Switching to VoIP doesn’t mean you have to give up your existing phone number. Thanks to VoIP number porting, businesses and individuals can move their current numbers to a new VoIP provider without disrupting communication. But how does the process actually work?
This guide breaks down how VoIP number porting works, what to expect at each stage, and how to avoid common delays.
What Is VoIP Number Porting?
VoIP number porting is the process of transferring an existing phone number—landline, mobile, or toll-free—from one service provider to a VoIP provider. The number stays the same, but the technology delivering your calls changes.
This allows businesses to upgrade to modern VoIP systems while keeping brand recognition, customer trust, and continuity intact.
How VoIP Number Porting Works: Step by Step
1. Choose a VoIP Provider That Supports Porting
Not all VoIP providers support every type of number. Before starting, confirm that your chosen provider can port:
Local numbers
Mobile numbers
Toll-free numbers
Your new provider becomes the main point of contact throughout the process.
2. Submit a Letter of Authorization (LOA)
To legally move your number, you must authorize the transfer. This is done by completing a Letter of Authorization (LOA), which includes:
Account holder name (must match current provider records)
Service address
Phone number(s) to be ported
Signature or digital approval
Any mismatch here is one of the biggest causes of porting delays.
3. Verification with the Current Carrier
Your VoIP provider submits the request to your existing carrier, who verifies:
Ownership of the number
Account status (must be active)
Accuracy of submitted information
Important: Do not cancel your existing service during this phase. The number must remain active until porting is complete.
4. Porting Timeline and Processing
Once approved, the porting process begins. Typical timelines:
Local numbers: 7–15 business days
Mobile numbers: 5–10 business days
Toll-free numbers: 2–7 business days
Delays can happen due to incorrect details, unpaid balances, or carrier restrictions.
5. Temporary Call Routing (Optional but Recommended)
Many businesses set up temporary call forwarding during the transition. This ensures no calls are missed while the number is being ported.
This step is especially useful for customer-facing or sales numbers.
6. Port Completion and Testing
Once porting is complete:
Calls start routing through the VoIP system
Incoming and outgoing calls should be tested
Voicemail, IVR, and call routing rules are finalized
After successful testing, you can safely cancel your old phone service.
What Happens to Calls During VoIP Number Porting?
In most cases, calls continue working normally until the final cutover. There may be a brief service interruption (usually minutes, not hours) when the port completes.
Planning ahead minimizes downtime and ensures a seamless transition.
Common Issues That Can Delay VoIP Number Porting
Incorrect account details
Name or address mismatch
Number locked by the current carrier
Outstanding balance on the account
Recently activated numbers
Double-checking information before submission can save days—or weeks.
Benefits of Porting Your Number to VoIP
Keep your existing business number
Lower communication costs
Advanced features like call routing, analytics, and remote access
Easier scaling as your business grows
VoIP number porting makes upgrading simple without starting over.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how VoIP number porting works helps you plan better, avoid disruptions, and move confidently to a modern phone system. With the right provider and accurate information, porting your number can be smooth, fast, and hassle-free.
If you’re considering switching to VoIP, number porting ensures you don’t lose what matters most—your connection to customers.
