Can I keep my phone number when I switch provider in Germany?
Taking your number with you is free. You can request it up to one month after your contract ends; the number must be switched on the agreed day, at the latest the next working day (§ 59 TKG).
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 Germany
Compensation
If the number is not switched by the next working day, the provider responsible for the delay owes you €10 for each day of delay (§ 59 (6) TKG).
The details
- Mobile: you can take your number to another provider at any time, even before your contract ends. The old contract continues and must be paid until it ends; on request you get a new number for it. (bundesnetzagentur.de)
- The number must always be linked to a contract, with your old or a new provider. Your contract can allow a longer porting period than the legal one month. (bundesnetzagentur.de)
- Numbers can only move within their type: a landline number cannot be ported to a mobile service, or the other way round. (gesetze-im-internet.de)
Bundesnetzagentur – Kundenschutz Telekommunikation
Contact it if your old provider blocks the porting or charges you for it.
Schlichtungsstelle Telekommunikation der Bundesnetzagentur
Handles failed number porting, including porting fees charged to you.
🪜 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 Germany 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
- gesetze-im-internet.de →
- bundesnetzagentur.de →
- bundesnetzagentur.de →
- bundesnetzagentur.de →
- bundesnetzagentur.de →
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