- Can I keep my phone number if I change carriers?
- How to change mobile providers
- What happens to my old mobile phone service when I change providers?
- Do I have to network unlock my phone?
- Porting your mobile number to Optus
- Porting your mobile number to Vodafone
- Porting your mobile number to Telstra
- Porting your mobile number to Belong
- Porting your mobile number to TPG
- Porting your mobile number to Kogan Mobile
- Porting your mobile number to iiNet
- Porting your mobile number to amaysim
- Switching mobile carriers and keeping your phone number FAQs
Changing your mobile phone provider can seem like a daunting proposition. Common questions are how long it takes, whether you can keep your number, and at what point exactly your number changes hands.
In the guide below, we'll walk you through how to change mobile providers step-by-step and keep your number. Plus we'll discuss common questions and dive into telco-specific guides for porting your mobile number, while recommending some of the best prepaid plans and SIM-only plans in our database of 28 mobile providers.
Legally, a telco has to transfer my phone number to a new provider if I ask
How do I change mobile providers?
Before you sign up to a new provider, be sure to check if you're out of contract and that you've finished paying off your phone (if you bought it as part of a payment plan). If not, you'll need to pay an early termination fee or pay off what you still owe for the handset.
SIM-only and prepaid plans generally don't have contracts, so if you have one of these, you probably don't need to worry about extra fees.
- DO NOT cancel your existing mobile service. Only
connected phone numbers can be transferred, so you won't be able to port your number if you cancel your old service before you sign up to a new plan and request the transfer. Your new telco will handle the transfer and cancellation for your old plan. - Find a new mobile phone plan and order a new SIM card or eSIM online, over the phone, or buy one in-store.
- During the sign-up process, you'll be asked if you want to transfer (or
port) your existing mobile number to the new account. All you should have to do is enter your phone number and specify your current phone provider. - After you receive your new SIM card (or SIM card and phone), you'll
need to activate it. Doing this begins the process of porting your mobile number. Your new provider should include instructions about how to activate the SIM card, so just follow those.
Your old service will continue to work until the transfer of your mobile number has been completed. Keep using your phone as normal, but make sure your new SIM card is within reach. At some point, your phone will suddenly lose service when your old provider transfers your number to the new one. At this point, remove your old SIM and replace it with the new. You shouldn't experience any significant time stuck in limbo between providers with no active service. As soon as the old one cuts off, your new one should be active.
SIM cards store very little information these days, which means all of your contacts, phone numbers, emails and photos are either stored on your phone or in the cloud as part of an online account (usually a Google account for Android users or an Apple account for iPhones).
Porting your mobile provider shouldn't delete any of your personal information from your phone, unless your SIM card is very, very old and you've never allowed it to copy its data to a phone or online account (such as an Apple or Google account).
Can I keep my phone number if I change carriers?
The short answer is yes, you can keep your existing phone number when changing mobile phone providers. Your carrier is legally obligated to transfer your mobile number to another provider upon request. And you don't even have to make this request in person – your new mobile provider will do it for you as part of the signup process, assuming you select this option.
Look for the option to keep your phone number when signing up for a new plan. Some providers may use the phrase "mobile number portability" or "porting" to refer to this process. Of course, you can always choose a new number if you don't want to keep your old one.
You need to be the "authorised customer" to make this request, i.e. the person who is registered by name for the mobile service account with the mobile provider. By law, no one else can start the porting process, regardless of their relationship to the account holder.
What happens to my old mobile phone service when I change providers?
If you've transferred your mobile number to your new provider, your old mobile phone service will be cancelled when your new plan is activated. Once activated, the rest of the process is handled by the telcos so you don't need to manually cancel your old service – simply start using your new one.
If you've been using a postpaid service, you should expect a final bill from your old provider after your mobile number transfer is complete. Just make sure you're out of contract, otherwise you'll be hit with early termination fees. If you haven't finished paying off your phone, you'll also need to pay out its remaining value. Having debt can't prevent you from changing providers, but your application for an account with a new provider will be subject to the usual credit checks.
