How can I use my existing phone number with a MyOperator IVR?

How can I use my existing phone number with a MyOperator IVR?

⚡ Quick answer -

You now have only one practical way to use your existing number with MyOperator IVR:

1️⃣ Call Forwarding — Fastest & Only Universal Option

You forward your existing number to a MyOperator virtual number.

2️⃣ Porting — Only for Toll-Free Numbers (Case-to-Case)

Mobile number port-in is fully discontinued. Toll-free port-in works only after operator approval and a 30-day timeline.

When should I use this guide?

Use these steps when your business already promotes a number (visiting card, website, ads, hoardings) and you want callers to continue dialling that same number, but instead of a basic ring, they should hear your MyOperator IVR.


1. IVR ON YOUR EXISTING NUMBER — OVERVIEW (2025 Updated)

Method

Speed

Effort

Reliability & Support

Availability (Updated)

Call Forwarding

Same day

Minimal

Depends on your current carrier

Available for all number types

Porting

30 days

Paperwork

Full (hosted by MyOperator)

Only for Toll-Free numbers (Case-to-case)

Mobile Port-In/Port-Out

❌ Not available

Discontinued

Note: Toll-Free Port-In is available only after document verification. All mobile number porting (in or out) is discontinued.

2. OPTION A — CALL FORWARDING (FASTEST & MOST COMMON)

Call forwarding routes all calls from your existing number → to your MyOperator virtual number → your IVR plays.

Prerequisites

✔ Access to your phone or carrier portal
✔ A MyOperator virtual number (Dashboard → Numbers)

Steps

  1. Open phone settings → SIM settings → Call Forwarding → “Always Forward.”
    OR directly dial the operator USSD short code:
    *21*(MyOperator Number)#
  2. Enter your MyOperator virtual number as the forwarding destination.
  3. Save the settings.
  4. Place a test call from another phone to confirm that the MyOperator IVR plays.

Pros

  • Instant activation
  • No documents or downtime
  • Caller continues using your existing number
  • Works even when the SIM is off (if unconditional forwarding)

Cons

  • Forwarding message may play (operator-controlled)
  • Slight IVR delay on some carriers
  • Caller ID can vary based on the carrier
  • Call drops depend on the original network quality

3. OPTION B — PORT YOUR NUMBER TO MYOPERATOR (ONLY FOR TOLL-FREE NUMBERS)

⚠ Updated Policy:

  • Mobile Port-In – Discontinued
  • Mobile Port-Out – Discontinued
  • Toll-Free Port-In – Allowed case-to-case (30 days)
  • Toll-Free Port-Out – Discontinued
  • Port codes for mobile or toll-free numbers are no longer issued.

Prerequisites

✔ The number must be a toll-free number
✔ Latest bill + NOC from your business entity
✔ No outstanding dues with the current operator
✔ Agree to a short cut-over window

Porting Steps (For Toll-Free Only)

  1. AM/Sales sends an email to telco.resource@myoperator.co with:
    • Toll-free number
    • Current operator
    • Latest bill copy
  2. Client uploads NOC + bill via the Toll-Free Port-In Link (NOC Port In – Toll-Free).
  3. Operator validates documents.
  4. Standard TAT: 30 days (Airtel/Voda/Tata).
  5. Once ported, MyOperator hosts the number and activates the IVR.

Important Notes

  • No port code required.
  • NOC is valid for 30 days.
  • Ported number must stay with MyOperator for a minimum of 90 days before any port-out consideration.
  • Toll-free port-out is currently discontinued.

4. WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

✔ Callers dial your original number
✔ MyOperator IVR plays instantly
✔ Calls follow your business-hours/queue/team rules
✔ Caller-ID appears correctly in MyOperator reports
✔ Recordings and analytics work as expected


5. LIMITATIONS & EDGE CASES

Call Forwarding

  • 1–2 sec audio delay may occur
  • Forwarding message may play (“This call is being forwarded…”)
  • Caller ID depends on the original carrier’s policy
  • Forwarding may auto-disable if:
    • The operator changes the switch
    • SIM has a pending bill
    • Network resets

Porting

  • Only toll-free numbers are eligible
  • Mobile porting is not supported

6. WHEN NEITHER OPTION WORKS

If:

  • Carrier blocks unconditional forwarding
  • The toll-free number is not approved for port-in
  • Forwarding keeps failing

Then consider:

  • Purchasing a new MyOperator number
  • Publicising "New Official Number"
  • Using the WhatsApp Chat entry point instead of the IVR
  • Setting up a parallel DID number during transition

7. Troubleshooting

Symptom

Likely Cause

Fix

IVR plays late/audio delay

Conditional forwarding or weak signal

Switch to unconditional forwarding; check the network

Forwarding message plays

Operator policy

Only the operator can remove; advise using the MyOperator number directly

Calls not forwarding

Forwarding disabled or SIM issue

Re-activate forwarding, reset settings, and check SIM validity

Caller-ID shows operator board number

Operator masking CLI

Disable *#31#; ask the carrier to pass the original CLI

“Number not portable”

Operator/regulatory block

Use call forwarding or apply again in 30 days

Forwarding removed automatically

Switch change or SIM dues

Clear dues; request TOL change; re-activate forwarding


8. GLOSSARY

  • Call Forwarding – Routing incoming calls from one number to another.
  • IVR – Interactive Voice Response (press 1, press 2 menu).
  • DTMF – Keypad tones used to navigate IVR.
  • CLI – Caller ID/phone number visible to the receiver.
  • Port-In – Moving a number from your current operator to MyOperator.