Whether you're joining Tesco Mobile or leaving for another network, it's a straightforward process to keep your existing phone number.

Tesco PAC CodeIf you're leaving Tesco to join another network, or if you're leaving another network in order to join Tesco, it's super easy to keep your current phone number.

All you'll need to do is to request a PAC Code. It's totally free and the entire process of transferring your phone number should normally take no longer than one working day.

For detailed instructions, please choose the option that best applies to you:

Leaving Tesco For Another Network

If you're leaving Tesco Mobile to join another mobile network, you can take your phone number with you using a PAC Code from Tesco.

There are three ways to request a Tesco PAC Code:

  1. Online: You can get a PAC Code from Tesco by logging in to the Tesco Mobile account website. Once you've logged in, go to Request a PAC.
  2. By Text Message: You can get a Tesco Mobile PAC Code sent to you via SMS text message. Text PAC to 65075 to receive a PAC Code from Tesco.
  3. By Phone: You can get a PAC Code by calling Tesco Mobile. To do this, call them on 4455 using your Tesco handset. Alternatively, dial 0345 301 4455 from any other phone. You'll need to call during Tesco's opening hours (Monday-Friday 8am-9pm, Saturday 8am-8pm, Sunday 10am-6pm).

It's always free to get a PAC Code from Tesco Mobile, and it's your legal entitlement to be able to recieve one. If any cancellation fees apply to your Tesco Mobile contract, they should also tell you what this will be at the same time as sending you a PAC Code.

The PAC Code you recieve from Tesco should begin with TSC and should be 9 digits long (e.g. TSC 123 456).

Once you have your Tesco Mobile PAC Code, you'll need to provide it to your new mobile network operator. For detailed instructions, please select your new mobile network from the following dropdown menu:

PAC Code Finder
Find out how to use your Tesco PAC Code

Your new mobile network:

Don’t want to keep your Tesco phone number? You can request a STAC Code from Tesco instead.

Tesco STAC Code (Leave Tesco Without Keeping Your Number)

If you’d like to leave Tesco Mobile without keeping your current phone number, you’ll need to request a Tesco STAC Code rather than a PAC Code. There are three ways to get a STAC Code from Tesco:

  1. Online: You can get a STAC Code from Tesco by logging in to the Tesco Mobile account website. After logging in, go to Request a PAC.
  2. By Text Message: You can get a Tesco Mobile STAC Code sent to you via SMS text message. Text STAC to 75075 to receive a STAC Code from Tesco.
  3. By Phone: You can get a STAC Code by calling Tesco Mobile. Call them on 4455 using your Tesco handset. Alternatively, dial 0345 301 4455 from any other phone. You'll need to call during Tesco's opening hours (Monday-Friday 8am-9pm, Saturday 8am-8pm, Sunday 10am-6pm).

Once you’ve gotten your STAC Code, the rest of the process for joining your new mobile network remains the same. You can choose your new provider from the dropdown menu above for instructions on how to use your Tesco STAC Code.

Joining Tesco From Another Network

If you're joining Tesco Mobile from a different mobile network, you should ask your old mobile network to provide you with a PAC Code. The PAC Code will allow you to transfer your phone number to Tesco Mobile.

After getting a PAC Code from your old network, you should order your new phone or SIM card directly from Tesco's website. For more information, please select the type of tariff you're wanting to move to:

For a full list of the latest Tesco deals, please see this page on Tesco Mobile's website.

Get the Latest Deals from Tesco Mobile →

When Your New Phone Arrives...

Once your new phone or SIM card arrives from Tesco Mobile, switch it on and make sure everything's working correctly. If, for whatever reason, you need to return or change your handset or SIM card, it's best to do this before transferring your phone number.

Once you're happy to continue with the transfer, your PAC Code should be submitted through Tesco Mobile's online form. Alternatively, you can give the PAC Code to Tesco Mobile by calling 4455 on your Tesco Mobile handset. You can also call 0345 301 4455 from any other phone.

Providing your PAC Code to Tesco Mobile
The PAC Code should be submitted through a form on Tesco Mobile's website.

