Government iPhoneHow to Port Your Number
✅ Editorially reviewed
📋 Sourced from FCC & USAC
📅 Updated July 2026
Before you switch
Have your current account number and PIN from your existing carrier ready — you'll need these to authorize the transfer.
During activation
Provide your existing number and account details to your new carrier; porting is typically automatic and doesn't require canceling your old service first.
What to expect
Porting usually completes within a few hours to one business day; your old service will end automatically once the transfer completes.
Frequently asked questions
Briefly, sometimes — porting can cause a short gap in service, usually a few hours, while your number transfers between carriers.
Double-check your account number and PIN from your previous carrier — most port failures happen because this information doesn't match exactly.
Sources
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Lifeline Program rules
- Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC)