In the past, the dilemma of switching carriers was significant, not only because of the need to adapt to a new service, but also because of the loss of a number. However, since 2009, it has been possible to request number portability, so this problem no longer exists. Consumers keep their same number and can take advantage of other service offers available on the market.
But how do you request number portability to another operator? That's what we're going to answer.
It all starts with purchasing a chip from the new operator
Many people wonder whether it is necessary to request portability before or after purchasing a new SIM card. The answer is: after. You must already have the SIM card from the company you want, but don't worry: the number that accompanies this new line will not be permanent. Therefore, the number transfer process will “erase” it, bringing your original number from the other operator.
You must be on a prepaid plan
However, every carrier requires users who wish to request portability to change their plan with their current company to a prepaid plan. This requirement is because postpaid plans place the consumer in a monthly payment contract, creating ties that their future carrier cannot undo. On the other hand, a recharge plan involves much less bureaucracy. After all, the user only enjoys services when they recharge.
Line cannot be in the name of third parties
Furthermore, another crucial piece of information for the process involves perfect data synchronization. Therefore, the user can only transfer the number from operator X to Y if the CPF and other personal data are the same. It is possible, however, that lines may be in the name of parents or other third parties. In this specific case, it is necessary to regularize the situation with the current operator so that the portability request goes smoothly.
Further information
It is worth remembering that, in addition to everything that has already been explained, portability is only possible between numbers in the same area code. Furthermore, outstanding or overdue bills with your current carrier are not an impediment to transforming the line into a prepaid one. According to Anatel rules, a carrier cannot refuse to port a telephone line in your name, even if there are debts with the old carrier.
You will need to register your data on the new chip even before the portability process. This is a required procedure in Brazil, so don't worry. Anyway, with this information, let's go through the process, company by company!
How to request portability at Vivo
- With your Vivo chip activated, send an SMS to 7678 with the area code and your phone number
- This number will receive a confirmation code on the chip of your current operator. Write it down.
- Send confirmation code via SMS to 7678
- Confirm registration information, such as CPF
Once this is done, if everything is in order — given the terms listed above — the number transfer will take place within a period of business days. The current number, which came with the chip, will be replaced by your old one, after the portability request. You can track the process in the Meu Vivo app.
After that, the user will have a prepaid line. There is also an online process for portability: in the virtual store, users interested in postpaid packages can request portability during the plan acquisition process, in a guided experience.
How to request portability at Claro
- Activate your Claro chip and send an SMS to 1970 with the area code and your phone number, without spaces.
- Reply to the message received with your CPF
- Your number, still with the current operator, will receive a confirmation code. Copy it
- Using Claro SIM, also send the code to number 1970
The portability request process will have been completed. The user must also wait a period of business days for the number transfer to take place, which overwrites the temporary line of the Claro chip purchased.
It is also possible to request a number transfer during the smartphone purchase process. in the operator's online store. Simply select “I want to bring my number to Claro” when purchasing the device and plan, and fill in the information requested during the purchase process.
Claro also has a third way for users to request portability. This is only valid for those who purchase the Claro Flex plan. When purchasing the service, while still using the temporary line, go to More > Portability and enter your number.
How to request portability at Tim
- From your activated Tim chip, send an SMS to 4441 with the word MANTER
- Then, reply to the message with your number, including area code.
- On your number to be kept, write down the code received
- Again, using the Tim chip, confirm the code received on the other line
The operator will also describe a deadline in business days for confirming the portability, and may request additional information, such as documents, to make the transfer effective. Even so, Tim also has an online store in which those interested in devices and postpaid plans can request to keep their number during the purchase process. Simply select, in a product, “Bring my number to Tim” in the “About your order” option.
How to request portability at Oi
- From your activated Oi chip, send an SMS to 27531 with DDD and number, all together
- On your line to be ported, write down the code received
- Return to the Oi chip and send the code to 27531 as well
Oi will then send the protocol within 24 hours with the expected date for the portability process to take place. Once the process is completed, the company will send another message confirming the success of the migration.
In addition, many carrier stores also provide the portability request service in their physical stores. In fact, in times of pandemic, the remote process is ideal, and also the most practical. If during the transition you think it is worth also purchasing a new device, be sure to check out our guide on how to do this. cell phones with linked discount to operators.
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