Changing your mobile carrier in Canada is a straightforward process, but one common concern is how to keep your current phone number. Fortunately, the Canadian government has made it easy to keep your number when you switch providers through a process called mobile number portability (MNP). Below, we’ll walk you through the steps to keep your phone number when changing carriers in Canada.
Step 1: Find your IMEI
Your phone’s IMEI number is a unique identifier, typically 15 digits long, that acts as your device’s serial number. It’s essential for tasks like verifying network compatibility or switching to a new carrier. To locate your IMEI, you can dial *#06# on many devices, which will display it directly on your screen.
Step 2: Ensure You're Eligible to Switch
Before you start the process, check that you are eligible to switch carriers and keep your number. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Account Status: Ensure your account is in good standing with your current provider. If there are any outstanding bills or contract obligations, resolve them first.
- Phone Compatibility: Check your phone’s compatibility with your new carrier using its IMEI. Additionally, ensure that the phone is unlocked and works with the carrier’s network.
Step 3: Choose Your New Carrier and Plan
Research different carriers and choose the plan that best suits your needs. Compare pricing, data limits, and coverage areas to find a provider that meets your expectations. Some popular carriers in Canada include:
- Bell
- Rogers
- Telus
- Fido
- Koodo
- Public Mobile
Step 4: Request a Porting Number
Once you’re ready to switch, you need to request a porting number from your new carrier. Here’s how you can do it:
- Contact the New Carrier: You can call your new carrier’s customer service or visit a store to request your phone number be ported.
- Provide Necessary Information: The new carrier will ask for your account details, including your current phone number, account number with your old carrier, and any additional information they may need. Have this info handy to ensure a smooth process.
- Request a Porting Date: Agree on a date for when your number will be switched over to the new carrier. The porting process usually takes a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the carriers involved.
You may also visit each carrier’s FAQ page for a more comprehensive understanding of how to transfer your number to or from their service.
Links to the FAQ pages for some carriers are provided below:
Step 5: Don't Cancel Your Old Service Yet
It’s important not to cancel your current mobile service before the number porting process is complete. If you cancel too early, you may lose your phone number, and the porting request may be delayed or rejected.
Step 6: Wait for the Porting Process to Complete
Once the porting request is made, your old carrier will transfer your phone number to your new carrier. This usually takes a few hours to complete, but can sometimes take longer depending on the carriers and circumstances. During this time, you may experience a brief service disruption, but you can continue using your phone as usual once the porting is finished.
Step 7: Confirm the Switch and Test Your New Service
Once the porting process is complete, you should receive a notification from your new carrier confirming that your number has been successfully transferred. You should also test your new service to ensure everything is working correctly:
- Test incoming and outgoing calls
- Check that your text messages are working
- Verify that your data plan is active
Step 8: Dispose of Your Old SIM Card
Once your number has been successfully ported, make sure to dispose of your old SIM card properly. You can either keep it as a backup or recycle it to help protect the environment.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your phone number when changing carriers in Canada is easy as long as you follow the proper steps. By ensuring your account is in good standing, requesting a porting number, and waiting for the transfer to complete, you can seamlessly switch providers without losing your phone number. Always remember to keep your old service active until the porting process is finished and test everything once your number has been transferred.If you have any questions about the process or need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact your new carrier’s customer service team for support!
