## Forwarding vs porting
There are two ways to use your existing business number with RingDesk:
- Forwarding (most people) - you keep your number with your current provider and divert calls to RingDesk. Nothing changes with your existing line; you can switch it off any time.
- Porting - you move the number's service fully onto RingDesk, so calls arrive directly with no diverting.
Forwarding works well for the large majority of businesses. Porting is for those who want RingDesk to fully own their main number.
When porting is worth it
- High call volumes - porting removes the forwarded leg of every call (see forwarding costs), so you stop using minutes on diverts.
- Simplicity - one provider for that number instead of two.
- Dropping old line rental - once the number is fully on RingDesk, you can cancel the old line.
What porting does NOT do
- It does not enable text messaging on a landline. UK landlines (01, 02, 03) cannot send or receive two-way texts, whether they're forwarded, ported, or hosted anywhere. To have the AI answer texts you need an SMS-capable mobile (07) RingDesk number - see Answering text messages. Porting a landline will not change this.
Things to know before porting
- You give up your existing line/service for that number - it moves to RingDesk.
- Porting takes time (it's arranged with the providers) and your current provider may have requirements or notice periods.
- It's not instant or self-serve yet.
How to start
Contact support and we'll guide you through porting your number. If you're not sure whether you need it, you almost certainly don't - forwarding keeps your existing setup and switches on in seconds.
### Related articles
- Does forwarding calls to RingDesk cost anything extra? - Your number ownership — frequently asked questions - How RingDesk works with your existing phone number - Setting up call forwarding - Can I send several phone lines to the same desk?