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

Orange PAC CodeIf 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:

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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)
    You'll need to call during Orange's opening hours (Monday-Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 8am-6pm, Sunday 8am-6pm).

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:

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

Your new mobile network:

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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)
    You'll need to call during Orange's opening hours (Monday-Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 8am-6pm, Sunday 8am-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 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).

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

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.

Your Comments 1,963 so far

We would love to hear your comments: either about using an Orange PAC Code or transferring your phone number from another network to Orange. 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.

  • 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.

    Helen A. transferred a phone number from Orange to EE.

  • 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

    Stuart transferred a phone number from Orange to TalkTalk Mobile.

    • 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

  • 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.

    John transferred a phone number from Orange to EE.

  • Hi, the opposite of what has happened to Sam has happened to me.
    I have had my old number with orange for 14 years. I just changed to LIFE mobile. I was waiting for a text to confirm the transfer of number and THEN my orange sim card (with old number I want to transfer to LIFE mobile) to be cancelled.
    Instead, my orange sim card and old number have been cancelled and I have only got access from the LIFE mobile sim card with their new number. It says it will take 2 business working days before I get my old number back..but it is important that it happens asap.

    Dawn transferred a phone number from Orange to Plusnet Mobile.

  • Hi, I just transferred my old number from orange to my new ee sim, both pay as you go, the swap hasnt happened yet as it apparently takes a few days. My question is: as the new sim had 10 pounds prepaid credit and a particular deal on it already, will I lose the credit and the deal when my old number replaces the temporary one? Thanks.

    Samuel transferred a phone number from Orange to EE.

    • Hi Samuel,
      Thanks for your comment. Normally, with a cross-network transfer, you lose your credit only on the network you’re leaving (the PAYG credit on your new SIM card will still be there after your transfer). With an internal transfer (e.g. going from Orange to EE), there isn’t a set rule for what would happen. For this reason, I would probably clarify directly with EE customer services (dial 150 from your EE handset). My guess is they should probably combine the PAYG credit from both accounts (in my experience, this is what other networks will typically do).
      Hope this helps,
      Ken

      • I’ve just done this transferring a virgin mobile number to a sainsburys mobile sim. I had credit and a bundle on the sainsburys sim but lost them when the number transferred. I’m dealing with their customer service at the moment trying to get it resolved since I’m pretty sure I should keep that credit.

  • Hi, I’ve recently transferred from Orange to Vodafone and kept my new number using the PAC code – that has all gone smoothly but when friends are texting me they are using my old number that I kept from Orange and it’s coming through to my new Vodafone phone as it should but when I reply to them the message or the phone calls appear on their phones as the new Vodafone number that came on the sim rather than my actual number. Could you give some advice as to why this is happening and if there is a solution? Thanks.

    Suzy transferred a phone number from Orange to Vodafone.

    • Hi Suzy,
      Thanks for your comment. Are you by any chance using an iPhone? If so, your text messages may continue to show a temporary phone number after the transfer takes place. There’s more information here on how you can resolve the problem. If you’re using another device and your SMS text messages are showing the wrong number, you should contact Vodafone Customer Services about the problem you’re having.
      Hope this helps,
      Ken

  • Hello, I’m on orange and i changed my number to another orange number as i was receiving calls of unknown people i got told it would take “couple of hours” for the number to change from my side but it still hasn’t changed, how long does it usually take? And would I receive a sms to let me know its been changed?

    A.w transferred a phone number within Orange.

    • Hi AW,
      Thanks for your comment. Unfortunately, changing your phone number is an internal network process. For this reason, there isn’t an agreed service standard which applies to all companies across the industry. The only thing I can advise you to do is to contact Orange Customer Services on 150 (450 if you’re a Pay As You Go customer). They should be able to give you an update on this process.
      Ken

  • Hi, I had to move from Orange PAYG to EE PAYG to be able to swap my micro sim to a nano sim. Was assured my old number and credit would be transferred across. 48 hours later my old number has been ported but not my credit! Have been in touch with the local EE shop and was told to give it time. How long should it take?

    Sue transferred a phone number from Orange to EE.

    • Hi Sue,
      Thanks for your comment. Unfortunately, the transfer of credit from Orange to EE is an internal process within the EE network. For this reason, I wouldn’t know how long the process is expected to take. The best way of checking will be to call EE Customer Services on 150.
      Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful.
      Ken

  • im having difficulty in the supposed easy migration to ee from orange ,firstly i got e-mail saying a new sim would arrive in 2days ,NO sim arrived in 8 days , rang customer service told then ,and that i already had a new unused paygo EE sim ,they said no problem ignore the one that has gone astray and give them the new EE sim phone number and theyll transfer my orange number to it and it could take 24hr, 38 hours later my number is still on my orange sim but they’ve transfer my credit to the EE sims temporary number,so now i carnt even call customer service to speak to them ,im under impression they’ve messed it up ,and just transferring my credit ? Why on earth would i want such when ive had the orange number over 10 years! 🙁

    jason transferred a phone number from Orange to EE.

  • Hi Ken

    I’m really struggling with this so hope you can help. I was an orange customer and my contract expired a couple of weeks ago and I changed to a sim only contract and kept the same phone (iPhone 4). However my phone number is still the temporary phone number and has not changed to my old original number that I want to keep. I’ve been in contact with EE technical support a lot to no avail, have tried resetting all the settings, changing the number to my original number within settings, turning off iMessage, FaceTime etc. however the phone number still reverts to the temporary number. Any tips you can provide would be great.

    Craig transferred a phone number from Orange to EE.

