Switching guide · Number transfer
Transfer your number to Halo
Keep your number. Two minutes, in most cases. Here is exactly what to gather before you start.
schedule3 min readUpdated May 15, 2026By the Halo team
Quick summary
- 01Grab four things from your current carrier: account number, account holder name, billing address, Number Transfer PIN.
- 02Do not cancel your old line. Halo closes it for you once the port completes.
- 03Most wireless number transfers finish within minutes of submitting.
GATHERWhat to gather first
Get these details from your current carrier before you start. The transfer is fastest when everything matches exactly.
- Account number. Different from your phone number.
- Account holder name. Exactly as it appears on the account.
- Billing address on file.
- Number Transfer PIN. Also called a Port PIN or Account Security Code.
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Important
This info must match exactly. A single typo or mismatched address can cause the port to fail.
TIMINGHow long it takes
Most wireless number transfers complete within minutes. Some carriers can take longer, especially on weekends or for accounts with multiple lines.
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Important
Do not cancel your old line before the port. If you cancel first, your number can be lost. Halo handles the cancellation automatically once the port completes.
PINGet your Number Transfer PIN
Each major carrier has its own number-transfer center where you can generate or request your PIN:
CHECKLISTA short checklist
- Check that your phone is unlocked. See Is your phone unlocked? for the steps.
- Look for outstanding fees. See Will your current carrier charge you to leave?
- Update your operating system. Make sure your phone is running the latest OS for your model.
- Back up your phone. Use iCloud, Google, or whichever backup your manufacturer recommends.
NEXTWhen your number transfers
When your old line stops working, the port is complete. Here is what to do next:
- If your old carrier was on a physical SIM, remove it from your phone.
- If your old carrier was on an eSIM, turn it off in your phone's cellular or carrier settings.
- Make a test call, send a test text, and load a web page on cellular.
- If anything is not working, contact Halo support and we will sort it out.
Ready to switch?
It takes about two minutes from start to finish.
The more accurate your info, the sooner you can start saving.