rejections
- •Ask for email confirmation so you have a paper trail
Wait for the port (and know what to expect)
**Timeline:**
- Simple ports (single number, same area): 3-7 business days
- Complex ports (multiple numbers, toll-free, different carriers): 2-3 weeks
- Problematic ports (rejections, corrections): 3-4+ weeks
**During this time:**
- Your old service keeps working normally
- You can set up everything else on your new system
- You'll get updates from your new provider
**On port day:**
- The switch happens automatically (usually early morning)
- There may be 15-30 minutes of downtime during transfer
- Test immediately: make and receive calls on the new system
- •Schedule ports for low-call-volume days if possible
- •Have a backup contact method (cell phone) ready for port day just in case
Verify and clean up
After the port completes:
**Immediately:**
1. Test inbound calls (call your business number from a cell)
2. Test outbound calls (make sure caller ID shows correctly)
3. Check voicemail and other features work
**Within 24-48 hours:**
1. Verify the number is fully removed from old provider's system
2. Cancel old service (if it didn't auto-cancel)
3. Request final bill from old provider
4. Update any call forwarding or routing rules on new system
**If something's wrong:**
Contact your new provider's support immediately. Most port issues can be fixed within hours if caught early.
- •Keep old provider account credentials for 30 days in case you need to reference anything
- •Update anywhere your old provider's settings might still be referenced (website, Google Business, etc.)
Common Issues & Solutions
Port request was rejected
Usually a data mismatch — name, address, or account number doesn't match exactly. Get your CSR from old provider, compare it to your LOA, and resubmit with corrections.
Port is taking longer than expected
Contact your new provider for status. Common delays: toll-free numbers take longer, some carriers are slower, holidays/weekends don't count as business days.
Number works but caller ID is wrong
Caller ID databases take 24-48 hours to update after a port. If it's still wrong after 3 days, contact your new provider to manually update CNAM records.
Old provider charged me after the port
Request a final bill with the port completion date. You shouldn't owe anything after that date. Dispute charges through their billing department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I port a home phone number to a business VoIP?
Yes. Any landline or existing VoIP number can usually be ported. Cell phone numbers can also be ported in most cases.
Will porting affect my fax number?
If your fax uses the same number, it will transfer too. Make sure your new provider supports fax (or use an online fax service). If it's a separate number, port it separately.
Can I port a toll-free number?
Yes, but toll-free ports take longer (2-4 weeks) because they involve a separate registry (RespOrg). The process is the same — just expect more time.
What if my old provider won't release the number?
They're legally required to (in the US). If they stall, file a complaint with the FCC. Usually just mentioning the FCC gets things moving.
Need More Help?
Compare VoIP providers and find the perfect solution for your business.