Quick Porting Checklist
Before You Start - Gather These Items:
Do NOT cancel your current service before the port completes. Your old carrier will automatically cancel once the port is successful.
Step-by-Step Porting Guide
Gather Your Current Account Information
What You Need from Your Current Carrier:
Usually 9-12 digits. Find it on your bill, online account, or call customer service.
4-6 digit code you created. If forgotten, you can reset it by calling your carrier.
Must match exactly what's on your account.
How to Find Your Information:
Choose Your New MVNO Carrier
Lycamobile
Mint Mobile
Order Your New SIM Card
SIM Card Options:
Traditional plastic SIM card mailed to you. Takes 2-5 business days to arrive.
Downloaded directly to compatible phones. Can start porting immediately.
Before Ordering:
Order your SIM card first, then start the porting process when it arrives. This ensures no downtime.
Initiate the Porting Process
When to Start Porting:
- • Tuesday - Thursday
- • 10 AM - 4 PM local time
- • When you have 2-3 hours available
- • Not on Friday/weekend
- • Late evenings or early mornings
- • Fridays and weekends
- • Holidays or busy periods
- • When you need your phone urgently
Activation Steps:
Wait for Port Completion
What to Expect:
Your new carrier submits the port request to your old carrier.
Old carrier validates your information and approves the transfer.
Your phone switches to the new network automatically.
During the Port Process:
Confirm Port Success & Test Service
How to Know Port is Complete:
Test Your New Service:
Your number has been successfully ported! Your old carrier account will be automatically closed and your final bill will arrive within 1-2 billing cycles.
Porting Information by Current Carrier
From Verizon
From AT&T
From T-Mobile
From Sprint
Troubleshooting Common Porting Issues
❌ Port Rejected: Account Information Mismatch
Common Causes:
- • Wrong account number
- • Incorrect PIN or password
- • Billing zip code doesn't match
- • Account holder name mismatch
- • Account is suspended or past due
Solutions:
- • Call current carrier to verify account details
- • Pay any outstanding balance
- • Reset your PIN if necessary
- • Ensure name on account matches exactly
- • Try again with correct information
⏳ Port Taking Longer Than Expected
Possible Reasons:
- • Started port on weekend/holiday
- • High volume processing delays
- • Manual review required
- • Number has special features (business line, etc.)
- • Old carrier requires additional verification
What to Do:
- • Wait 24-48 hours before calling
- • Contact new carrier's porting department
- • Keep old service active
- • Check for any missed authorization calls
- • Be patient - complex ports can take longer
📞 Can Make Calls But Can't Receive Them
Why This Happens:
- • Port is partially complete
- • Network routing still updating
- • Old carrier hasn't released number fully
- • New carrier activation incomplete
Solutions:
- • Wait 2-4 more hours
- • Restart your phone
- • Contact new carrier support
- • Check if voicemail needs setup
- • Verify network settings are correct
💬 Text Messages Not Working
Common Causes:
- • SMS/MMS settings not configured
- • Port completed but messaging not activated
- • iPhone iMessage issues
- • Android RCS/messaging app problems
Fixes:
- • Update carrier settings (iPhone)
- • Configure APN settings manually
- • Turn iMessage off and back on
- • Contact carrier for messaging settings
- • Try different messaging app temporarily
🆘 Port Failed Completely
If Your Number Gets "Lost":
- • Don't panic - numbers rarely get permanently lost
- • Contact both carriers immediately
- • Document all case numbers and contact details
- • File FCC complaint if carriers won't help
Emergency Contacts:
MVNO-Specific Porting Tips
Porting to Visible
Porting to Lycamobile
Porting to Mint Mobile
Porting Best Practices
✅ Do's
❌ Don'ts
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to port a phone number?
Most number ports complete within 1-6 hours. Simple ports (like Verizon to Visible) often finish in 1-4 hours, while more complex ports can take up to 24 hours. Business lines or numbers with special features may take longer.
- • Major carrier to MVNO: 1-6 hours
- • MVNO to MVNO: 1-3 hours
- • Business/special numbers: Up to 24 hours
- • Complex accounts: 24-48 hours
Can I use my phone during the porting process?
Yes! Keep your old SIM card active and use it normally until the port completes. Once the new SIM starts working, your old SIM will automatically stop working. There should be minimal to no downtime if timed correctly.
For zero downtime, wait until your new SIM shows signal before removing your old SIM card.
What if I don't know my account PIN?
Contact your current carrier to reset your PIN. Most carriers allow you to reset it online, through their app, or by calling customer service with identity verification. This is a common issue and carriers are used to helping with it.
- • Online account portal
- • Carrier mobile app
- • Call customer service
- • Visit retail store with ID
Will porting cost me anything?
Number porting is free by federal law - carriers cannot charge you to port your number out. However, you may have early termination fees with your old carrier if you're breaking a contract, and you'll pay for your new carrier's service.
The actual porting process is always free. You only pay for the new service you're switching to.
Can I port a business phone number?
Yes, but business lines may take longer to port (24-48 hours) and might require additional verification. Some MVNOs don't accept business line ports, so check with your chosen carrier first. You may need to provide business documentation.
Business lines often have additional features that may not transfer to consumer MVNO plans.
What happens to my old carrier account after porting?
Your old carrier account will be automatically closed once the port completes successfully. You'll receive a final bill for any remaining charges, credits, or prorated service. Make sure to return any leased equipment to avoid additional charges.
- • Wait for final bill (1-2 billing cycles)
- • Return any leased equipment
- • Cancel any add-on services if needed
- • Update payment methods at new carrier
Need International Calling After Your Port?
Save even more with Lycamobile's international calling plans
Why Choose Lycamobile:
- ✓ Free calling to 75+ countries included
- ✓ Easy porting process (2-6 hours typically)
- ✓ T-Mobile network with 5G coverage
- ✓ Just $23/month for unlimited everything
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