What's the difference between forwarding and porting?
| Forwarding | Porting |
What it does | Sends faxes from your existing number to your Updox fax number | Moves your existing number to Updox |
Who provides your fax number | Your current carrier | Updox |
Do you keep your current carrier? | Yes | No, after the port is complete |
How long it takes | Set up with your current carrier | About 4–5 weeks |
Who you contact to set it up | Your current carrier | Updox (porting@updox.com) |
With either option, your faxes arrive in your Updox Inbox.
What is fax forwarding?
Forwarding keeps your fax number with your current carrier. Your carrier forwards incoming faxes to your Updox fax number, so they arrive in your Updox Inbox.
When should I forward my fax number?
Before porting. Forward your number to Updox while your port is in progress, so you get faxes in Updox right away.
If your number can't be ported. Some carriers don't allow numbers to be ported to Updox. Forwarding lets you use Updox anyway.
How do I forward my fax number to Updox?
Find your Updox fax number. In the left-hand menu, click Inbox, then Admin, then Fax Settings. Updox gives every practice a free fax number when you sign up.
Contact your current fax carrier. Ask them to forward your current fax number to your Updox fax number.
Send a test fax to your current fax number. It should arrive in your Updox Inbox.
Note: Forwarding is set up and controlled by your current carrier, not Updox. Updox can't fix forwarding problems, so any issues need to go to your carrier.
What is porting?
Porting moves your existing fax number from your current carrier to Updox. Updox becomes your fax number provider.
Porting is regulated by the FCC, so all your information must be accurate. Mistakes delay the process.
Porting takes about 4–5 weeks. Some ports finish sooner if there are no carrier rejections or requests for more information.
There should be no downtime when your number moves to Updox.
Should I forward my number while I wait for the port?
Yes. Porting can take 4–5 weeks, so ask your current carrier to forward your number to Updox first. That way you start receiving faxes in Updox right away, with no delay.
What should I do after my number is ported?
Contact your previous carrier to cancel your fax line account with them.
Important: Don't cancel until Updox tells you the port is complete.
Can I forward my Updox fax number to a different fax number?
No. Updox is an electronic fax (e-fax) service, so Updox numbers can't be forwarded to another number. To move a number away from Updox, start a port request with your new carrier.
Who do I contact with porting questions?
Email porting@updox.com.