Can I keep my phone number when I switch provider in France?
You can keep your fixed or mobile number when you change operator within the same French territory (for example mainland France). Ask only the new operator, giving your RIO code; on porting day the line is cut for at most 4 hours.
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 France
Compensation
Late porting: at least one fifth of the monthly subscription price (incl. VAT) per day. Lost number: at least 24 times the monthly price. Missed installation appointment when switching: at least one fifth per day. Paid within 30 days of your request.
The details
- Unless you ask for a later date, porting must happen within 3 working days of your request, if the line is available; once the old operator has confirmed eligibility, the porting itself takes one working day. (arcep.fr)
- Get your RIO code free by calling 3179, 24/7, from the line concerned. You can still port a number up to 40 calendar days after cancelling the contract. (arcep.fr)
- Compensation is due for late porting (at least one fifth of the monthly price incl. VAT per day) or a lost number (at least 24 times the monthly price), paid by the operator at fault within 30 days of your request. (arcep.fr)
- Since 1 January 2023 you can ask to keep a landline number starting 01 to 05 when you move within the same territory, but operators are free to accept or refuse. (arcep.fr)
3179 – serveur RIO
Free voice server, open 24/7: call it from the line you want to keep to get your RIO code; you then receive it by SMS (or email or post for a landline) with your commitment dates.
SignalConso (DGCCRF)
Report a breach of consumer law, for example a porting delay or a missed installation appointment; the DGCCRF is competent on these issues.
Médiation des communications électroniques
Free mediation of disputes with member operators, once you have been through the operator's customer and consumer services. Opinion within 90 days.
🪜 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
❓ Questions
How long does a number transfer take?
It is usually quick. If the rules in France 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
- arcep.fr →
- arcep.fr →
- arcep.fr →
- mediation-telecom.org →
- arcep.fr →
- signal.conso.gouv.fr →
- mediation-telecom.org →
- arcep.fr →
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