Straight answers, no fine print.
Keeping your number
Will I lose my phone number when I switch?
No. Your number stays yours the entire time. Moving your number to a new carrier is called "porting," and it's a federally protected right — carriers are legally required to let you take your number with you. The key is timing: keep your current line active until the transfer finishes, so there's never a moment you're without your number. We walk you through exactly how to do this safely.
How long does porting actually take?
Once submitted with the correct info, most wireless-to-wireless ports complete in a few minutes to a few hours — occasionally up to a day. Here's what most people don't realize: the port itself is fast. The slow part is everything before it — sitting on hold for your account number, getting the wrong PIN, a transfer rejected over a typo. That's the headache we help you avoid.
Why do some ports fail or get delayed?
Almost always one reason: mismatched information. Your new carrier asks your old carrier to release your number, and they only say yes if your account number, transfer PIN, name, and billing address match their records exactly. One wrong digit and it bounces. The most common mistakes are using your regular account PIN instead of the special transfer PIN, and forgetting to turn off "number lock" first. Our tool catches these before you submit.
How Digit Relay works
What exactly does Digit Relay do for me?
We make switching simpler. For your specific carrier, we show you exactly what you need and how to get it — where to find your account number, how to get your transfer PIN, which setting to turn off first. Then we help you assemble it into a clean "port packet" — everything your new carrier needs, organized and double-checked. Five minutes of guided prep instead of hours of trial and error.
Do you work directly with my carrier?
We're independent — not owned or operated by any carrier. We earn affiliate commissions from some carriers, and that never changes your price. We guide you through your carrier's own process and prepare your packet, but the actual switch is completed by you and your new carrier, the normal way. We don't submit the port for you or access your carrier account — that keeps you in full control of your information. (Deeper carrier integrations are on our future roadmap.)
What is a "port packet"?
It's a tidy, complete summary of everything your new carrier will ask for — your account number, transfer PIN, the name and billing address on file, and a checklist of carrier-specific steps. Think of it as your switching cheat sheet. When the rep (or signup screen) asks for your account number and transfer PIN, you've got it all in hand instead of fumbling or calling your old carrier on the spot.
Cost
Is Digit Relay free?
Yes — the core of Digit Relay is completely free. Finding deals and comparing plans is free (when you switch through some of our links, the carrier pays us a commission, so you pay nothing extra). And our guided porting tool builds you a complete free packet — everything you need to switch your number yourself, at no cost. If you'd like extra peace of mind, we offer an optional $9.99 Port Protection Report that double-checks your details before you submit — but it's entirely your choice, and your free packet works without it. Nothing is ever charged without you seeing it first.
Why is there a charge for the Port Protection Report?
First, to be clear: your porting packet is free — you can build it and switch your number yourself without paying a cent. The optional $9.99 Port Protection Report is for people who want extra certainty before they submit. We double-check your details against the mistakes that cause rejections, show you the insider way to match your carrier's exact records, and give you a final pre-submit checklist — so you're not risking hours on hold or a failed transfer over one wrong digit. It's completely optional, always shown before you commit, and your free packet works perfectly well on its own.
Your security & privacy
Is my information safe? Do you store my account number and PIN?
This is the part we take most seriously. Your sensitive information — account number and transfer PIN — stays in your browser, on your device. It builds your packet right there, and it's never sent to or stored on Digit Relay's servers. When you close the page, it's gone. We designed it this way on purpose: the safest place for your most sensitive details is in your own hands, not in a database.
Can I switch carriers and keep my current phone?
In most cases, yes. As long as your phone is unlocked and compatible with the new network, you can bring it and just move your number and service over. If it's still under a payment plan, you may need to finish paying it off or have it unlocked first. Our tools help you check compatibility and walk you through what to confirm — whether you're bringing your current phone, upgrading, or switching carriers entirely.