    • Hi Craig,
      Thanks for your comment. Are phone calls and text messages still showing the temporary phone number or is the problem restricted to only iMessage and FaceTime?
      If phone calls and text messages are showing the temporary phone number, it means EE are still yet to transfer your number to the new SIM card. You’ll need to contact EE Customer Services on 150 to get your phone number transferred to the new SIM card.
      If the temporary phone number only shows on iMessage and FaceTime, see the info here on how to update it.
      Hope this helps,
      Ken

      • Thanks Ken, turns out EE hadn’t linked my number to the SIM card. All resolved now after a helpful call to their customer service.

  • sheila Brack said:

    Hi I chose to up grade my phone 1month before my early up grade was due.This was due to the hand set failing.I was informed by Orange I could not upgrade.I there for requested a PAC code as needed to sort new handset.I was also wanting to move to EE . After some considerable and distressing wrangling passed from pillar to poseventuality got a Pac code that was 4 days ago. MY number still has not been transferred and my Orange acct on line is still live showing no change. Please can you help as I have a new phone I can’t use.

    sheila Brack transferred a phone number from Orange to EE.

    • Hi Sheila,
      Has your new plan started at EE and have you given them the PAC Code from Orange? If so, you should be able to contact EE Customer Services to enquire about the progress of your phone number transfer. If not, you’ll need to make sure the PAC Code has been submitted to EE directly. The schedule for phone number transfers can be found in this table.
      Hope this helps,
      Ken

  • Hi Ken,
    I have been to an EE store early this afternoon and transferred over from and Orange contract to EE. They rung and got my PAC code for me and input that to the new contract to swap my number over. But I’m still waiting for the number to transfer.
    Are there any tips/tricks to make the process quicker?

    Many thanks,
    Vicky

    Vicky transferred a phone number from Orange to EE.

    • Hi Vicky,
      Thanks for your comment. Unfortunately, there’s no way to speed up the process of transferring your phone number – it can only happen as per the schedule listed here. As the PAC Code transfer request was actioned on a Sunday, you should expect the phone number to be transferred some time on Tuesday.
      Ken

      • Hi Ken,
        Thank you for your reply. Also, I keep getting different answers- which phone should I be using until the number transfers?
        The old phone which has the number I’m transferring or the new phone which has a temporary number until it’s replaced with my number?

        Thanks for your help.

        • Hi Vicky,
          You’re welcome to use either of the handsets: both of them will continue to work. Personally, I would try to use the new contract as much as possible (it’s worth doing this so if there are any problems with the handset or network, you’ll be able to spot them early). If you decide to make an outgoing phone call, consider using your old handset on Orange (so as not to confuse people when they get a call from your temporary number on EE!).
          Ken

  • I have been attempting to obtain my pac code from Orange all morning but keep being fobbed off with the busy excuse. Is there another no. I can contact? As it happens I wish to move to asda which is also EE.

    Alan scott transferred a phone number from Orange to ASDA Mobile.

  • Russ and Jill said:

    Hello – thanks for all the grreat info on your site.

    I am an Orange customer just out of contrcat. I have been offered an upgrade by Orange to EE – but I have found a better price for the exat same deal through a third party supplier.

    I have told Orange this, but they have said they cannot match it. (can you believe that !)

    Orange have issued me with my PAC code, and I am going for this deal with third party supplier. But I will technically be a ‘new’ customer to EE. So will I still be able to use my PAC code somehow to leave Orange, but Join EE as a new customer (theough a third party supplier) and still use my PAC code to carry my number over.

    Thanks for any insight you may have

    Russ and Jill transferred a phone number from Orange to EE.

  • I’ve just ordered a new phone contract for my wife on EE, she is an existing orange customer so I was under the impression she should be able to port her number. I have been told that EE took over t-mobiles billing wing/infrastructure (or something like that) so transferring an old t-mobile number to a new (not upgraded) EE contract would not work but it is possible between Orange and EE, they have since told her that she cannot transfer her number as Orange are part of EE. Could you confirm this, am trying to get all my info together before I phone them up!

    Bernard transferred a phone number from Orange to EE.

      • Hi Ken, thanks for your reply, everything has gone surprisingly smoothly, transferring an old Orange number to a new EE account is just the same as transferring numbers between other companies, i believe it is when you transfer between an old T-Mobile number and a new EE account you have trouble as EE took on the T-Mobile accounting devision.

  • I ordered my sim only contract over a week ago, I had the sim the next day with the “temp number ” but my old number has still not transferred from my orange to ee sim, its been over a week

    paul transferred a phone number from Orange to EE.

    • Hi Paul,
      Thanks for your comment. Have you had any luck getting the number moved over? If not, it’s probably worth giving EE a prod (you can contact them for free by dialling 150 on your EE handset).
      Ken

  • Hi.

    I upgraded my phone 3 days ago from Orange to EE (from a Samsung Galaxy S3 to an Apple iPhone 6). I was told that by simply turning the phone on, it would only take my number 20 minutes to transfer over and yet it still hasn’t. I’ve tried turning it on and off several times as well.
    Any suggestions?

    Thanks, Laura

    Laura transferred a phone number from Orange to EE.

