You can keep using your existing phone number with Beside. There are two ways to do it, depending on whether you want Beside to replace your current provider (porting) or simply handle your calls (call forwarding).
✅ Quick answer:
Porting - your number moves fully to Beside. Best for VoIP numbers (Google Voice, Sideline, OpenPhone, etc.)
Call Forwarding + Caller ID - you keep your carrier, Beside handles your calls. Best for carrier numbers (Verizon, T-Mobile, etc.)
Option 1 - Call forwarding
Call forwarding lets you keep your current carrier and forward incoming calls from your existing number to your Beside line. Beside answers the calls; your carrier plan stays intact.
What you get
Your mobile plan stays intact
Incoming calls ring in Beside
You can enable Caller ID so recipients see your existing number when you call them from Beside
You keep receiving SMS-based 2FA codes on your carrier number
Limitations
Text messages do not forward to Beside
Texts sent from Beside show your Beside number, not your existing number
✅ Best for: Anyone on a carrier plan (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, etc.), or anyone who relies on SMS-based 2FA codes.
Option 2 - Port your number to Beside
Porting transfers your existing number directly into Beside. Beside becomes your new provider for that number - all calls and texts are handled inside the Beside mobile app.
What you get
Your existing number becomes your Beside number
All calls and texts in one place, inside the app
Clean, unified experience - no forwarding setup needed
Limitations
⚠️ Important - porting is not recommended for:
Carrier numbers tied to a mobile data plan (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) - you can technically port these, but it will cancel your data plan since Beside doesn't provide mobile data.
Numbers used for SMS-based 2FA - Beside doesn't currently support receiving 2FA codes via SMS.
Toll-free numbers - after porting, outbound texts will not work.
✅ Best for: VoIP numbers from providers like Google Voice, Sideline, OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and similar.
Which option is right for you?
Option | Best for | What it does |
Call Forwarding + Caller ID | Carrier numbers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile…) or anyone who needs SMS 2FA | Keeps your current plan, forwards calls to Beside, shows your existing number on outgoing calls |
Porting | VoIP numbers (Google Voice, Sideline, OpenPhone…) | Moves your number fully into Beside - all calls and texts in one place |
FAQ
Will I lose access to my number while porting?
Will I lose access to my number while porting?
No - your number stays active during the transfer. You can continue making and receiving calls and texts until the port completes.
How long does porting take?
How long does porting take?
Porting typically takes under 1 week, but can take up to 2 weeks depending on your current provider.
Will callers know their call is being forwarded?
Will callers know their call is being forwarded?
No - callers won't notice anything different. Call quality and experience remain the same.
I'm on Verizon / AT&T / T-Mobile - can I port my number?
I'm on Verizon / AT&T / T-Mobile - can I port my number?
Yes, but it will cancel your mobile data plan - since Beside doesn't provide mobile data service, porting a carrier number means losing your data plan entirely. For most carrier users, call forwarding is the better option as it keeps your plan intact. 📖 Set up call forwarding to Beside
I use SMS 2FA - which option should I choose?
I use SMS 2FA - which option should I choose?
Use call forwarding. Beside doesn't currently support receiving SMS-based 2FA codes, so porting your number would cut off 2FA messages for your other accounts. With call forwarding, your carrier number stays active and continues to receive 2FA codes normally.
Can I switch from call forwarding to porting later?
Can I switch from call forwarding to porting later?
Yes - if you start with call forwarding and later decide you want to port your number to Beside, you can initiate a port request at any time (as long as your number is eligible). See 📖 Port your number to Beside.