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Step-by-Step Guide: How to port in a number

  • Updated

Note: The above video only mentions NumberBarn but applies equally to NumberGarage.

You're ready to port in a number that is currently with your old carrier to NumberBarn or NumberGarage. We're ready to help. Check our our handy guides to porting a number in below.

For NumberBarn customers, you can start your porting request here:

https://www.numberbarn.com/lnp

For NumberGarage customers, you can start your porting request here: 

https://app.numbergarage.com/basket

For existing customers:

  • Login to your account
  • Select Numbers
  • Select the Transfer a Number IN

Your number:

  • Must be active with your current service provider.
  • Must include the account number and PIN if porting a wireless number. Note that if this is a wireless number, be sure to get your porting or transfer PIN. This may be different from your account PIN.

Step 1: Checking the rate center

The first step in the process of porting to NumberBarn verifies that we can support the rate center of your number.

Step 2: Account information

The information you submit with your port must match what is on file with your current service provider. If your number is resold or you're not sure what information is on file, ask your provider before submitting your port.

Step 3: Authorize your port

You'll need to authorize the number you are porting to verify ownership. Review the options for authorizing your porting request in the following article:

Options for authorizing a port-in request: Call, Text or LOA/COB*

*Important: If you are scheduling your port-in request for a specific date, do not authorize your request via call/text, this will expedite your port-in request meaning your number would transfer into your NumberBarn account sooner than your desired port-in date. Instead, you should authorize your request via LOA/COB 

For certain losing carriers, especially Canadian wireless providers, they may send their own time-sensitive request to authorize your porting request before approving the port out. It will likely arrive via SMS/text message and give you 90 minutes to respond.

 

Step 4: Porting Time Frame

Porting takes anywhere from 3 to 7 business days, up to 10 business days.

Keep your service active with your existing provider for the duration of the port request. Once porting completes, we notify you via email.
 
At that point, you will then reach out to your previous provider to cancel service with them. We do not cancel service with them.
 

Porting in next steps

Now, here's an overview of how the porting process to NumberBarn works behind the scenes:

Step 1: Port Submission

You initiate a port request with NumberBarn. We're considered "the gaining carrier" as we will be gaining your phone number on our system. We will submit your port request with your contact information, account number, and PIN (if required) to your current carrier for their approval. Your current carrier is referred to as "the losing carrier" in this case. Your phone number must remain active with the losing carrier for the duration of the port request. This process takes up to 10 business days to complete.

Step 2: Account Information

The gaining carrier (us) must have your exact contact information, account number, and PIN that is listed with your current carrier. Remember! If it's a wireless carrier, get your porting or transfer PIN which may be different from your account PIN. If the information doesn't match, your port will be rejected and we'll notify you via email with the exact rejection reason.

Step 3: Approval or Rejection

Once the losing carrier (your current provider) receives the port request from us for your number, they will approve it and select a porting date. This date can be anywhere from 3 to 10 business days into the future. If there is a mismatch of information, the port will be rejected. We'll notify you via email if that happens. The following article can help you overcome some of the more common rejection reasons.

My port-in request was rejected. How can I resolve this?

Step 4: Port Completion

Your port completes to NumberBarn on the scheduled porting date. We notify you via email at the time of completion. You can now safely cancel service with the losing carrier if they haven't automatically done this already.

That's a lot going on but it gives you a better picture of what goes on after you initially submit your porting request to NumberBarn.

 
 

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