    • Hi Laura,
      Thanks for your comment. As you’ve progressed the number transfer as an internal upgrade from Orange to EE, the information relating to PAC Codes won’t be applicable in your current circumstances. Nevertheless, I’d expect your number transfer to happen on a working day (there could also be delays due to Christmas office closures, etc). If your number is still yet to move from Orange to EE, I’d recommend calling customer services on 150. They’ll be able to give you an update on the transfer.
      Hope this helps,
      Ken

    • Hi Caroline,
      Thanks for your comment. Did you proceed the number transfer using a PAC Code or did you upgrade directly through an EE upgrade? In general, it’s not possible to transfer Pay As You Go credit between two networks (see this section of the article above). This would be the case if you did a PAC Code transfer. However, if you upgraded directly through EE, they should have transferred the Pay As You Go credit to your new account for you. If they didn’t, you can call EE Customer Services on 150 and ask them what happened to the credit on your account.
      Hope this helps,
      Ken

  • Hi All I transfers from Orange to 3 last Tuesday My orange sim did not disconnect, i kept trying the 3 sim until it worked Tuesday pm but the orange one still showed a final and connection now when i ring the number now on (3) the orange phone still rings, now no credit left.
    I called 3 on weds, and orange, called 3 and orange Thursday, called 3 on Friday still saying it can not happen, called 3 again today Monday and the chap reckons it will be sorted out in 24-48 hours again
    can not receive calls on 3 can make them though calls come through on orange and switching it off says orange answerphone.
    Blimey 3 got a mouthful
    Still not sorted

    Ian transferred a phone number from Orange to Three.

  • Hi Ken,

    3 weeks ago, I transferred my mobile number from Orange (Dolphin) contract to ASDA Mobile.
    (both on the EE network). I had no problem securing my PAC number and the transfer seemed to go smoothly apart from the fact that I can make calls and receive texts but cannot send texts.
    I left my Orange SIM card in my old mobile and my Daughter was able to send a text message on this. I have since removed that SIM card.
    I have called ASDA Mobile on 3 occasions to be told that this has been a problem for many customers transferring from Orange and the technicians are working to resolve the problem. ASDA has given me extra credit for my phone as I am continually having to make calls instead of sending texts.
    Can you advise me of my next step as it has been 3 weeks? I have already lodged a complaint with CISAS against Orange and am waiting for their response.

    Many thanks,
    Chris

    Chris transferred a phone number from Orange to ASDA Mobile.

    • Hi Chris,
      Sorry to hear about the problems you’re experiencing on ASDA Mobile. Unfortunately, I don’t have much specific advice regarding this matter – it sounds like a problem which needs to be solved by ASDA technical support. I would recommend checking two things:
      1) Verify the SMS message service centre settings on your phone – they’ll need to be correct for you to be able to send a text message.
      2) Consider using an instant messaging app (e.g. WhatsApp). I know it doesn’t solve your problem but it should allow you to stay in touch with friends whilst the problem is solved (it’s free to send messages so this is cheaper than calling).
      Aside from that, I couldn’t give any more advice except to keep following it up with ASDA.
      Good luck,
      Ken

  • I found this article very useful and didn’t know there was anything like a PAC code out there.
    just for confirmation, i am 14 months into a 24-month contract (with talk-mobile), my mum also has a 24-month contract (with orange (now EE i think)) but that has come to an end as of a few weeks ago.
    What i would like to do is for my mum to have my phone and use that, she terminates her contract and then i get to have a new phone and a new contract on a different network, she has agreed to this only if she gets to keep her current number.
    Would it work if i were to get a PAC code from orange, redeem it on my phone with talk-mobile and then that’s it?!
    would that auto-terminate my mums contact?
    would that be allowed 14 months into my contract?
    would my current tariff be exactly the same but with my mums number when i give it to her (provided this works)?
    apologies for asking several questions i just cant help but doubt a seemingly easy solution to my problem. Thank you

    Inigo Moore transferred a phone number from Orange to Talkmobile.

    • Hi Inigo,
      Thanks for your comment. Normally, most networks will allow you to use a PAC Code any time during your contract. In this case, your mum would simply request a PAC Code from Orange and would transfer her Orange phone number onto your existing contract (albeit, you’ll lose the phone number currently on that contract and the contract would still be in your name). Unfortunately, for reasons I’m not totally clear on, Talkmobile only allows you to transfer an incoming phone number at the start of the contract. Hence, it unfortunately wouldn’t be possible to do what you’ve described on Talkmobile. It is probably worth giving them a call on 5888 to see whether they can be a bit more flexible (but unfortunately, no guarantees). Do accept my apologies – I really wish I could have been more helpful!
      Ken

  • I have just upgraded from Orange to ee. I am able to make calls n send messages etc but some of the messages I send don’t show my number, they show the number that was initially in the phone!! I have changed the number to my number in settings n when I make a call it shows as my number, it’s just these odd few texts that show as a different number (the number originally in this phone. I’m totally confused!!

    Ez transferred a phone number from Orange to EE.

    • Hi Ez,
      The best thing to do would be to give EE a call on 150 – let them know your caller ID is still displaying a old number from before your number transfer. They should be able to resolve this problem for you!
      Ken

  • Hi,

    I was an Orange customer and upgraded on Thursday to EE with the same number. I was told as Orange is part of the EE Group that I wouldn’t need a pac code.

    The upgrade went through fine. My services started on Thursday with EE and then on Friday at 7.30pm all services were lost.

    When I called EE they advised me that my number had been ported to someone else.

    A pac code was provided to someone else for my number. Consequently, they now have my mobile number and I have no mobile number at all!

    Orange and EE keep saying they have never seen this before. I have been told I have to go back to Orange and then try to go back to EE again as per my upgrade which could take a further week!

    In the meantime, I have no number and someone else is getting all my calls and messages etc.!

    Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!

    Many thanks,
    Laura

    Laura transferred a phone number from Orange to EE.

