How to port Skype phone number and used it with Zoiper5:

1. Confirm Your Current Situation with Skype

1. Check your Skype Number details:

   • Ensure you know the exact number(s) you’re using with Skype and verify that your number(s) are eligible for porting.

   • Note any special features or call forwarding you have set up.

2. Review any Skype Contracts or Subscriptions:

   • If you have prepaid balances, subscriptions, or contracts for Skype calling or other services, find out if there are any cancellation fees or if you can pause your subscription.

2. Choose a New VoIP Service Provider

1. Determine Your Requirements:

   • How many minutes do you need?

   • Do you need international calling?

   • Is toll-free or local presence important?

2. Find a Compatible Provider:

   • Zoiper can work with virtually any VoIP provider that supports the SIP or IAX protocol. You may ask your ISP for recommendation of such in your area.

   • Visit Zoiper’s list of recommended providers to compare options and choose the best fit for your needs.

3. Verify Number Portability with Your New Provider:

   • Ask your chosen provider if they support porting from Skype’s phone services.

   • Confirm any porting fees and the estimated time frame for the process.

   • Gather required documentation (e.g., proof of ownership of your Skype number, a recent Skype invoice, etc.).

3. Port Your Phone Number to the New Provider

1. Request Porting:

   • Initiate the porting process through your new provider’s website or customer support channel.

   • Provide any documentation they need, such as a copy of your Skype account details or bill.

2. Coordinate with Skype (if necessary):

   • In some regions, you may need to contact Skype support to confirm or release the number for porting.

   • Make sure your Skype account is active and in good standing to avoid delays.

3. Wait for Confirmation:

   • Porting times vary by country and provider, but expect anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

   • You will usually receive an email notification or call from your new provider once the number is successfully ported.

4. Purchase and Install Zoiper

1. Choose the Zoiper License:

   • Zoiper offers different licensing models. For desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux), the one-time cost is EUR 59.95 per PC.

2. Download the Desktop Softphone:

   • Go to the official Zoiper download page and select your operating system.

   • Follow the on-screen prompts to install the application on your computer. You may also use our step-by-step installation article.

3. Activate Your License:

   • After purchasing, you will receive a username and password for your license activation or instructions.

   • Open Zoiper and input the activation credentials to unlock the full, paid features.

5. Configure Your Zoiper Softphone

1. Gather Account Credentials from Your New Provider:

   • SIP username, password, domain, and any specific server/port settings.

2. Add a New Account in Zoiper:

   • Open Zoiper.

   • You would be greeted by our SIP account setup wizard and you may use our generic SIP account setup guide, or ask for one from your service provider for Zoiper. 
     (If they have their own guide it is recommended to use it instead of ours since they may have specific requirements which are not reflected on our generic one)

   • Otherwise, go to Settings  → Accounts → Add (the exact menu names may vary by version).

   • Enter the SIP/IAX credentials from your new provider.

   • Click Register or Save to confirm.

3. Test Calls and Audio/Video Settings:

   • From Zoiper’s main screen, make a test call (e.g., to your own mobile number or a test number) to confirm audio quality and connectivity.

   • Adjust microphone, speakers, or headset settings in Audio preferences as needed.

6. Finalize and Optimize Your Setup

1. Check Call Quality and Network Requirements:

   • Ensure you have sufficient internet bandwidth and a stable connection.

   • If you experience any issues, contact your service provider (most error messages that are 4xx, 5xx or 6xx come from the server of the service provider), or if you are having issues with the application, you may contact Zoiper's support team through our contact form. 

   • We also have lots of different articles on our FAQ on which you may find troubleshooting articles or explanations for the most common error message.

2. Configure Additional Features:

   • Voicemail, call forwarding, or encryption (if available).

   • Many providers offer these services directly on their dashboards.

3. Disable or Cancel Skype Subscriptions (if applicable):

   • Once you confirm that your number is ported and your new VoIP service is active, you can safely cancel any remaining Skype subscriptions.

7. Enjoy Your New Zoiper Setup

• Ongoing Costs: Will be determined by your new VoIP provider’s call plans.

• Flexibility: Zoiper can connect to multiple providers, so if you ever need additional lines or international DID numbers, you can add those easily, simply follow step 5.2.