Help · Phone number

Porting your number to Balance

How to bring your current phone number with you when you switch.

What porting is

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, you keep your number and everything connected to it.

Your old service stays active until the port completes, so there's no downtime.

Porting your number into Balance is free. So is porting it out if you ever decide to leave.

Compatible carriers

You can port your number to Balance 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

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

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.

Verizon

Log into My Verizon and go to Account › Number Transfer PIN. You can also text NTP to 252-8255 from your Verizon phone, or call 611 from a Verizon phone or 1-800-922-0204 from any phone. PINs expire after 7 days.

T-Mobile

Open the T-Mobile app, go to Account › Profile, and select Number Transfer PIN. You can also call 611 from your T-Mobile phone.

Metro by T-Mobile

Call 611 from your Metro phone or 1-888-863-8768 from any phone. Ask for your account number and transfer PIN.

Mint Mobile

Open the Mint app and go to Account. Your account number and transfer PIN are listed there. You can also call 800-683-7392.

Cricket Wireless

Call 611 from your Cricket phone or 1-800-CRICKET (1-800-274-2538) from any phone. Ask the agent for your account number and port-out PIN.

Visible

Open the Visible app, go to Account › Move your number, and you'll find your transfer PIN.

US Mobile

Log into your account at usmobile.com. Your account number and PIN are in the Account section.

Boost Mobile

Call 611 from your Boost phone or 1-833-502-6678 from any phone. Ask for your account number and port-out PIN.

Straight Talk

Call 1-877-430-2355 and ask for your transfer PIN and account number. Have your serial number ready.

Spectrum Mobile

Call 1-833-267-6094 or log into your Spectrum account online and request a transfer PIN.

Google Fi

Open the Google Fi app or visit fi.google.com. Go to Account › Manage plan › Transfer your number out to get your account number and transfer PIN.

How long porting takes

Most ports complete within a few hours. Some take up to a few business days, especially for landline or business numbers. We'll email you the moment your number is live on Balance.

Common issues

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?

For more help, visit our help center or email us at hello@thebalancephone.com.