Once you've provided your PAC code to Tesco Mobile, your phone number transfer will normally be scheduled for the next working day (Monday to Friday only, excluding English bank holidays).

Sometimes, you’ll be given the option to provide a PAC Code at the same time as when you order your new phone or SIM card. We’d typically recommend against providing your PAC Code at this stage. Instead, waiting for the new phone or SIM card to arrive from Tesco Mobile first will allow you to make sure it’s working correctly and will make the process of cancelling or returning much easier.

Upgrading Your Plan On Tesco

If you're simply upgrading to a newer handset or tariff, it's not necessary to get a Tesco Mobile PAC Code. You can simply upgrade via Tesco Mobile's website. For more information, please select the type of Tesco price plan you're planning to move to:

More Information

For more information, please see the Tesco Mobile website. You can also read our full guide to using a PAC Code. This answers a lot of frequently asked questions and provides some additional tips on transferring your phone number.

For discussion, please see the comments below on this page. They show other people's experiences using a Tesco PAC Code or moving their phone number from another network to Tesco Mobile.

Your Comments 1,963 so far

We would love to hear your comments: either about using a Tesco Mobile PAC Code or transferring your phone number from another network to Tesco Mobile. The comments below are all from people who've done the same thing in the past. You can contribute by adding your own comments here.

To see all 1963 comments about transferring a phone number, please see the main PAC Codes article.

    • Ken replied:

      Hi Adrian,
      Thanks for your comment. Are you outside the minimum term of your contract with Tesco Mobile? If so, they won’t be allowed to charge you after the date on which your phone number was transferred. This doesn’t apply, however, if you’re still within the minimum term of your contract.
      Ken

  • Steven Black said:

    I need a PAC Code from Vectone Mobile to Tesco Mobile

    I have just one problem i can’t hear them because all the people are chatting to others cutomers
    and they can’t hear me

    I have tried the contact form but never get an answer

    Is there text number i can text please

    kind regards
    steve

    Steven Black transferred a phone number from Vectone Mobile to Tesco Mobile.

    • Ken replied:

      Hi Steve,
      Sorry to hear about the problems you’ve encountered trying to get a PAC Code from Vectone Mobile. Unfortunately, I don’t think there is a way to do this without going through Vectone customer support. Sorry about that!
      Ken

      • Rizwan replied:

        But customers centre should answers the calls
        Trying from one month daily two hours but no answer.
        I have never seen such bad customers services.

  • Jan Wilson said:

    Hello
    I intend switching my Tesco PAYG number to replace my Three PAYG number. I have zero balance with Tesco and £28 on my existing Three number. Can I be sure the PAC process will not delete my £28?
    Thanks

    Jan Wilson transferred a phone number from Tesco Mobile to Three.

    • Ken replied:

      Hi Jan,
      Many thanks for your comment. The PAC Code process doesn’t allow you to move credit between network, and equally, doesn’t affect the credit you have on your new network. Therefore, you can rest assured, your £28 of credit will still be there after you port your number into Three.
      Ken

  • Jim Pierce said:

    Both of us switched from Tesco mobile pay as you go to a Sky monthly Sim.
    Got the pac’s no problem
    Got the new Sims same no problem
    BUT
    Phones now say they need to be unlocked
    Would have been nice to know beforehand
    Telco mobile help page says ring them- on what
    Or take 24 hours for an email reply
    Absolute disgrace for what should be a simple service
    Any thoughts???

    Jim Pierce transferred a phone number from Tesco Mobile to Sky Mobile.

    • Ken replied:

      Hi Jim,
      I’m really sorry to hear that Sky Mobile didn’t make it clear you would need to unlock your existing handset before using a SIM card from their network. Unfortunately, this is an unavoidable process that applies to anyone wanting to use their phone on a different network, and you’ll need to liaise with your old network to get your handset unlocked.
      Ken

  • Sue said:

    I am absolutely disgusted with asda mobile, i called for a pac code a couple of days ago, and only because they could not sort a problem theycreated, i only phoned tesco mobile today gave them the pac code, they disconnected me about 6 which was before tesco had time to connect me over properly after i gave them the pac code i was given. My son rang me on the housephone just now, because they have already given my number to someone else before tesco have finished transferring. What the hell are they doing. Can you offer any advice please, this is going to create so much inconvenience.

