Mobile number portability lets you change your telecom operator without changing your phone number. Whether you are unhappy with network coverage, data speed or prices, you can move between Jio, Airtel, Vi and BSNL while keeping the same number that is linked to your bank, Aadhaar and WhatsApp. The process is regulated by TRAI, costs very little and usually completes within a few working days. Here is the complete 2026 process, from generating the UPC code to activating your new SIM.
Table of Contents
Who Can Use Mobile Number Portability?
- Your number should be active on the current network for at least 90 days
- Postpaid users must clear all outstanding bills
- There should be no pending ownership change request
- The number should not be under any legal restriction
- You must have valid ID and address proof for the new SIM
The 90-day rule applies from the date of activation or the last port. If you recently changed ownership of a number, porting may be blocked for some time. Corporate numbers need an authorisation letter from the company. If you are not sure, the operator will tell you the reason when the request is rejected, along with the fix required.
How to Generate a UPC Code
The first step is the Unique Porting Code, an eight-character code you receive by SMS. You need it to request porting with the new operator. It is free to generate and is valid for a limited period, usually four days in most areas, and longer in some special service areas such as Jammu and Kashmir and the North East.
- Open the SMS app on the phone with the SIM you want to port.
- Type PORT followed by a space and your 10-digit mobile number.
- Send it to 1900.
- You will receive the UPC code and its expiry date by SMS.
- Visit the new operator’s store or book a SIM doorstep delivery with the UPC.
- Complete Aadhaar-based e-KYC and get the new SIM.
Porting Time and Charges
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Porting within the same circle | Usually within 3 working days |
| Porting to another circle | Usually within 5 working days |
| Porting charge | Very small, often waived by operators |
| Downtime | A few hours during the switch, usually at night |
During the porting period, your old SIM keeps working. When porting is completed, the old SIM stops showing network and you will get an SMS. Insert the new SIM, restart the phone and wait for activation. Prepaid balance on the old network is not transferred, so use up your remaining balance before the switch. Postpaid customers receive a final bill from the old operator.
Mobile Number Portability for Postpaid Users
Postpaid customers need to clear all dues before mobile number portability is approved. Download your latest bill, pay it fully and wait for the payment to reflect before generating the UPC. If you are on a family or corporate plan, the primary account holder or company may need to authorise the move. Ask the new operator about plans that match your current benefits, such as data rollover and add-on family members.
Some postpaid plans include device instalments or contractual lock-ins. Porting during this period may attract early termination charges as per your agreement. Read your plan terms carefully or call customer care to confirm. Once porting is done, cancel any automatic payment mandates for the old operator to avoid accidental debits.
Choosing the Right Operator
Before porting, check coverage at your home, office and frequent travel routes. Ask neighbours or use crowd-sourced coverage maps. Compare plans for data, validity and extras such as OTT subscriptions. Remember that 5G availability varies by area and device. BSNL may offer cheaper plans in some regions, while private operators often have better data speeds in cities. The best choice is the one that works reliably where you live.
Mobile number portability is also useful when moving between prepaid and postpaid within the same operator, although that is usually a simpler plan migration. Some families port all members together to a family postpaid plan for savings. Read the fine print about minimum lock-in periods or device bundles before signing up.
Common Problems and Fixes
If you do not receive the UPC, check that your SMS was sent correctly in the format PORT space number, and that you have SMS service active. If your porting request is rejected, the reason will be shared by SMS, such as outstanding dues, mismatch in details or the 90-day rule. Fix the issue and request a new UPC. Never share your UPC with strangers, because it can be misused for SIM swap fraud.
After porting, update any services that depend on your operator, such as auto-recharge mandates, caller tunes or operator apps. Your WhatsApp, UPI and bank SMS continue normally because the number remains the same. If you face issues with OTPs after mobile number portability, restart your phone and check that the new SIM is set as default for SMS.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start mobile number portability?
Send SMS PORT followed by your number to 1900, get the UPC code and visit the new operator to start mobile number portability.
How long does porting take?
Usually up to 3 working days within the same circle and up to 5 working days for other circles.
Will my WhatsApp and UPI work after porting?
Yes. Your number stays the same, so WhatsApp and UPI continue to work.
Is there a waiting period for mobile number portability?
Yes. The number must be active for at least 90 days before mobile number portability.
Conclusion
Mobile number portability makes switching operators easy: send PORT to 1900, take the UPC to your new operator, complete e-KYC and wait a few days. Check coverage first, clear postpaid dues and use up prepaid balance. To keep your number safe, read our Sanchar Saathi guide and learn how to recover a hacked WhatsApp account.
