> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://support.dialbird.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Overview

> Bring your existing business number across to Dialbird without changing it.

Already got a business number your customers know? You don't have to give it up to switch. You can move it across to Dialbird, which is called **porting**. You keep the same number, it just rings in Dialbird instead of wherever it is now.

Nothing on your printed vans, business cards, or online listings has to change. To your customers, the number carries on exactly as before.

## How porting works

Porting is a handover between two phone companies: the one your number is with now, and the one behind Dialbird. You start it off with a short form, and from there Dialbird handles the back-and-forth with your current provider.

While the handover is going through, **your number keeps working where it is now**. It only switches over to Dialbird once the port finishes, so you won't miss calls in the meantime.

## How to start

1. **Open your numbers.** Go to **Settings**, then **Phone numbers**.
2. **Start the port.** Click **Port an existing number**.
3. **Fill in the short form** that opens. It asks for the details needed to move your number across. Some of your account details are filled in for you.

Once you've submitted it, the Dialbird team takes it from there and keeps you posted.

## Before you start

It's worth gathering a few details from your current provider first, so you're not stopped halfway. See [What you need](/getting-started/porting/what-you-need).

## Along the way

* **What you need:** the details to have ready before you begin. See [What you need](/getting-started/porting/what-you-need).
* **UK numbers:** notes for porting a UK number. See [Porting UK numbers](/getting-started/porting/uk-numbers).
* **US numbers:** notes for porting a US number. See [Porting US numbers](/getting-started/porting/us-numbers).
* **Checking progress:** what happens while you wait. See [Checking your porting status](/getting-started/porting/porting-status).

<Note>
  Porting a number is free.

  **Needs checking:** confirm exactly what the porting form asks for, and how long a port usually takes, then flesh out the pages in this section.
</Note>