    • Hi Laura,
      It sounds as if this is a massive mess-up on the part of EE: there are implications both in terms of disruption to your service and also in terms of your data security and privacy. My immediate thoughts are to lodge a formal complaint with EE – ideally you should do this in writing using the online form. This should help to escalate your issue to a higher level. There should also be someone assigned to dealing with this issue.
      I hope the issue will get resolved as quickly as possible. Please do keep me updated on any progress from EE (or if you have any further questions about the same issue).
      Many thanks,
      Ken

  • Hi Ken

    I have recently switched from Orange to GiffGaff, after coming to the end of my 24 month contract. I have paid a final bill already, but a month later they have billed me for another month’s line rental. I know their terms and conditions state that you must give 30 days notice to cancel a contract, even once it has run it’s term, but for that 30 days I would expect to continue to receive service. But I was lead to believe that by porting the number with a PAC code, that this would cause the contract to terminate immediately that the number had been ported away from them, as the Orange SIM was no longer linked to my number and I was not receiving any service. Do I really have to pay for a month’s “line rental” in a month where they did not supply me with a “line”?!

    Regards

    Lucy

    Lucy transferred a phone number from Orange to giffgaff.

    • Hi Lucy,
      It does really suck but unfortunately that’s the way things currently work with the 30 day notice period 🙁 One way you’re able to get around it is to give your notice in advance. Alternatively, you can request your PAC Code and to only use the code just before it expires (other readers have done this in the past as you’re still able to use the old line for almost one month). I’d really love to be able to change the system but I suppose it’s an effective way for the mobile networks to take their last pound of flesh before you switch to a rival. So certainly worth filing a complaint with Orange – with enough feedback, hopefully the networks will change their policy in the future.
      Ken

  • Hi
    I am orange network customer.on the 1st of September I called customer services and told the lady there that I was due for an upgrade she put me through to the loyalty team who offered a 4GEE sim only deal and was told it would be a like for like deal as I was on orange. BUT not the case. Since the 1st of September ive been without the use of my phone. I received my 4GEE sim on the 5th of September but the number was different and not as promised the deal was also different from the one I was quoted. So again no use of the phone as phone was saying no service. I called back ee and explained this to them on Monday the 8th of September I got so annoyed and asked to reverse migrate to orange as before. On Wednesday the 10th of September I recieve a text message on my temporary number saying that my “upgrade and price plan has been reversed back to orange and that my number will be moving back on the 11th of September”.
    This has not been the case at all I’m still without the use of my phone to date. I have been on the phone to orange daily twice a day. It’s costing me a lot of money as I’m using the landline. And all I am told is that it takes a bit of time for this process! HOW MUCH LONGER!!!
    One extremely frustrated customer.
    Please advise.

    Sunita transferred a phone number from Orange to EE.

    • Hi Sunita,
      I’m very sorry to hear about the problematic migration from your old Orange plan to a new tariff from EE. Quite frankly, it’s totally unacceptable that EE have left you without the use of your phone for a period of 17 days. In this case, I would strongly recommend you make an official complaint via EE’s website. This will escalate the issue to a higher level and should help you in getting your phone service back. They might also be able to compensate you for the loss of service during the botched migration.
      Good luck,
      Ken

  • Nightmare! Virgin supplied the PAC COde with no trouble. It took me 2 hours and 3 phone calls to get through to Orange and get the right person to talk to. After waiting 3 days I discovered they had transferred my Virgin number to someone elses phone. I have been promised that it will be sorted in 24 hours. Will believe it when I see it. Virgin customer service is far superior, just a shame that they are not as competitive on price.

    Sheila transferred a phone number from Virgin Mobile to Orange.

  • Hi Ken,

    I’m currently at the end of a pay monthly contract with Orange (EE) and I’ve requested my PAC code (my contract end date has passed but I’m still in the 30 day’s notice period) and I’ve requested my PAC code as I couldn’t find any good upgrade deals. I found a brilliant deal on a website for a pay monthly contract with EE, I would like to keep my current number but I’ve read from various sources that it’s not possible to port a number from a monthly contract to another pay monthly contract on the same network. Is this the case? And is there nothing else I can do to keep my number while taking out a new contract with a new account?

    Peter transferred a phone number from Orange to EE.

    • Hi Peter,
      Thanks for your comment. As an Orange customer, you can upgrade to EE without using a PAC code (EE will simply process this as an internal upgrade within their network). If the same deal isn’t available to customers who are upgrading, it could then be worth asking Customer Services if they can match the deal you’ve seen for new customers.
      If it’s not possible for them to match the deal for new customers, you can of course sign up as a new customer via the EE website. Using the details of your new account, you can then provide your Orange PAC Code to EE via this online form. I haven’t got other examples exactly for your situation, but there are a couple for people moving from T-Mobile to EE.
      Hope this helps!
      Ken

  • This has been horrendous and still isn’t sorted.
    I was with Orange pay as you go and had £9.97 credit. This was transferred from my account within 12 hours of subscribing to a new pay monthly contract so I couldn’t use my phone. The SIM card arrived 4 days later with a pac code from orange. I followed the instructions and entered my details online to move my old number over. The following day I could only make outgoing calls, after 3 calls to the technical team and another 4 days the issue still isn’t resolved. A new sim is on the way which could take another 3-5 days.
    Great 10 days without a phone isn’t funny and there is still no guarantee of it working.

    EE’s phone transfer sucks and I wouldn’t recommend EE. Perhaps I should cancel the contract.

    Mike Bullock transferred a phone number from Orange to EE.

  • Hi

    I on orange contract. I going switch to t-mobile payg smart pack. I have SIM card ready. I have pac code ready. Do I need put money on SIM card before transfer number or I can wait after transfer number?

    When I fill out t-mobile transfer number online form how I know number transfer work and complete (I know it take next business day)? I get text or something?

    Jay transferred a phone number from Orange to T-Mobile.