If you choose not to port your number, you will need to contact your current provider to cancel your service: either by calling the support team, using the online chat, or visiting a store.
Do I have to network unlock my phone?
You can buy a phone outright or on a contract where you pay it off gradually. And each option may depend on whether or not your device is unlocked so you can switch networks. Generally, devices purchased outright or on a contract are unlocked.
If you're unsure, you can always ask your provider by calling or checking their app for more information.
If your new service isn't working, turn the device off and on again. If that doesn't work, you have a locked phone.
If you bought your phone overseas or through a grey importer such as Kogan or Dick Smith (i.e. a local retailer that sells overseas stock), the phone will be sold unlocked, but you need to double-check the model you're buying supports all network frequencies in Australia.
Some manufacturers sell slightly different variations of a phone in different markets, potentially with different frequency support. If a phone doesn't support a specific frequency, you'll still get network connectivity, it might just not be quite as reliable. This does however depend on where you live, and what frequencies the networks built near you are using.
Locked phones on prepaid plans
Some phones purchased with prepaid plans can be locked to that specific network. If this is the case for you, most telcos will unlock devices for free, but not always.
Telstra's unlocking fees for prepaid
Telstra charges an unlocking fee based on how long your service has been active. At the time of writing its current policy is as follows:
- For services active for over two years: No unlocking fee
- For services active for less than two years: $80 unlocking fee for devices that have never been activated, or $25 for devices activated for six months to two years
Vodafone's unlocking fees for prepaid
Vodafone doesn't lock phones purchased with its postpaid plans, unless you bought yours before August 2013 (if so, unlocking it is free). But if you purchased the phone outright to use with a prepaid service, it'll cost you. Vodafone's prepaid unlocking charges are:
- If you've had your device for less than six months: $50
- If you've had your device for over six months: $25
Optus' unlocking fees for prepaid
Optus also doesn't lock phones purchased with a postpaid plan, but can charge a fee for phones purchased for use with prepaid. It depends on how long your Optus prepaid service has been active, as well as the amount you've paid in total for prepaid recharges. Optus' phone unlocking charges are:
- If you've paid a minimum total amount of $80 in recharges: No fee
- If you haven't paid a minimum total amount of $80 in recharges, and your service has been active less than six months: $80
- If you haven't paid a minimum total amount of $80 in recharges, and your service has been active more than six months: $25
Porting your mobile number to Optus
To transfer your number to Optus, you’ll be sent a one-off verification code via SMS to your current SIM card. From there, you’ll just need to provide the code back to Optus as proof. Then your number will begin porting across to your new SIM card.
Porting your mobile number to Optus can take anywhere between 15 minutes to 4 hours to complete. Transfers only happen during business hours, as outlined below. Transfers initiated outside of these times will begin once operating hours commence, but your service with your previous provider should remain active until the transfer.
Optus' operating hours for transferring phone numbers:
- Monday to Friday: 8am – 8pm (AEST)
- Saturday: 10am – 6pm (AEST)
- Sunday: Closed
- National public holidays: Closed
Here are Optus' current SIM-only mobile plans:
|
#1
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$39.00/mth
Min. cost $39
|
|
#2
|
Optus
$69 Optus Promo Plan
$69.00/mth
Min. cost $69
|
|
#3
|
Optus
$70 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$70.00/mth
Min. cost $70
|
|
#4
|
Optus
$90 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$90.00/mth
Min. cost $90
|
Porting your mobile number to Vodafone
Your new carrier shouldn't request your number be transferred until you activate the new service, so it's advisable to wait until you have your new SIM card on hand to make sure. How you go about switching to Vodafone and keeping your number depends on if you are on a plan or prepaid service.
