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Step-by-Step Guide to Porting Your Number & BYOD to Lifeline

Keep your number when switching to Lifeline. Follow the carrier porting checklist, find your transfer PIN and verify unlocked iPhone eSIM support.

Start Application Check Eligibility

An eligible Lifeline subscriber can often keep their phone number when moving to a new participating carrier, provided the old line stays active. The standard federal discount is up to $9.25 per month, or up to $34.25 on qualifying Tribal lands. In 2026, the one-person income threshold is $21,546 in the contiguous states. Verify eligibility with USAC.

Interactive preparation tool

BYOD and number-porting checklist

Tick each item as you prepare to switch carriers. Your selections stay in this browser session and are not sent to the website.

Six checks before you switch1. Keep your existing phone number and service active until the receiving carrier completes the port.2. Collect your current carrier account number, billing ZIP, and number transfer PIN.3. Check the iPhone carrier-lock status and ask the receiving carrier to verify its IMEI.4. Confirm whether the new carrier supports physical SIM or eSIM for your exact handset.5. If transferring Lifeline, ask the new provider how benefit transfer differs from number porting.6. After activation, test incoming calls, outgoing calls, texts and mobile data before closing the old account.

0 of 6 steps ready

Detailed porting guide · Find a Lifeline provider by ZIP

BYOD and eSIM

Make sure your iPhone can activate

For U.S. iPhone 14 and newer models, expect eSIM-based activation rather than a physical SIM slot. Earlier iPhone models can differ by country and variant. Ask the participating carrier to confirm the IMEI and supported eSIM provisioning before changing service.

Read the BYOD iPhone guide · Compare iPhone variants

When to get help

Porting problems to avoid

An incorrect account number or transfer PIN can delay the move. Porting and Lifeline benefit transfers are distinct processes. If the number does not move, contact the receiving carrier and keep the previous plan active until the issue is resolved.

Official references: USAC Consumer Eligibility · USAC Minimum Service Standards · FCC Lifeline.

Questions & answers

Frequently asked questions

Should I cancel my old phone plan before porting?+

No. Keep the previous line active until the new carrier confirms your number has transferred.

Can I use my unlocked iPhone with Lifeline?+

Possibly, subject to the authorized carrier's IMEI compatibility check, network support and SIM or eSIM activation requirements.