SIM Porting 2026: Switch to Jio, Airtel, Vi or BSNL Without Changing Your Number, Check Fees and Rules

Mobile Number Portability 2026: Are you frustrated with frequent network problems, slow internet speeds or expensive mobile recharge plans? You can switch to another telecom operator without losing your existing mobile number. Thanks to the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) facility, customers in India can move between service providers such as Jio, Airtel, Vodafone Idea (Vi) and BSNL while keeping the same 10-digit number.

The process is relatively simple and usually takes three to five working days, depending on the telecom service area. Customers need to generate a Unique Porting Code (UPC), submit a request to their preferred operator and complete the required verification.

Before switching networks, however, it is important to understand the porting charges, eligibility conditions, activation timeline and cancellation rules.

What Is Mobile Number Portability and How Does It Work?

Mobile Number Portability is a facility that allows subscribers to change their mobile service provider without changing their phone number.

For example, a customer currently using Airtel can move to Jio, Vi or BSNL while continuing to use the same number.

Similarly, customers of other operators can choose a different network based on coverage, recharge prices, internet speeds and service quality.

This facility is regulated by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).

It is particularly useful for people who have linked their mobile numbers to bank accounts, Aadhaar, UPI applications, WhatsApp and other important services.

Since the number remains unchanged, customers generally do not need to update their registered mobile number across these platforms.

How to Port Your Mobile Number in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

Switching your mobile number to another telecom company involves a few straightforward steps.

Step 1: Send an SMS to Generate Your Porting Code

Open the messaging application on your phone and type the following message:

SMS format

Copy

PORT 9876543210

Replace 9876543210 with your own 10-digit mobile number.

Send to: 1900

Make sure you send this SMS from the mobile number you want to port.

Step 2: Receive Your Unique Porting Code

After submitting the SMS, you should receive a Unique Porting Code (UPC) from 1901, provided your number meets the applicable eligibility conditions.

This code is required to initiate the transfer to your chosen telecom operator.

Keep the UPC secure and submit it before its validity expires. Under the general rules, it is valid for four days, with longer validity in certain specified service areas.

Step 3: Visit Your Preferred Telecom Operator

Once you receive the UPC, contact the authorised store or retailer of the company you want to join.

You can choose Jio, Airtel, Vi, BSNL or another available operator based on your requirements.

The new operator will guide you through the porting request and provide details about available prepaid or postpaid plans.

Step 4: Complete KYC and Submit Your Request

Provide your UPC and complete the required customer verification.

Depending on the operator's process, you may need to submit a Customer Acquisition Form (CAF), a porting request form and valid identity documents.

The operator may also offer electronic KYC facilities.

After your request is accepted, you will receive confirmation and information about the next steps.

Step 5: Wait for the Porting Confirmation

The porting process normally takes a few working days.

You will receive an SMS informing you of the scheduled date and time when your number will move to the new network.

Continue using your existing SIM until the transfer takes place.

Step 6: Activate Your New SIM Card

When the old network stops working at the scheduled time, insert the new operator's SIM card into your phone.

Complete any required activation or verification process.

Once the new SIM becomes active, you can continue making calls, sending messages and using mobile data with your existing number.

SIM Porting Charges 2026: How Much Does It Cost?

According to TRAI's published Mobile Number Portability guidelines, the recipient operator may charge a maximum of ₹6.46 for each porting request.

However, this does not necessarily represent the total amount a customer may need to pay when joining a new network.

The operator may require an initial recharge, a selected mobile plan or other applicable service payments.

Customers should confirm the total payable amount with the new operator before submitting their request.

How Many Days Does SIM Porting Take?

The time required to transfer a mobile number depends on the telecom service area and the applicable regulatory conditions.

These are standard processing timelines. Additional verification requirements or other issues may affect individual requests.

Customers will be informed about the scheduled transfer through SMS.

A brief interruption in mobile services may occur during the switching process.

Can You Cancel a Mobile Number Porting Request?

Yes. Customers who change their minds after submitting a porting request can withdraw it within the permitted time.

Under TRAI's rules, a request can generally be cancelled within 24 hours of submission.

To cancel the request, send an SMS in the following format:

Cancellation SMS format

Copy

CANCEL 9876543210

Use your own mobile number instead of the example.

Send to: 1900

The message must be sent from the number for which the porting request was submitted.

If a porting charge has already been paid, it is generally not refunded after cancellation.

Important TRAI Rules Before Porting Your SIM

Not every mobile number is immediately eligible for porting. Customers must satisfy certain conditions.

• The number should generally have been active with the current operator for at least 90 days.

• At least 90 days should generally have passed since the last successful porting.

• Postpaid customers must clear outstanding dues according to the applicable rules.

• The number must not be subject to certain legal or contractual restrictions that prevent porting.

• If a SIM replacement or swap has recently been carried out, a seven-day waiting restriction may apply before a UPC can be issued.

Customers who do not meet the eligibility requirements may receive a message explaining why their UPC request cannot be processed.

What Happens to Your Existing Recharge After Porting?

Customers should pay attention to their remaining prepaid balance and active recharge benefits before changing operators.

Unused prepaid balance generally does not transfer to the new telecom provider after successful porting.

Similarly, existing data allowances, calling benefits and plan validity do not automatically move to the new network.

For postpaid customers, outstanding bills must be settled according to the applicable conditions.

It is therefore sensible to plan the transfer around the expiry of an existing recharge, particularly when significant prepaid benefits remain unused.

Will WhatsApp, UPI and Banking Apps Work After SIM Porting?

Since the mobile number remains unchanged, services such as WhatsApp, UPI and mobile banking generally continue to be associated with the same number.

However, replacing the SIM may trigger additional security verification in certain applications.

Some banking and UPI services may temporarily restrict transactions or require SIM-based verification after a SIM change.

Customers should keep their new SIM active and follow the verification instructions provided by the relevant application.

There is normally no need to change the registered mobile number simply because the telecom operator has changed.

What Should You Check Before Switching to Another Network?

Before requesting mobile number portability, compare the coverage and services offered by different telecom companies.

A cheaper recharge plan may not provide better value if the network performs poorly in your home, office or frequently visited areas.

Consider factors such as call quality, indoor network coverage, mobile data speeds, recharge validity and customer support.

It is also useful to ask family members or colleagues about their experience with the network you are considering.

Checking these details can help you avoid switching to another operator that has similar connectivity problems.

SIM Porting 2026: An Easy Way to Change Networks Without Losing Your Number

Mobile Number Portability gives customers the freedom to choose a telecom operator that better matches their needs.

Whether you want improved internet speeds, more reliable calling or affordable recharge plans, you can switch networks without changing your existing mobile number.

The process begins by sending PORT followed by your 10-digit mobile number to 1900, obtaining a UPC and completing verification with the new operator.

Most eligible requests are completed within three to five working days, although special service-area rules may provide longer timelines.

Before starting, customers should confirm their eligibility, check outstanding bills, understand the applicable charges and compare network coverage.

For official information about mobile number portability, visit the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) website.

Editorial note: This article has been fully rewritten in original English with additional practical information. Porting fees, processing times and eligibility rules are based on the regulatory framework described in the supplied article and may be subject to subsequent TRAI updates.