For plans, once your order with Vodafone has been fulfilled, you will need to fill out a Customer Authorisation Form to request a number transfer. From there you’ll be sent a one-off verification code via SMS to your current SIM card. You'll need to reply to the SMS with the one-time code only. If it expires before you can, you'll need to request a new one by calling 1300 130 741. Within three hours, your number should be transferred of submitting the code.
For prepaid SIMs, once you have it you’ll need to follow Vodafone's SIM Activation Process to initiate the transfer of your mobile number. However, if you have already activated your new SIM but didn't transfer your number, you will need to fill out a Customer Authorisation Form to request a number transfer. From there you’ll be sent an SMS with a unique security code. Reply to this message with the security code only and your number should be transferred within three hours of submitting the code.
Vodafone's operating hours for transferring phone numbers:
- Monday to Friday: 8am – 8pm (AEST)
- Saturday: 10am – 6pm (AEST)
- Sunday: Closed
Here are Vodafone's current SIM-only mobile plans:
|
#1
|
Vodafone
$58 Small SIM Only Plan
$45.00/mth
Min. cost $45
|
|
#2
|
Vodafone
$68 Medium SIM Only Plan
$50.00/mth
Min. cost $50
|
|
#3
|
Vodafone
$78 Large SIM Only Plan
$55.00/mth
Min. cost $55
|
Porting your mobile number to Telstra
Switching to Telstra and keeping your phone number acts almost exactly the same as porting it to any other provider.
When you purchase a new plan or activate a prepaid SIM kit, you will be asked for some personal information to complete the transfer. If there are issues with verifying your ID, you will receive a call at the number you provided to Telstra. Otherwise, a text will be sent to confirm when the transfer is complete. Alternatively, you can speak to a Telstra representative in-store or call 13 22 00 for assistance.
Telstra has two different sets of operating hours - standard operating hours and extended operating hours. Your eligibility to port during extended hours of operation depends on who your current carrier is. If you make the request outside of either of the times below, the transfer will begin the next business day.
Telstra's standard operating hours for transferring phone numbers:
- Monday to Friday: 8am - 8pm (AEDT if applicable, otherwise AEST)
- Saturdays: 10am - 6pm (AEDT if applicable, otherwise AEST)
- National public holidays: 10am - 6pm (AEDT if applicable, otherwise AEST)
Telstra's extended operating hours for transferring phone numbers:
- Monday to Sunday: 8am - 11pm (AEDT if applicable, otherwise AEST)
- National public holidays: 8am - 11pm (AEDT if applicable, otherwise AEST)
Here are Telstra's current SIM-only mobile plans:
|
#1
|
Telstra
$74 Basic Upfront SIM Plan
$74.00/mth
Min. cost $74
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
Telstra
$84 Essential Upfront SIM Plan
$84.00/mth
Min. cost $84
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Telstra
$99 Premium Upfront SIM Plan
$99.00/mth
Min. cost $99
Link not supplied
|
Porting your mobile number to Belong
Transferring your phone number to Belong is pretty straight-forward. First you'll need to activate your new Belong SIM card (which is provided free of charge and delivered to your door).
To keep things simple, Belong will always ask if you wish to transfer your old number or would like a new one. If you choose to keep your number, you'll be sent a verification code to prove it's yours. Simply enter the code and Belong will take care of the rest.
Belong transfers usually take less than 4 hours but it can take longer if attempted outside business hour or public holiday.
Belong's operating hours for transferring phone numbers:
- Monday to Saturday: 7am – 11pm (AEST/AEDT)
- Sunday: 10am – 6pm (AEST/AEDT)
- National public holidays: 10am – 6pm AEST (holidays include Easter Monday, King's Birthday and Boxing Day only)
- All other public holidays: Closed
Here are Belong's current SIM-only mobile plans:
|
#1
|
Belong
25GB Mobile Plan
$34.00/mth
Min. cost $34
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
Belong
40GB Mobile Plan
$39.00/mth
Min. cost $39
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Belong
100GB Mobile Plan
$49.00/mth
Min. cost $49
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Belong
160GB Mobile Plan
$59.00/mth
Min. cost $59
Link not supplied
|
Porting your mobile number to TPG
When you first register your interest to switch to a TPG mobile plan, you will be asked whether you want to port your mobile number.
