For some people a phone number is more than a mere way to get in touch, it is a fixture of their identity. There is certainly some merit to that idea. Over time it becomes easy to think of a person and their phone number as being connected. However, when that phone number is tied to a landline phone, it can raise some questions. With more and more people turning away from landlines (despite somewhat of a resurgence), it begs the question: Can you port a landline number to a cell phone?

Yes, you can port your landline number to your cell phone. If you are ditching your landline, but you have too many people that have your landline number as your main phone number, then porting it over to your cell phone is a major convenience. This practice is becoming increasingly common among people who want the freedom offered by cell phones, but may feel an attachment to their landline number or area code.

To port your number, first, you need to pick a cell phone carrier that you feel meets all of your needs. Be sure to check if the provider is capable of porting over your number. Most carriers are capable of this, but checking first will prevent you from accidentally wasting money on a provider that cannot accommodate your needs.

Make sure that you keep your landline service active while undergoing the porting process. Don’t cancel it yet! If you cancel your landline service, you might lose your number. Then, contact your new cell phone carrier and inform them of your desire to move your landline number to their service. They’ll ask for some basic information like your phone number, account number, along with some information for identity verification purposes.

The carrier will start the porting process, which can take a few days to a week. While this is happening, your landline will still be in service. Once the process is complete, your landline number will be on your cell phone, and you can cancel your old landline service.

Remember, there could be some fees for porting over your number, and sometimes certain numbers might have issues if they’re very old or linked to a specific location. Always ask your new carrier about any costs or potential problems before you start.