To carry over and keep your phone number when you switch mobile operators, you need to obtain your operator identity declaration code or your RIO number. What is this RIO code, how does it work, and most importantly, how can you find it? Follow the guide!
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A phone number is valuable. With the increase in no-obligation offers, users are changing plans or operators more frequently, navigating through offers in search of the best value for money. Therefore, keeping your number is almost essential, and to do this, you need the RIO code or the operator identity declaration.
Get your RIO code from Orange, Bouygues, SFR, Free, etc.: a unified procedure.
Finding your RIO code is easy: just call 3179. During the call, your number will be dictated to you along with the end date of your commitment with your operator. Don’t worry, you don’t need to take notes as a text message will be sent to you afterwards summarizing this information!
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Then, all you need to do is retrieve the RIO number and provide it to your new operator when you subscribe to your plan!
What is a RIO code?
The Operator Identity Declaration is a unique number assigned to each phone number, its “identity card” that allows it to be identifiable by operators.
It consists of 12 characters following a diagram of this type: XX XXXXXX XXX.
Each group of characters has a specific meaning:
- XX: This group will be used to identify the operator, 01 for Orange, 02 for SFR, 03 for Bouygues, 04 for Free Mobile
- X: This group will be used to identify the type of customer: E for businesses, P for individuals
- XXXXXX: This group is the contract number
- XXX: This is a control code, generated by an algorithm using other information
For example, an individual with a phone number at Bouygues Telecom might have a RIO code like this: 03 P 09ZERT UIO.
How to find your RIO code without calling 3179?
Orange and Sosh
To retrieve your RIO code, operators have their own dedicated number, in addition to 3179. For Orange and Sosh, simply contact 527 or 0800 003 179.
It is also possible to retrieve it by calling the brand’s customer service at 3900.
At SFR and Red
For SFR and its digital brand, Red, just contact 933 or 0800 973 179. It is also possible to do this by calling customer service at 1023.
At Bouygues Telecom and B & You
For the historical third operator and B & YOU, you can call 658 or 0800 943 943 but also customer service at 1064.
At Free Mobile
For Free Mobile, there is no dedicated phone number to retrieve your RIO code. But you can retrieve it directly from your customer area in the “My Information” section!
And after? How does portability work?
After entering your RIO code when subscribing to your new plan, how does the transfer work?
If you are no longer committed to your previous operator, you don’t have much to do, as the RIO code automatically triggers the cancellation process. You can decide for yourself when your portability will take effect.
Your original plan will remain the one with the phone number until the chosen date. When you receive your new SIM card, you can activate it immediately, but as long as portability is not completed, you will have a temporary number. Therefore, it is advisable to stay on your old SIM while waiting.
On the day of your portability, if you are not at home, don’t forget your new SIM card, as you risk being left with a temporarily cut-off network: your old plan is no longer active. So, you just need to swap a card in your phone and you’ll have a new plan, but the same number!
Which mobile operator?
Check out our comparison of the best no-obligation mobile plans. We also provide you with the keys to choose your mobile operator.
The best no-obligation packages
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The complete Prixtel 4G package 5 – 50 Go
2 days
Unlimited calls
Unlimited SMS/MMS
5 Go – 50 Go
4.99€ 9.99 €
Discover Orange Network
Average decreasing rate: 57 Mo/s
Average speed: 13 Mo/s
4G coverage population: 99%
4G coverage area: 90%
SFR Network
Average decreasing rate: 42 Mo/s
Average speed: 10 Mo/s
4G coverage population: 99%
4G coverage area: 86%
From Europe:
Unlimited calls, unlimited SMS/MMS, 5 Go to 7.5 Go/month
Options
- Adjustable package
For 1 year
**
RED 4G Pack – 80 Go
Last day!
Unlimited calls
Unlimited SMS/MMS
80 Go
14€ 17€
Discover SFR Network
Average decreasing rate: 42 Mo/s
Average speed: 10 Mo/s
4G coverage population: 99%
4G coverage area: 86%
From Europe:
Unlimited calls, unlimited SMS/MMS, 10 Go/month
Options
- 15 Go from Europe USA/Canada (5€/month)
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Cdiscount Mobile What to do – 80 Go
4 days
Unlimited calls
Unlimited SMS/MMS
80
5.99€ 16.99 €
Discover Bouygues Telecom Network
Average decreasing rate: 45 Mo/s
Average speed: 10 Mo/s
4G coverage population: 99%
4G coverage area: 85%
Orange Network
Average decreasing rate: 57 Mo/s
Average speed: 13 Mo/s
4G coverage population: 99%
4G coverage area: 90%
SFR Network
Average decreasing rate: 42 Mo/s
Average speed: 10 Mo/s
4G coverage population: 99%
4G coverage area: 86%
From Europe:
Unlimited calls, unlimited SMS/MMS, 8/month
For 6 months
All mobile plans 
Which is the best mobile operator, Bouygues, Free, Orange or SFR? ********
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Tag: Find the RIO number