About Us

Company ProfileBlogiTalkBB Videos

What to Do with Your US Phone Number After Returning to China? iTalkBB Prime Number Porting - Low-Cost Number Retention Solution

Author: iTalkBB USA

9-19-2025

Share:

For many Chinese living in the US, retaining their long-used local phone number is crucial. It not only maintains connections with family and friends but is also linked to various important accounts like banks, credit cards, social media, and school systems.

However, once you decide to return to China for development, this US phone number you've used for years becomes a tricky problem:

● Cancel it directly? Absolutely not. Banks, email services, and payment platforms often use SMS verification codes as two-factor authentication (2FA). If the US number is deactivated, you won't be able to receive these codes.

● Keep the original plan? The cost is too high. Paying tens or even hundreds of dollars per month just to occasionally receive a verification code, while enduring the inconveniences of international roaming, offers extremely poor value.

This dilemma of being "too expensive to keep, yet too essential to lose" now has a perfect solution. Through the number porting feature of the iTalkBB Prime China-US Dual Number App, you can permanently retain your US number at a very low cost and completely eliminate all communication worries after returning to China.

1. Why is Handling a US Phone Number So Complicated?

Before finding the best solution, many people try seemingly feasible methods but eventually encounter numerous problems.

a. Paying High Fees to Major Carriers Just to "Receive Texts"

International roaming plans from the big three US carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) typically cost $30-$50/month. Not only are they expensive, but you may also face issues like poor signal and delayed messages. Some banking services (like Zelle transfers) might even be restricted if they detect overseas roaming.

b. Choosing MVNOs That "Don't Work Well Abroad"

Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) like Google Fi, Mint, Ultra might seem cheaper monthly, but they are essentially just "low-cost alternatives to local US plans":● Prepaid Limitations: Most require prepayment for 3-12 months upfront. If you port your number out early, the prepaid balance is usually non-refundable.● Localization Limitations: Their networks rely on T-Mobile/AT&T/Verizon. Normal usage cannot be guaranteed after returning to China.  ○ Mint / Ultra: Do not support international roaming. You will hardly receive any texts or calls after returning to China.  ○ Google Fi: Supports international roaming but is expensive. Texts and calls are not entirely free.

c. Operational Inconvenience

When in China, if you want to receive US SMS, you need to switch between two SIM cards or two phones, which is very troublesome.

2. iTalkBB Prime – Solving the Problem of Retaining Your US Number When Returning to China

iTalkBB Prime China-US Dual Number APP

In the US, whether from the major carriers (AT&T / Verizon / T-Mobile) or MVNOs (Mint Mobile / Google Fi / Ultra Mobile, etc.), phone numbers are regulated by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission), which mandates Number Portability. This means that no matter which carrier your number is currently with, you can directly port it to the iTalkBB Prime China-US Dual Number App.

2.1 Advantage 1: Ultra-Low Cost for Permanent US Number Retention

By porting your number to the iTalkBB Prime App, you no longer need to pay high monthly fees to US carriers. You only pay iTalkBB Prime's low monthly fee to keep your US number long-term and stably.● For a fee comparison of major US carriers and MVNOs, please refer to the article 《Comparison of US Major Carrier Phone Plans》；● For a comparison of roaming costs for US SIM cards in China: 《Comparison of China Data Packages for US Phones》

2.2 Advantage 2: Stable Reception of US SMS Verification Codes While Overseas

This is the most critical function. After porting, your US number "lives" within the App.● Bank Account Security: Instantly receive login and transfer verification codes for banks like Bank of America, Chase, etc.● Social Media Account Logins: No obstacles for services requiring phone verification like Google, Facebook, Apple ID.● Normal Function for Various Services: Airlines, IRS, various Apps... as long as they are linked to this US number, you can receive all verification messages.

2.3 Advantage 3: Global Calls with One App

Your US number can not only receive texts but also retains all calling functions.● Receive Calls from Anywhere: Wherever you are in the world, as long as your phone has an internet connection (Wi-Fi or data), you can receive calls. Receiving calls from US numbers to your US number is completely free.● Call US Numbers Anytime: Need to contact US banks or institutions? You can dial directly using the App, just like when you were in the US, without paying expensive long-distance charges.

2.4 Advantage 4: Manage US and China Numbers in One App

In addition to retaining your US number, you can also get a China number through the iTalkBB Prime App:● Use it as a "secondary number" for app registrations and verification codes, protecting your main number.● When traveling or on business abroad, use the China number to call family and friends.● Accessible directly through the App—no need to swap SIM cards or carry multiple phones.

3. Three Steps to Complete Number Porting! "Put" Your US Number into iTalkBB Prime

The number porting process is very simple and can be done before or after returning to China:

3.1 Step 1: Prepare Materials

Before starting, please prepare your most recent monthly bill from your current carrier. You will need key information from it: the Account Number and the PIN Number.

3.2 Step 2: Submit the Porting Application

Log in to your iTalkBB account, click on Account Name "Account Management" >>> My Products "Prime" >>> Account Settings "Keep US Number" to enter the number porting application page. Fill in your accurate name, address, phone number, account number, and other information.

Online Submit Number Porting iTalkBB Prime Step 1

Online Submit Number Porting iTalkBB Prime Step 2

Online Submit Number Porting iTalkBB Prime Step 3

3.3 Step 3: Wait for Activation

After submission, please call iTalkBB customer service at 877-482-5503 to complete the follow-up process. You will need to provide the PIN and upload the most recent month's bill. This process usually takes 24 to 72 hours. Once the porting is successful, you can cancel your expensive original plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: I am already back in China. Can I still port my number?

A: Yes. As long as your US number is still active with your original carrier (not suspended due to non-payment), you can complete all porting steps online.

Q: Will my phone service be interrupted during the porting process?

A: There might be a brief service interruption (typically from a few minutes to a few hours). It is recommended to cancel your original carrier's service only after receiving confirmation that the porting was successful.

Q: What if the porting fails? Will I lose my number?

A: If the porting fails due to information mismatch or other reasons, your number remains safely with your original carrier, and service will be unaffected. iTalkBB customer service will assist you in identifying the cause and resubmitting the request.

Preparing to leave the US long-term shouldn't mean abandoning your valuable digital asset. Porting your number via the iTalkBB Prime App solves the problem of retaining your US number once and for all. Keep your most important connections at the lowest cost.

Ready to find an affordable "new home" for your US number? Download the iTalkBB Prime China-US Dual Number App now and start your number transfer journey!

24/7 Chinese Customer Service: 877-482-5506

iTalkBB WeChat Customer Service Online ConsultationWeChat Customer Service Online Consultation

Previous|Next
More articles

Customer Service

1-877-482-5522

Follow us

Terms and Conditions

Copyright © iTalkBB.com All rights reserved.

iTalkBB and iTalk are trademarks of iTalk Global Communications, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Customer Service

1-877-482-5522

Follow us