In India, the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) service allows you to switch from one mobile network operator to another while retaining your existing mobile number. This process is simple and can be done for all major operators like Vi (Vodafone Idea), BSNL, Airtel, and Jio.
In this guide, I will tell you the step-by-step process to port your mobile number for each of these operators.
What is Mobile Number Portability (MNP)?
Mobile Number Portability (MNP) is a service that allows mobile phone users to switch from one network operator to another without changing their mobile number. This service is particularly useful if you are unhappy with your current operator’s services, pricing, or network coverage, but want to keep your existing number.
General Steps to Port Your Mobile Number
Before knowing about the specific steps for each operator, here’s a general overview of how the porting process works:
- Generate UPC (Unique Porting Code):
- To start the porting process, you need to send an SMS from your existing mobile number. The SMS should be sent to 1900 with the text: PORT your 10-digit mobile number.
- You will receive a Unique Porting Code (UPC) via SMS, which is valid for a few days.
- Visit the New Operator’s Store:
- Visit the nearest store or authorized retailer of the operator you wish to switch to.
- Provide the UPC and fill out a Customer Application Form (CAF) for MNP.
- Submit Documents:
- Submit the necessary documents for verification, such as proof of identity, proof of address, and a passport-sized photograph.
- Get a New SIM Card:
- You will be issued a new SIM card by the new operator.
- The porting process usually takes around 2-7 days, during which your current number will remain active.
- The new SIM will be activated once the porting process is complete.
- Activate the New SIM:
- Once the porting is completed, insert the new SIM card into your phone and start using the services of your new operator.
Now, let’s look at the specific steps for each major operator in India.
How to Port to Vi (Vodafone Idea)
Step-by-Step Process:
- Send Porting Request:
- From your current mobile number, send an SMS to 1900 with the text: PORT your 10-digit mobile number.
- You will receive a UPC via SMS.
- Visit Vi Store:
- Go to the nearest Vi (Vodafone Idea) store or authorized retailer.
- Provide the UPC Code and fill out the MNP form.
- Submit Documents:
- Submit the required documents, including your proof of identity and proof of address.
- You should also take your passport-sized photograph.
- Get Your New SIM Card:
- The Vi representative will issue you a new SIM card.
- The porting process will take around 1-3 days, during which your current number will remain active.
- Activate Your Vi SIM:
- After the porting process is complete, insert the Vi SIM card into your phone.
- The Vi network should be active on your mobile number.
How to Port to BSNL
Step-by-Step Process:
- Send Porting Request:
- Send an SMS from your current number to 1900 with the text: PORT your 10-digit mobile number.
- Wait for the UPC to arrive via SMS.
- Visit BSNL Customer Service Center:
- Visit the nearest BSNL customer service centre or an authorized retailer.
- Give the UPC and fill out the MNP application form.
- Submit Required Documents:
- Provide the necessary documents, including proof of identity, proof of address, and a passport-sized photograph.
- Receive Your New BSNL SIM:
- The BSNL representative will provide you with a new SIM card.
- The porting process in BSNL usually takes 3-5 days.
- Activate the BSNL SIM:
- Once the porting is complete, insert the BSNL SIM card into your device.
- Your mobile number will now be active on the BSNL network.
How to Port to Airtel
Step-by-Step Process:
- Send Porting Request:
- Send an SMS to 1900 with the text: PORT your 10-digit mobile number from your current number.
- You will receive the UPC via SMS.
- Visit an Airtel Store:
- Go to the nearest Airtel store or an authorized retailer.
- Provide the UPC and complete the MNP form.
- Submit Documents:
- Submit the required documents such as proof of identity, proof of address, and a passport-sized photograph.
- Receive Your New Airtel SIM:
- The Airtel representative will issue you a new SIM card.
- The porting process usually takes 2-5 days.
- Activate Your Airtel SIM:
- After the porting process is complete, insert the Airtel SIM card into your phone.
- Your mobile number will now be active on the Airtel network.
How to Port to Jio
Step-by-Step Process:
- Send Porting Request:
- Send an SMS to 1900 with the text: PORT your 10-digit mobile number from your current number.
- Wait for the Unique Porting Code (UPC), which will be sent via SMS.
- Visit a Jio Store:
- Visit the nearest Jio Store or authorized Jio retailer.
- Give the Unique Porting code and fill out the MNP form.
- Submit Your Documents:
- Submit the required documents such as proof of identity, proof of address, and a passport-sized photograph.
- Get Your New Jio SIM:
- The Jio representative will give you a new SIM card.
- The porting process will be completed within 1-2 days.
- Activate Your Jio SIM:
- Once the porting process is complete, insert the Jio SIM card into your phone.
- Your mobile number will now be active on the Jio network.
Important Points to Remember
- Porting Time: The entire process usually takes between 2 to 7 days, depending on the operator.
- Porting Fee: Some operators may charge a nominal fee for porting.
- Service Disruption: You may experience a short period of service disruption (usually a few hours) while the porting process is completed.
- Document Requirements: Ensure you have all the necessary documents, such as proof of identity and proof of address, when visiting the store.
Conclusion
With the new rule of porting mobile numbers, it is now a simple process to port your number to a different operator. It is all possible because of the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) service. The good part is that the steps to switch or port number are similar for Vi, BSNL, Airtel, or Jio.
Remember to keep all your documents ready, and be patient as the porting process may take a few days to complete.
