If your business number is currently on Sideline and you want your Zinng AI receptionist to answer calls and texts on that number, you need to transfer (port) it to Zinng. This guide walks you through the entire process step by step. It takes about 10 minutes of your time, plus 1 to 5 business days for the port to complete.
Important
Do not cancel your Sideline subscription until the port is fully complete. If you cancel early, you can lose the number permanently.
What You'll Need
- Your phone with the Sideline app installed and signed in
- A payment method on your Apple ID or Google account (for the $19.99 unlock fee, if it applies)
- About 10 minutes to complete the steps
Step 1: Start the Port-Out in Sideline
- Open the Sideline app on your phone
- Go to Settings
- Tap Support (iPhone) or Get Help (Android)
- Tap Port-Out Number, then tap Port Out
- If prompted, confirm the $19.99 unlock fee through the App Store or Google Play. You only pay this if you originally chose your number through Sideline. If you originally ported the number into Sideline from somewhere else, it is free.
- Sideline will then show you two pieces of information: an Account Number and a PIN
Save your Account Number and PIN
Take a screenshot or write down the Account Number and PIN shown on screen. You will need to send these to us in Step 3.
Step 2: Gather Your Account Details
We need these exactly as they appear on your Sideline account. Even small differences (like "Street" vs "St") can cause the port to be rejected.
| Phone number to port | Your Sideline business number |
| Account Number | From Step 1 |
| PIN | From Step 1 |
| Account holder name | First and last name on the Sideline account, or business name if registered as a business |
| Account type | Individual or Business |
| Service address | Full street address on file with Sideline. No PO boxes. |
| Authorized signer email | Email address that will sign the Letter of Authorization |
| Recent Sideline receipt or invoice | PDF or screenshot from the last 30 days showing the number, account name, and address |
Step 3: Send Everything to Zinng
Reply to your Zinng contact's email (or send a new email to them) with all of the following:
- Screenshot of your Account Number and PIN
- All the account details from Step 2
- Your most recent Sideline receipt or invoice
After we submit the port request, you will get an email asking you to digitally sign a Letter of Authorization (LOA). Sign it as soon as you get it. The port cannot start without your signature.
Step 4: Wait for the Port to Complete
Typical timeline
1 to 5 business days
During the port
Your number keeps working on Sideline as normal
Cutover window
Brief outage when the number switches to Zinng
We will email you the moment your number goes live on Zinng. From that point, your AI receptionist is answering calls and SMS on your business number.
Step 5: Cancel Your Sideline Subscription
Only do this after we confirm the port is complete.
Sideline does not auto-cancel when you port out, so you will keep getting billed unless you cancel manually.
- iPhone: Settings > Apple ID > Subscriptions > Sideline > Cancel
- Android: Google Play Store > Profile > Payments & subscriptions > Subscriptions > Sideline > Cancel
Things to Know
Texts and voicemails do not transfer
Only the phone number itself moves. If you have important conversations or voicemails in Sideline, save or screenshot them before the port completes.
Once it starts, it cannot be canceled
Neither you nor Sideline support can cancel a port-out request once it has begun. If cancellation is needed, it must go through the new carrier (Zinng). Make sure you are ready before tapping Port Out.
If your account number is rejected
Sideline numbers sometimes need a "1" added to the front of the account number. We will handle this on our end if it comes up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the port take?
Typically 1 to 5 business days. Most ports complete within 2 to 3 business days. We will email you the moment it goes live.
Will my number stop working during the port?
Your number continues to work normally on Sideline during the port. There is a brief outage (usually a few minutes) at the exact moment the number switches over to Zinng.
Does the $19.99 unlock fee always apply?
No. You only pay the unlock fee if you originally chose your number through Sideline. If you originally ported the number into Sideline from another carrier, the port-out is free.
What if I do not have a recent Sideline receipt?
Check your email for subscription receipts from Apple or Google Play. You can also find them in your Apple ID or Google Play subscription settings. We need something from the last 30 days showing the number, account name, and address.
Can I port a number from a carrier other than Sideline?
Yes. Zinng supports porting from most US and Canadian carriers. The process is similar but the steps to get your account number and PIN vary by carrier. Contact us and we will walk you through it.
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