What does it mean to port your number?
Number porting involves transferring your active phone number from one carrier to another. When you port an active number to Techless service, you are essentially opening a new account with Techless using your existing phone number. You can not number share with your current phone.
What information do I need to port my number?
You will need the account number, account PIN (not password), account holder's first and last name, and date of birth from your current carrier.
You'll want to have this information before starting the porting process.
Discover where you can find this information based on your carrier listed below.
Can I port my number back to a different carrier?
To port your phone number to another carrier, you must first ensure it is still active. Once ported, you can then cancel the service with us. For assistance or porting information, please contact us at hi@techless.com. We are here to help with any questions you may have regarding the process.
How long does it take?
If your account information is entered correctly and your previous carrier responds promptly, this process should take between 15 to 45 minutes. However, if any information is incorrect, the process becomes manual and can take 1 to 3 days for your carrier to successfully release your number.
How does the process work?
The porting process works like this:
- Your current carrier (Donor Carrier) is notified of the request to move your number. If needed, they’ll remove port protection (number lock) and give you the credentials required to transfer your number.
- We (Recipient Carrier) use the information you provide to submit a porting request to your current carrier.
- Your carrier reviews the request:
- If everything matches, they approve it and release your phone number for transfer.
- If there’s a mismatch in the information, they decline the request and let us know what’s missing or incorrect.
- If the request is declined, we’ll reach out to you with details about what needs to be corrected. Once updated, the process can be retried.
We’ll guide you through any issues that come up to ensure the transfer is completed as smoothly as possible. As a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), the porting process involves coordination between multiple networks, and there are elements outside of our direct control. So, we ask for your grace and patience during this process if you experience a delay.
I have AT&T, what is a TOBR or BAN Transfer?
A TOBR, or Transfer of Billing Responsibility, is a process used by telecommunications providers, specifically AT&T in this context, to transfer the billing responsibility for a wireless line or service from one person to another. A BAN2BAN (Billing Account Number to Billing Account Number) transfer with AT&T can take longer than expected due to a few factors that are designed to ensure accuracy and security:
- Processing Time: AT&T’s systems may take anywhere from 2-10 days, and in some cases, up to 60 days (rare), to fully update and reflect changes in usage and account details.
- System Overload: High volumes of account changes can temporarily slow down processing, similar to delays during major device launches.
- Verification and Updates: AT&T needs to verify account details and permissions and synchronize multiple systems to ensure all changes are accurate and complete.
- Communication: Involves coordination between multiple networks and teams
While the timeline could feel lengthy for some, these steps are essential to maintaining the integrity of your account. Our escalations team closely monitors the process and we will keep you updated along the way if your request is escalated.
What happens if I cancel my subscription before my number transfer is complete?
Please do not cancel your subscription before the transfer is complete and your new subscription is active. If canceled prematurely, you could permanently lose your phone number with no way of recovering it.
What happens if my port-in request is declined by my carrier?
Not a problem–there's usually a solution. Here are some common reasons that tend to come up:
- Incorrect account number
- Incorrect Pin
- Port protection enabled on your existing account
- Wrong address on file
When one of the above-listed issues is encountered with a port-in, you'll receive an email explaining the reason and providing a button to update your information, which will take you back to the Techless Dashboard to make the correction.
Note: Please be sure to get the correct information from your current provider by contacting them directly. If incorrect information is provided again, the port will not succeed and you will likely be asked to provide corrected port-in information.
CAUTION: If you are on a family plan and want to port out the primary number, make sure to designate another number on the account as the primary number first. Failing to do so may result in the cancellation of all lines on the account. Additionally, any special promotions you are on could trigger an early termination fee (ETF), which would be due immediately.
Porting Instructions By Carrier
Here are the porting instructions for each carrier:
-----> PLEASE do not cancel your existing plan until porting is completed <-----
AT&T
Follow these instructions if you receive your SIM card after October 21st, 2024.
Follow the steps below if you received your SIM card before October 21st:
Call *PORT. Follow the prompts to get your Number Transfer PIN sent to you via text. You’ll need your account passcode to generate the Number Transfer PIN when calling *PORT.
With the myAT&T app
- Sign in to the myAT&T app.
- Choose More and then Manage profile.
- Select People & Permissions.
- Scroll to Transfer phone number and select Request a new PIN. Your Number Transfer PIN will display on the screen.
NOTE: If you don’t see People & Permissions, you may have to sign in to myAT&T from a browser.
Online with myAT&T
- Go to People & permissions in your myAT&T profile.
- Select Wireless.