All you need to do is follow the prompts provided with your new SIM card to activate your SIM, which will involve you logging into your new TPG account. Then, you'll receive a verification code via SMS. Simply reply to this message to authorise the port and your mobile number transfer should be complete within three hours or so. If you're transferring on a weekend, just note this process can take up to two days.
TPG's operating hours for transferring phone numbers:
- Monday to Friday: 8am – 8pm AEST
- Weekends and public holidays: 10am – 6pm AEST
Here are TPG's current SIM-only mobile plans:
|
#1
|
TPG
Editor's Pick
30GB Small Plan
$15.00
Per 1 Month Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
TPG
Editor's Pick
50GB Medium Plan
$17.50
Per 1 Month Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
TPG
100GB Large Plan
$22.50
Per 1 Month Renewal
Link not supplied
|
Porting your mobile number to Kogan Mobile
The process of transferring your number from another carrier to Kogan Mobile works very much the same as every other telco. Simply activate your new SIM while keeping your old one in a phone so you can complete Kogan's verification process. This involves replying to the SMS with the code provided. Then Kogan will take care of the rest.
Porting to Kogan Mobile usually takes three hours, unless you attempt a transfer on a Sunday or public holiday, in which case it will take longer. It's also likely you'll experience a period of 'loss of service' on the day of porting but this should only last around two hours.
Kogan Mobile's operating hours for transferring phone numbers:
- Monday to Friday: 8am – 8pm (AEST)
- Saturday: 10am – 6pm (AEST)
- Sunday and "selected public holidays": Closed
Here are Kogan Mobile's current SIM-only mobile plans:
|
#1
|
Kogan Mobile
Small Monthly Plan
$23.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
|
|
#2
|
Kogan Mobile
Medium Monthly Plan
$29.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
|
|
#3
|
Kogan Mobile
Large Monthly Plan
$40.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
|
|
#4
|
Kogan Mobile
Small - 365 Day Flex Plan
$149.00
Per 365 Day Renewal
|
|
#5
|
Kogan Mobile
Large - 365 Day Flex Plan
$179.00
Per 365 Day Renewal
|
|
#6
|
Kogan Mobile
Medium - 365 Day Flex Plan
$190.00
Per 365 Day Renewal
|
|
#7
|
Kogan Mobile
Extra Large - 365 Day Flex Plan
$300.00
Per 365 Day Renewal
|
Porting your mobile number to iiNet
To transfer your number to iiNet, you'll need your mobile phone and another connected device that can display a QR code, such as a laptop, desktop or tablet.
Use the other device to log into iiNet's Toolbox, then select Start Activation and follow the prompts. When prompted, select Transfer My Number Now to port your number. You'll receive an SMS authorisation code via your old SIM card – input the code and select Verify Code. Then select Send Confirmation Code SMS and use your phone to scan the eSIM QR code and follow the remaining prompts. The number transfer can take up to three hours and you might need to restart your phone once it's done.
iiNet's operating hours for transferring phone numbers:
- Monday to Friday: 8am – 8pm AEST
- Saturday: 10am – 6pm AEST
- Sunday: Closed
Here are iiNet's current SIM-only mobile plans:
|
#1
|
iiNet
30GB Small Plan
$15.00
Per 1 Month Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
iiNet
50GB Medium Plan
$17.50
Per 1 Month Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
iiNet
100GB Large Plan
$22.50
Per 1 Month Renewal
Link not supplied
|
Porting your mobile number to amaysim
When signing up to amaysim, you'll be given the option to keep your old number. Once your your new amaysim SIM card has been delivered, log into your 'My amaysim' account and select Get Started. You'll receive a one-time code via your old SIM card, which you enter when prompted. Follow the rest of the prompts and you're done.
