How to Port Your Number to a Canadian Carrier (Step by Step)

To port your number to a Canadian carrier, sign up with the new provider and ask to keep your existing number. You give them your current account details, and they move the number over, usually within a few hours to a couple of days. Porting means transferring your phone number from one carrier to another so you keep the same number. Don't cancel your old plan until the port is done.

This guide covers how to port a phone number in Canada, what you need, how long it takes, and the mistakes that cause ports to fail.

Key takeaways

• Porting lets you keep your phone number when you switch carriers.
• Start the port with your new carrier, not your old one.
• Keep your old account active until the port completes.
• You'll need your account number, phone number, and account details from the old carrier.
• A wrong detail (like an old address or PIN) is the most common reason a port fails.

What does it mean to port your number?

Porting means moving your phone number from one carrier to another so you don't lose it. Your number stays the same, only the company behind it changes. This works for moving between Canadian carriers, and in some cases for keeping a number when you switch plans.

If you're new to Canada and don't have a Canadian number yet, porting isn't the step for you. Instead, you'd get a new number. Our guide on how to get a Canadian phone number before you land covers that path.

What do you need to port a number in Canada?

You need the details of your current account so the new carrier can verify you own the number. Have these ready before you start:

1. The phone number you want to keep.
2. Your current carrier's name.
3. Your account number with the old carrier.
4. Your account PIN or password, if you have one.
5. The account holder's name and address on file.

The details must match your old account exactly. Even a small mismatch, like an old address, can stop the port. If you're unsure, check your last bill or contact your old carrier for the correct information.

How do you port your number to a Canadian carrier?

Start the process with the carrier you're moving to. They handle the transfer for you. Here's the usual flow:

1. Choose your new plan and sign up. You can compare plans first.
2. Tell the new carrier you want to keep (port) your existing number.
3. Provide your old account details when asked.
4. Wait for the port to process. You may keep using your old SIM until it switches over.
5. Once the number moves, set up your new SIM or eSIM and test calls and texts.

Do not cancel your old plan yourself. When the port finishes, the old line closes automatically. If you cancel first, you can lose the number and the port can fail.

How long does porting take in Canada?

Most number ports in Canada finish quickly, often within a few hours, though some take a business day or two. Ports between different types of service, or when details need fixing, can take longer. Plan for a short overlap where both lines may work, and avoid porting right before you need the number for something important.

Here's a quick view of what affects timing.

Factor	Faster port	Slower port
Account details	All correct	Mismatched info
Carrier type	Similar services	Different service types
Time submitted	Business hours	Weekends/holidays
Account status	Active, in good standing	Overdue or suspended

What are the most common porting mistakes?

The biggest mistake is cancelling your old plan before the port completes. Once cancelled, the number may be released and can't be ported. Other common issues include giving the wrong account number or PIN, using a name that doesn't match the account, and having an unpaid balance that holds the account.

To avoid trouble, double-check every detail against your old bill, keep the old account active, and start the port a few days before you need it. For a smoother move overall, see how it works.

FAQ

Can I port a number from another country to Canada?

Usually no. Number porting generally works within the same country, so you typically can't move a foreign number to a Canadian carrier. Instead, you'd get a new Canadian number and keep your home number on a second line. Dual SIM setups make this easy on many phones.

Will I lose service while my number ports?

Rarely for long. In most cases your old line keeps working until the new one takes over, so the switch is quick. There can be a short gap during the cutover. Avoid porting right before an important call, and keep Wi-Fi on so you can still use apps like WhatsApp.

Do I need to tell my old carrier I'm leaving?

No. You start the port with your new carrier, and the old line closes on its own once the number moves. In fact, cancelling with the old carrier yourself can cause the port to fail. Just make sure any balance is paid so nothing blocks the transfer.

Is porting a number free in Canada?

Porting itself is generally free, but check with your new carrier for any plan or setup costs. If you want to bring an existing Canadian number to a Get Canada Sim plan, contact our team first so we can confirm what is possible for your number. Your old carrier may also bill a final amount for the current period, so review your last statement.

Can I keep my number if I switch to an eSIM?

Yes. Porting works with both physical SIMs and eSIMs. When you sign up for an eSIM plan, choose the option to keep your existing number and provide your old account details. Once the port completes, your number will work on the new eSIM.

Ready to switch? Compare plans and see how it works to plan your port with as little downtime as possible.

For your rights around keeping your number, see the CRTC's information on wireless number portability.