    Sue transferred a phone number from ASDA Mobile to Tesco Mobile.

    • Ken replied:

      Hi Sue,
      I’m so sorry to hear about the problems you’ve encountered moving a phone number from ASDA Mobile to Tesco Mobile. Typically, it’s the responsibility of your new mobile network if something goes wrong during a phone number transfer. However, as I understand from your message, it was slightly different in your case that ASDA Mobile cut off your phone before the transferred occurred? If so, this isn’t the typical behaviour and as such, I wouldn’t really be able to give you any detailed suggestions. The chances are you’ll need to contact ASDA Mobile Customer Support to get this issue resolved: you can reach them on 0800 079 2732.
      Ken

  • Harry Orchard said:

    I have recently transferred from Tesco to Talktalk mobile (last Monday) and for 2days I could make phone calls but not receive them. Dialing my number from my landline gave varying results from “You have dialed an incorrect number” to 2 ring tones then disconnected tone then “this number is not receiving calls at the moment”.
    Due to 2days of frustration I demanded the PAC code back and Transferred back to Tesco but the problem remained even with Tesco.
    Now a further 2 days without incoming calls (except from a friend with a Tesco SIM) I am again totaly frustrated.
    I have complained bitterly to tesco but still waiting. can you make any suggestions
    Regard
    Harry

    Harry Orchard transferred a phone number from Tesco Mobile to TalkTalk Mobile.

    • Ken replied:

      Hi there,
      I’d recommend calling Tesco Mobile Customer Services on 4455 (0345 301 4455 if you’re calling from another phone). They should be able to arrange for this for you.
      Hope this helps,
      Ken

  • Noeleen said:

    I am with TMobile/ EE on a PAYG
    I wanted to change to Tesco mobile. There is about £80 credit in my account will this money come with me when I get my pac code and change. I had requestd my money back but got refused thank you

    Noeleen transferred a phone number from T-Mobile to Tesco Mobile.

  • Mercy said:

    I transferred from 3 to Tesco, got pac code on a Saturday 24 Sept and gave Tesco was told transfer would be done by Tuesday 27th. The number did show that it’s on Tesco when I checked my account and there’s Tesco signal on my handset. Unfortunately am not able to make or receive any calls or msgs on the number and now it’s 1st Nov nothing still. I did contact customer care Tesco they said they’ve made an escalation to three because they’ve not fully transferred all my files. How long does it take for them to get a response from three? It’s so frustrating.

    Mercy transferred a phone number from Three to Tesco Mobile.

  • Neil said:

    Is there such a thing as secondary pac numbers?
    I’m in the process of moving from Tesco mobile to Vodafone, I’ve been given a pac number by Tesco but Vodafone claim that they have given me a secondary number instead of a primary.
    Could this be true?

    Neil transferred a phone number from Tesco Mobile to Vodafone.

    • Ken replied:

      Hi Neil,
      Thanks for your comment. I’ve never heard of a “secondary PAC number” – I’m also unable to find any reference for this in the mobile number portability manual. Does your PAC Code match the expected nine-digit format (e.g. ABC 123 456)? If not, it’s possible you’ve been given a PUK2 (used to gain access to your SIM card if you enter the PIN number incorrectly three times).
      Ken

  • alan collins said:

    I gave my pac number 5 days ago and it still hasn’t been transferred over. I order new phone and tariff network from Tesco Mobile to Talkmobile and have tried ringing Carphone Warehouse and also TalkMobile but am not getting anywhere. Any ideas?

    alan collins transferred a phone number from Tesco Mobile to Talkmobile.

    • Ken replied:

      Hi Alan,
      Thanks for your comment. Unfortunately, I’m not able to answer any specific requests pertaining to your account. It sounds to me as if your number transfer hasn’t been processed correctly (i.e. they probably haven’t entered your details into the system). You should contact Talkmobile Customer Services on 5888 to check on the status of your phone number transfer.
      Ken

  • Paul Cullen said:

    Hi Ken
    Thanks for your excellent description of the old number to new phone process.
    I have just completed the same, from Vodafone to Tesco with no problem.
    However the number displayed in my new phone (moto G) status is still the temporary number allocated by Tesco. Will this update automatically, can I update it or will the phone always display the original number?

