How to Port Your Mobile Number to a New Network in Saudi Arabia (2026 Guide)

Not happy with your current mobile network in Saudi Arabia? The good news is you don’t have to change your phone number just to switch providers. Here’s everything you need to know about porting your number — step by step.

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What Is Mobile Number Portability (MNP)?

Mobile Number Portability, commonly known as MNP, is a service that lets you switch your mobile service provider — say, from Zain to STC, or from Mobily to Lebara — while keeping the same phone number.

Saudi Arabia was actually one of the first countries in the Middle East to introduce this service. It was launched back in 2006 under the supervision of the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST), formerly known as CITC. The CST established a central system called the Number Portability Clearinghouse (NPC), which manages all porting requests between operators across the Kingdom.

So whether you’re switching because of poor coverage, better pricing, or simply because another network offers a plan that suits you more, MNP makes the switch easy — and your contacts never need to update your number.

Which Mobile Networks Support MNP in Saudi Arabia?

Almost all mobile service providers in KSA support number portability. This includes the three major network operators:

STC (Saudi Telecom Company) — the largest network with the widest coverage
Mobily (Etihad Etisalat) — strong in urban areas with competitive pricing
Zain KSA — known for good data services and value-driven plans

It also includes the MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) that operate on these networks:

Jawwy (by STC)
Virgin Mobile (operates on STC’s network)
Lebara (operates on Mobily’s network)
Friendi (operates on STC’s network)
Salam Mobile (operates on Zain’s network)
Red Bull Mobile (operates on Zain’s network)
Yaqoot (by Zain)

You can port your number from any of these providers to any other — as long as you meet the eligibility requirements below.

Requirements to Port Your Number

Before you start the porting process, make sure you meet the following conditions:

1. Your mobile number must be active. The SIM you want to port must be currently working. Suspended or deactivated lines are not eligible.

2. No outstanding bills or debts. If you have any unpaid balances with your current provider — whether it’s a postpaid bill, device installment, or any other financial obligation — you’ll need to settle those first. Outstanding debts are one of the most common reasons porting requests get rejected.

3. Both prepaid and postpaid voice lines are eligible. Whether you’re on a prepaid (Sawa, for example) or a postpaid plan, you can port your number. However, data-only SIMs typically cannot be ported through MNP.

4. You must wait 90 days between porting requests. If you’ve already ported your number recently, you’ll need to wait at least 90 days before you can port again. Requests made before the 90-day period will be denied.

5. You’ll need a valid ID. For expatriates, this means your Iqama (residency permit). Saudi nationals will need their National ID. The number must be registered under your name.

6. Only the account holder can request porting. You can’t port a number that’s registered under someone else’s name.

What Happens to Your Balance and Services?

This is important to know before you start:

Your existing credit balance will not transfer to the new provider. If you have remaining balance on your prepaid SIM, use it up before you port.
Active packages and subscriptions with your current provider will be cancelled once the port is complete.
Call rates, data packages, and coverage may differ significantly on the new network. Take time to compare plans before making the switch.
If you’re under a contract, check whether there are any early termination fees. You can still port your number, but you may be required to pay those fees to your old provider afterward.

How to Port Your Number: Step-by-Step

There are two main ways to port your number in Saudi Arabia — online through the provider’s app, or in person at a store. The online method has become increasingly popular and is now the preferred option for most people.

Method 1: Port Online Through the New Provider’s App

Each mobile operator in Saudi Arabia has its own app that supports number porting. Here’s how it works for the major providers:

Porting to STC (via mySTC App):

Download the mySTC app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Open the app and tap “Transfer to STC.”
Select your current mobile network (e.g., Zain, Mobily, Lebara, etc.).
Enter the mobile number you want to port.
Choose your new plan — prepaid, postpaid, or Jawwy.
Verify your identity using the OTP sent to your current number.
Choose your SIM delivery option — eSIM (instant) or physical SIM delivery to your address.
Verify your Identity using Nafath account and complete the registration.

Your new STC SIM will be delivered, or your eSIM activated. Insert the new SIM once your old one is disconnected.

Porting to Mobily (via Mobily App):

Download the Mobily App.
Tap the “Store” icon.
Select “Transfer your number.”
Choose your plan type (prepaid or postpaid).
Enter your mobile number and select current provider.
Complete the registration with your Iqama details (using Nafath).
Your new Mobily SIM will be delivered.

