Can you move my existing number to Solofone?

Yes. We can move your existing number to Solofone for you. You start with the normal free trial and a Solofone number. Moving your number is part of the paid plan (£10 a month), so the move starts once your plan starts, and you use your Solofone number meanwhile. Fill in the short form on this page and our team will be in touch about the next steps. Don't cancel your current line until your number has moved.

What if I've already cancelled my landline?

Contact your old provider straight away and ask whether the number can still be recovered. It isn't always possible, and a number that has been released can be given to someone else, so don't leave it. Solofone can't recover a cancelled number, so this is a question for your old provider.

Is call forwarding a way to keep my number?

It works, but you keep paying for the old line. The line rental carries on, plus forwarding on top, just to catch calls. It's a stop-gap rather than a long-term fix.

Can I keep a number I've had for decades?

Usually, yes. How old a number is makes no difference to whether providers can move it. A number you've had for thirty years can be moved to Solofone just like a new one, as long as you don't cancel the old line first.

Does my landline stay on during a move?

In general, yes. Your current line should keep working until the number itself moves, which is why you shouldn't cancel it first. Timings vary between providers, so ask yours.

Do I need to tell my old provider I'm leaving?

Not before your number has moved. Handing in your notice before the move is finished is how numbers get lost. Wait until the number is safely at its new home, then close the old account.

Cancel landline but keep number: how it works

You can usually cancel your landline and keep your number, as long as you move the number before you cancel. Moving it between providers is called porting, and we can do it for you. Whoever you choose, the rule is the same: don't cancel anything until your number has safely moved.

Request a move

What happens to your number if you cancel first?

Once your account closes, your number can stop being yours. A released number can be given to someone else, and after that it may be impossible to get back. Not for you, not for your new provider. The number on your van, your website, your shop window, the one your customers have dialled for years. Gone.

There's a safe order to do this in. Choose a new home for your number first, and only cancel your old line once the number has arrived. Until then, keep the line you have.

Ask us to move your number

Tell us your number and who bills you for it. Our team will be in touch about the next steps. Asking is free. You get the normal free trial first, and the move starts once your £10 a month plan starts. Don't cancel your current line until your number has moved.

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How does porting a landline number work in general?

Four steps, from request to closing the old line:

1
Request your move
Fill in the short form: your number, who bills you for it, the name and postcode on the bill, and your email.
2
We get in touch
Our team contacts you about the next steps. Keep a recent bill handy, because your old provider checks that the name, address and account number match.
3
Give your permission
Your old provider needs your written permission before it moves the number. Your phone should work as normal while the move is arranged.
4
Cancel only once it has moved
When your number is live at its new home, close the old account. Cancelling any earlier is how numbers get lost.

Can I keep my landline number without a landline?

Yes, a landline number doesn't need a landline. A virtual landline is a real UK number that rings the mobile you already own. No wall socket, no line rental, no engineer, and you don't need broadband either. You can start a free trial with a Solofone number, and we can move your existing number across once your £10 a month plan starts.

Can I keep my landline number if I leave BT?

In general, yes. Numbers can be moved away from BT, whether you're on an old copper line or already on Digital Voice. If BT has been writing to you about the switch to digital, we've covered BT Digital Voice costs and changeover dates separately. Just make sure the move is finished before you hand in any notice.

Can I keep my number if I switch from Sky?

In general, yes. Sky contracts have a notice period, so don't hand your notice in first: if the account closes before your number has moved, the number can be lost. Wait until your number is at its new home, then close the old account.

What about Virgin Media?

In general, yes. Virgin Media numbers can move too, even though Virgin runs its own cable network. The same steps apply. Just don't agree a switch-off date with Virgin until your number is safely at its new home.

How long does porting take?

Moving a number usually takes a few weeks, depending on your current provider. Keep your current line active until your number has moved. You can read more in Ofcom's guidance on number portability. And if you're wondering when your area loses its old copper lines, our landline switch off postcode checker will tell you in a minute.

Where your number ends up

With Solofone, your number rings the mobile you already carry. WhatsApp Business works on the same number, and smart answering picks up the calls you can't take. One phone for client calls and messages, and no socket, box or switch-off deadline to worry about. From £10 a month, no contract. Prefer to start fresh? A new local number works too.

FAQ

Keep-your-number questions, answered

Keep the number your customers know.

Ask us to move it to the phone you already own, or start free for 7 days with a new local number. No contract.