Local Number Portability (LNP) – FAQs
What you need to know about porting your cell phone number.
Q. What is port eligibility?
A. Port eligibility is the process of verifying that the number requested for porting is local to the service area where the port is to occur, and confirming that AT&T has both a license and coverage in the specified service area. If eligible, you may be able to transfer your existing phone number to AT&T.
Q. How do I know if my number is eligible to port?
A. It’s easy! All you need is the phone number you wish to port and the zip code for your local service area. Check port eligibility now to get started.
Q. How do I check the status of my current number transfer (port)?
A. Visit http://www.att.com/port to check your port status.
Q. What information do I need to port my number?
A. You must provide account information as it appears on record with your current service provider, which includes:
- Account number
- Name of the account holder
- Billing address
- PIN or password (if applicable)
Information provided must exactly match your current service provider’s records. If there is a mismatch in the data, your port will be delayed.
Q. How can I verify my existing account information?
A. Refer to a recent bill or call your current service provider to verify your information. This is especially important if you have a PIN or password on your account that you can’t remember.
Q. How does a number transfer work?
A. The transfer process varies slightly depending on how you decide to receive your new AT&T phone. You may choose to visit a physical location or you can select it online and have it shipped directly to you. The process for both options are outlined below:
- Physical Location: AT&T will send a port request to your current service provider and wait for confirmation to transfer the number. Meanwhile, your AT&T handset will be activated into mixed service. You will be able to make calls on your new AT&T handset but will continue to receive calls on your old handset until the port is complete. Once AT&T receives confirmation, your activation will be complete, allowing you to make and receive calls on your AT&T handset. Your old service provider will be notified that you have activated service with AT&T and will automatically cancel your account.
- Order by Mail: AT&T will send a port request to your current service provider and wait for confirmation to transfer the number. Once port confirmation is received your AT&T phone will be shipped. Your existing phone will continue to work until you receive your AT&T phone and activate it. Once your AT&T account is activated, your old service provider will be notified of your new service with AT&T and will cancel your account.
Q. Do I need to cancel my current service?
A. No. The number must be in active service in order to be transferred. Your old service will be canceled automatically as part of the port process.
Q. What is mixed service?
A. When obtaining your new AT&T handset at a physical location the sales representative can immediately activate the phone for outbound calls. However, you will continue to receive calls on your old handset until the transfer is complete. For more information, see how does a number transfer work? listed above.
Q. Can I port my number to a different geographical area?
A. No. The number can only port in the same local area where the number was assigned by your local service provider.
Q. Can I use my current phone or do I have to buy a new one?
A. An AT&T SIM card is required. However, the purchase of a new AT&T handset is not required as long as you have one that is compatible with the AT&T network.
Q. If I order a new AT&T phone, how quickly will I receive it?
A. AT&T will overnight ship your new cell phone once a “confirmed” port response from your current service provider has been received. For a wireless port, you will typically receive your equipment within 3 to 5 business days from the date the port process started. If you are porting a wireline number, it will take a minimum of 5 business days.
Q. What is a Confirmed response?
A. A “confirmed” port response means that your current service provider has received the port request and verified that all of the port request information matched their records. This confirmation serves as permission to port your number. Your port cannot proceed and your AT&T handset cannot be shipped until AT&T receives a confirmed port response.
Q. How long does it take to complete a number transfer?
A. A Wireless port initiated through a physical AT&T sales location typically completes within 1 to 3 business hours if there are no issues. If equipment has been ordered, it typically completes within 3 to 5 business days — time allowing for shipment. Porting a Wireline number takes a minimum of 5 business days.
Q. If I change my mind, what do I need to do to cancel the port?
A. Call the Port Activation Center at 888-898-7685 for assistance.
Q. How will I know if there is an issue with my port?
A. In most cases, if there is an issue you will receive a phone call from the AT&T Port Activation Center requesting additional information. If you receive a message from AT&T, it is very important that you respond as quickly as possible. AT&T cannot continue the port process until the issue is resolved. If you do not hear anything within 24 hours, you can check your port status online. If further assistance is needed, you may call 866-895-1097 to check the status of your port.