    • Hi Jay,
      It’s not necessary to top-up your SIM card (though it needs to be active when you submit the PAC Code). I would recommend topping up immediately if it isn’t too difficult (as you’ll need some credit to test the new SIM card and also in case you need to contact T-Mobile Customer Services).
      With regards to the online form, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with details of the transfer and an estimated time for its completion.
      Hope this helps!
      Ken

  • I am trying to transfer my number from pay monthly to pay as you go on orange. Can this be done evened tho I have an outstanding balance but also they have given me a PAC CODE. Any help please??

    Chris transferred a phone number within Orange.

    • Hi Chris,
      Thanks for your comment. As you’re moving from Orange Pay Monthly to Orange Pay As You Go, it’s not necessary to use a PAC Code. Instead, you should call Orange Customer Services on 150 (they should be able to change your account over manually without a PAC).
      Hope this helps,
      Ken

      • Hi ken thanks f,or you swift reply, they are saying this cannot be done until I pay them my outstanding balance today and then they will give them to me on a PAYG SIM but then they will charge me £800.

  • 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.

    • 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

  • Hi Ken,

    2 years ago I switched form Orange to T-mobile (even though both parts of the same company (EE)) and ported my number across.
    I was able to get a new phone and cheaper line rental by not “upgrading”.

    Is this still possible i.e. switch between orange and t-mobile or have they now closed this loophole?

    I plan to do the reverse (i.e. switch from t-mobile back to orange) now my contract is up.

    May I add that you have a really informative helpful website and well done on replying to those with questions (some website owners abandon their projects after a small amount of time).

    Neil transferred a phone number from Orange to T-Mobile.

    • Hi Neil,

      Thanks for the kind words and really glad to know you found the website useful! Yes, it’s still possible to switch from T-Mobile to Orange and you can still sign up as a new Orange customer. The drawback of your plan is that Orange and T-Mobile are no longer available online. You can still buy an Orange contract, but only in EE’s retail stores (where sales staff will normally push you towards an EE 4G contract). It can be a little difficult obtaining details about the Orange deals so you may need to push this with the staff.

      Ken

  • Melvyn Burton said:

    Hi Ken,

    You say ‘Once the phone number has been transferred to Virgin Mobile, your account on Orange will automatically be closed. You’ll receive a final bill for any outstanding charges’. I’m currently on pay as you go, so will the refund my any outstanding credit?

    Thanks

    Melvyn

    Melvyn Burton transferred a phone number from Orange to Virgin Mobile.

    • Hi Melvyn,

      Thanks for the comment! If only it worked in such a fair way… unfortunately any remaining Pay As You Go credit will be forfeited during a number transfer. For Pay Monthly, it works slightly differently… if your account is in credit you’d then be able to claim a refund.

      Sorry to bear the bad news for PAYG users: you’ll either need to use up remaining credit or you can instead donate it to charity (e.g. to Cancer Research UK). If you do neither, then it’s retained by Orange as profit.

      Ken

  • I think I may need to contact Orange customer support but just wanted to get some background in case.

    I have just switched from a T-mobile SIM only 30 day plan to an Orange pay monthly.

    I obtained the PAC from TM yesterday and gave it to Orange. I received a txt message from Orange on my OLD phone telling me that my settings had been updated and to turn my phone off and back on again this morning about 4am.

    Now, today, I can make outgoing calls and texts and the receipient gets my old number showing on their screens, however, incoming calls and messages are going to my old phone.

    The phone number that came with my Orange phone has been disconnected.

    Does this sound like the transfer is still in progress and I received the text too early? Or should I be concerned that there is a problem now?

    Any help, gratefully received.

    Alan transferred a phone number from T-Mobile to Orange.

    • Hi Alan,

      It sounds as if your phone number transfer might still be in progress? My recommendation is to restart your phone every couple of hours – if there’s still a problem by the end of the working day then you should get in touch with Orange Customer Services (dial 150 from your Orange handset). Fingers crossed everything will work properly – do keep us updated on the status of your transfer!

      Ken

  • Hi Ken, I have been with Orange about 22 years( almost since they started) always with the same number.I had an old Nokia and my son recommended switching to a Samsung Galaxy s 4 on a monthly contract.I went with him to Brentwood in Essex and we chose Vodaphone as the best plan for me.I live out in the wilds some 30 miles from Brentwood and when I tried to use the phone discovered there was no Vodaphone network coverage, so the phone was useless.I signed the contract on Sat 19th October and by the time I had tried to use the phone it was too late to report. So it was the 21st when I rang the shop to cancel the contract.My son had already rung Vodaphone with the PAC and because I was going abroad transfer had been agreed for November 4th.I went to Spain on the 21st returning late on the 31st and took the phone back to the phone shop in Brentwood on 1st November.They were very apologetic and gave me a special deal with EE. While I was in the shop they rang Orange to cancel the transfer to Vodaphone and I arranged to go in on the 4th for them to handle the transfer to EE as things were a bit complicated.On the 4th the assistant who dealt with me had the day off and the manager was sick.I was in Brentwood overnight so went to the shop on the 5th.My PAYG was cut off and the shop Manager rang Orange to transfer to EE only to be told that they had transferred the number to Vodaphone and there was nothing that could be done by them.Vodaphone refused to give the PAC unless I honoured their original contract and paid off the full amount of 24 x £32 (£768) .I was in the shop over 2 hours and I think Vodaphone may have acted illegally.I am considering going to their compliance dept but would appreciate your thoughts .Thanks in advance,your site is very informative and I have bookmarked it and will definitely recommend it.

    mike transferred a phone number from Orange to Vodafone.

