Can I keep my phone number when I switch provider in Ireland?
You have the right to keep your mobile or landline number when you switch, and you pay nothing for it. The new provider leads the porting, and your number must be activated within one working day of the date you agreed.
You can usually take your mobile or landline number with you to a new provider. You ask the new provider to transfer it, and the number moves on an agreed day.
📜 The rules in Ireland
Compensation
Providers must have a published compensation scheme for delays in or abuses of switching and porting (since October 2024) and for missed or delayed switching and porting appointments (since 4 December 2025). You claim from your provider; amounts are set in its scheme.
The details
- Tell your new provider you want to keep your number, as you may not always be asked, and give your phone number and the account number from your bill. (comreg.ie)
- If the porting fails, the old provider must reactivate your number and services until it succeeds, and keep serving you on the same terms until the new provider's service is active. (irishstatutebook.ie)
- After you end a contract, you can still port your number to another provider for at least one month, unless you give up that right. (irishstatutebook.ie)
- Numbers can move between fixed-line providers or between mobile providers, but a landline number cannot be ported to a mobile network or the other way round. (irishstatutebook.ie)
ComReg Consumer Care Team
Takes up your complaint with the provider if it has not acknowledged it, has not replied within 10 working days, or you are unhappy with its reply.
ComReg End-user Dispute Resolution
Formal out-of-court resolution of phone and broadband disputes. Apply by email to cdr@comreg.ie for the forms; €15 application fee.
🪜 Step by step
- Do not cancel the old contract firstIf you end the old contract before the transfer, the number can be lost. Let the new provider request the transfer.
- Get your details readyYou usually need the number, the name on the old contract and sometimes a customer number or transfer code from the old provider.
- Agree the transfer dateThe new provider tells you when the number moves. Keep the old SIM or line in use until then.
- Check that everything worksTest calls and messages on the new SIM or line, and check that the old provider sends a final bill and stops charging.
📇 Who to contact
Sponsor this page → One labelled block, €100 a month. Founding price €75 until 31 January 2027.
❓ Questions
How long does a number transfer take?
It is usually quick. If the rules in Ireland set a maximum time or compensation for delays, you find them on this page.
Can I keep my number if I still owe the old provider money?
You still have to pay what you owe under the old contract. Ask the new provider before you switch whether anything could hold up the transfer.
Can I move a mobile number to a landline, or the other way round?
Usually not: mobile numbers move between mobile providers, landline numbers between landline providers.
📎 Sources
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