    Paul Cullen transferred a phone number from Vodafone to Tesco Mobile.

    • Ken replied:

      Hi Paul,
      Thanks for your comment. Could you kindly elaborate on which feature of your new smartphone is showing the old number? If it’s an instant messaging app (e.g. WhatsApp), you’ll need to re-register the app under the new phone number. If it’s an outgoing call still showing the old number, this would be a problem to discuss with Tesco customer support (call 4455 using your Tesco handset and ask them to check the caller ID). Finally, if it’s a problem in the Android interface (e.g. the wrong number showing on the About screen) you can normally resolve this by restarting your handset.
      Hope this helps,
      Ken

  • Shirley said:

    Hello, I have just recently gone from pay as you go on T-Mobile to a Contract with Tesco mobile. A PAC code was issued to me and I gave this to Tesco mobile. I have only had the phone since 6 September and apparently my old number from T-Mobile was ported on 9 September to my new phone. I have recently been advised by people that they cannot reach me on my new mobile from a landline. When rung from a landline the signal received by them is a dead one. I can receive calls on my new phone from other mobiles. I am having a very frustrating and stressful time with Tesco Mobile in getting this matter resolved. All manner of things have been tried and nothing works. Do you please have any ideas. Hope this makes sense.

    Regards

    Shirley

    Shirley transferred a phone number from T-Mobile to Tesco Mobile.

    • Louise replied:

      I am having a very similar experience I transferd my number from t mobile to giff gaff in September all was fine for the first 24 hours then I was unable to receive any calls from mobiles or landlines except from my daughter who is on O2, again just a dead tone. I then got no help from giff gaff so asked for another pac number and took out a new contract with a new hand set from O2, the exact same problem has occurred and again only my daughter or O2 can call me but I cann receive any text from anyone. O2 have disconnected me twice now and put me back on but this has not resolved the problem which I believe originates from t Mobile but they do not want to help as I am no longer their customer. This is a business number so really need to keep it please help

  • Danni_xo said:

    I am thinking of ordering my new phone today on Tesco mobile, but I can’t request my pac code from T- mobile until next week without being charged as I still have over 30 days left on contract. Is it possible to change my number over to my new phone once I have it? Or do I have to do it online before I receive the new phone?

    Danni_xo transferred a phone number from T-Mobile to Tesco Mobile.

    • Ken replied:

      Hi Danni,
      Thanks for your comment. You can request your PAC Code from T-Mobile at any time (the contract won’t actually be ended until your number transfers to Tesco Mobile). There’s never a charge for receiving your PAC Code. However, if you end your contract early (e.g. by giving the PAC Code to Tesco), you may be charged an early termination fee equivalent to 96% of the remaining cost of the contract.
      With regards to providing your PAC Code and transferring your number over to Tesco Mobile, you should always do this after receiving your new handset. It gives you an opportunity to test it out first (e.g. to make sure the handset works properly and that the coverage is OK in your home/office). So I would definitely recommend ordering the handset first – only after it arrives and you’re actually ready to move your phone number over, you can then fill out this form on TescoMobile.com.
      For more information, please see the step-by-step instructions on moving your phone number from T-Mobile to Tesco.
      Hope this helps!
      Ken

  • Ed said:

    Dear Ken,

    I think you might be the most helpful person on the internet…

    I’ve recently moved from Orange to Tescomobile.

    On Thursday 19th June (it’s now tuesday 24th) I requested to have my old number transferred. They emailed me with:

    “Thanks for your recent request to keep your mobile number. We’re working on transferring it now” etc etc

    So all seemed good.

    But it’s now Tuesday and nothing’s happened (my phone is still working on a different number).

    Should I sit tight or get onto customer care?

    Thanks.

    Ed.

    Ed transferred a phone number from Orange to Tesco Mobile.

