Porting transfers your existing phone number directly into Beside. Once complete, Beside becomes your provider for that number - all calls and texts will be handled inside the Beside mobile app.
Not sure if porting is right for you? 📖 Port your number vs set up call forwarding
📌 Start your port from the Beside mobile app. Porting is currently initiated from the mobile app - support for starting a port from the web app at app.beside.com is coming soon.
Before you start - eligibility
Not all numbers are a good fit for porting to Beside. Make sure you understand the implications before initiating a request.
⚠️ Port with caution - these number types have important limitations:
Carrier numbers tied to a mobile data plan (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) - you can port these, but it will cancel your data plan, since Beside doesn't provide mobile data. Only do this if you're comfortable losing that carrier plan entirely.
Numbers used for SMS-based 2FA - Beside doesn't currently support receiving 2FA codes via SMS. If you rely on this for other accounts, update your 2FA method before porting.
Toll-free numbers - after porting to Beside, outbound texts will not work.
✅ Best candidates for porting:
VoIP numbers from providers like Google Voice, Sideline, Grasshopper, GoDaddy Conversations, OpenPhone, and similar — see 📖 Port your number from a VoIP provider for provider-specific instructions, fees, and gotchas.
Numbers from other business phone providers
How to port your number
Step 1 - Start the porting request in the mobile app
In the Beside mobile app, go to: Settings → Phone Numbers: select the line to which you want to port your number → Configure Number → Port & Replace
Follow the on-screen steps to submit your porting request. You'll be asked to provide some information about your current provider.
Step 2 - Gather your account details from your current provider
To complete the port, you'll typically need the following from your current provider:
Your account number
Your account PIN or password
The name and address on the account
📌 Note: Keep your current account active until the port is complete. Cancelling your plan early can cause the port to fail.
Step 3 - Our team reviews and submits your request
Once you submit your request, our support team will review the information you provided, follow up with you if anything needs clarification, and confirm once your porting request has been submitted to our carrier.
📌 What to expect:
Our team will reach out via the in-app chat if additional information is needed.
You'll receive a confirmation once the request has been submitted to the carrier on your behalf.
Step 4 - Wait for the port to complete
Porting typically takes under 1 week, but can take up to 2 weeks depending on your current provider.
You'll receive a notification in Beside once your number has been successfully ported.
Step 5 - Complete the setup after porting
Once you're notified that your port is complete, follow the steps in:
Common issues to avoid
Most port requests that fail or get delayed share the same handful of root causes. Check this list before submitting:
Mismatched account information. Name, billing address, and account number must match exactly what is on file with your current provider. Even small differences (missing apartment number, abbreviated street name, business name vs. personal name) can cause rejection. Check your latest bill for the exact format.
Outstanding balance on your current account. Most providers refuse to release a number with an unpaid balance. Clear any charges before submitting.
Expired or wrong PIN. Some providers (Grasshopper, for example) generate port-out PINs that expire after a few days. Generate the PIN close to when you actually plan to submit the port. If your port is rejected for a wrong PIN, generate a fresh one and resubmit.
Account in poor standing. Inactive, suspended, or locked accounts cannot release a number. Resolve any holds (fraud lock, security review, etc.) with your current provider before starting the port.
Number not unlocked (Google Voice). Google Voice requires you to unlock your number before porting. See 📖 Port your Google Voice number to Beside for instructions.
⚠️ Do not cancel your current plan before the port completes:
Cancelling early can cause the port to fail and the number to be released back to the public pool, where it cannot be recovered.
Wait for confirmation from Beside that the port is done before cancelling.
FAQ
Looking for instructions for a specific provider? 📖 Port your number from a VoIP provider covers Google Voice, Sideline, Grasshopper, GoDaddy Conversations, and more.
Will I lose access to my number while the port is in progress?
Will I lose access to my number while the port is in progress?
No - your number stays active during the transfer. You can continue to make and receive calls and texts until the port completes.
Can I port a Google Voice number?
Can I port a Google Voice number?
Yes - Google Voice numbers are among the most common numbers ported to Beside. For step-by-step instructions specific to Google Voice, see 📖 Port your Google Voice number to Beside.
Can I port my Verizon / AT&T / T-Mobile number?
Can I port my Verizon / AT&T / T-Mobile number?
Yes, but it will cancel your mobile data plan. Since Beside doesn't provide mobile data, porting a carrier number means your data service with that carrier will be terminated. If you need to keep your data plan, use call forwarding instead - it lets you keep your carrier while Beside handles your calls.
My port request has been pending for more than 2 weeks - what should I do?
My port request has been pending for more than 2 weeks - what should I do?
Delays are usually caused by a restriction or hold on your current provider's side. Contact your current provider directly to check if anything is blocking the release of your number, then follow up with our support team via the in-app chat.
Do I need to cancel my current plan before porting?
Do I need to cancel my current plan before porting?
No - do not cancel your current plan before the port is complete. Cancelling early can cause the port to fail. Once porting is confirmed, contact your previous provider to cancel your plan and confirm the number has been removed from their system.
Can I port my number back out of Beside later?
Can I port my number back out of Beside later?
Yes - you can port your number out of Beside at any time.
See 📖 Port your number out of Beside for the full process.
Can I start a port from the web app?
Can I start a port from the web app?
Not yet - porting is currently initiated from the Beside mobile app. Support for starting a port from app.beside.com is coming soon.