Porting to Zain (via Zain KSA App):

Download the Zain KSA app.
Tap “Transfer to Zain” under Zain World.
Select a suitable package (prepaid or postpaid).
Select SIM type (physical SIM or eSIM).
Enter your Iqama number.
Choose your current network and enter your number.
Complete identity verification through Nafath.
Pay the selected package price.
Your new Zain SIM will be prepared.

Porting to Salam Mobile (via MySalam App):

Install the MySalam App.
Select a mobile package.
Select SIM type (physical SIM or eSIM).
Tap “Switch to Salam Mobile”
Select your current operator and enter your phone number.
Complete identity verification through Nafath.

Porting to Red Bull Mobile, Virgin Mobile, Lebara, or Friendi: Each of these MVNOs also supports online porting through their respective apps. The process is similar — download the app, choose to port your number, select your current provider, verify your identity, and pick a plan.

Method 2: Visit the New Provider’s Store

If you prefer doing things in person, you can walk into any branch of the network you want to join.

Visit the nearest store of the provider you want to switch to.
Bring your original Iqama (or National ID for Saudi citizens).
Tell the staff you want to port your number.
Pay the applicable porting fee (this varies by provider).
The store will provide you with a new SIM card.
Make sure to use up your remaining balance on your old SIM before the switch is finalized.
Once the old SIM is disconnected, insert the new one and you’re good to go.

How Long Does the Porting Process Take?

In most cases, porting completes within 24 hours. Some requests, especially those made online, may go through within just a few hours.

However, keep in mind:

During peak periods (such as during Hajj season, Ramadan, or public holidays), processing may take slightly longer.
If there are any documentation or verification issues, it could take an extra 1–2 business days.
There may be a brief service interruption during the switchover. Plan accordingly — let important contacts know, and make sure you have WiFi access as a backup during the transition.

Also Read: Best SIM Cards for Visitors in Saudi Arabia (2026 Prices and Packages)

What If Your Porting Request Is Denied?

If your MNP request gets rejected, it’s usually due to one of these reasons:

Unpaid bills or outstanding balance with your current provider
The number is not in your name (account ownership mismatch)
You ported within the last 90 days and the waiting period hasn’t passed
Technical issues — sometimes the system may flag an error that needs manual resolution
The SIM is suspended or inactive

If you believe your request was incorrectly denied, you can file a complaint with the CST through their app or website at cst.gov.sa. The CST app (available on both Android and iOS) also allows you to submit complaints and track their resolution.

Important Tip: Watch Out for Retention Calls

Here’s something many people don’t expect — after you submit your porting request, your current provider will likely call you with a counter-offer. They may offer free minutes, bonus data, or discounted plans to try to keep you.

If you accept their offer, your porting request will be automatically cancelled. So if you’ve already made up your mind, just politely decline and stick with your decision.

Can You Port an eSIM?

Yes. Most major Saudi operators — including STC, Mobily, and Zain — now support eSIM porting. You can port your number to an eSIM without needing a physical SIM card at all. The process is handled through the provider’s app, and activation is typically faster than physical SIM delivery.

Just make sure your phone supports eSIM before choosing this option.

How to File a Complaint About Your Porting Experience

If you run into trouble during the porting process — delays, wrongful rejection, or any issues with your old or new provider — you have the right to file a complaint with the CST.

Steps to file a CST complaint:

Download the CST App (formerly CITC App) from Google Play or the App Store.
Log in using your Nafath credentials.
Go to the Complaints section.
Submit your complaint with details about the issue.
You can track the status of your complaint within the app.

You can also visit the CST website at cst.gov.sa to submit complaints online.

Quick Summary

Detail	Information
What is MNP?	Keep your number when switching mobile providers
Who can port?	Anyone with an active voice SIM registered in their name
Eligible SIMs	Prepaid and postpaid voice lines (not data-only SIMs)
ID required	Iqama (expatriates) or National ID (Saudi citizens)
Waiting period	90 days between porting requests
Processing time	Usually within 24 hours
Balance transfer	No — use your balance before porting
How to port	Through the new provider’s app or by visiting their store
Regulator	CST (Communications, Space & Technology Commission)
Complaint channel	CST App or cst.gov.sa

Final Thoughts

Porting your mobile number in Saudi Arabia is easier than most people think. Whether you do it online from the comfort of your home or walk into a store, the entire process can be wrapped up within a day. The key is to make sure your account is clean — no unpaid bills, no recent porting — and that you’ve done your homework on which network and plan fits your needs best.

Take time to compare coverage, pricing, and data packages before making the jump. And remember, your number is yours to keep — switching networks doesn’t mean losing the number everyone knows you by.