[Phone number porting](/content/blog/whats-phone-number-porting/index.html) is when you transfer your existing number to a different service provider. Thanks to the [Federal Communications Commission](https://www.fcc.gov/general/wireless-local-number-portability-wlnp) (FCC), you have a right to keep your existing number no matter which provider you work with. But the transfer process can be anxiety-inducing, especially if you’re unsure about the steps you need to take to ensure a smooth port. In this blog, we guide you on how to port your [landline number](/content/blog/what-is-a-landline-phone-number/index.html) in five simple steps and share best practices so you don’t run into any porting problems. ## **How to port a landline number in 5 steps** Whether you’re switching to a new landline service provider, signing up for a mobile phone plan, or exploring a virtual phone service, the process to port your landline number generally follows a similar flow, though the details can vary depending on who you’re switching to and from. We’ll walk you through the key steps most providers require. Here are the five steps you should take: ### **1. Check if you can port your number** This may seem like a given, but only authorized account holders can port a number. To check if you’re eligible to port the number, go to your carrier’s website. If the phone number is under your name, you can start the process yourself. This is when you can gather the information your new provider needs to port in your number from an existing billing statement or request a Customer Service Record (CSR) from your current service provider. If it’s under a company account, ask the account administrator to help you gather the information you need to port your number. ### **2. Select the right provider for your situation** Choosing the right provider helps you deliver [five-star customer service](/content/blog/5-star-customer-service/index.html) while keeping costs in check. Some important considerations include network coverage and reliability, business phone features you may need, and the availability of customer support. ### **3. Research plans and pricing** Check your potential provider’s plans and pricing to see if they align with your budget. For example, a growing business might want flexible plans that offer adjustments based on growth, like adding new phone numbers or scaling back services. An established company with a large customer service department, on the other hand, might value plans that offer call center solutions or an account manager who can help them get started and answer questions as they come up. ### **4. Consider the availability of customer support** No one wants to be left hanging during an outage or product malfunction. Look into the provider’s response times and reputation for solving issues on peer-review sites like G2 and TrustRadius. ### **5. Look carefully at contract terms and agreements** Some providers have porting out fees, minimum contracts (e.g., two years), cancellation policies, and penalties for early termination. Unexpected terms can leave you footing the bill for a service you’re not happy with and result in unexpected costs. ### **3. Let your current provider know you’re porting out** While you don’t need approval from your existing carrier to port your number, you should give them a heads-up. That way, they can check for possible problems like overdue balances beforehand. That way, they port your number to the new provider as soon as they have your information. ### **4. Contact your prospective new provider and send them your information** Check with your new provider if they don’t have clear steps online regarding how to port your number to them. For legal reasons, your new provider will need specific documentation to process the port. ### **5. Wait until your number is ported to cancel your service** Your number has to be active to be ported, so don’t cancel your current service until your new provider informs you that the port is complete. ### How to port your phone number to Quo If you’re debating between porting to a mobile carrier or a VoIP provider, consider why a VoIP provider like Quo might be the better choice for businesses. To port your phone number to Quo, follow these steps: 1. [**Sign up for a Quo account**](https://my.quo.com/signup). Get a local or toll-free new phone number, and try the service free for seven days. 2. **Submit your port request** straight from the web or desktop app. 3. **Once your porting date is confirmed**, the Quo Porting team will notify you. 4. **Wait five to seven business days** for your porting request to process. In the meantime, you can set up business hours, voicemail greetings, and phone menus. 5. **Cancel service with your carrier** once your numbers are on Quo. And you’re good to go! ## **3 best practices for avoiding porting delays** ### **1. Triple-check documentation** Make sure you provide identical information to both providers. ### **2. Follow up regularly with your current provider** Before you request a port, ask your existing provider to outline their process and timeline. Then, track the porting process to keep your request moving. ### **3. Make sure your account is in good standing** Check for and clear any early termination fees or backlogged payments since these can hold up your port request. ## **FAQs** **Can you port a landline number to a cell phone?** Yes, in most cases, you can port a landline to a cell phone. **How much does number porting cost?** Usually, no. While some carriers may not penalize you for outstanding balances, you should settle them first. **Can you port a number with an outstanding account balance?** Yes, you can port a number even if you have an outstanding balance. Your current provider can’t legally stop you from switching, according to the FCC. **How long does the porting process take?** Per the FCC, porting a landline phone number to wireless (traditional mobile carriers like Verizon) can take several days. **Will my current phone number stay active during the port?** Yes, the FCC mandates that the number being ported stay active during the process. **What is a VoIP number?** A VoIP number is a phone number that works over the internet instead of traditional phone lines.