What a transfer PIN is and why you need one
A transfer PIN is a four-digit code that Boost Mobile requires before you can move your phone number to another carrier. Without it, the new carrier cannot complete the port-out request, even if you have authorized the transfer. Boost Mobile generates this PIN specifically to prevent unauthorized transfers of your account.
You will need this PIN whether you are switching to a different prepaid carrier, moving to a postpaid plan with another company, or transferring to a different Boost Mobile account. The PIN is tied to your specific phone number and account, not to your device.
Key Takeaways
- You can request a transfer PIN from Boost Mobile by calling customer service at 1-833-BOOST-1 (1-833-226-7841) or through the My Boost app under account settings.
- Boost Mobile will ask you to verify your identity using your phone number, account PIN, or the last four digits of the payment method on file before issuing the transfer PIN.
- The transfer PIN is valid for 30 days from the date Boost Mobile issues it, so you should request it only when you are ready to port your number.
- If you forget or lose the transfer PIN, you can request a new one by contacting Boost Mobile again; there is no charge for this service.
- The new carrier will ask for this PIN during the port-out process, and you must provide the exact code Boost Mobile gave you.
How to request a transfer PIN by phone
Call Boost Mobile customer service at 1-833-BOOST-1 (1-833-226-7841). This is the fastest way to get your transfer PIN. Have your Boost Mobile phone number ready before you call.
When you reach a representative, tell them you want to port your number to another carrier and need a transfer PIN. The representative will verify your identity by asking for your account PIN (the four-digit code you use to check your balance), the last four digits of the payment method on file, or other account details. Once verified, they will give you the four-digit transfer PIN over the phone. Write it down immediately.
Customer service hours are typically Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Central Time, and Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time, though hours may vary. If you call outside these hours, you may reach an automated system that can direct you to a callback option.
How to request a transfer PIN through the My Boost app
Open the My Boost mobile app on your phone and sign in with your Boost Mobile account credentials. Tap the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines) and look for "Account" or "Settings."
Navigate to the section labeled "Port Out" or "Transfer Number." The app will ask you to confirm your identity and may request your account PIN or the last four digits of your payment method. Once verified, the app will display your four-digit transfer PIN on the screen. Screenshot it or write it down before closing the app.
If you do not have the My Boost app installed, you can download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store at no cost. The app method is available 24 hours a day and does not require you to wait on hold.
What information Boost Mobile will ask for
Boost Mobile uses identity verification to prevent someone else from porting your number without permission. You will need to provide at least one of the following:
- Your four-digit account PIN (the code you use to check your balance or manage your account online)
- The last four digits of the payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account) on file with Boost Mobile
- Your phone number associated with the Boost Mobile account
- The email address registered to your account
If you have forgotten your account PIN, you can reset it through the My Boost app or by calling customer service. If you do not remember the last four digits of your payment method, have a recent Boost Mobile bill or receipt handy, as it will show this information.
How long the transfer PIN is valid
Boost Mobile transfer PINs are valid for 30 days from the date the company issues them. This means you should request the PIN only when you are ready to port your number to the new carrier within the next month.
If the 30 days pass without you using the PIN, you will need to request a new one. There is no charge for requesting a replacement PIN. If you request a PIN but then decide not to switch carriers, simply do not share it with anyone and let it expire.
What to do if you lose or forget your transfer PIN
If you wrote down your transfer PIN and cannot find it, or if you forget it before giving it to your new carrier, contact Boost Mobile again using the same methods: call 1-833-BOOST-1 or use the My Boost app. Request a new transfer PIN and verify your identity as before.
There is no penalty or fee for requesting a replacement PIN. Boost Mobile will issue a new four-digit code that is valid for another 30 days. If you request multiple PINs in a short time, Boost Mobile may ask additional verification questions to confirm the requests are legitimate.
What happens after you give the transfer PIN to your new carrier
Once you have the transfer PIN, contact your new carrier and tell them you want to port your Boost Mobile number. They will ask you for the transfer PIN as part of the port-out request. Provide the exact four-digit code Boost Mobile gave you.
The new carrier will submit the port request to Boost Mobile, which will verify the PIN. If the PIN is correct and valid, Boost Mobile will approve the transfer. The port usually takes 24 hours, though it can take up to several business days depending on the carriers involved. During this time, your service may be interrupted for a few minutes.
Once the port is complete, your phone number will be active on the new carrier's network, and your Boost Mobile service will end. You will not be able to use your Boost Mobile SIM card after the port is finished.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone port my number without my transfer PIN?
No. Boost Mobile requires the transfer PIN before processing any port-out request. Without it, the new carrier cannot complete the transfer. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized transfers of your phone number.
Do I have to pay Boost Mobile to get a transfer PIN?
No. Requesting a transfer PIN is free. Boost Mobile does not charge for this service. You may owe any outstanding balance on your account, but the PIN itself costs nothing.
What if Boost Mobile will not give me a transfer PIN?
Boost Mobile may delay or refuse a transfer PIN if there is an outstanding balance on your account, if the account is suspended, or if there are signs of fraudulent activity. Contact customer service to ask why the PIN was not issued and what you need to do to resolve the issue.
Can I port my number if my Boost Mobile service is already disconnected?
Yes, you can still port a number from a disconnected Boost Mobile account. Request the transfer PIN before or after disconnection; the process is the same. However, if your account is deactivated for non-payment, Boost Mobile may require you to settle the balance before issuing the PIN.
What if I give my transfer PIN to the wrong carrier by mistake?
If you accidentally give your transfer PIN to a carrier you did not intend to use, contact Boost Mobile immediately and request a new PIN. The old PIN will become invalid once the port request is submitted, so acting quickly is important. You can then provide the new PIN to the correct carrier.