    • Hi Mike,

      Sorry to hear about your experience with Vodafone. When joining Vodafone, there should be a 7-day cooling off period. Hence, as you signed your contract on the 19th October, you should have until the 26th October to cancel your contract. There are no extra charges or early termination fees for cancelling your contract in the first seven days.

      As mentioned in your comment, you called to cancel on the 21st October. This was within the original 7-day period so there shouldn’t have been any problems. However, I believe your cancellation request wasn’t processed until after the seven day period. Your Vodafone account would still have been active on the 4th November as a number transfer took place on this date (the 4th November is 15 days after the contract was signed so would be outside of the cooling off period). As your contract was still active after seven days, this is why they’re asking you to pay off your contract.

      My recommendation is to argue things out with Vodafone. Let them know that you asked to cancel your contract within the original 7 days. Perhaps the request got lost somewhere within the shop or within Vodafone’s systems: if they made a mistake then they should cancel your contract at no additional charge. Escalating things to the CEO’s office can sometimes be effective.

      I wish you the best of luck in resolving the situation with Vodafone. In case things can’t be resolved, the worst-case scenario would be buying a Vodafone Sure Signal box. This will give you 5-bar coverage at home but there is an extra cost when you buy the box. Still, it would be much cheaper than paying the full £768 for a service you’re unable to use.

      Ken

    • Hi Daniel,

      Once your account has been closed, the phone number will have unfortunately been returned to the network. However, if it’s simply a case of your SIM card not working, then your account may still be open with Orange. If you contact Customer Services, they should be able to send you a replacement SIM card.

      Ken

  • Hi there 🙂 just a quick question to check if everything is going smoothly with my switch from an Orange SIM to a new Virgin one (changed to a new rolling contract with better coverage) – is it normal for my mobile internet, texts and calls on my new activated SIM/contract to be completely down during the “port date” (which if I understand it correctly is the 24-hour period for my PAC code to be transferred and for me to get my old number back). Hopefully this lack of service is just temporary and hopefully as soon as my new number is reset, my new contract and its features will be up and working as normal automatically?
    Thanks 🙂

    Kristian transferred a phone number from Orange to Virgin Mobile.

    • Hi Kristian,

      Thanks for getting in touch. When you lose coverage on the Virgin SIM, you should restart your phone. Upon doing this, the service should come back but with calls & texts to your old number now being routed to your new SIM.

      Hope this helps!

      Ken

      • Hey, thanks for the reply – I have tried restarting it a couple of times and still no internet or calls coverage, texts are apparently working though.Getting a bit worried as it’s all meant to be sorted and switched over by midnight at the latest, and one of my contacts replied saying my number’s back to the old one so presumably it should be done! :S

        • Hi Kristian,

          It’s really bizarre that texts are working but calls aren’t – sorry I don’t have an explanation for this. My recommendation would be to go to Virgin Customer Services (call 0845 6000 789 from your landline). For internet I’d normally recommend looking at your APN settings. You can find the APN settings for Virgin here. That said, the fact that calls aren’t working might indicate it’s another problem.

          Sorry to not be of more assistance and I wish you the best of luck resolving the issue with Virgin. If you do find out the problem, it would be great to know so we can share this with other readers.

          Many thanks,

          Ken

  • I am switching from O2 to Orange. My new phone arrived last Thursday. I contacted O2 and was given a PAC more or less immediately. First thing Friday morning, the new phone had been activiated so I rang Orange (150) and gave them the PAC to get my old number transferred. I was told that my number should transfer between 10am and 3pm the following day….I’m still waiting, it’s now Tuesday pm and nothing has happened. I did think well maybe he hadn’t realised that the following day was saturday and these things didn’t happen on a weekend. But surely something should have happened by now! I know your advice will be ring Orange, but an hours wait on the phone, while I’m at work isn’t ideal!

    Lou transferred a phone number from O2 to Orange.

    • Hi Lou,

      Thanks for getting in touch. You’re right in saying that phone numbers don’t transfer at the weekend, so a request submitted on Friday morning should go through on Monday (Tuesday if you miss the cut-off time). As your number still hasn’t transferred as of Tuesday evening then it seems like Orange have failed to transfer your number correctly. I’m afraid my advice would indeed be to contact Orange… though fingers crossed the wait shouldn’t be as long as an hour. Orange are the most likely people to know what’s happened: i.e. whether your request was correctly entered into the system, the status of your number port, etc.

      Ken

  • Paul Pearson said:

    Hi Ken,

    I used my PAC code yesterday to transfer my number from O2 to Orange. It is now just over 24 hours later. When I call from my new phone, the number shows up as the transferred number as expected. However when I call to the trasferred number from another phone, the call still goes to my old phone with my old O2 sim. Is this normal? Will it be resolved if I wait a few more hours?

    Thanks.

    Paul Pearson transferred a phone number from O2 to Orange.

    • Hi Paul,

      I believe this problem may occur temporarily – your old network (O2) still needs to release the number to Orange. On the Orange side, they’ve changed the “Caller ID” number to the number you’re transferring from O2. If this problem isn’t resolved after a few hours, I’d recommend getting in touch with O2. Let me know how it goes!

      Ken

  • I was with orange I have now left orange and have now got a new phone on 24 month contract with dialphone but the net work is still with orange I have been told by Orange that I can't transfer my old mobile number over is this correct ?
    J

    Joan transferred a phone number within Orange.

  • I had a pack code from O2.. Purchased a new phone from Orange //phoned to give them the Pac code. it has been a week of constant phonecalls saying within 24 -48 hours it willbe sorted. I have no service apparently my temporary number has not been activated. SO a weel later and still no joy. How long should it take is it better to forget the pac code and ask for a new sim and start again

    Suzie transferred a phone number from O2 to Orange.

