Porting Checklist: T-Mobile
If you have a phone number with T-Mobile and want to bring it to Phound, this guide walks through every step on the T-Mobile side. T-Mobile replaced the old customer-set port PIN with a Temporary Transfer PIN system, and uses a security feature called Port Out Protection that you'll need to disable first.
This guide covers T-Mobile postpaid, T-Mobile Prepaid, and Metro by T-Mobile.
What You Need from T-Mobile
- Your T-Mobile account number
- A Temporary Transfer PIN (generated on demand)
- The name and service address on your T-Mobile account, matching exactly
Step 1: Find Your T-Mobile Account Number
Your account number is on your bill and in your account profile. It is not your phone number.
T-Life App (postpaid)
- Open T-Life → Manage tab.
- Tap the gear icon.
- Select Account details.
The account number appears at the top of the summary.
T-Mobile.com
Sign in → Account → Billing → view any recent bill (PDF). Account number is printed at the top.
Metro by T-Mobile
Metro uses a 9-digit account number, not the phone number. Find it in the myMetro app under Account, or on your receipt/bill.
Step 2: Disable Port Out Protection
T-Mobile's port-freeze is called Port Out Protection (also referenced as Account Takeover Protection). If it's enabled, the Transfer PIN won't work.
Only the Primary Account Holder can remove Port Out Protection (Authorized Users can add it but not remove it), and it must be disabled per line.
Via T-Life App
- Sign in → Manage tab.
- Go to My account → See plans.
- Tap Manage add-ons in the plan section.
- Select the line.
- Scroll down and uncheck Port Out Protection.
- Continue → review → Agree & Submit.
Via T-Mobile.com
- Sign in → Account.
- Uncheck Port Out Protection.
- Continue → agree to T&Cs → Agree & Submit.
Tip: After the port completes, consider re-enabling Port Out Protection on the remaining lines to protect them from SIM swap attacks.
Step 3: Generate Your Temporary Transfer PIN
Only the Primary Account Holder can generate the PIN. You must be on the T-Mobile network — turn off Wi-Fi and use your cellular data on the T-Mobile SIM. The PIN page won't work from a desktop browser or off-network.
Option A: Dial #PORT# (fastest)
Dial #PORT# (#7678#) from the T-Mobile line you want to transfer. T-Mobile texts back a 6-digit Transfer PIN.
Option B: T-Life App (postpaid)
- Open T-Life → Manage tab.
- Tap the gear icon.
- Go to Permissions & controls → Transfer PIN.
- Complete ID verification if prompted.
- Tap Create PIN.
Option C: T-Mobile.com (postpaid, mobile browser only)
- From the phone's mobile browser on T-Mobile cellular (Wi-Fi off), log in at T-Mobile.com.
- Go to Profile → Permissions & controls → Transfer PIN.
- Tap Create PIN.
T-Mobile Prepaid
Log in at T-Mobile.com from a mobile browser → My T-Mobile → My Profile → Request Transfer PIN → Get a Transfer PIN.
Metro by T-Mobile
- Open the myMetro app → log in.
- Go to Manage → select the line.
- Tap Manage This Line → Request a Transfer PIN → Get a transfer PIN.
- Alternatively, dial 611 and ask the rep for a Transfer PIN, or visit the Metro port-out portal.
On Metro, one Transfer PIN covers all lines on the account.
PIN Validity
7 days for all T-Mobile products (postpaid, prepaid, Metro). If you don't complete the port within 7 days, the PIN expires and you'll need a new one.
Step 4: Verify Account Name and Service Address
Everything must match T-Mobile's records exactly.
- Full legal name on the account (no nicknames)
- Service address (not necessarily billing address — losing carriers typically validate the service address)
- ZIP code exact
- Business / government accounts: exact business name
If you're unsure what T-Mobile has on file, request a Customer Service Record (CSR) before filing the port.
Step 5: Confirm Account is Active
- Account must be active and in good standing
- Don't cancel T-Mobile before the port completes — canceling releases the number back to the pool permanently
- Device-payment balances (EIP, JUMP!) and remaining plan obligations show on your final T-Mobile bill but don't block the port itself
Step 6: Submit Your Port Request in Phound
- Open Phound → Settings > Numbers > Port a Number.
- Enter the T-Mobile number.
- Provide account number, Transfer PIN, and name/service address.
- Submit.
Track your port in Check Your Porting Status.
Common T-Mobile Rejection Reasons
- Name mismatch — nicknames, maiden names, or business accounts where an authorized person left
- Address/ZIP mismatch — especially giving billing address when T-Mobile wants service address
- Wrong account number — using phone number instead of the billing account number
- Expired Transfer PIN (past 7 days)
- Port Out Protection still active
- Account not active — already canceled or past-due suspension
- Wrong account type submitted (residential vs. business)
- Authorized User tried to port — must be the Primary Account Holder
Special Account Types
Business / Government
Primary Account Holder (or authorized signer) initiates. Government accounts typically need to call T-Mobile Business Care (1-844-428-9675) rather than self-serve.
Metro by T-Mobile
Separate system — use the myMetro app or metrobyt-mobile.com, not the T-Life app. 9-digit account number. One Transfer PIN covers all lines.
T-Mobile Prepaid (non-Metro)
Use the My T-Mobile web portal path. Additional security step required to remove Port Out Protection.
Family Plans / Multi-line
Only the Primary Account Holder can generate the Transfer PIN and disable Port Out Protection. The PIN is generated per line.
T-Mobile Support Contact
- T-Mobile Customer Care: 1-800-937-8997, or 611 from your T-Mobile phone
- T-Mobile Business Care: 1-844-428-9675
- Metro by T-Mobile: 1-888-863-8768, or 611 from a Metro phone
For port-out scam concerns, see T-Mobile's Port Validation Notice.
Still need help?
If you couldn't find what you were looking for, our support team is ready to assist. Contact Phound Support and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.