My number is not active to authorize the port-in request

In this article:

A phone number must be active with the current carrier to port to NumberBarn or NumberGarage. We are also not able to port a number from a suspended account. If you are unable to authorize your port request due to your number not being active, you will need to contact your previous carrier to reinstate your account and phone number and ensure that the number remains active throughout the entire porting process.

(Looking for help porting your number out of NumberBarn? Check out this article: My number is not on the Port Away plan. Can I still port away?)

Here are more steps to guide you through this process:

The Number Doesn’t Belong to You Anymore

You may have had that number for years and years, however, when you cancel your service or delete the number, you relinquish the number and it no longer belongs to you. Some providers may have a short window of time in which you can restore the number. Be sure to check with that provider to learn more.

The Number Will Not Be Found in a Giant Pool

Just because you delete your number or your number is inactive, it doesn’t mean that you can go grab that number from any provider. Phone numbers are managed by carriers. Not all service providers use the same carrier. If you delete a number with one provider, you can’t expect it to be available with a different provider.

I Don’t Remember My Provider

Phone numbers are held by carriers. The carrier of a number may not necessarily be the actual service provider. If you don’t remember what provider you had, you can at least start by searching to find the underlying carrier of the number. There are many options out there (a Google search returns a variety of websites), but you can use FreeCarrierLookup.com for a quick and easy solution. Once you know the name of the carrier, you can reach out to see if they’ll guide you to the provider.

What You Can Do Right Now

Search for the carrier of the number and give them a call. They may be able to restore your number. Once restored, you are welcome to port your number to us!