    • Ken replied:

      Hi Ed,
      Thanks for the kind words 😉 If you provided the PAC Code to Tesco on Thursday, the number transfer should have completed sometime on Friday (otherwise on Monday if you missed the daily cut-off). As it’s now Tuesday and your number has still failed to transfer, I would definitely recommended getting in touch with Tesco Customer Services (you can do this by dialling 4455 from your Tesco handset). They should be able to give you an update on the transfer (it might be possible they forgot to action the transfer).
      Hope this helps,
      Ken

  • Mairi said:

    Hi Ken
    I have transferred my number using a PAC code from Vodafone to Tesco mobile. The number appeared to transfer successfully as I am receiving texts to my old number on my new phone, but when I send messages it is my temporary tesco mobile number that is appearing on the receiver’s phone. Will this disappear once my vodafone contract finally ends in 30 days?

    Mairi transferred a phone number from Vodafone to Tesco Mobile.

  • Dave said:

    Hi I have received a PAC code from Tesco Mobile, but Vodafone says that it’s invalid. I’ve talked to each company several times. Tesco say they can’t generate a new PAC code until this one expires. I’ve triple-checked the number and the code, but now I’m at an impasse.

    What can I do?

    Dave transferred a phone number from Tesco Mobile to Vodafone.

    • Ken replied:

      Hi Dave,

      I’m sorry to hear your problems about transferring a phone number. I’m not really sure what the solution is to this. As you mention, you can double-check the PAC Code making sure it’s in the right format (nine-digits long, in the format ABC 123 123). Also make sure that characters haven’t been mis-read (e.g. a 1 for an I or a 0 for an O). Aside from that, there’s no reason why your PAC code shouldn’t work. In order to generate the PAC, Tesco should have registered it on a central database that all of the mobile operators use. I’d ask them to double-check that this has been completed. In my view, the problem is more likely to have originated on Tesco’s side as they would be responsible for putting your request in the central database, etc. As long as the PAC was correctly given to Vodafone, there’s unlikely to be any problems on that side.

      Ken

  • Natty Lee said:

    Hi Ken, my husband is getting an iPhone on a contract with orange and wants to port his number, and as his contract with tesco has another 9 months to run I'm going to use his phone and want to port my virgin number, I am not tied into a contract, my question is which number do we transfer first to avoid problems?

    Natty Lee transferred a phone number from Virgin Mobile to Tesco Mobile.

    • Ken replied:

      Hi Kimberley,

      You will lose the credit on your Tesco SIM when you transfer your phone number over to Orange. For this reason, I recommend using it up before moving!

      Hope this helps,

      Ken

  • tony said:

    Hi Ken
    my wife has a PAYG phone with virgin (uk) and would like to switch to a tesco sim only monthly contract. but her phone is locked and virgin said it would cost £15 to unlock. does this Pac code unlock the phone or do we need to pay vigin the money first.
    ps the phone is nearly 2 years old.
    thanks tony

    tony transferred a phone number from Virgin Mobile to Tesco Mobile.

    • Ken replied:

      Hi Tony,

      No, a PAC Code will not unlock your phone – it only allows you to move your number. Your unlocking code costs £15 and unlocks the phone, the PAC Code is free and allows you to transfer your phone number.

      Hope this helps!

      Ken

  • Linda Smith said:

    i received my pac code from Vodafone, gave it to Tesco, waited a whole day. what has happened now is i can ring out but nobody can ring in or receive text. Tesco have said Vodafone have not released everything after two more days and calls to Tesco still no further on. What can i do?

    Linda Smith transferred a phone number from Vodafone to Tesco Mobile.

  • Suzy said:

    Hi
    I wonder if you can help. I am transferring from 3 (really bad signal) to Tesco Mobile and my phone is going through the PAC process today from 8 til 4 pm. Once the number has transferred over to my new phone does that mean my contract with 3 has ended? Do I have to contact them to confirm? They are not a very good customer services to deal with so am a little worried.

    Thanks

    Suzy

    Suzy transferred a phone number from Three to Tesco Mobile.

  • Campbell said:

    i am swiching from tesco to orange i got my new SIM and my PAC code but when i put my new orange SIM into my phone it says "Insert right SIM card" please help how do ii get on to orange.

    Campbell transferred a phone number from Tesco Mobile to Orange.

Leave a Reply