Skip to content

Phone Number Portability: How to Port Your Business Number

Phone number portability lets you keep your number when you switch providers. Give the new provider your number, account number, and PIN, and keep your old service active until the port finishes. FCC rules call for simple wireless ports within one business day; landline or multi-line business ports can take longer.

Updated September 27, 2026

Before you start

  • Your current provider's account number
  • The billing name and address on the account
  • A port-out PIN or passcode, if your carrier requires one
  • Your 10-digit phone number

Step by step

  1. Confirm your number is eligible to port

    Ask your new provider to check your number before you start. Most wireless, landline, and VoIP numbers can move between providers as long as the new service covers the same general area.

  2. Don't cancel your old service yet

    Keep your current line active. Canceling before the new provider starts the port can release the number back to the pool instead of moving it to your new account.

  3. Gather your account details

    Have your current provider's account number, the billing name and address on file, and your 10-digit phone number ready. Mismatched details are the most common reason a port stalls.

  4. Request a port-out PIN if your carrier uses one

    Many carriers require a port-out PIN, transfer PIN, or account passcode, and some require you to turn off port-out protection first. Check your current provider's account settings or support page for the exact steps.

  5. Submit the port with your new provider

    Give the new provider your number, account number, PIN if required, and billing details. A business line typically also needs a signed Letter of Authorization naming who can request the move.

  6. Keep both lines active until the port completes

    Don't cancel the old service. You may see brief dual coverage while the port finishes, which is normal and not something to worry about.

  7. Test calls and texts on the new line

    Once the provider confirms the port is done, call and text the number from another phone to confirm everything came through, including any voicemail greeting you've already set up.

Tips

  • Start the process a few days before you actually need to switch, since business or landline ports can take longer than a simple wireless move.
  • Ask specifically about fees before you start; some providers waive or negotiate them.
  • If a port stalls, the most common cause is a mismatched name, address, or account number between the two providers.

Move your business number to Studio Cloud Phone

Fill in a short onboarding form and we'll follow up by phone to move your number over.

Move your business number to Studio Cloud Phone

Common questions

How long does it take to port a phone number?

FCC rules require simple wireless ports (one line, no complex changes) to be completed within one business day, and some complete within a few hours. Porting from a landline, or a business line with multiple features, can take several days.

How to port a phone number to a new provider?

Contact the new provider and give them your 10-digit number, account number, and billing name and address. Keep your old service active until the new provider confirms the port is complete, then test calls and texts.

Do I need to cancel my old service before porting?

No. The FCC's guidance says not to cancel your old service before the new company starts the port. Canceling early can cause you to lose the number instead of moving it.

What is a port-out PIN and do I need one?

Some carriers require a port-out PIN, port authorization code, or account passcode before they'll release a number. Ask your current carrier whether yours does, since account-security features can also block a port until they're turned off.

Can every phone number be ported?

Most numbers can move between wireless, landline, and VoIP providers if you stay in the same general geographic area. A move to a new area can affect whether a number is eligible; ask the new provider to check first.

Can I move my business number to Studio Cloud Phone?

Yes. Fill in the onboarding form and we'll follow up by phone to move your existing number over as part of setup, alongside your new service.

Sources