PAC Codes: How to transfer your mobile number when switching networks

PAC Code Finder

Our "PAC Code Finder" takes you through the process of transferring your number between networks one step at a time.
Select your current network provider and the network that you wish to move to:

I'm switching from: Select current network provider...3 (Three)O2OrangeT-MobileVodafoneASDA MobileGiffgaffLebara MobileLycamobileTalkmobileTesco MobileVectone MobileVirgin Mobile to Select new network provider...3 (Three)O2OrangeT-MobileVodafoneASDA MobileGiffgaffLebara MobileLycamobileTalkmobileTesco MobileVectone MobileVirgin Mobile

PAC Code Information & FAQs

If you want to switch network, your mobile network is legally obliged to provide you with a “PAC code” so you can transfer your number.

photo: kevindooley

If you’re thinking of changing mobile phone network, you don’t need to change your number at the same time. In fact, it’s incredibly easy to keep your existing phone number and to transfer it to your new network – all you need to do is to transfer it using a “PAC Code”. In this article, we outline what PAC codes are, how to obtain a PAC code from your current mobile network and how to use it to transfer your phone number to your new network.
What is a PAC Code?
A PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) Code allows you to change mobile phone network and to keep your existing phone number. It takes no more than 24 hours and you’ll experience no or minimal downtime during the transfer of the phone number. A PAC Code is free (your mobile operator cannot charge for it) and is normally 9 digits long (in the format ABC 123 123).



Our “PAC Code Finder” takes you through the process of obtaining a PAC Code step-by-step.

I’m switching to a SIM-only tariff on a different network. Should I use a PAC Code?
Yes. A SIM-only tariff is an ultra-cheap mobile contract for people who want airtime without a new mobile phone – ideal if you want to keep your current phone. Providing you’re not currently locked into a contract, you can switch to a SIM-only contract and save approximately £180/year whilst keeping your phone number (see our guide to the best value SIM-only tariffs). When switching to a SIM-only tariff on a different network, you’ll need to use a PAC Code to move your number. The process for obtaining and using a PAC Code is exactly the same for SIM-only tariffs as for any other tariff.
Note that if you are taking your existing handset to a different network, you should make sure your handset is unlocked.
Can I transfer my number between Pay As You Go to Pay Monthly?
Yes. The process for moving between Pay Monthly and Pay As You Go is exactly the same.
I’m staying on the same network. How do I transfer my number?
The process is different if you are changing between two phones/tariffs on the same network: you don’t need to use a PAC Code as the transfer is done internally within the network.
Instead, you should simply order your new phone or SIM card and then ask customer services to move your number over. Our PAC Code Finder tool will takes you through the process of ordering your new phone and transferring your number.

How do I obtain a PAC Code?
You need to call the customer services department of your current network.
For those on the big five networks, call the following numbers:

• 3 (Three): 333 from your mobile (or 0843 373 3333 from a landline)
• O2: 202 from your mobile (or 0844 809 0202 from a landline)
• Orange – Pay Monthly: 150 from your mobile (or 07973 100 450 from a landline)
• Orange – Pay As You Go: 450 from your mobile (or 07973 100 450 from a landline)
• T-Mobile: 150 from your mobile (or 0845 412 5000 from a landline)
• Vodafone: 191 from your mobile (or 0870 0700 191 from a landline)

If you’re on a different network, our PAC Code Finder tool has all of the relevant contact details to obtain a PAC Code.
Am I legally entitled to a PAC code?
Yes, according to Ofcom’s ‘General Conditions of Entitlement’ (May 2011) Condition 18. All mobile phone companies must provide a PAC Code to consumers who request it within 2 days of the request. If they do not, they must explain why they cannot release a PAC Code to you. Reasons include:

• Failed security check – You must prove your identity when you call customer services. If you cannot do so, your network reserves the right not to release your PAC Code. This is to ensure that nobody can “steal” your phone number.
• PAC Code has already been issued – Once you’ve been issued a PAC Code, it is valid for 30 days. Your network won’t issue a new PAC Code if one has already been issued and is still valid.
• Tied in to a contract – If you’re currently locked into a contract (i.e. the initial 18 months or 24 months you signed up for), you’ll have to pay off the remainder of the contract when you terminate your contract and request a PAC Code. These charges will appear on your final bill.

Your network must issue you with a PAC code within 2 hours of your request. Typically you’ll be given the PAC code straight away over the phone but some networks will instead send PAC codes by text message.
How do I use a PAC Code?
You should order your new phone and SIM card now. Once it arrives, call the customer services of your new network and provide them with the PAC Code. They will handle the process of transferring your phone number.
To order your new phone or SIM card, select the network you are moving to:

Select the network you are moving to:
Three Pay Monthly SIM Only Pay As You Go iPhone iPhone 4S Free PAYG SIM Card	O2  Pay Monthly iPhone Blackberry SIM Only (Simplicity) Free PAYG SIM Card	Orange  Pay Monthly SIM Only Pay As You Go iPhone Free PAYG SIM Card	T-Mobile  Pay Monthly SIM Only Pay As You Go iPhone Free PAYG SIM Card	Vodafone  Pay Monthly SIM Only Pay As You Go iPhone Free PAYG SIM Card

How long does it take to transfer a phone number between networks?

It should take no more than one business day from the day that you provide the PAC Code to your new network. During the one day “transfer window”, calls to your phone number will continue to your old network. For this reason, you shouldn’t cancel your existing contract until after the PAC Code has been used and the transfer has completed.
If you’re waiting for a new phone or SIM card to arrive through the post, we recommend waiting until you’ve received your new phone/SIM card before using your PAC Code. This ensures that your number won’t transfer over before you have access to your new phone or SIM card and minimises downtime.
Note: that since May 2011, the process for transferring your phone number has been sped up. Some websites may still refer to 2 working days (or even 5 working days) – they are out-of-date.
Will I lose any text messages or miss any phone calls when I use a PAC Code?
No, you shouldn’t.  Usually there is very little downtime, if any, when you transfer a number using a PAC Code. Once you lose signal on your old phone/SIM card, you should turn on your new phone/SIM card. In my personal experience, number transfers happen overnight.
Can I take Pay As You Go credit with me to my new network?
No, unfortunately it is not possible to transfer Pay As You Go credit between networks. You should try to use up all of your credit before the number transfer usually takes place – any credit left on the day of the number transfer will be lost.
Will a PAC Code also transfer my saved text messages and contacts?
No. Once you have provided your PAC Code to your new network, your old SIM card will be disabled. You should manually transfer any contacts or text messages that you wish to keep.
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