How to switch mobile providers and keep your number

By Hannah Geremia

Last updated 28 April 2025

Contents

In this guide:

Can I keep my number if I change carriers?
How do I change mobile providers?
Porting your mobile number to SIMBA (TPG)
Porting your mobile number to M1
Porting your mobile number to StarHub
Porting your mobile number to Singtel
What happens to my old mobile phone service?
FAQ

Want to change mobile providers but still want to keep your number? The good news is, it’s possible. No matter what telco you’re with. Here’s how to make the porting process simple.

Can I keep my number if I change carriers?

If you’re considering a plan from a provider you’re not currently with, you’ll still be able to keep your number through the process of porting. This transfers your phone number from one telco to another. If you're undecided on a plan, here's a snapshot of some of the cheapest mobile plans in Singapore.

#1	Zero1	Zero1 Starter SIM Only 4G 100GB data on Singtel's 4G network 300 Minutes 100 Messages Deal: 5G included for 3 months + 2GB roaming $7.06 + $15.36 Upfront Min. cost $22.42 Go	$7.06 + $15.36 Upfront Min. cost $22.42	Go
#2	CMLink	CMLink 100GB 4G SIM Only 100GB data on Singtel's 4G network 300 Minutes 100 Messages Deal: Free 600GB Malaysia roaming for 90 days. Limited time only. $7.70 Min. cost $7.70 Go	$7.70 Min. cost $7.70	Go
#3	ZYM Mobile	ZYM Mobile 100GB Roam Saver SIM Only 100GB data on Singtel network 300 Minutes 100 Messages Deal: Get 100GB of bonus Malaysia Roaming Data for 90 days $7.77 Min. cost $7.77 Go	$7.77 Min. cost $7.77	Go
#4	Eight Editor's Pick	Eight Editor's Pick Double Eight SIM Only 228GB data on StarHub network 588 Minutes 88 Messages $8 Min. cost $8 Go	$8 Min. cost $8	Go
#5	VIVIFI	VIVIFI Lite SIM Only 4G 3GB data on Singtel's 4G network 300 Minutes 20 Messages Deal: Free 100GB to Malaysia for 90 days $9 + $12 Upfront Min. cost $21 Go	$9 + $12 Upfront Min. cost $21	Go
#6	Maxx	Maxx 290GB SIM Only 290GB data on M1 network 500 Minutes 99 Messages Deal: $7.90 for new sign-ups and number port-ins $9.90 Min. cost $9.90 Go	$9.90 Min. cost $9.90	Go

How do I change mobile providers?

Before signing up with a new mobile provider, ensure any outstanding bills or contract obligations with your previous provider have been fulfilled. If you’ve finished paying off your phone, are out of a contract, or if you’re on a SIM-only plan, you’re good to go.

1. Keep your existing mobile service

It might be tempting to jump the gun and cancel your plan with your current mobile provider. However, only connected phone numbers can be transferred. If you cancel your existing service before signing up for a new plan, the porting process will likely be unsuccessful.

2. Find a new mobile plan

Here’s where you can choose your new mobile provider and plan if you haven't already. Choose your plan, then proceed to purchase your new SIM card or eSIM. Here are some low-cost SIM-only plans available now:

#1	Zero1	Zero1 Starter SIM Only 4G 100GB data on Singtel's 4G network 300 Minutes 100 Messages Deal: 5G included for 3 months + 2GB roaming $7.06 + $15.36 Upfront Min. cost $22.42 Go	$7.06 + $15.36 Upfront Min. cost $22.42	Go
#2	CMLink	CMLink 100GB 4G SIM Only 100GB data on Singtel's 4G network 300 Minutes 100 Messages Deal: Free 600GB Malaysia roaming for 90 days. Limited time only. $7.70 Min. cost $7.70 Go	$7.70 Min. cost $7.70	Go
#3	ZYM Mobile	ZYM Mobile 100GB Roam Saver SIM Only 100GB data on Singtel network 300 Minutes 100 Messages Deal: Get 100GB of bonus Malaysia Roaming Data for 90 days $7.77 Min. cost $7.77 Go	$7.77 Min. cost $7.77	Go
#4	Eight Editor's Pick	Eight Editor's Pick Double Eight SIM Only 228GB data on StarHub network 588 Minutes 88 Messages $8 Min. cost $8 Go	$8 Min. cost $8	Go
#5	VIVIFI	VIVIFI Lite SIM Only 4G 3GB data on Singtel's 4G network 300 Minutes 20 Messages Deal: Free 100GB to Malaysia for 90 days $9 + $12 Upfront Min. cost $21 Go	$9 + $12 Upfront Min. cost $21	Go
#6	Maxx	Maxx 290GB SIM Only 290GB data on M1 network 500 Minutes 99 Messages Deal: $7.90 for new sign-ups and number port-ins $9.90 Min. cost $9.90 Go	$9.90 Min. cost $9.90	Go