- Scroll to Transfer phone number and select Request a new PIN. Your Number Transfer PIN will display on the screen.
NOTE: AT&T employees can’t generate a Number Transfer PIN on your behalf.
Boost Mobile
Call Boost Mobile at 1-888-266-7848 to get your account number, which isn’t available online. To speak with a representative, select English, enter your Boost phone number, choose option "4" for technical issues, listen to all menu options, and then press "0" to speak to a representative. Provide your 4-digit Boost PIN when asked. Your PIN is the same one you set when you created your account.
Credo Mobile
To port out from Credo Mobile, you need your account number (also known as your member number) and PIN. Text the word "ACCOUNT" to 27336 to get your account number. The PIN is usually 0000 or 1234. Ensure your device is fully paid off before porting out. Contact Credo customer service if needed.
Cricket Wireless
You can find your Cricket Wireless account number online or by calling their Porting Department at 1-800-274-2538. Your transfer PIN is the 4-digit Authorization ID (AID) set during account activation. You can also go HERE to request your PIN.
Consumer Cellular
Find your Consumer Cellular account number and PIN online or by calling customer service at (888) 750-5519. The account number is a 9-digit number, and the PIN is typically the last four digits of your SSN.
NOTE: Ensure your address is updated in your Consumer Cellular account.
---> Please follow these instructions if you got your SIM card after October 21st, 2024. <---
Google Fi
Please go HERE for Google Fi's porting directions.
Google Voice
Unlock your number HERE and find more details HERE. Your account number is your 10-digit phone number, and the passcode is the last four digits unless changed. A $3 fee applies if the number wasn’t originally ported to Google Voice.
H2O Wireless
Call H2O Wireless at 1-800-643-4926 or 1-800-562-3229 and ask them to to provide you your account # and PIN and to release your number for porting. They'll likely ask you to verify the three most recent outgoing calls you made with your current phone number.
NOTE: Ensure your address is updated in your H2O account.
---> Please follow these instructions if you got your SIM card after October 21st, 2024. <---
Light Service
Contact Light to request your account number and transfer PIN, and say that you would like to transfer your number to AT&T. LightPhone will know that they have to request an account transfer to make the port happen. The carrier to select when activating your Techless SIM card is AT&T.
Lycamobile
Contact Lycamobile customer service at 1-866-277-3221 to get your account number and password. The password is usually your phone number.
Metro by T-Mobile & PCS
Your account number is a 9-digit number found in your online profile or payment confirmation texts. The passcode is your call-in passcode chosen during activation. For assistance, call the porting department at 800-518-7519.
Mint Mobile
Retrieve your account number and PIN through Mint’s live chat by typing “Account number” and selecting the prompt “To port out” or call 213-372-7777.
NET10
Your account number is either the IMEI of your phone (usually found in your phone's About Settings menu), the MEID, or the last 15 digits of your BYOP SIM Card number. Use "0000" as the passcode.
PureTalk USA
Contact PureTalk USA customer support at 1-877-820-7873 to get your 12-digit account number and PIN.
NOTE: Ensure your address is updated in your PureTalk USA account.
---> Please follow these instructions if you got your SIM card after October 21st, 2024. <---
Red Pocket
Follow the steps outlined in Red Pockets help article or reach out to their customer support at 1-712-775-8777 for your account number and PIN.
NOTE: Red Pocket often needs to manually release your number once a port request is submitted by a new carrier, so we recommend checking in with their live chat after the port request is submitted.
---> Please follow these instructions if you got your SIM card after October 21st, 2024. <---
Republic Wireless
Each phone number has its own specific account number and PIN. To find your account number: Sign into My Account > click on Manage Line for your line > then select Transfer My Number Out.
Contact the Republic Care team at 866-550-9843 for your PIN.
Simple Mobile
Your account number is the last 15 digits of the SIM ID, and the passcode is the last 4 digits of the SIM ID.
Spectrum Mobile
To find your account number: login > navigate to Billing tab > then Billing Details > then View Statements. Your account number is at the top.
The PIN is the four-digit security code associated with your account. You can find your PIN in your online statements, or simply contact Spectrum at 833-224-6603.
Sprint (postpaid)
Your account number is a 9-digit number found on your bill or online account page. The passcode is your call-in passcode, which can be set or changed online.
Straight Talk
Your account number and PIN can be found on your Straight Talk My Account page or by contacting customer support at 1-877-430-2355.
NOTE: Ensure your address is updated in your Straight Talk account.
Tello
Call Tello at 866-377-0294 to get your account number. Tello doesn’t use passcodes, so use any four-digit number if required.
