How long does number portability take in France?

French law mandates a maximum of 3 business days to complete the transfer. According to ARCEP (the electronic communications regulator), this is the legal maximum.

Is there service interruption during the transfer?

Service interruption is minimal - typically a few hours on the scheduled transfer day. You'll receive SMS notifications with the approximate time of the switchover.

Is number portability free in France?

Yes, number portability is completely free. Your old operator cannot charge any fees for the transfer. This is a right guaranteed by ARCEP regulations since 2011.

Can I transfer my number if I'm still under contract?

Yes, but you may have to pay early termination fees if you're still in your commitment period. These fees are capped - check your contract for specific amounts.

What happens on the transfer day?

Your new operator will send you SMS notifications with the date and approximate time. The actual switchover usually happens in the morning. You'll have a brief window with no service.

Can I transfer my number to a different type of plan?

Yes, you can switch from prepaid to contract, contract to prepaid, or between any operators. Your number stays the same regardless of plan type.

What information do I need to provide?

You'll need your RIO code, which you get by calling 3179. The code is linked to your phone number and identifies your line and current contract.

TelecomUpdated April 29, 2026

Mobile Number Portability in France: 2026 Guide

Switching mobile operators while keeping your phone number is a right guaranteed by French law. Since 2011, portability has been free, and the entire process is handled by your new operator. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step, with up-to-date information for 2026.

What You'll Get

Portability is completely free
Maximum 3 business days transfer time
Your new operator handles everything
Old contract cancelled automatically

1. Your Legal Rights Under French Law

French law gives you strong protections when it comes to keeping your number. Here's what ARCEP (the communications regulator) guarantees:

Free Portability

Your old operator cannot charge any fees for portability. This right has been guaranteed by law since 2011.

Maximum 3 Business Days

ARCEP mandates that transfers complete within 3 business days. This is the legal maximum - most transfers happen faster.

Automatic Cancellation

Your new operator handles cancelling your old contract. You don't need to contact your old provider.

Number Stays Forever

Your number is yours for life. You can switch operators as many times as you want, and keep the same number.

Source: Information based on ARCEP regulations. For official details, visit ARCEP.fr or Service-Public.fr.

2. Step-by-Step Process

Get your RIO code

Call 3179 (free) from your current mobile. You'll receive your RIO by SMS within seconds.

Choose your new operator

Compare offers and select the one that suits your needs. Consider data, calls, and international options.

Subscribe with portability

Provide your RIO code when subscribing. Your new operator handles everything else.

Wait for the transfer

Maximum 3 business days. You'll be notified by SMS of the exact date and time.

3. Understanding Your RIO Code

The RIO (Relevé d'Identité Opérateur) is a unique 12-character code that identifies your mobile line. It contains your phone number, contract details, and commitment end date. You need this code to keep your number when switching.

Getting Your RIO

Call 3179

Free call from your mobile. You'll receive your RIO by SMS within seconds. The voice message also provides:

Your phone number
Contract end date
Early termination fees (if applicable)

Important

Your RIO code is valid for any operator. Don't let anyone guide you to a specific operator - the choice is yours.

All French Operators Use 3179

Operator	Number to Call	Note
Orange	3179	Free from Orange mobile
SFR	3179	Free from SFR mobile
Free Mobile	3179	Free from Free mobile
Bouygues Telecom	3179	Free from Bouygues mobile

4. Timeline and What to Expect

French law caps the transfer time at 3 business days. Here's what happens on each day:

Day 0

Subscription

You subscribe with your new operator and request portability. They confirm the planned transfer date.

Day 1-2

Processing

Your new operator processes the request and coordinates with your current operator.

Transfer Day

Switchover

Your number transfers to the new network. Expect brief interruption (typically morning).

On Transfer Day: You'll receive SMS notifications from your new operator with the date and approximate time window. The actual switchover typically happens in the morning. Expect a few hours without service - this is normal.

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not checking contract end date

Solution: Call 3179 before switching to know if you'll pay early termination fees.

Wrong RIO code

Solution: Double-check your SMS - the RIO is 12 characters including letters and numbers.

Requesting on the wrong day

Solution: Avoid requesting on the day you need uninterrupted service.

Not backing up contacts

Solution: Contacts are stored on your phone/SIM, but back up before the switch.

6. Troubleshooting

Transfer takes longer than 3 days

Contact your new operator first. If unresolved, contact ARCEP.

Number didn't transfer

Call your new operator immediately. They must reinitiate the request.

Still receiving calls on old number

This can happen briefly. Contact your operator for immediate resolution.

Don't know your RIO

Call 3179 again - it's free and you can request it as many times as needed.

ARCEP Mediation: If you can't resolve a dispute with your operator, you can contact the electronic communications mediator. Visit ARCEP.fr for contact details.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the RIO code and how do I get it?

The RIO is a 12-character code identifying your line. Call 3179 (free) from your mobile to receive it by SMS.

How long does number portability take?

Maximum 3 business days by law. The transfer date is agreed with your new operator when you subscribe.

Is there service interruption?

A brief interruption of a few hours on transfer day. You'll receive SMS with the approximate time.

Is portability free?

Yes, completely free since 2011. Your old operator cannot charge any fees.

Is my old contract automatically cancelled?

Yes, your new operator handles cancellation. Early termination fees may apply if under commitment.

Can I transfer if I'm still under contract?

Yes, but early termination fees may apply. Call 3179 to check the exact amount before switching.

What happens on transfer day?

You'll get SMS notifications. The switchover usually happens in the morning with brief service interruption.

What if the transfer fails?

Contact your new operator immediately. They must resolve within one business day. You can also contact ARCEP.

Do I need to contact my old operator?

No, your new operator handles everything. You only deal with the new provider.

Can I switch to a different type of plan?

Yes, from prepaid to contract or vice versa. Your number stays the same regardless of plan type.

What information do I need?

Just your RIO code from calling 3179. Your new operator will guide you through the rest.

How do I check my contract end date?

Call 3179 - the voice message tells you your contract end date and any termination fees.

Official Sources

Written by Comparatif24.fr Team

Last updated: April 29, 2026

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