Keeping your existing phone number when you switch provider is called mobile number portability (MNP), and Hong Kong has supported it for years. It removes the main reason people stay on a bad plan — fear of losing their number — so it is worth knowing how it works.
What you need
- Your existing phone number and the account it belongs to.
- Identity document (HKID or passport) matching the account.
- A porting authorisation, sometimes via an SMS code or your current provider.
- No unpaid balance or unfinished contract that blocks the port.
The steps
- Choose your new plan and start the sign-up with the new provider.
- Select “keep my number / port-in” and enter your current number.
- Provide ID and the porting authorisation as prompted.
- Wait for the scheduled cut-over — your old SIM stops and the new one activates.
- Confirm calls, SMS and data all work on the new SIM/eSIM.
How long does it take?
Porting is usually scheduled within one to two business days, with only a brief interruption at the moment of cut-over. Plan the switch for a time you can tolerate a few minutes offline.
Compare plans to switch to →Frequently asked questions
Can I keep my number when changing mobile provider in Hong Kong?
Yes. Hong Kong supports mobile number portability, so you can move your number between providers and between prepaid and monthly plans. Start the port with your new provider; do not cancel the old plan first.
Will I lose service while my number is being ported?
Only briefly. There is a short interruption at the moment your old SIM is deactivated and the new one takes over, typically just minutes. Pick a convenient time for the cut-over.