Whether you're joining Orange or leaving for another network, it's a straightforward process to keep your existing phone number.
If you're leaving Orange to join another network, or if you're leaving another network in order to join Orange, 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:
- I'm leaving Orange and joining another network
Transfer your Orange phone number onto a different mobile network. - I'm joining Orange from another network
Transfer your phone number from another mobile network to Orange. - I'm upgrading my Orange phone or SIM card
Transfer your phone number from one Orange account to another Orange account.
Leaving Orange For Another Network
If you're leaving Orange to join another mobile network, you can take your phone number with you using a PAC Code from Orange.
There are two ways to request an Orange PAC Code:
- By Text Message: You can get an Orange PAC Code sent to you via SMS text message. Text PAC to 65075 to receive a PAC Code from Orange.
- By Phone: You can get a PAC Code by calling Orange. To do this, call them on:
- For Orange Pay Monthly, dial 150 (or 07973 100 150 from any other phone)
- For Orange Pay As You Go, dial 450 (or 07973 100 450 from any other phone)
It's always free to get a PAC Code from Orange, and it's your legal entitlement to be able to recieve one.
Once you have your Orange 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:
Don’t want to keep your Orange phone number? You can request a STAC Code from Orange instead.
Orange STAC Code (Leave Orange Without Keeping Your Number)
If you’d like to leave Orange without keeping your current phone number, you’ll need to request an Orange STAC Code rather than a PAC Code. There are two ways to get a STAC Code from Orange:
- By Text Message: You can get an Orange STAC Code sent to you via SMS text message. Text STAC to 75075 to receive a STAC Code from Orange.
- By Phone: You can get a STAC Code by calling Orange. Call them on:
- For Orange Pay Monthly, dial 150 (or 07973 100 150 from any other phone)
- For Orange Pay As You Go, dial 450 (or 07973 100 450 from any other phone)
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 Orange STAC Code.
Joining Orange From Another Network
If you're joining Orange 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 Orange.
After getting a PAC Code from your old network, you should order your new phone or SIM card directly from Orange's website. For more information, please select the type of tariff you're wanting to move to:
For a full list of the latest Orange deals, please see this page on Orange's website.
Get the Latest Deals from Orange →
When Your New Phone Arrives...
Once your new phone or SIM card arrives from Orange, 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 Orange's online form. Alternatively, you can also provide your PAC Code to Orange over the phone:
If you're joining Orange Pay Monthly, you can submit your PAC Code by calling 150 on your Orange handset. Alternatively, call 07973 100 150 from any other phone.
If you're joining Orange Pay As You Go, submit your PAC Code by calling 450 (07973 100 450 if you're calling from another network).
If your PAC Code is provided before 5.30pm, your phone number transfer will normally be scheduled for the next working day (Monday to Friday only, excluding English bank holidays). For PAC Codes submitted after the 5.30pm cut-off, you'll need to wait one extra working day for your number to be transferred.
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 Orange 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 Orange
If you're simply upgrading to a newer handset or tariff, it's not necessary to get an Orange PAC Code. You can simply upgrade via Orange's website. For more information, please select the type of Orange price plan you're planning to move to:
More Information
For more information, please see the Orange 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 an Orange PAC Code or moving their phone number from another network to Orange.
Helen A. said:
I just tried to move from Orange to EE and it eventually turned out that the transfer of my phone number was going to take take 6 days during which time I could not use my number for incoming calls. First it did not go through automatically, then a day later I phoned and was told it would be re-requested and would go through in a further 24 hours or so. The next day I contacted EE by chat to confirm and was definitely told it would go through at midnight that night. It didn’t. The next day, a Saturday, I was told it would not go through until midnight before Tuesday morning. I have cancelled my contract, under cooling off rules and am looking for another deal.
Stuart said:
About 15 years ago a former colleague bought a batch of Orange PAYG mobiles for office use. These were subsequently replaced by contract mobiles and the PAYG mobiles were given to the staff.
I kept mine for personal use when I retired and I have used it ever since.
I have now bought a smart phone on talktalk network and I wish to transfer the number from the old phone. I have many contacts who have my number.
I am having difficulty getting the PAC number from Orange (now EE).
Can you help please?
Stuart
Ken replied:
Hi Stuart,
Thank for your comment! Could you kindly elaborate a little on what problems you’re having getting a PAC Code from Orange? It should simply be a matter of calling Orange on 450 and then going through security to get your PAC Code (for PAYG they should ask you for some details about recent top-ups, etc).
Ken
John said:
On 31 March I took my wife’s new unlocked iPhone to an EE shop to arrange a move from Sim Only Orange to a similar EE deal with a same number transfer.
The paperwork, ID check were completed and the new Sim installed in around twenty minutes.
By 1600 on 1 April the number transfer to the new phone was complete.
Excellent service.