How to Port Mobile Number to Another Network (MNP Guide)

Mobile Number Portability (MNP) allows you to switch your telecom operator — from Jio to Airtel, Airtel to Vi, or any combination — while keeping your existing mobile number. This guide covers the complete MNP process in India, including eligibility, SMS format, documents required, charges, and what happens to your linked services.

What is Mobile Number Portability (MNP)?

Mobile Number Portability is a TRAI-regulated facility that lets mobile subscribers change their telecom service provider without changing their phone number. MNP was launched in India in January 2011 and is managed by two MNP Service Providers (MNPSPs):

• MNP Service Provider 1 (MNPSP-1): Handles porting for numbers in Zone 1 (North and West India)
• MNP Service Provider 2 (MNPSP-2): Handles porting for numbers in Zone 2 (South and East India)

You can port from any operator (Jio, Airtel, Vi/Vodafone Idea, BSNL, MTNL) to any other operator that provides service in your area.

Types of MNP

Eligibility to Port Your Mobile Number

Before initiating MNP, ensure you meet these conditions:

1. 90-day rule: Your mobile number must have been active with the current operator for at least 90 days. For new connections, you must wait 90 days before porting.
2. No pending contractual obligations: If you are on a contract/lock-in period (common with some postpaid plans or device EMI bundles), you may need to clear outstanding dues first.
3. Active SIM: Your number must be active — suspended, deactivated, or disconnected numbers cannot be ported.
4. No ongoing porting request: You should not have a pending MNP request already in progress.
5. KYC compliance: Your number must be properly KYC-verified with the current operator.
6. No legal/regulatory restrictions: Numbers under any legal dispute or government restriction cannot be ported.

Note: The 90-day restriction is reduced to 0 days if your current operator is shutting down services in your area.

Step-by-Step Process to Port Your Mobile Number

Step 1: Generate UPC (Unique Porting Code)

Send an SMS from the number you want to port:

PORT <Your 10-digit mobile number>

Send this SMS to 1900

Example: If your number is 9876543210, type:

PORT 9876543210

and send it to 1900.

You will receive a Unique Porting Code (UPC) via SMS within a few minutes. This UPC is valid for:

• 4 days for intra-circle porting
• 4 days for inter-circle porting

Step 2: Visit the New Operator's Store or Apply Online

Take the following to a retail store of the operator you want to switch to:

• Your UPC code (received via SMS)
• Valid ID proof (Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, driving licence)
• Passport-size photograph (1-2 copies)
• Porting form (available at the store)

Many operators like Jio, Airtel, and Vi also allow you to initiate porting online through their apps or websites — they will deliver the new SIM to your address.

Step 3: Fill the Customer Acquisition Form (CAF)

Fill in the porting/application form with:

• Your personal details (name, address, date of birth)
• The UPC code
• Your current operator name
• Choice of plan (prepaid or postpaid)

Step 4: Submit Documents and Get New SIM

After verification, the new operator will issue you a new SIM card. Do not insert it immediately — wait for the porting to complete.

Step 5: Wait for Porting Confirmation

• You will receive an SMS from your current operator confirming the porting request.
• Your current operator may send offers to retain you — you can ignore these.
• After the porting window (3-5 business days), you will get a confirmation SMS.
• Your old SIM will stop working — this usually happens between 10 PM and 5 AM to minimize disruption.
• Insert the new SIM when the old one deactivates, and your number will be active on the new network.

Step 6: Verify and Activate

Once the new SIM is active:

• Make a test call to verify
• Check mobile data connectivity
• Update your operator's app for account management

Documents Required for MNP

Any one government-issued photo ID is sufficient. Aadhaar-based eKYC is the most common method.

Porting Charges

• MNP porting charge: ₹4 (exclusive of taxes) — this is a TRAI-regulated maximum charge.
• The charge is typically deducted from your prepaid balance or added to your postpaid bill by the new operator.
• Some operators waive this charge as a promotional offer.
• No exit fee is charged by the old operator (unless you have pending dues or device EMI).

Porting Timeline

Tip: Porting usually completes within 1-2 business days in metro circles, though TRAI allows up to 3-5 days.

