> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.limecall.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.limecall.com/virtual-numbers/bring-your-number.md).

# Bring your number (porting)

Move an existing number from another provider to LimeCall.

Open **Phone Numbers → Bring your number**.

Porting moves a number you already own to LimeCall, keeping the number your customers know.

## Before you start

**Do not cancel your existing service.** This is the single most important rule of porting. A cancelled number is released back to the carrier and can no longer be ported — it is simply gone. Keep the old account active and paid until the port completes.

## What you need

**A recent bill** from your current provider, showing the account number, the service address and the account holder's name exactly as they hold it.

**The account number and PIN** for the losing carrier. Many mobile carriers require a transfer PIN generated from your account.

**Authorisation** — a Letter of Authorisation, signed by the person named on the account.

**Matching details.** The name and address you give must match the losing carrier's records character for character. A mismatch is the most common cause of rejection — "Suite 4" against "Ste 4" is enough to fail.

## Submit the request

1. Open **Phone Numbers → Bring your number**.
2. Enter the numbers to port.
3. Supply the account details and upload your bill and authorisation.
4. Submit.

## How long it takes

| Type            | Typical              |
| --------------- | -------------------- |
| US/Canada local | 2–4 weeks            |
| US toll-free    | 2–4 weeks            |
| UK geographic   | 2–4 weeks            |
| Mobile numbers  | Varies; often faster |
| Other countries | Varies considerably  |

Treat any date as provisional until the losing carrier confirms it.

## If it is rejected

Rejections are common and usually clerical:

* Name or address does not match the carrier's records.
* Account number or PIN wrong.
* A pending order on the account at the losing carrier.
* The number is part of a bundle that must be split first.
* Outstanding balance on the account.

You will be told the reason. Correct it and resubmit — a rejection does not prevent a fresh attempt.

## Partial ports

If you are porting some numbers from an account but not all, say so explicitly. Porting the main billing number of an account can disconnect the others.

## On the day

Porting completes during a cutover window. There may be a short period where calls route unpredictably.

Plan for it: pick a quiet time of day, have a colleague available to test immediately, and do not port on the morning of a campaign launch.

## After it completes

1. Configure who answers it — see [Call forwarding & routing](/virtual-numbers/call-forwarding-and-routing.md).
2. Test inbound calls and, if applicable, SMS.
3. Set caller ID — see [Caller ID](/virtual-numbers/caller-id.md).
4. **Then** cancel the old service.

{% hint style="info" %}
US numbers need separate carrier registration before they can send messages, even after porting. See [US carrier registration (10DLC)](/virtual-numbers/us-carrier-registration.md).
{% endhint %}