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 - verification codes are blocked on Beside numbers by default. You can turn Verification Codes on for the line, but delivery still isn't guaranteed - some services block codes sent to non-carrier numbers.
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 to be reliable | 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 |
Google Voice users
If you have a Google Voice number, you have two options:
Porting (recommended): Transfer your Google Voice number fully to Beside for the most reliable experience with both calls and texts.
📖 Port your Google Voice number to BesideCall forwarding (limited support): You can also forward calls from Google Voice to Beside, but this may be unreliable due to Google Voice's own limitations. Texts will not be forwarded.
📖 Forward a Google Voice number to Beside
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. Your carrier number stays active and keeps receiving SMS-based 2FA codes normally - only calls are forwarded to Beside.
If you port instead, you can turn Verification Codes on for that line to let codes through, but delivery isn't guaranteed: some services block codes sent to non-carrier numbers. For accounts you can't afford to be locked out of, use an authenticator app or another number.
📖 Receive authentication codes
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).
I have a Google Voice number - should I port or forward?
I have a Google Voice number - should I port or forward?
We recommend porting for the most reliable experience - it gives you both calls and texts in Beside. Call forwarding from Google Voice is available but has limited support and may be unreliable. If you prefer to keep your number on Google Voice, you can try forwarding, but be aware that texts won't be forwarded and call reliability may vary.
Can I forward multiple phone numbers to one Beside line, or to multiple lines?
Can I forward multiple phone numbers to one Beside line, or to multiple lines?
Yes. There are two ways to do it depending on your needs:
All numbers to one Beside line
You can forward several of your existing phone numbers (e.g. your personal carrier numbers) to a single Beside line. All calls will arrive on the same line regardless of which number was dialled. This works on the Beside plan and on legacy 👥 Business.
One number per dedicated Beside line
If you want to keep numbers separate, you can forward each of your existing numbers to its own dedicated Beside line, each with its own Receptionist and settings.