Current account number
Use the account number shown by the existing carrier.
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Keep Your Phone Number When Switching Providers
Learn how phone-number porting works, why the old line should stay active, which account details may be required and how porting differs from a Lifeline transfer.
Number transfer guide
Keep your phone number when switching wireless providers
Moving an existing telephone number is called porting. It requires accurate information from the current carrier and should be coordinated separately from any Lifeline benefit transfer.
Prepare the information a number transfer can require
Transfer or port-out PIN
Many carriers require a temporary transfer PIN or port-out PIN.
Account holder details
Name, address and other account details may need to match the old provider records.
Active service
Keep the old line active until the transfer is confirmed.
Your phone number can move through the carrier porting process, while the Lifeline benefit moves through the program/provider transfer process. One can fail even if the other is ready.
Practical next step
Prepare the old account before starting the new activation
A clean port is easier when the old line remains active and the account information is accurate.
Keep-your-number questions
Should I cancel my old line before porting my number?+
No. Keep the old line active until the number transfer is complete. Cancelling early can make the port harder or impossible.
What information can a number transfer require?+
The current carrier account number, transfer or port-out PIN, account holder information and billing details may be required.
How is number porting different from a Lifeline benefit transfer?+
Porting moves a telephone number. A Lifeline transfer moves the federal benefit between providers. They may happen during the same provider change but are separate processes.
Can Gov iPhone guarantee every number can be ported?+
No. Portability depends on the number, current carrier and technical or account conditions.
Gov iPhone next step
Continue with the right Gov iPhone step
Use the provider application, eligibility tool, phone catalog or support page that matches your situation.
Program information from primary sources
Federal program claims on Gov iPhone are supported with USAC and Lifeline Support references so customers can distinguish official Lifeline rules from provider-specific free phone and service offers.