How to Port a Wireless Prepaid Phone Number

When you change mobile service providers, you can keep your old number. This process is called "porting" your number. Most prepaid providers support the porting procedure. The easiest way to port your number is to contact the activation department for your new provider. Indicate that you want to port your old number and provide them with the required personal information. The representative will handle the porting process, which may take up to 10 days depending on your previous provider.

Telephone

• 1

  Contact the activation department for your new provider.

• 2

  Select "Activate a New Phone" from the automated system. Enter your handset IMEI or MEID number when prompted.

• 3

  Indicate that you want to port a current number. Enter the number to determine eligibility.

• 4

  Wait for a customer service representative to get on the line. State that you are activating a phone and you want to port a current number. Give the representative the handset MEID or IMEI number, the number you want to port and the provider with which the number is associated. Porting eligibility will be determined again.

• 5

  Give the customer service representative your date of birth, the last four digits of your Social Security number and the personal identification number associated with your current number. Give the representative a contact number where you can be reached in case more information is required for your port request.

• 6

  Verify your port request. Within 24 hours you will be contacted by a customer service representative from your new provider and placed on a conference call with a representative from your current company. Answer questions to finish your port request.

• 7

  Wait for notification from your new provider that your number port is complete. This is typically sent to your new handset in the form of a text message.

Online

• 1

  Select "Transfer My Number" or "Port My Number" on your provider website.

• 2

  Enter the IMEI or MEID number for your new handset. The number is located in the battery compartment of your handset.

• 3

  Enter the number you want to port. Click "Search Eligibility." Port eligibility will be displayed.

• 4

  Provide the last four digits of your Social Security number, your date of birth and your PIN number to activate the port request. A contact number is required in case more information is needed to process your request.

• 5

  Wait to receive notification that your port request was successful. Typically, a text message is sent to your new handset.

In Person

• 1

  Visit a sales location for your local provider.

• 2

  Inform the sales representative that you want to open a new account and port your current number.

• 3

  Purchase your new handset.

• 4

  Provide the sales representative with information about your current account. Give them the number you want to port, your date of birth, the last four digits of your Social Security number and the PIN associated with the account.

• 5

  Wait for your port request to be processed. When it is complete, your new provider will send a text message to your handset.