  • Hi Ken
    I want to change from Orange to Virgin Mobile as they have much better deals and I believe despite being a loyal customer Orange have let me down on more than one occasions. I called today to ask for the PAC code and they said that as soon as they issue one my SIM card is disabled (that is customer service from Orange for you). I am utterly disgusted with their approach and crap plans so would like to know what are my consumer rights in the UK as Orange will terminate the SIM only service as soon as I am issued with the PAC code rather than when Virgin Media take over.
    Cheers
    Calista

    Calista transferred a phone number from Orange to Virgin Mobile.

  • Hi,

    I'm on a 30-day rolling contract with Orange and I would like to switch to Pay as You Go with Three. Is it possible? The point is I have to give a notice of 30 days. What shall I do?

    Thank you,

    Andrea

    Andrea transferred a phone number from Orange to Three.

    • 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

  • I was with orange network for number of years at least 6 years, last year i decided to move to 3 network as they have a good offer then, Orange has given me my PAC not by request but beacause i was cancelling my contract as i was at the end of it. Orange has sent me my PAC through the post but I decided to have a new number so i did not use my PAC but I was clear that I was cancelling my contract then they even sent me a letter acknowledging that i was leaving and all, but beacause I dont monitor my account, I only realise after a year that they are still charging me. I have spoken to them yet they said they could not do anything about it but to only cancel that contract…..HELP is ther a way to have my money back?

    Jamilla transferred a phone number from Orange to Three.

  • i gave 30 day notice to cancel my orange account, and asked for a PAC code to transfer to O2. About 28 days on I gave O2 the pac code, bu they missed the deadline for some unknown reason. Orange say that because I didn't use the pac code before it expired, then i have to give another thirty days on my account. Is this right? I went over this very carefully with orange at the time, and wanted to be sure that my account would be cancelled. Can they ignore my notice like this?

    abl transferred a phone number from Orange to O2.

  • Charlie gunner said:

    Hi I’ve done the PAC code transfer from vodafone to orange but now my old phones receiving texts from orange because my numbers been swapped but my new phone is the old number and I can only ring from it and the old one receives the texts and can’t ring out. What do I do ?

    Charlie gunner transferred a phone number from Vodafone to Orange.

  • Hi

    I have a contract with orange and have had it for years as a personal number. I have just left my job and been given a PAC code for my work number which is on O2 and I prefer this number. Can I transfer this number to my current orange contract and replace my old orange number with it, or will orange tell me to take a new contract out?

    wiible transferred a phone number from O2 to Orange.

    • Hi Rouge,

      It takes up to 24 hours to change your network from Orange to Vodafone. You'll still have access to your Orange phone until the moment that the number moves over the Vodafone, so you shouldn't miss any calls/texts during that time. And yes, lots of people have done this switch – it works!

      Ken

  • i have just recently transferred from orange to t mobile using your pac code tutorial, the confirmation of the number transfer came through today and ever since then there has been zero connection to the mobile internet. is this something ive missed?

    mayfield transferred a phone number from Orange to T-Mobile.

    • Hi JJ,

      It's worth calling Orange Customer Services and asking them to transfer your credit along with your phone number – it's certainly possible on O2 Pay As You Go… don't know about Orange!

      Ken

  • steelcitykitchen said:

    My orange contract is coming to an end and I am taking out a new contract with orange, but via an online provider with an NHS discount offer. Orange are saying that even with a PAC code I can't keep my old number – even though they will still be my network!. I don't think this is legal – can anyone help?

    steelcitykitchen transferred a phone number within Orange.

    • Hi there,

      There is nothing illegal about this – one would hope that Orange would transfer your number between accounts in order to retain a loyal customer. I know other readers have initially experienced problems transferring their phone number between two Orange SIMs but they normally succeed eventually after speaking to several people in the call centre. If you really struggle, you can transfer your number out to a different network before transferring it back in.

      You can get some free SIM cards for other networks here.

      Ken

  • Its been about 2 – 3 days since I asked for the switchover from Orange to T-mobile. Is it a problem that I am abroad? Will I have to wait until I get back to the UK for the switchover to actually happen? Thanks.

    Petrit transferred a phone number from Orange to T-Mobile.

  • Hi ken

    I’m planning on moving from Orange PAYG. to Vodafone PAYG and I wish to keep my existing number which I’ve had since 2000. I understand that Vodafone will need the PAC code but wouldn’t they also need the SIM card number? Because how else are they to know which SIM to transfer it to?

    Sarah W transferred a phone number from Orange to Vodafone.

    • Hi Sarah,

      Yep – let Vodafone know your PAC code and the number that you'd like to transfer over to them (though I'm sure this is uniquely linked to your PAC code anyway). You'll also need to let them know which Vodafone account to transfer it (e.g. your temporary phone number or something).

      Hope this helps,

      Ken

  • James Allanson said:

    I gave my PAC code to Orange two weeks ago, a week later nothing happened. Rang them up a week ago and was told that it would be sorted by midnight, got a text on my old sim card from T-Mobile (my old network) saying that it had started the process and would be done by the end of the day. A week later, and again nothing has happened. So I rang them this morning to be told there was something wrong with my PAC code, so I re-gave them the code and was told it would be done between 11am and 3pm. It's now 5 and a half hours after this time and still nothing.

    Why is it taking so long? And is this actually against the law (Ofcom) as I have seen on some forums that there is a set amount of days that the network has to transfer the number over?

    James Allanson transferred a phone number from T-Mobile to Orange.

