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).
👉 Before you start, you may also want to read: How can I use Beside with my current phone number?
ℹ️ Not sure which option to choose?
Porting = your number moves fully to Beside
Call Forwarding + Caller ID = you keep your carrier, but Beside answers your calls
🔄 Option 1: Call Forwarding
Call Forwarding lets you keep your current carrier and forward incoming calls from your primary number to your Beside number.
✔️ What you get
Your mobile plan stays intact
Incoming calls ring in Beside
You can enable Caller ID, so recipients see your personal number when you call them from Beside
✘ Limitations
Text messages do not forward to Beside
Texts sent from Beside will show your Beside number, not your personal number
🌟 Best option if you rely on your carrier (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, etc.) or if you need to keep receiving 2FA codes.
📦 Option 2: Porting your number to Beside
Porting transfers your existing number (from Google Voice, Sideline, Quo/OpenPhone, etc.) directly into Beside.
Beside becomes your new service provider.
✔️ What you get
Your personal number becomes your Beside number
All calls and texts happen inside the app
Clean, unified messaging experience
✘ Limitations
⚠️ Carrier numbers with data plans cannot be ported (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) → Porting them would break your phone plan, since Beside doesn’t provide mobile data
⚠️ Beside cannot receive 2FA SMS codes at this time → If you rely on 2FA, porting is not recommended
⚠️ Toll-free numbers: after porting, Beside will support calls only. Outbound texts will not work.
🌟 Best option if your number is from a VoIP provider and you want everything fully inside Beside.
🧭 Summary: Which option is right for you?
Option | Best for | What it does |
Call Forwarding + Caller ID |
|
|
Porting | Google Voice / Sideline / Quo users, etc | Moves your number into Beside as your main number |
❓ FAQ
Will I lose access to my phone service during the number porting process?
No, you will not lose access to your phone number during the porting process. Your phone service will remain uninterrupted while your number is being transferred to Beside. This ensures you can continue to make and receive calls and texts without any disruption.
How long does the porting process take?
The porting process typically takes about one week to complete, but in some cases, it may take up to two weeks. The specific timeline can vary depending on factors such as the approval process from your current provider. Rest assured, this timeframe is sufficient for a smooth and secure transition of your number.
Will the caller know I use call forwarding?
No, callers will not be aware that their call is being forwarded. They won’t notice any changes, and the call quality and experience will remain the same.