What Happens to Your Services After Porting

UPI and Banking

• UPI apps (Google Pay, PhonePay, Paytm) will continue to work as long as your mobile number remains the same — which it does with MNP.
• You may need to re-verify your number in some UPI apps after porting, as the SMS verification goes through the new operator.
• Your bank-linked mobile number remains the same, so no changes needed at the bank.

OTPs and Two-Factor Authentication

• OTPs will continue to arrive on your number after porting is complete.
• During the brief switchover period (usually a few hours at night), you won't receive any calls or SMS.
• Plan accordingly — avoid initiating critical transactions during the porting window.

Other Services

• WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal: No change needed — these are linked to your number, not your operator.
• Existing balance/validity: Your prepaid balance and remaining validity with the old operator will be forfeited. Use them up before porting.
• Postpaid bills: Clear all pending bills with your old operator before porting.
• Operator-specific services: VAS (value-added services), caller tunes, operator apps — these will stop working after porting.
• Wi-Fi calling: You may need to re-enable this on the new network if supported.

Corporate and Postpaid Porting

Corporate Numbers

• Corporate/enterprise numbers can also be ported, but the authorized signatory of the company must initiate the request.
• The company must provide a letter of authorization along with standard documents.
• The corporate plan will be terminated with the old operator — you'll need a new plan with the new operator.

Postpaid to Prepaid (or Vice Versa)

• You can switch from postpaid to prepaid or prepaid to postpaid while porting.
• Simply choose your preferred plan type when filling the CAF with the new operator.
• Clear all postpaid dues before initiating porting to avoid complications.

Important Tips for Smooth Porting

1. Use up your balance: Prepaid balance and data packs are non-transferable. Use them before porting.
2. Clear postpaid dues: Unpaid bills can delay or block the porting process.
3. Keep your phone charged: During the switchover night, keep your phone on with the new SIM ready to insert.
4. Save the UPC: Don't delete the UPC SMS — you'll need it when visiting the new operator.
5. Avoid porting during travel: The switchover causes a brief service gap. Don't port when you critically need your phone.
6. Check network coverage: Before porting, verify that the new operator has good coverage in your area using their coverage maps.
7. Backup contacts and data: While MNP doesn't affect your phone data, it's good practice to backup before any SIM change.
8. Weekend/holiday delays: Porting timelines are in business days — weekends and holidays don't count.
9. Rejection reasons: Porting can be rejected if your UPC has expired, KYC doesn't match, or there are pending dues. You can re-initiate after fixing the issue.

How to Check MNP Porting Status

After submitting your porting request:

• Call your new operator's customer care and ask for porting status.
• Some operators provide porting status tracking on their apps.
• You can also SMS PORT STATUS to your new operator's helpline number.

How to Cancel a Porting Request

If you change your mind after generating a UPC:

• Simply let the UPC expire (4 days) without submitting it to the new operator.
• If you've already submitted the request, contact the new operator and request cancellation before the porting is processed.
• Once porting is complete, it cannot be reversed — you'd need to initiate a fresh MNP to go back.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I port my number if I have outstanding dues?

You need to clear all pending dues before porting. Unpaid postpaid bills or EMI obligations can cause your porting request to be rejected by the current operator.

How long does MNP take?

Intra-circle porting takes up to 3 business days and inter-circle takes up to 5 business days. In practice, most intra-circle ports complete within 1-2 days in metro areas.

Will I lose my WhatsApp or Telegram account after porting?

No. WhatsApp, Telegram, and other messaging apps are linked to your phone number, not your operator. Since your number stays the same, these apps continue to work normally.

Can I port from prepaid to postpaid?

Yes. When you visit the new operator for MNP, you can choose either a prepaid or postpaid plan, regardless of your current plan type.

Is there any charge for MNP?

The maximum porting charge is ₹4 (as per TRAI regulations). Many operators absorb this cost. Your old operator cannot charge any exit fee for porting.

Can I port my number back to the original operator?

Yes, but you must wait 90 days after the last successful port before initiating a new porting request.

What happens if my porting request is rejected?

You'll receive an SMS with the rejection reason. Common reasons include expired UPC, pending dues, or KYC mismatch. Fix the issue and generate a new UPC to try again.

Can I port during a natural disaster or network outage?

TRAI has provisions for relaxing timelines during emergencies, but you still need an active connection to generate the UPC. Wait for services to be restored before initiating MNP.