What is Number Porting?
Number porting, also known as phone number portability, allows businesses to transfer their existing phone numbers from one service provider to another without changing the number itself. This feature is essential for businesses looking to switch providers for better features or pricing while retaining their original number. It ensures a smooth transition, helping companies maintain their existing contacts and minimizing disruptions to customer communications.
CallHippo offers free number porting, enabling businesses to retain valuable connections and upgrade their communication systems without losing touch with customers. This service also allows global accessibility, so businesses can keep their numbers even when relocating internationally.
Important thing to know before pacing the port-in request:
We do not port-in physical SIM numbers, we can only port in a virtual number.
We can port any external US virtual number into CallHippo directly from the dashboard for free, for which the steps have been provided in this article below.
For non-US numbers, we request that you please reach out to the support team to check the possibility, process, timeline, and charges of number port-in and to initiate the process for it.
After the number is ported to CallHippo, it can only be used through CallHippo, and our plans and charges will apply to it.
The turnaround time for any port-in request to complete is around 2 to 4 weeks.
Steps to initiate the port-in request for an external US virtual number from the dashboard:
1. Log in to your CallHippo dashboard.
2. Navigate to the “Numbers and DID” section on the left side of the screen and then click on the Numbers
3. Click on the “port-in requests” button.
4. There are two buttons visible to initiate the port-in request, as visible in the screenshot. You can click on any of the two buttons to continue.
5. Fill in all the details required and requested in the form.
6. You can add additional Landline and Toll-Free numbers, separated by commas (,).
7. Enter the phone numbers you want to port. To add more numbers, click the "Add Another Number" button.
8. You need to download the LOA form from the button visible in the screenshot below, fill in the information, and then re-upload the updated LOA form in this section.
9. Upload the billing document from the previous carrier, which has the number that you want to port visible on it.
Note: Please ensure that the billing document you upload is not older than three months from the date of submission.
10. Once both documents are uploaded, click on the checkbox and then on the “Submit” button to finalize the submission of the port-in request.
Once done, you have successfully submitted the port-in request for your external US virtual number into CallHippo.
The CallHippo support team will keep you updated regarding the status of your port-in request via email to your registered email address.
Frequently asked questions:
Q: Can I port my current phone number into CallHippo?
A: Yes, you can port your number into CallHippo if it's a virtual number. Physical SIM numbers cannot be ported.
Q: Can I port a physical SIM card number?
A: No, we do not support porting of physical SIM card numbers—only virtual numbers.
Q: Is there a cost for porting a number into CallHippo?
A: Porting a US virtual number is free. For non-US numbers, charges may apply. Please check with our support team.
Q: What documents are required for a port-in request?
A: You need to upload: A completed LOA (Letter of Authorization) and a billing document from your current provider showing the number being ported
Q: Can I port more than one number at a time?
A: Yes, you can add multiple numbers in the form, separated by commas or by clicking “Add Another Number.”
Q: How long does the port-in process take?
A: The general timeline for the port-in process to complete is around 2 to 4 weeks
Q: When can I expect an update if the port-in request I raised has been started?
A: Our support team will review the documents you submitted and reach out to you if any more information is needed from your end in around the next 24 to 48 business hours.
Q: What if I submitted the form by mistake or with incorrect information?
A: You can submit a new form at any time with the correct and updated information. Our team will consider the most recent submission for processing.
Q: Will a P.O. Box or US mail forwarding address work for porting?
A: No, we do not accept P.O. boxes or mail-forwarding addresses for port-in requests.
Q: What if I don't have a valid US address to include on the LOA?
A: Unfortunately, we cannot proceed with the port-in request without a valid US address.
Q: Can I use a virtual address for porting my number?
A: No, virtual addresses are not acceptable for port-in purposes. A real physical address in the US is required.
Q: Can I port a virtual number without any billing address, as the number was free from the previous provider?
A: No, it is mandatory to have a billing address that helps us prove your number ownership to our carrier partners.
Q: Can I stop the port-in process in between if I change my mind midway through the process?
A: Yes, you can request to stop the port-in process anytime before it is completed by reaching out to our support team.
I hope this helps. If you still face any queries, please feel free to reach out at [email protected]