Every step below is from an official source
Switch from Bell to Fido
What to do at Bell before you leave, what Fido needs when you join, and everything else the switch touches. Your full plan is built in your browser and stays there.
Official sources reviewed . How we review sources
The rules that apply: CRTC
These apply whichever mobile carrier you're moving between.
Ask your new provider to transfer your numberBefore
Contact your new provider by phone, email or regular mail to request the transfer. You don't need to talk to your current provider.
Switch providers and keep your numberCanadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). ReviewedDon't cancel your current service before you switchBefore
Keep your current service until you have switched to the new provider. Cancelling first can stop you from keeping your number.
Switch providers and keep your numberCanadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). ReviewedExpect a mobile number transfer to take a few hoursDuring
The CRTC says a mobile number transfer can take a few hours.
Switch providers and keep your numberCanadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). ReviewedKnow you can cancel any time without 30 days noticeBefore
Under the Wireless Code you can cancel your contract at any time, and it takes effect the day your provider gets your notice. You don't need to give 30 days notice.
The Wireless Code, simplifiedCanadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). ReviewedAsk your provider to unlock your phone for freeBefore
If your phone is locked to your provider's network, the provider must unlock it, or give you the means to unlock it, when you ask. There is no charge.
The Wireless Code, simplifiedCanadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). Reviewed
At Bell, before you leave
Keep your Bell service active until you switchBefore
Bell says not to cancel your current service before you sign up with the new provider. Otherwise your number is considered inactive.
Check that your Bell phone is unlockedBefore
Bell says a phone unlocks automatically, at no cost, 2 days after it was activated. To unlock it sooner, call Bell.
Unlock your Bell deviceBell. Reviewed
At Fido, when you join
Start with Fido's transfer tool or My AccountBefore
Use Fido's online transfer tool, or sign in to My Account and choose Transfer my existing phone number. You can also contact Fido or visit a Fido store.
Porting or Transferring Your NumberFido. ReviewedHave your old account number, PIN or IMEIBefore
For a mobile number, enter at least one of these: your account number with your other provider, your password or PIN for that account, or your device's ESN or IMEI.
Porting or Transferring Your NumberFido. ReviewedKeep your current service and SIM until it's doneBefore
Don't cancel your current service or remove your SIM card. Your old service is cancelled automatically when the transfer is finished.
Porting or Transferring Your NumberFido. ReviewedPay any charges left with your old providerAfter
You are still responsible for any outstanding charges on your account with your previous provider.
Porting or Transferring Your NumberFido. Reviewed
Then: everything else the switch affects
The steps above are what Bell and Fido say. Your full checklist adds the accounts, codes, payments and devices that depend on your mobile carrier, in a safe order. It's built from your answers, in your browser.