When you bring your primary number to Cape, the Cape number it replaces isn't lost — it becomes a retired number on your account. If you ever want it back on another carrier, you can port that retired number out whenever you're ready.
What is a retired number?
When you port a new number into Cape, it becomes your primary line and replaces your old Cape number. Your account stays exactly the same — referrals, billing, settings, and history are untouched — and the number that was replaced is kept on your account as a retired number. It's no longer your active line, but it stays available so you can port it out later.
Who can port out a retired number?
Anyone who has brought a number to Cape after initially signing up for a "New Number", now has a retired number on their account. You'll find it under Account → My Numbers, with the option to port it out.
How to port out your retired number
Everything happens in the Cape app you already have. Each step matches the screenshot beneath it.
Step 1 — Go to My Numbers. In the Cape app, go to Account → My Numbers to see the numbers on your account, including your retired number.
Step 2 — Select your retired number. Tap the retired number you want to transfer.
Step 3 — Choose to port out. Select the option to port out / transfer the number, then follow the prompts.
Step 4 — Get your transfer details. Cape shows you the account number and transfer PIN your new carrier needs to complete the port. Keep these handy.
Step 5 — Finish with your new carrier. Give the account number and transfer PIN to the carrier you're moving the number to. They'll start and complete the port on their end.
What happens after you port out
Once your new carrier completes the transfer, the retired number moves to that carrier and leaves your Cape account. Your Cape account and primary number are unaffected. Because the receiving carrier finishes the port on their side, any questions about timing are best directed to them.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to port out my retired number right away?
No. It stays on your account until you decide to transfer it, so you can port it out whenever you're ready.
Can I still use a retired number?
No — it's no longer your active line. It's held on your account so you keep the option to port it out.
How is this related to bringing a number to Cape?
A retired number is created when you bring a number to Cape: the new number becomes your primary line and the number it replaced is retired, then kept available for you to port out later.
Will porting out my retired number affect my Cape account?
No. Your primary number, referrals, billing, settings, and history all stay intact.
Who completes the transfer?
The carrier you're moving the number to. They initiate and complete the port using the account number and transfer PIN shown in the Cape app.