3. Port your existing mobile number

During the sign-up process, be sure to select the ‘port in’ option to transfer your existing number to your new account.

4. Activate your SIM

All that's left now is to activate your SIM card or eSIM. This begins the process of porting your number. Your new provider will provide instructions on how to activate your new SIM, so follow those and you’re all set.

Porting your mobile number to SIMBA (TPG)

To transfer your old number to a new SIMBA (TPG) plan, select the plan you’d like to transfer to in the app, on the website, or at a SIMBA service centre. Select your SIM, and proceed with the activation instructions sent via email.

To ensure it's all smooth sailing, make sure your details (like your ID and name) match what you’ve provided to your current mobile provider.

It usually takes two working days to port your number. Continue to use your current provider’s service until your number has successfully been ported. You'll receive an email and SMS when the process is complete, and you can begin using your new SIMBA (TPG) plan with your current mobile number.

Consider the following plans from SIMBA (TPG):

#1	SIMBA Editor's Pick	SIMBA Editor's Pick SuperRoam 10 SIM Only 300GB data SIMBA mobile digital network (5G) Unlimited National Calls 30 Messages $10 Min. cost $10 Go	$10 Min. cost $10	Go
#2	SIMBA Editor's Pick	SIMBA Editor's Pick SuperRoam 12 SIM Only 500GB data SIMBA mobile digital network (5G) Unlimited National Calls 100 Messages $12 Min. cost $12 Go	$12 Min. cost $12	Go
#3	SIMBA	SIMBA SuperRoam 18 SIM Only 500GB data SIMBA mobile digital network (5G) Unlimited National Calls 100 Messages $18 Min. cost $18 Go	$18 Min. cost $18	Go
#4	SIMBA	SIMBA SuperRoam 20 SIM Only 600GB data SIMBA mobile digital network (5G) Unlimited National Calls 100 Messages $20 Min. cost $20 Go	$20 Min. cost $20	Go
#5	SIMBA	SIMBA SuperRoam 25 SIM Only 700GB data SIMBA mobile digital network (5G) Unlimited National Calls 100 Messages $25 Min. cost $25 Go	$25 Min. cost $25	Go
#6	SIMBA	SIMBA SuperRoam 39 SIM Only (Online Exclusive) 500GB data SIMBA mobile digital network (5G) Unlimited National Calls 100 Messages $39 Min. cost $39 Go	$39 Min. cost $39	Go

Porting your mobile number to M1

To port your number to the M1 network, you’ll need to sign the Number Portability Application Form. Make sure you have your NRIC (National Registration Identity Card) or passport handy, and that the information matches what you’ve given your current provider. Acknowledge the terms and conditions of your request, and wait for your information to be verified.

The process takes one to three business days. Though it might take longer if you’re getting a SIM delivered, the porting process typically takes one working day, so you should be able to use your existing number on the M1 network the day after you submit the porting request. Once your number has been ported over to the M1 network, you’ll receive an SMS. This is when you can begin using your plan with your new provider.

Consider the following plans from M1:

#1	M1	M1 5G SIM Only 150GB 150GB data M1 5G network 1000 Minutes 1000 Messages Deal: $3 off first 3 months for new sign-ups and port-ins only $14.95 Min. cost $11.95 Go	$14.95 Min. cost $11.95	Go
#2	M1	M1 5G SIM Only 300GB 300GB data M1 5G network 1000 Minutes 1000 Messages Deal: $3 off first 3 months for new sign-ups and port-ins only $17.95 Min. cost $14.95 Go	$17.95 Min. cost $14.95	Go
#3	M1	M1 5G SIM Only 350GB 350GB data M1 5G network 1000 Minutes 1000 Messages Deal: $5 off first 3 months for new sign-ups and port-ins only $21.95 Min. cost $16.95 Go	$21.95 Min. cost $16.95	Go

Porting your mobile number to StarHub

To port your mobile number to the StarHub network, create a StarHub account. Provide your details, and upload your NRIC or FIN pass, then select ‘port from another telco’ at the checkout.

