Porting a SIM: Step-by-Step Instructions and Costs

What does it mean to port SIM?

To port a SIM means to transfer an existing phone number from one telecom service provider to another. The process allows you to switch providers while keeping all your same phone numbers. It also lets you keep your current phone number and even your local area code.

Who can opt to port SIM?

Only valid users who are actively using the SIM for at least 90 consecutive days are allowed to port their SIM.

What are the eligibility criteria to port SIM?

The following are the eligibility criteria to port a SIM:

• A unique porting code is generated only after the validation of the subscriber's account.
• If the user uses a postpaid connection, the user should have cleared the outstanding dues towards the existing telecom service provider as per his usual billing cycle.
• The user should be an active subscriber on the present operator's network for at least 3 months.
• There should be no ongoing request to change the operator ownership of the mobile number as per government regulations.
• Mobile number portability should not be prohibited by the court of law.

Where is the service to port SIM available in India?

SIM porting service is available all over India. However, check with your provider whether they're operating in your area as not all telecoms operate everywhere in India. You can port your SIM online or visit your nearest telecom store to get assistance.

What are the documents required to port SIM?

To port a SIM to a new telecom service provider, you might need the following documents:

• Customer agreement form with UPC code.
• Address proof copy
• ID proof
• Copy of the last bill of the current telecom service provider (only for postpaid subscribers)

What are the rules for rejection of porting SIM?

If you are rejected for porting your SIM, you will not be able to change your telecom service provider for your SIM. A SIM porting request can be rejected under the following cases:

• If the subscriber hasn't paid his mobile bill.
• The subscriber has not used 90 days of service from the current telecom service provider.
• The SIM is under court jurisdiction.
• The UPC is incorrect or invalid.
• If the phone number is under a contractual obligation.
• If the telecom operator does not serve the subscriber’s area, region, or city.

For corporations, the operator can reject the porting request if it is not accompanied by a valid authorisation letter.

How to port SIM to another network?

To port your number to another network, you must generate a Unique Porting Code (UPC). You can generate a UPC by:
Send an SMS to 1900. SMS will be: PORT(Space)Mobile number. Once you have sent the message, you will receive a code through SMS from 1901. The code received will be UPC.

*Please note that the SMS charges will be applicable as per your current plan.

What are the steps to port SIM online?

1. Step 1: To port your number to another network, you must first generate a Unique Porting Code (UPC). You can generate a UPC by: Send an SMS to 1900. SMS will be: PORT(Space)Mobile number. Once you have sent the message, you will receive a code through SMS from 1901. The code received will be UPC.
   *Please note that the SMS charges will be applicable as per your current plan.
2. Step 2: Connect with your new telecom service provider or visit your nearest store. Provide them with the UPC and necessary documents.
3. Step 3: The new operator will contact the old operator to verify any outstanding fees or account information before accepting an MNP request. Once the verification process is completed, the old operator will provide documentation that will show if any reasons are standing in your way of receiving the MNP you’ve requested.
4. Step 4: Once the MNP application is approved, the new operator will enable you to begin using his services.

How to port SIM to Airtel?

• Download the AirtelThanks app from Appstore or Google Play store.
• Go to the app and select the plan and confirm the port-in request.
• Airtel will then send an executive to your place to collect the details and deliver the SIM.
• Insert the SIM into your mobile device and activate it.

How to port SIM to Jio?

• Download the MyJio app from the Appstore or Google Play store.
• Go to the port section of the app.

You will get two options:

• Get a new Jio SIM and keep the Existing number
• Just change the network
• Choose the 1st one.
• Select the type of SIM you want: prepaid or postpaid.
• Choose a suitable plan.
• Confirm location
• Choose how you want to receive your SIM: store pick up or home delivery.

How to port SIM to Vi?

• Download the Vodafone-Idea app from Appstore or Google Play store.
• Enter your details on the MNP page.
• Select the plan that suits your needs.
• Enter your pin code and address to get free home delivery of the SIM card.

How to port your SIM to BSNL?

