Number portability (known in Hebrew as "niud mispar" or "ported number") allows you to switch your Israeli mobile carrier while keeping the exact same phone number. This means your contacts, bank accounts, and apps tied to your number all keep working seamlessly. The process is regulated by the Israeli Ministry of Communications and is free of charge.
Whether you are moving from Cellcom to Golan Telecom for a cheaper plan, or from a prepaid to a postpaid carrier, this guide walks you through every step.
Step-by-Step: How to Port Your Number
Choose Your New Carrier and Plan
Before initiating a port, decide where you are going. Use our plan comparison tool to compare all Israeli carriers by price, data, and features. Make sure the new carrier offers what you need (coverage in your area, international calls, eSIM support, etc.).
Gather Your Documents
You will need the following when you visit the new carrier or sign up online:
- Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID) — Must match the name on your current phone account
- Current phone number — The number you want to port
- Payment method — Credit card or bank account details for the new plan
- Current carrier name — Know which carrier you are leaving (if unsure, dial *5400# to check)
Contact the New Carrier (Not Your Old One)
This is important: you initiate the port with your NEW carrier, not your old one. You do not need to contact your old carrier at all. The new carrier handles the entire transfer process. You can do this:
- In-store: Visit any retail location of the new carrier
- Online: Many carriers allow porting through their website or app
- By phone: Call the new carrier's sales line
Sign Up and Request the Port
When signing up for your new plan, tell the representative that you want to port your existing number. They will ask for your current number and ID, then submit a porting request to the old carrier. You will sign a new service agreement with the new carrier.
Wait for the Transfer
The porting process takes 1-3 business days. During this time:
- You will receive an SMS confirmation that the porting request has been submitted
- Your old carrier may contact you with a retention offer (you can accept or ignore it)
- Your phone continues to work normally on the old carrier until the switch happens
Insert Your New SIM Card
Your new carrier will provide a SIM card (or eSIM). When the port completes, you will receive an SMS telling you to insert the new SIM. Swap the SIM, restart your phone, and you are done. Your old SIM will stop working automatically.
Pro Tip: Port Overnight
If possible, request that the actual number transfer happens overnight or during a time when you do not critically need your phone. There is usually a 30-minute to 2-hour window during the transfer where your phone may not be able to make or receive calls.
Ready to switch? Compare all Israeli plans to find a better deal before you port.
Compare All PlansWhat Documents Do You Need?
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Teudat Zehut | Yes | Must match the account holder name |
| Phone number to port | Yes | Your current Israeli 05x number |
| Credit card / bank | Yes | For billing on the new plan |
| Old carrier account # | No | Helpful but not required |
| Old SIM card | No | Keep it until port completes, then discard |
| Contract termination letter | No | New carrier handles cancellation automatically |
Which Carriers Support Number Porting?
All Israeli mobile carriers are required by law to support number portability. This includes:
- Major network operators (MNOs): Cellcom, Partner, Pelephone, Hot Mobile
- Virtual operators (MVNOs): Golan Telecom, Rami Levy, 019 Mobile, Wecom, Home Cellular, Youphone
- Business carriers: Cellact, X2One
You can port between any combination of these carriers. MNO to MVNO, MVNO to MNO, or MVNO to MVNO — it all works the same way.
Important: eSIM-only and Tourist Carriers
International eSIM providers like Saily, Breeze eSIM, and eSIM Card do not support number porting because they do not issue Israeli phone numbers. The same applies to SIMtoIsrael tourist SIMs. You can only port between carriers that provide standard Israeli 05x numbers.
Common Questions About Porting
What happens to my old contract?
When you port your number, your old contract is automatically cancelled. However, if you are still within a minimum commitment period (e.g., a 12 or 24-month contract), you may owe early termination fees to your old carrier. Check your contract terms before porting. Month-to-month plans have no termination penalties.
Can I port between prepaid and postpaid?
Yes. You can port from a prepaid plan to a postpaid plan or vice versa. The process is the same regardless of plan type.
What if my old carrier tries to keep me?
It is common for the old carrier to call you with a "retention offer" — a discounted plan to convince you to stay. You are free to accept (which cancels the port) or ignore the call and proceed with the switch. Some people use this as a negotiation tactic to get a better price without actually switching.
Can I cancel a port in progress?
Yes, you can cancel a porting request before it completes. Contact the new carrier and request cancellation, or accept the retention offer from your old carrier. Once the port completes, it cannot be reversed (though you could port back, which takes another 1-3 days).
What about my phone — is it locked?
In Israel, most phones sold by carriers are unlocked or can be unlocked easily. If you bought a phone on a carrier installment plan, the phone may be locked until you finish payments. Ask your old carrier to confirm your phone is unlocked before porting, or bring your own unlocked device.
What to Watch Out For
- Early termination fees: If you are under contract, calculate whether the savings from a cheaper plan outweigh the termination fee. Sometimes waiting a month or two until your contract ends saves money overall.
- Device installment plans: If you are paying off a phone through your carrier, porting does not cancel your device payments. You will still owe the remaining balance and may need to pay it in full.
- Service interruption: Expect 30 minutes to 2 hours of downtime during the actual switch. Do not port on a day when you have important calls scheduled.
- Business numbers: If your number is registered to a business, you may need additional documentation (business registration, authorized signatory).
- Prepaid balance: Any remaining credit on a prepaid SIM is typically forfeited when you port. Use up your balance before initiating the transfer.
- Voicemail and value-added services: Custom voicemail greetings, call forwarding rules, and other carrier-specific services will not transfer. You will need to set these up again with the new carrier.
- WhatsApp and apps: Apps tied to your phone number (WhatsApp, Telegram, banking apps) will continue to work normally since your number does not change.
Porting Timeline at a Glance
| Stage | Timeline | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Request submitted | Day 1 | You sign up with new carrier and request the port |
| Confirmation SMS | Day 1 | Both carriers send SMS confirming the request |
| Retention call | Day 1-2 | Old carrier may call with a counter-offer (optional) |
| Number transfer | Day 1-3 | Number switches to new carrier (brief interruption) |
| Full activation | Day 1-3 | New SIM is active, old SIM stops working |
| Old account closed | Day 3-7 | Old carrier finalizes cancellation and final bill |
Find a better plan before you switch. Compare all Israeli carriers and plans in one place.
Find a Better PlanFrequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to port a phone number in Israel?
Number porting in Israel typically takes 1-3 business days from the time you submit the request. By law, carriers must complete the transfer within 4 business days. During the transition, you may experience a brief service interruption of a few hours when the number switches to the new carrier.
Does number porting cost anything in Israel?
No. By Israeli law, number portability is free. Your old carrier cannot charge you a porting fee, and your new carrier cannot charge you an activation fee for receiving a ported number. However, if you are still under contract with your old carrier, you may owe early termination fees.
Can I port a foreign phone number to an Israeli carrier?
No. Number portability in Israel only works between Israeli carriers. You cannot port a foreign (non-Israeli) number to an Israeli carrier. When you get an Israeli phone plan, you will receive a new Israeli number starting with 05x. If you want to keep your foreign number, consider using a dual-SIM phone or porting it to a VoIP service.
Will I lose service during the porting process?
There is typically a brief interruption when the number transfers from your old carrier to the new one. This usually lasts between 30 minutes to a few hours. It is recommended to port during a time when you do not critically need your phone, such as overnight or during a weekend.