Ting
Log into your Ting online account, navigate to “Account Settings” > “Port Out Information” and choose “Port out now.” You can also call Ting at 855-846-4389 for support.
Total Wireless
Your account number is the phone’s IMEI, and the default PIN is 0000 unless changed. For assistance, call 1-866-663-3633.
NOTE: IMEI can be found in your About phone settings or by dialing *#06#
T-Mobile (prepaid)
Your 11-digit phone number (1+area code + telephone number) is your account number. The passcode is your 4-digit PIN used when calling customer service. Set or change your PIN by calling 611 from your T-Mobile phone. You can also call their porting department at 877-778-2106 for assistance.
T-Mobile
To port from T-Mobile, generate a Temporary Port Out PIN either through the website or the T-Mobile app. If you have a business or government account, you will need to contact T-Mobile to retrieve your port-out PIN. If you need assistance with your account number or transfer PIN from T-Mobile, please visit their “contact us” page.
From T-Mobile.com -
1. Login to your account
2. Click on My Account or your name in the top right corner
3. Choose Profile then Line Settings
4. Select Request a transfer PIN, then select Get a transfer PIN
5. Follow the on-screen directions
From the T-Mobile app -
1. Open the T-Mobile app
2. Click on Account and then Profile Settings
3. Select Line Settings, then select Request a transfer PIN
4. Follow the on-screen directions
TracFone
Your Tracfone account number is the MEID or IMEI serial number of the phone (Settings > Account and Info > Device Info) or, if you're are using a BYOP SIM Card, it will be the last 15 digits of your SIM Card number. You can also find your account number in the "My Account" section of the TracFone website by clicking "Add/Edit Nickname".
Ultra Mobile
Call Ultra customer service at 888-777-0446 to get your account number. The passcode is the last four digits of your Ultra Mobile phone number.
US Cellular
Your account number is on the top left corner of your online account page, and the PIN is the last four digits of your phone number. For help, contact US Cellular at 1-888-944-9400.
US Mobile
Retrieve your account number and PIN by contacting US Mobile’s live chat support. You can also call US Mobile at 878-205-0088 or email help@usmobile.com for support.
Verizon (prepaid)
Your account number is an alphanumeric string starting with "A," which you must obtain by contacting Verizon. The passcode is the last four digits of your phone number unless changed. Generate a Number Transfer PIN by dialing ‘#7678’ or contacting Verizon customer service.
Verizon
First, make sure to remove any number lock on your account before porting.
You can find your account number on the first page of your Verizon bill or your online account's main page. Next, generate a Number Transfer PIN by dialing ‘#7678’ or contacting Verizon customer service at 800-837-4966.
For more information on porting from Verizon, please visit their site here.
Visible
Simply log into your Visible account and go to the Profile section to find your account number. From the Profile section, tap on Port-Out PIN as this will need to be requested from your Visible account. Check your email or text messages for a message containing your Port-out PIN (unique 6-digit PIN), Account Number, and Phone number.
NOTE:
• Your Port-Out PIN is only valid for 7 days from the time you request it.
• A maximum of 3 PINs in any 24 hour period are allowed to be requested.
• If you request a new PIN, any previously requested PINs will be invalidated.
• Invalidate the latest Port-Out PIN by using a link provided in your email or SMS.
If you need assistance, feel free to reach out to their Care team through the Visible app or chat online.
Virgin Mobile USA
Virgin Mobile USA numbers are now under Boost Mobile. Follow the Boost Mobile instructions for porting.
Walmart Family Mobile
Dial #225#<SEND> from your phone to obtain your account number. Call Walmart Family Mobile at 877-440-9758 to get your PIN.
Xfinity Mobile
Find your account number in the top right of your bill or call Xfinity Mobile at 888-936-4968.
Here's how to request your security PIN:
- Sign in to your Xfinity Mobile account and go to the Devices tab.
- Select the device associated with the phone number you want to transfer to a new carrier.
- Scroll down the page to transfer your number, cancel this line.
- Select Learn More.
Select an active line, so they can send you a text message with your security PIN.
The same security PIN can be used to transfer any phone number on your Xfinity Mobile account. It will expire in four hours. If you are transferring more than one number, the same security PIN can be used for any line on the account.
NOTE: No need to call Xfinity to cancel. When activation is completed, they'll automatically cancel your Xfinity Mobile service for that line.
These instructions should help you port your number from various carriers and MVNOs without issues.
~ Reach out to our Customer Support Team with any questions about Porting your number. ~