Jio to Airtel port number: How to initiate MNP in quick steps

Mobile subscribers in India can switch to a different operator anytime under the MNP (Mobile Number Portability) guidelines by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). MNP allows users to change their network if they are dissatisfied with the existing operator’s services or if they want to change the ownership of the number outside blood relations.

Reliance Jio, one of India’s leading mobile networks, also offers mobile number portability to its users, who can switch to other operators such as Airtel, Vi (Vodafone Idea), or BSNL. Customers planning to port their Jio number to Airtel need to follow a set of procedures, per TRAI’s guidelines.

How to port a Jio number to Airtel

There are two ways to port a number from Jio to Airtel: online and offline.

Using the online method

— To initiate MNP on the number, customers need to generate a UPC (Unique Porting Code) first. To obtain the number, send an SMS in this format: PORT<space>your mobile number to 1900. For instance, UPC for a number that reads “1234567890” will be generated by sending PORT 1234567890 to 1900.

— A few minutes later, the UPC will be sent to the mobile number mentioned. This code will facilitate the MNP process from the start till the end.

— Go to Airtel’s website or app (Airtel Thanks app) and choose between prepaid and postpaid. An option to port an existing number to Airtel will be available, along with the recharge packs and postpaid plans, depending on the choice. Choose a pack or plan.

— Customers need to fill out a form, furnishing details such as name and address. Entering the PIN code will reveal whether or not the MNP service is available at the mentioned location.

— Click “Submit” after providing Airtel with the necessary information. An executive will contact the customer about the delivery of the new SIM card.

— On the arrival of the SIM card, the customer needs to authenticate the order using an identity or address proof, such as an Aadhaar or passport or even an electricity bill, along with the UPC they received previously.

— The new Airtel SIM card with the old number will take up to 48 hours for activation. During the switchover, the old SIM card will see downtime, followed by the deactivation of services from the old mobile network.

Using the offline method

— After the customer has generated UPC, as mentioned earlier, they must visit the nearest Airtel Store. The executive will guide the customer through the process and hand over a new SIM card registered on the old number.