Home Phone Number UK: How to Keep Yours When Switching
Written by Hannah Hood, on . Last updated f you’re wondering what a home phone number UK service actually is, or whether you can keep your existing number when switching providers, you’re not alone. As the UK’s digital phone switchover continues, many homeowners are concerned about losing a trusted landline number they’ve had for years.
The good news is that in most cases, you can keep your home phone number UK residents have relied on for decades, even when moving to a digital landline or changing broadband providers. Understanding how number porting works can help you make the switch with confidence while keeping the number friends, family and services already know.
What Is a UK Home Phone Number?
A UK home phone number is the landline telephone number associated with your home address. Traditionally, these numbers were delivered through the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), using copper telephone lines connected directly to the national phone network.
However, the UK is moving away from this older technology. As part of the nationwide digital switchover, home phone services are increasingly being delivered over broadband connections using digital landline technology.
Despite the technology changing behind the scenes, your home phone number itself doesn’t usually need to change. Most providers allow you to keep the same number when moving from traditional landline services to digital alternatives.
For many households, a home phone number remains important for:
- Staying in touch with family and friends
- Receiving calls from healthcare providers
- Contacting local services and businesses
- Maintaining a familiar number for long-standing contacts
- Providing a reliable household contact number
Can You Keep Your Home Phone Number When Switching Providers?
In most cases, yes. UK regulations allow customers to keep their existing phone numbers when switching providers through a process known as number porting.
Whether you’re changing broadband companies, upgrading to a digital landline, or moving your service to a VoIP provider, you can usually keep your existing landline number.
According to Ofcom’s number portability rules, communications providers must support customers who wish to transfer eligible numbers between services where technically possible.
How Number Porting Works in the UK
Number porting is the process of transferring your existing phone number from one provider to another.
The process is usually straightforward:
- Choose your new provider.
- Request that your existing number be transferred.
- Provide details of your current account.
- Your new provider contacts your old provider.
- The number is transferred on an agreed date.
One important point: avoid cancelling your existing phone service before the transfer is completed. In many cases, cancelling first can result in the number being disconnected and becoming unavailable for transfer.
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See plans & pricesDiscover featuresIf you’re planning to switch to Phonely, our dedicated guide explains the full process of porting your phone number UK customers use every day:
https://www.phonely.co.uk/transfer-your-number
For more information about your rights when switching providers, see Ofcom’s guidance on number portability.
How Long Does Porting Take?
The exact timeframe varies depending on the providers involved, but most residential landline transfers are completed within a few working days.
Factors that can affect porting times include:
- The type of service being transferred
- The accuracy of account information provided
- Whether there are existing contractual obligations
- Technical requirements between providers
Most customers experience little or no downtime during the transfer process. Your new provider should keep you informed throughout the switch.
Will the BT Switchover Change Your Home Phone Number?
No. The UK’s digital switchover is changing the technology used to deliver phone services, not the phone numbers themselves.
The PSTN and ISDN networks are being retired, with services moving to internet-based digital platforms. This means calls will travel through your broadband connection rather than traditional copper phone lines.
For most households:
- Your existing phone number can stay the same.
- Your phone service becomes digital.
- Calls are routed through your broadband connection.
- You may need new equipment supplied by your provider.
The switchover itself does not automatically assign you a new number.
If you’d like to understand more about how digital landlines work, read our guide:
https://www.phonely.co.uk/uk-digital-landline-switchover/what-is-a-digital-landline
You can also find official government guidance on the digital phone switchover at GOV.UK.
What Do You Need to Keep Your Number When Moving to a Digital Landline?
If you’re planning to move from a traditional landline to a digital phone service, there are a few simple steps to help ensure you keep your number.
Check That Your Number Is Eligible
Most UK landline numbers can be transferred between providers, but it’s worth confirming this before placing an order.
Keep Your Existing Service Active
Do not cancel your current phone line until the transfer has been completed. Your new provider will usually coordinate the process on your behalf.
Protect your landline from scams and nuisance calls.
CallGuard blocks suspicious numbers automatically and helps keep vulnerable loved ones safer.
View CallGuard plansProvide Accurate Account Information
Matching account details help avoid delays during porting. Make sure your provider has:
- The correct account holder name
- Your current telephone number
- Your service address
- Any relevant account reference numbers
Choose a Provider That Supports Number Porting
Not every provider handles transfers in the same way. Before signing up, confirm that they support landline number transfers and can help you keep your existing number.
You can compare available options on our plans page:
https://www.phonely.co.uk/plans
Frequently Asked Questions
To keep your phone number when switching providers, request number porting during the sign-up process with your new provider. Avoid cancelling your existing service until the transfer is complete.
No. Moving to a VoIP or digital landline service does not automatically change your phone number. In most cases, your existing landline number can be transferred to the new service.
Usually, yes. Many broadband providers support number transfers as part of the switching process. Let your new provider know that you want to keep your existing number when placing your order.
Some providers include number porting at no extra cost, while others may charge a small one-off fee. Always check before switching.
No. The digital switchover changes the technology used to provide phone services, but it does not automatically change your telephone number.
Keep Your Number With Phonely
Your phone number is part of your household identity, and switching to a modern digital service shouldn’t mean giving it up.
At Phonely, we make it simple to keep your landline number, move to a digital phone service, and continue receiving calls without disruption. Whether you’re preparing for the UK digital switchover or simply looking for a better value phone service, our team can guide you through the transfer process.
Ready to keep your number? Explore our plans or learn how to transfer your existing landline number to Phonely today.
https://www.phonely.co.uk/plans
