Maybe you’ve had the same cellular phone number for a long time. You might have kept that number when you moved from one city or state to another. You may also have retained the same number while you’ve gone through multiple cell phone models.
You can remember the number easily, and you don’t want to get rid of it, but now, you’re switching service providers or upgrading your phone. Can you keep that number? It’s possible, so let’s take a few moments to explain the process.
You’ll find that learning how to switch phone carriers while keeping your number is easier than you might have suspected.
The Practical Reasons Behind Keeping Your Phone Number
We’ve talked about how you can grow attached to your number after you’ve had it for a long time. There’s another reason why you might not want to change it, though.
If you decide to change your number, you’ll have to go through your contact list. You must text each one of them to let them know about the change.
If you have a lengthy contact list, this process is going to be tedious and time-consuming. That reason, more than sentimentality, is why you’ll probably want to keep the same number.
The Porting of Mobile Numbers
When discussing changing your old phone number to a new carrier, we’re talking about something the cellular phone industry calls “porting.” Porting is the technical term for transferring an existing number to a new phone.
If you want to keep your number but switch it over to another network, then you need what is called a Porting Authorization Code, or a PAC. Your old provider gives it to you. You’ll then give it to your new provider when you’re getting ready to make the switch.
How to Start the Process
The first thing you’ll do is notify your current carrier that you’re switching over. They will probably try to convince you to stay with them. If you’re adamant about leaving, though, they’ll have no choice but to comply with your request.
You can either call or text your provider and let them know that you need a PAC. Your provider has two hours to give you that code.
This is a timeframe stipulated by the telecommunications regulator. Keep this in mind if your current provider is taking longer than two hours. Any longer delay, and you can report them, which sets them up for fines and other penalties.
Your current network will probably ask a few questions verifying your identity. Give them whatever answers are required. They might ask you for things like your current billing address or the credit card number they have on file.
PAC numbers are usually nine digits, and they should be valid for up to 30 days from the time the network issues them. Once you have that code, you should move the process forward as quickly as possible. If you haven’t completed the switch to the new provider by the time the 30 days are up, you must get a new code.
Contact Your New Phone Carrier with the PAC
Next, you’ll reach out to your new service provider. This process is basically the same whichever new network you are joining.
It could be Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, etc. They’ll be looking for that PAC number from you, and until they have it, the process will not move forward.
Once you have given them that number, it will get the ball rolling. Your new network, with the code in their possession, will contact your old one. They’ll schedule the switch, which will typically take place within one working day.
While you’re waiting, make sure to keep your old SIM card in your phone. That will ensure that you keep getting calls and texts at your number, and you won’t miss anything important.
If you happen to be making the switch on the weekend, then the porting process might take a day or two longer than it otherwise would.
Check to See that the Switch Between Phone Carriers Has Worked
Within a day or two, the switch should be finalized. You can now have someone call or text you on your old phone, but via your new network.
If the texts and calls go through, then you’ll know that the switch has worked, and the process is complete. You can officially terminate your contract with your previous provider if you haven’t done that yet.
What if You Don’t Care About Keeping Your Old Number?
Maybe this whole process sounds like more of a pain than you feel it’s worth. If so, you can skip this option and get a new number.
If you’re going that route, you must get a Service Termination Authorization Code, also called a STAC. You can get one from your old provider by texting 75075.
This is a standardized number that works regardless of which network you’re on. Your new cellular carrier will then assign you a new number.
There are a few additional questions that people often ask about the porting process. We’ll answer some of those right now.
Will I Lose Service at Any Time During the Porting Process?
The porting system is set up so that “downtime” for your number is minimized. It isn’t likely you’ll miss a call or text, provided you keep your phone with the SIM card in it while the switch between providers is happening.
Is It Possible to Transfer a Disconnected Number?
Maybe you decide you’ll get rid of your old number and be happy with a new one when you switch providers. Once the old number has been switched off, though, is there a way to retrieve it if you suddenly change your mind?
The answer to that question is no. Once a number has been switched off, it’s effectively dead, and you cannot get it back.
You can’t transfer disconnected numbers, meaning that you should be sure of your decision if you cancel your contract. Once that contract is terminated, that number is gone for good.
What About Transferring Music, Apps, and Games to the New Provider?
Maybe your new contract and service provider comes with a new phone, or perhaps you’re keeping your old one. In either case, porting your number will not have any effect on things like your phone settings, contact lists, apps, games, etc.
If you’re keeping your old phone and SIM card, there will be no need to make any further adjustments to maintain all your old settings. If you’re getting a new phone, but you want to keep your old settings, then there a few different ways to do that.
If you’re able to keep the SIM card from your old phone, then you can transfer it over. That allows you to easily maintain all your settings.
If you’re getting a new phone, and you’re not able to bring along the SIM card from the old one, then you’ll need to take steps to ensure that your apps, games, music, and settings make the switch.
If you have an iPhone, then you can back up the data and transfer it through either iTunes or iCloud. With an Android setup, you’ll need to use your Google account.
Now, you have all of the information you need in order to switch your number between phone carriers. The process is fairly easy, so there should be no reason for you to lose your number if you want to retain it.
