What Is a Port Number?

And how it saves you hundreds when switching carriers

Simple Answer

A port number is a phone number you use to qualify for phone promotions when switching carriers. You buy one for $14, take it to a carrier store like T-Mobile or Verizon, and they apply promotional credits worth $200-$1,300 because you're porting in from a different carrier. Your personal number stays exactly where it is.

How It Works

Carriers like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T offer massive promotions to customers who switch from a competitor. The way they verify you're switching is through number porting — transferring a phone number from one carrier to another.

A port number is a pre-activated number on a specific carrier that you use to complete the switch. Instead of porting your personal number (and risking downtime), you buy a separate port number for $14, use it at the store, and keep your own number untouched.

Number porting is protected by FCC regulations — carriers are required to allow number transfers between providers.

What You Get When You Buy a Port Number

Phone number
A real, active number on the carrier you selected
Account number
Required by the new carrier to process the port
PIN / Transfer PIN
Authorizes the number transfer between carriers
ZIP code
Matches the account registration on file

Everything is delivered to your email in 5-15 minutes. You'll have all the details needed to walk into a carrier store and complete the switch.

Carrier Families: Which Number Do You Need?

Carriers are grouped into families. You cannot port within the same family — a T-Mobile number won't work for a Metro deal because they're owned by the same parent company. You need a number from a different family.

T-Mobile Family
T-Mobile
MetroPCS
Boost
AT&T Family
AT&T
Cricket
Verizon Family
Verizon
Visible

Here's a quick guide to picking the right number:

Switching to T-Mobile, Metro, or Boost?
→ Get a Verizon or AT&T number
Switching to AT&T or Cricket?
→ Get a Verizon or T-Mobile number
Switching to Verizon?
→ Get a T-Mobile or AT&T number

How to Use Your Port Number

01
🔍

Pick a Deal

Browse live carrier promotions and choose which deal you want.

02
🔢

Get a Number

Buy a verified port number for $14 — delivered to your email in minutes.

Get Your Port Number →
03
🏪

Visit the Store

Go to the carrier store with your port details. The rep handles everything from there.

04
🎉

Get Your Phone

The carrier applies the switch deal — walk out with a free phone. That simple.

Common Questions

Is buying a port number legal?
Yes. Number porting is a right protected by FCC regulations. You're purchasing a legitimately activated phone number and using it to port in to a new carrier — the standard process carriers use to verify new customers switching from a competitor.
Do I have to give up my personal number?
No. The port number is a separate number used only to activate the promotional deal. You keep your current number and can transfer it to your new account separately.
How long is the number valid?
Port numbers are valid for up to 5 days after delivery. Use it at a carrier store within that window to claim your deal.
Can I use the same port number for multiple deals?
No. Each port number can be used once. If you need multiple lines, you'll need a separate port number for each.
What if the port fails at the store?
Contact us via WhatsApp and we'll troubleshoot or provide a replacement number at no extra cost.

Related Guides

How Porting Works

Step-by-step guide to using a port number to claim promotions worth $200-$1,300.
How to Port Your Number

Everything you need to know about transferring your number to a new carrier.
Free Phones When You Switch

See which phones carriers are giving away right now and how to qualify.
Today's Active Deals

Browse all current switch carrier deals across T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, and more.

Get Your Port Number

All 6 carriers. $14 flat. Delivered in minutes.

Buy a Port Number See Current Deals

Or jump directly to a carrier:

Verizon T-Mobile AT&T Cricket Metro Boost