• Visit the nearest BSNL Customer Service Centre (CSC), retailer, or authorised franchisee to request porting of the SIM.
• You will be issued a new BSNL SIM card.
• Once the porting request is approved, BSNL will let you know the date and time of porting.
• You must change the SIM card at the said date and time.

What is the cost to port SIM?

Yes, sometimes there are costs involved in porting a SIM. For more popular telecom service providers, porting is entirely free. There could be a transaction fee of ₹6.46 for every porting request. There are also porting charges that differ for each telecom service provider. Service providers like Airtel, Jio, and Vi enable porting of SIM for free.

How much does it cost to port a SIM?

Porting a SIM to most other companies is entirely free of cost. However, SMS charges could be per the user’s existing plan, a small transaction fee, or a SIM delivery fee.

What is the cost to port SIM to Airtel?

Porting your current number to Airtel has never been this easy! Just make a request online, and Jio service providers will come and deliver the SIM to your doorstep, absolutely FREE.

What is the cost to port SIM to Jio?

Porting your number to Jio is free. There are no home delivery charges, and activation is done online.

What is the cost to port SIM to Vi?

Porting your mobile number to Vi is absolutely free of charge. There are no additional costs involved.

Are there any other costs involved in porting SIM?

Yes, there are costs involved in porting a SIM. There is a transaction fee of ₹6.46 for every porting request. There are also porting charges that differ for each telecom service provider. You might also be charged for getting a new SIM delivered to your home.

How to receive the unique porting code (UPC)?

To receive a Unique Porting Code (UPC), follow the steps below:

• Send an SMS to 1900. SMS will be: PORT(Space)Mobile number.
• Once you have sent the message, you will receive a code through SMS from 1901.
• The code received will be UPC.

*Please note that the validity of UPC is only 4 days.
**For Jammu & Kashmir and Northeastern states, the validity of UPC is 30 days.

What are the rules for getting a unique porting code?

• A telecom provider will generate a Unique Porting Code (UPC) only if a subscriber is eligible for porting his SIM.
• UPC is valid only for 4 days except for certain places.
• For Jammu & Kashmir and Northeastern states, the validity of UPC is 30 days.
• If a customer would like to port a number over to another operator in the same circle, that can be accomplished within three business days. Porting numbers over to operators outside of the user's network may take up to five business days.
• For individual customers, the process to port your mobile will not be rejected unless there are errors or UPC is valid.
• The port request is forwarded to the donor operator for corporate mobile numbers. You will be asked to provide an authorisation letter for verification.
• You can cancel the porting process by sending a text message to 1900 with the words "Port Cancel" in the body of the message. You have 24 hours to cancel the process after making a port request.

What is the validity period of a UPC?

The validity of a Unique Porting Code (UPC) is 4 days. However, for Jammu & Kashmir and Northeastern states, the validity of UPC is 30 days. If you do not use the porting code before it expires, you will have to generate the porting code again, as it will become invalid.

How long does it take to port a SIM?

Complete porting of a number to our service from another provider generally takes about 3-4 business days. The current service provider takes time to check if the user is eligible to port their SIM. The porting is done only if the user is eligible.
 

FAQ

Can I port my SIM online?

If you are wondering how to port SIM online, here is your answer. A SIM can easily be ported online. You have to submit a porting application at 10digi.com or your telecom service provider to port a sim online. You can also port a sim by visiting the offline store of your operator.

Is it possible to port SIM anywhere in India?

Yes, it is possible to port SIM anywhere in India. According to the rules, you can retain your number even if you shift to a different state or change your telecom service provider within the state.

How to port Airtel SIM to Jio?

Suppose you are an existing Airtel user and wish to move to the Jio network. You can have the transition done from Airtel to Jio successfully using MNP (Mobile Number Portability).

What is MNP?

MNP is a service that enables smartphone customers to switch communication network providers and keep their phone numbers. The lack of MNP between wireless carriers has prevented people from switching their cell phone carriers in India to a lower-priced alternative.