StarHub will notify you when the porting process begins. The process typically takes one business day. You’ll be notified once it’s complete, and you can begin using your current number on your new StarHub plan.

Consider the following plans from StarHub:

#1	StarHub	StarHub Medium 5G SIM Only 150GB data StarHub 5G network 1000 Minutes 500 Messages Deal: Exclusive for new sign-ups: Free 12-month subscription to SmartSupport Lite $22 Min. cost $22 Go	$22 Min. cost $22	Go
#2	StarHub	StarHub Large 5G SIM Only 200GB data StarHub 5G network 1500 Minutes 750 Messages Deal: Exclusive for new sign-ups: Free 12-month subscription to SmartSupport Lite $32 Min. cost $32 Go	$32 Min. cost $32	Go

Porting your mobile number to Singtel

To port your number to the Singtel network, select your plan of choice and choose the ‘port in’ option when you go to checkout.

It typically takes a day to port your number, and you’ll receive an SMS once the process begins. Once you see that the mobile service from your previous provider has been deactivated, this is when you can begin using your new Singtel Mobile SIM.

Consider the following plans from Singtel:

#1	Singtel	Singtel 1GB 4-Week Data Plan 1GB data Singtel 4G network No Calls Included $10 Per 28 Day Renewal Go	$10 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go
#2	Singtel	Singtel 4G $15 Ultimate Monthly Plan 50GB data Singtel 4G network 500 Minutes 100 Messages $15 Per 30 Day Renewal Go	$15 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go
#3	Singtel	Singtel 3GB 4-Week Data Plan 3GB data Singtel 4G network No Calls Included $20 Per 28 Day Renewal Go	$20 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go
#4	Singtel	Singtel 60GB 4-Week Data Plan 60GB data Singtel 4G network No Calls Included Deal: hi!App Exclusive: 228GB 5G SG-MY data + up to 1800 IDD mins + 2800 local mins $25 Per 28 Day Renewal Go	$25 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go
#5	Singtel Editor's Pick	Singtel Editor's Pick 5G $35 Ultimate Monthly Plan Unlimited data Singtel 5G network Unlimited National Calls 500 Messages $35 Per 30 Day Renewal Go	$35 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go
#6	Singtel	Singtel Lite SIM Only 5G 60GB data Singtel 5G network Contract (12 mths) 400 Minutes 400 Messages Deal: Get up to $700 one-time cashback when you add a phone with PayLater $35 Min. cost $420 Go	$35 Min. cost $420	Go

What happens to my old mobile phone service?

Once you’ve transferred your mobile number to your new provider, your old service will be cancelled. Once your new plan is activated, the rest is handled by your new provider. You won’t need to manually cancel your old service; just keep using your new one. If you’re not porting your number, you’ll need to contact your old provider and cancel your service.

If you were on a postpaid plan, you can expect a final bill from your old provider. Just make sure you’re out of contract to avoid being hit with early termination fees. If you haven't finished paying off your phone before starting a plan with your new provider, you’ll need to pay out the remaining value.

Switching mobile providers and keeping your phone number FAQs

What is porting?

‘Porting’ is the process of transferring your mobile number from one provider to another.

Can I keep my number if I switch to prepaid?

There’s little difference when it comes to switching between prepaid and postpaid plans. Though the process might look a little different, you can still switch to a prepaid plan and keep your number.

Is changing mobile providers easy?

It’s easier than you think! Each provider's process will vary, but it’s generally a simple process. Just select the ‘port in’ or ‘transfer’ option at the checkout, order your new SIM or eSIM, and wait for the number to be ported across.

Do I need a new SIM when changing providers?

Yes, your new provider will supply you with a new SIM when you sign up. Your phone number will remain the same if you’ve ported it across, though.

Can I cancel my phone plan before switching carriers?

Do not cancel your phone plan before switching to a new provider. Only connected numbers can be ported, so you’ll likely find the process unsuccessful if you cancel before the process is complete.

How long will it take to port my number to my new provider?

The time it takes to port your number varies between providers. The standard is one or two days, but it could take longer if you’re getting a physical SIM card delivered.