You don't need a new phone number when you change telcos. Number porting lets you transfer your existing number to any mobile provider in Singapore, and the process takes about one to two working days.
This guide covers how porting works, what to check before you start, and how to avoid common issues.
What is Number Porting?
Number porting (officially called Mobile Number Portability or MNP) transfers your mobile number from one operator to another. IMDA regulates this process, and all providers in Singapore must support it.
The system has been around since the early 2000s. Back then, operators charged monthly fees to maintain ported numbers. IMDA eliminated those recurring charges in 2003, so porting is now free or costs a small one-time admin fee depending on the provider.
Both prepaid and postpaid numbers can be ported, though some MVNOs only accept postpaid port-ins. Check with your new provider if you're on prepaid.
Before You Port: The Checklist
Clear any outstanding bills. Your current provider will reject the porting request if you have unpaid charges.
Check your contract status. If you're still under contract, you can port out, but your current provider will charge an early termination fee. Most contracts run 12 or 24 months.
Confirm the number is in your name. The NRIC or ID registered with your current provider must match the one you use to sign up with your new provider. If the number is under a family member's name, they'll need to be involved in the process, or you'll need to do a transfer of ownership first.
Keep your current line active. Don't cancel your existing service before porting. Only active numbers can be ported. If you terminate first, you'll lose the number.
Disable call forwarding. Some providers require you to turn off call forwarding before the port goes through.
How the Process Works
Step 1: Choose your new plan
Pick your new provider and plan. When signing up (online, in-app, or at a retail store), select the "port in" or "transfer existing number" option.
Step 2: Submit your details
You'll need to provide:
- Your existing mobile number
- Your NRIC or passport number (must match what your current provider has on file)
- Your current provider name
Some providers require you to sign a Number Portability Application Form. Others handle it digitally through Singpass verification.
Step 3: Activate your new SIM or eSIM
Your new provider will send you a SIM card or eSIM activation details. For physical SIMs, wait until you receive it before proceeding. For eSIM, you can often start immediately.
Activate the SIM following your provider's instructions. This triggers the porting request.
Step 4: Wait for confirmation
The porting process runs overnight, typically between 11pm and 4am on working days. If you submit your request before 6:30pm on a weekday, it usually happens that night. Requests after 6:30pm process the next working day.
No porting happens on weekends, public holidays, or the eves of major holidays like Chinese New Year and Christmas.
Step 5: Start using your new service
You'll receive an SMS when the port completes. Your old SIM stops working automatically, and your number is now on your new provider's network. Insert your new SIM (or activate your eSIM) and you're done.
Timeline
The whole process usually takes 1-3 working days:
- Sign up and submit port request: Same day
- SIM delivery (if physical): 1-3 days
- Porting overnight process: 1 working day
eSIM users often complete the process faster since there's no wait for physical delivery.
Common Problems and Fixes
"Details don't match"
Your name or ID number doesn't match what your current provider has on file. Double-check your records, or contact your current provider to verify. Even small discrepancies (like a missing middle name) can cause rejection.
"Number is suspended or terminated"
You need an active line to port. If your service was suspended for non-payment, settle the bill and ask your provider to reactivate it before trying again.
"Still under contract"
You can still port, but you'll owe an early termination fee to your current provider. They'll send you a final bill after the port completes.
"Port request rejected"
This usually means outstanding bills or contract issues. Contact your current provider to find out why. Once resolved, your new provider can resubmit the request.
"SMS confirmation not received"
Some providers send an SMS to confirm the port is in progress. If you don't receive it, contact your new provider's support to check the status. The port may still go through even without the SMS.
What Happens to Your Old Account?
Once the port completes, your old service terminates automatically. You don't need to contact your previous provider to cancel.
However, you should:
- Keep your old SIM card until you confirm the new service works
- Watch for a final bill from your old provider (especially if you had a postpaid plan)
- Return any rented equipment (like a router, if you had a bundled plan)
Porting Between Prepaid and Postpaid
You can change plan types when you port:
- Prepaid to postpaid: Most providers allow this
- Postpaid to prepaid: Check with your new provider, as not all support prepaid port-ins
The process works the same way. Just select your preferred plan type when signing up.
Apps and Services After Porting
Most apps will continue working normally after you port. Your phone number stays the same, so anything linked to it should keep functioning.
However, you may need to re-verify your number in some apps, especially:
- Banking apps with SMS 2FA
- Ride-hailing apps (Grab, TADA, Gojek)
- Messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram)
Usually this just means receiving a new verification SMS and entering the code.
Ready to Switch?
Compare plans to find one that fits your usage. Filter by data, price, and contract length, then check which network each plan runs on. Once you've picked a plan, the porting process takes care of the rest.
FAQs
Is porting free?
Usually yes. Some providers charge a small admin fee (S$5-10), but many waive it, especially during promotions.
Can I port a corporate line?
Corporate lines require authorisation from the account holder (usually your employer). The process is more complex and may need company documentation.
How long until my old SIM stops working?
It stops working the moment the port completes, usually overnight. You'll get a notification, and then the old SIM becomes inactive.
Can I cancel a port request?
Yes, contact your new provider before the port completes. Once it's done, you'd need to port back to reverse it.
What if my port fails multiple times?
Contact both your current and new provider. There may be a system issue or a detail that keeps causing rejection. Some cases require manual intervention from the operators.
