Switching from TalkTalk Mobile to Three? It's a straightforward process to keep your existing phone number.

Step 1: Get a PAC Code from TalkTalk Mobile

If you’d like to move your phone number from TalkTalk Mobile to Three, the first step is getting your Porting Authorisation Code (or PAC Code) from TalkTalk Mobile.

There are three ways to get a PAC Code from TalkTalk Mobile:

  1. Online: You can get a PAC Code from TalkTalk Mobile by logging in to the TalkTalk account website. Once you've logged in, go to Switching.
  2. By Text Message: You can get a TalkTalk Mobile PAC Code sent to you via SMS text message. Text PAC to 65075 to receive a PAC Code from TalkTalk Mobile.
  3. By Phone: You can get a PAC Code by calling TalkTalk Mobile. To do this, call them on 2883 using your TalkTalk Mobile handset. Alternatively, dial 0345 172 0044 from any other phone. You'll need to call during TalkTalk Mobile's opening hours (Monday-Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 8am-8pm, Sunday 8am-8pm).

Here are some key things to know:

  • A PAC Code is 9 digits long and follows the format ABC 123 456.
  • Your PAC Code is valid for 30 days. If you don't use it during this time, the PAC Code will expire and you'll need to request a new one.
  • You shouldn't close your account at TalkTalk Mobile: it'll be closed automatically when your phone number is transferred to Three.

Still in contract with TalkTalk Mobile? If so, you may need to pay an early exit fee on your bill from TalkTalk Mobile. To find out how much this would be, text INFO to 85075.

Don’t want to keep your TalkTalk Mobile phone number? You can switch to Three without taking your phone number with you. If you'd like to do this, get a STAC Code from TalkTalk Mobile instead.

TalkTalk Mobile STAC Code (Leave TalkTalk Mobile Without Keeping Your Number)

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

  1. Online: You can get a STAC Code from TalkTalk Mobile by logging in to the TalkTalk account website. After logging in, go to Switching.
  2. By Text Message: You can get a TalkTalk Mobile STAC Code sent to you via SMS text message. Text STAC to 75075 to receive a STAC Code from TalkTalk Mobile.
  3. By Phone: You can get a STAC Code by calling TalkTalk Mobile. Call them on 2883 using your TalkTalk Mobile handset. Alternatively, dial 0345 172 0044 from any other phone. You'll need to call during TalkTalk Mobile's opening hours (Monday-Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 8am-8pm, Sunday 8am-8pm).

Once you’ve gotten your STAC Code from TalkTalk Mobile, the rest of the process for joining Three remains the same.

Step 2: Order your new phone or SIM card from Three's website

You should now order your new phone or SIM card using the Three website. Please select the type of tariff you're intending to move to:

If you're looking for a SIM card from Three, the following deals from £7/month are currently most popular:

NetworkMinutesTextsDataMonthly Cost
(may rise during contract)
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited8GB£7.00
24 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited30GB£8.00
12 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited60GB£10.00
12 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited120GB£12.00
24 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited£20.00
24 months

For a full list of available tariffs and the latest Three deals, please refer to this page on Three's website.

Alternatively, if you're getting your Three plan from a reseller, tap on their logo for more information:

Three will assign you with a temporary phone number during the transition process. This will allow you to test out the service before you finally transfer your phone number to Three.

Step 3: Give the PAC Code to Three

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

Once you're happy to continue with the phone number transfer, contact Three and provide them with your PAC Code from TalkTalk Mobile.

Your PAC Code should be entered on Three's online form. Alternatively, you can give the PAC Code to Three by calling 333 on your Three handset. You can also call 0333 338 1001 from any other phone.

If you have a STAC Code from TalkTalk Mobile rather than a PAC Code, this can be provided to Three in the exact same way.

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

Remember:

  • You must provide the PAC Code to Three within 30 days of it being issued by TalkTalk Mobile. If the PAC Code has already expired, you'll need to return to step 1 and request a new PAC Code from TalkTalk Mobile.

Step 4: Phone Number Transferred (Next Working Day)

As long as you've submitted your PAC Code to Three before 5pm, your phone number transfer will normally be scheduled for the next working day (Monday to Friday only, excluding English bank holidays). After 5pm, you'll need to wait one extra working day for your number to be transferred.

On the day of the transfer, you'll momentarily lose coverage on both mobile networks. When this happens, restart your handset on Three. You should find that the Three phone or SIM card will now associated with your original phone number.

  • If you see an error message (e.g. "SIM card registration failed"), this means it's time to restart your phone.
  • Once the phone number has been transferred to Three, your account on TalkTalk Mobile will automatically be closed. You'll receive a final bill from TalkTalk Mobile for any outstanding charges.

Get the Latest Deals from Three →

Any Other Questions?

In case of any problems during the transfer of your phone number, you should contact your new mobile network (Three) with details of the problem.

If you have any other questions on using a PAC Code, please see my in-depth guide to transferring your phone number between networks. You can also read the comments below from other visitors to this website.

← Full Article: "PAC Codes - How to transfer your mobile number when switching networks"

Your Comments 1,963 so far

We'd love to hear your comments on transferring a phone number from TalkTalk Mobile to Three. The comments below are from people who've made the same transfer. You can add your own comments here.

To view all 1963 comments about transferring a phone number, please visit the main PAC Code article.

  • Nigel Aplin said:

    Ken

    Thank you for publishing these pages – It had partially helped me. I have recently transferred a mobile number from TalkTalk to Talkmobile using their PAC. Unfortunately it then took 3 months of fighting TalkTalk for them to close my account as they claimed the number hadn’t been disconnected…

    My currently problem is the opposite. I transferred the number from TalkTalk to Three, but Three claim the PAC is not linked to a mobile number. TalkTalk has disconnected the number, saying it was successfully transferred. This is my ex-business number, so I was keen to keep it. Who is responsible for ensuring the PAC is linked to the number? Both parties blame each other…

    • Ken replied:

      Hi Nigel,
      Sorry to hear about the problems you’ve faced transferring phone numbers from TalkTalk Mobile to Talkmobile & Three. It looks like some really strange things are happening over at TalkTalk (whether this is due to problems with their system or with their customer service, I’m not sure).
      Typically, I’d say the destination network (in this case, Three) is responsible for the number moving over successfully to their network. Hence, I normally advise people to contact their new mobile network first. In your case, it sounds like you’ve already done and they’ve told you it was a problem with the original PAC Code from TalkTalk Mobile. In this case, the responsibility would fall with TalkTalk as it’s their legal obligation to provide you with a PAC Code that works!
      Unfortunately, if the two networks continue blaming each other for this mistake, I’m unable to really help you out much further except from to suggest you make a formal complaint in writing to both parties. But hopefully this gives you a good idea of the responsibilities held by each party, and best of luck resolving it with TalkTalk & Three.
      Ken

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