Transfers are usually completed within a few hours or by the end of the next business day.
amaysim's operating hours for transferring phone numbers:
- Monday to Friday: 8am – 8pm AEST
- Saturday: 10am – 6pm AEST
- Sunday: Closed
- National public holidays: Closed
Here are amaysim's current SIM-only mobile plans:
|
#1
|
amaysim
UNLIMITED 15GB Plan
$30.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
amaysim
UNLIMITED 42GB Plan
$35.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
amaysim
UNLIMITED 80GB Plan
$40.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
amaysim
UNLIMITED 95GB Plan
$45.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
amaysim
UNLIMITED 120GB Plan
$50.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
Changing mobile carriers and keeping your phone number FAQs
Transferring your mobile number to another provider
'Porting' is the technical name for when you transfer a mobile number from one mobile provider to another. This happens automatically when you sign up to a new plan – your new provider will get in touch with your old one and port your mobile number across. You'll need a new SIM card (your new provider will provide this), but your phone number will remain the same.
How easy is changing mobile phone providers?
It's much simpler to change mobile providers than many people think. While each provider has a slightly different process, it's generally as simple as ordering a new SIM card or eSIM, following the prompts, and waiting for your number to be ported to your new provider.
Can I keep my phone number if I switch to prepaid?
Yes. Switching between postpaid and prepaid mobile plans doesn't make a difference when it comes to porting your mobile number. Sometimes the process can be a little different, but it's always possible and your new provider should have simple steps to follow.
Do I have to cancel my phone plan before switching carriers?
No, you should never cancel your old phone plan before switching. Only connected phone numbers can be transferred, so you won't be able to keep your number if you cancel your old plan first. Your old service will be automatically disconnected once the new one kicks in.
Do I need a new SIM card when changing phone providers?
Yes, you will need to organise a new SIM card if you wish to switch mobile phone carriers. You cannot just keep using the same SIM, but ordering one online or in-store is easy (it should be part of the checkout process when signing up to a plan).
How long does it take to port a mobile number in Australia?
First, you shouldn't experience any significant loss of phone service while porting your phone number between providers. It can take up to a few days for the number to change hands, but the actual exchange is very fast when it happens.
Your new carrier shouldn't request your number be transferred until you activate the new service, so wait until you have your new SIM card on hand. If you jump the gun, the port might happen before you get the new SIM.
Assuming it's a straightforward plan transfer, the time between your new provider requesting the port and it being completed can take as little as 15 minutes, and under an hour is common. The legal requirement for porting mobile phone numbers is that a telco must complete 90% of its ports within three hours of receiving the official request, and 99% within two business days.
|
#1
|
SpinTel
Editor's Pick
$23 Mobile Plan
$12.00/mth
Min. cost $12
|
|
#2
|
Boost Mobile
$39 Prepaid
$39.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
|
|
#3
|
Tangerine Telecom
30GB 5G Mobile SIM
$30.00/mth
Min. cost $15
|
|
#4
|
Pivotel
25GB Mobile Swift Plan
$11.45/mth
Min. cost $11.45
|
|
#5
|
Dodo
Editor's Pick
Medium Mobile Plan
$30.00/mth
Min. cost $15
|
|
#6
|
Swoop
30GB SIM Only 5G
$14.00/mth
Min. cost $14
|
|
#7
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$39.00/mth
Min. cost $39
|
|
#8
|
TPG
Editor's Pick
30GB Small Plan
$15.00
Per 1 Month Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#9
|
felix mobile
felix 25GB Mobile Plan
$30.00
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
|
#10
|
Yomojo
Starter 29GB Plan
$24.90
Per 30 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
Alex Choros
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