Switching to ReliaForward from Another Provider

Moving your call forwarding to ReliaForward is designed to be smooth, with no missed calls. The key idea: get set up and tested first, keep your old service running until your number fully transfers, then switch off the old one.

Before you start

Gather a few things from your current provider:

• The number or numbers you want to keep.
• How calls are forwarded today (destinations, after-hours behavior, voicemail).
• Your account number and any account PIN or password (needed to transfer a number).
• A recent bill (often required to transfer).

A no-stress timeline

1. Set up and test (a day or two). Add a ReliaForward number and recreate your forwarding.
2. Start the transfer (about 7 to 10 business days). Bring your existing number over.
3. Cut over and confirm (one day). Your number goes live on ReliaForward.
4. Cancel the old service. Only after everything is confirmed.

Step 1 — Set up and test on a new number

1. Add a number: Call Forwarding → Add Number, choose New number, and pick a plan.
2. Recreate your setup on that number's settings page:
   • Forwarding — primary destination, fallback, ring timeout, simultaneous ring.
   • Rules — busy, no-answer, and unavailable routing (Professional and Business).
   • Business Hours — open hours, after-hours destination, holidays.
   • Voicemail — greeting and email delivery.
3. Call the temporary number and confirm every path works.

Testing on a temporary number first means your live number is never a guess when it transfers.

Step 2 — Transfer your existing number

When you are ready to bring your real number over:

1. In the Add Number flow, choose Transfer your number (or go to Phone Numbers → Transfer).
2. Enter the number and your current-provider details (account number, PIN, service address).
3. Sign the authorization and upload a recent bill if asked.
4. Submit. You will be able to track the transfer's status.

Keep your current service active during the transfer. Do not make changes at your old provider while it is in progress, and respond promptly to any verification requests.

Step 3 — Cut over

When the transfer completes, your number rings through ReliaForward using the settings you already tested. Right after cutover, confirm:

• Calls to your number ring at the right destination.
• Business hours, voicemail, and any rules behave as expected.

Step 4 — Cancel your old service

Once you have confirmed calls are flowing on ReliaForward, cancel the old service and request a final bill. Then update your number anywhere it is published if it changed (website, listings, email signatures).

Want zero overlap risk?

Before transferring, you can point your old number's forwarding at your new ReliaForward number. Calls flow through ReliaForward while you test, and you transfer for real when you are confident.

FAQ

Will I miss calls during the switch? The cutover is brief (minutes). Testing first keeps it smooth.

Can I keep my number? Almost always — most numbers can be transferred.

What if the transfer hits a snag? Calls keep working at your current provider until it completes; we will help resolve issues.

Should I cancel my old service early? No — wait until the transfer is confirmed complete.