What porting is

Keep your number and everything connected to it.

Porting (sometimes called transferring your number or number portability) means moving your existing phone number from your current carrier to a new one. When you port to Balance Mobile, you keep your number and everything connected to it.

Downtime

None

Your old service stays active until the port completes.

Porting in

Free

Bringing your number to Balance Mobile.

Porting out

Free

If you ever decide to leave.

Compatible carriers

You can port your number to Balance Mobile from any US carrier. The most common carriers we see are:

  • AT&T
  • Verizon
  • T-Mobile
  • Metro by T-Mobile
  • Mint Mobile
  • Cricket Wireless
  • Visible
  • US Mobile
  • Boost Mobile
  • Straight Talk
  • Spectrum Mobile
  • Google Fi

What you’ll need

Before you start your port in the portal, gather the following from your current carrier:

  • Your account number
  • A transfer PIN, port-out PIN, or NPS PIN (names vary by carrier)
  • The account holder’s full name as it appears on the account
  • The billing ZIP code on the account

Important

Your existing number must still be active at the time of the port. If your service has been suspended or cancelled, the port will fail.

How to get your transfer PIN, by carrier

Choose your current carrier.

Transfer PIN · AT&T

Text PORT to 7777 from your AT&T phone to receive your transfer PIN by SMS. You can also call 611 from an AT&T phone or 1-800-331-0500 from any phone. PINs expire after 7 days.

How long porting takes

We’ll email you the moment your number is live on Balance Mobile.

Most ports

A few hours

Some ports

Up to a few business days

Especially for landline or business numbers.

Common issues

What to check if something doesn’t go as planned.

My port failed

The most common cause is a mismatch between the details you provided and what your current carrier has on file. Double-check:

  • Your account number is correct (no typos)
  • Your transfer PIN hasn't expired (most expire after 7 days)
  • The account holder name matches exactly what your current carrier has
  • The billing ZIP matches

If everything looks right and the port still failed, email hello@thebalancephone.com with the details.

My old service was cancelled before the port completed

This usually means the account was closed before the port request reached your old carrier. Contact your previous carrier and ask them to reactivate the line so the port can proceed.

My number is on a family plan or business account

Family and business accounts have additional restrictions. You may need permission from the account holder to release the line. Contact your carrier for the specific process.

Still need help?

We’ll get back to you within one business day.

Help center help.gigs.com Email us hello@thebalancephone.com