  • Hi,
    I had an orange contract that just finished on 23-11-2011. I have a new vodafone contract since last 3 months and the new number is active since last 3 months. Orange have issued me a pac code on request. But now because my vodafone number is already 3 months old, I wonder if I can still use the pac code and get my Orange number again. Thanks for all replies.

    Manzil transferred a phone number from Orange to Vodafone.

  • I want to keep my Orange mobile number & Orange email address but I am transferring to O2 will I still be able to access my Orange email even when I have transferred my old number to o2. I have to input my orange number to login to Orangemail.

    Ken transferred a phone number from Orange to O2.

    • Hi Ken,

      I guess your phone number is just like a username so I can't see any reason why this can't be possible in principle. That said, if your e-mail service was an additional feature of the mobile service, it's possible your e-mail account could be closed at the same time.

      Ken

  • I'm cancelling an orange contract and found a cheaper contract for an iphone4 with orange with phones 4u!! the call centre people from orange said it would be possible to keep my old number due to restarting a new contract with them? She basically said that the pak code would work? Even though phones 4u will say it will?? Please help??

    Lak transferred a phone number within Orange.

  • kelvin gaffin said:

    hi i would like to know i switched my number from payg orange to payg o2 i got a text off o2 sayin once o2 uk cums back at th top of my phone that my number will be switch over, it says it will be active by the 4th may 2011 6pm latest but i text my number and it still hasnt received it could u help thanx kelvin

    kelvin gaffin transferred a phone number from Orange to O2.

  • Hi. I have a rolling contract with 3 okay and my dad has a rolling contract with orange. I like his tariff and he likes mine. So i would like to swap sims and keep our own numbers. Pl advise what the exact procedure as Im nt sure.Hope you can help Thanks

    adam transferred a phone number from Three to Orange.

  • 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.

  • Hannah Collins said:

    I’m trying to move from Orange to O2 and Orange staff are being very uncoperative by cutting me off etc.

    Yesterday my mum went to the Orange shop and they put us through to a man in India. He said that he would phone us back between 12:30 and 1:00 p.m that day it is now 2:59 the following day and we have still not heard from him, when my mum was talking to him in the shop he said that there was a queue of 600 people waiting for PAC codes.

    I have advice for people changing networks:

    DO NOT CHANGE TO ORANGE

    Hannah Collins transferred a phone number from Orange to O2.

  • Hi Ken

    I have an orange contract – dolphin 30 with 3g and 500mb internet access . I have purchased an iphone 4 which I have now discovered requires a smaller sim card – a micro sim. Orange are refusing to provide me with a micro sim unless I purchase an add on iphone bundle for £10 per month, They say my existing ontract won't work (not true as I am currently using an Iphone 3gs). It seems no other provider is insisting on charging an extra monthly charge just for providing a micro sim. Is there anything I can do to fight orange about this (I know I can just cut my sim down but would rather try and get Orange to play fairly).

    thanks

    Lyn

    Lyn transferred a phone number within Orange.

    • Hi Lyn,

      Unfortunately there is little you can really do – Orange are under no obligation to provide you with a micro-SIM and they are well within their rights to ask you to pay more for it. If you've completed the course of your contract, you could take your custom elsewhere to get a micro-SIM or you could order a £25/mo. iPhone micro-SIM from the Orange website. Cutting the SIM is another alternative but it would be totally at your own risk and you could render your SIM card useless.

      Ken

  • Hi,

    Wondering if you can help. I have a contract with orange, which has now gone out of contract. I wanted to upgrade, but they couldn't offer me a very good deal, so I decided to get a phone online, which was much cheaper with cashback options. The new contract is through e2save (part of carphonewarehouse), but with Orange still. I was told by e2save that I would be able to port my existing number to a PAYG sim, and then onto my NEW contract in order to keep the same number. Just spoke with Orange about moving it from my current sim to a PAYG orange sim, and then onto the New orange sim. They told me that they can no longer do this, and that the only way to keep the number is to upgrade with them. Is that correct, and is this allowed?..

    I also have a Vodafone PAYG sim, and when I spoke with them, they said that it would be possible, but it would take 48 hours to move to PAYG, and then 48 hours again to move to New sim, and that I would have to be with them for 30 days before they give me a PAC code.

    I know it's a little confusing, but advice please!!!!

    Rose transferred a phone number within Orange.

    • Hi,

      Thanks for your comment Rose. I know of several friends and have received emails from people who have been able to port their number from an old Orange contract to a new one which was purchased through CPW. It seems like Orange really don't like doing this so you might have to speak to several different people in customer services first. But they can most certainly do it if you can persuade them to do so!

      Ken

      • Excellent news. Thanks for your help. I'll be more persistent. Did these people do it recently, though? As the guy I spoke to at Orange thought he could do it, but spoke to someone else who told him they no longer do that.

        • Hi Rose,

          My friend did it in September but had to call customer services 3 times! Put it this way… you're paying them a lot of money and other networks would love you to join them instead! It's bizarre why they'd make it so hard for you to stay on Orange!

          Ken

  • Yo,
    I recently got a new phone, and changed networks to Orange (contract) from O2 (pay as you go). I didn't get a PAC code in order to take my old number with me (I'm already regretting that decision), and I am now officially with Orange. Is there any way that I can still transfer my old number onto my new phone, or will I have to start the process of telling all my friends and family my new number?
    Cheers

    John transferred a phone number from O2 to Orange.

    • Hi John,

      Providing you still have the Orange SIM card and the phone number hasn't been disabled, I think Orange Customer Services should still be able to give you a PAC Code to transfer your phone number.

      Ken

  • I gave my PAC code to Orange on Wednesday, so i'd get my number transferred from Vodafone. My number is now on my new phone with Orange, however my texts and phone calls are still going through to my Vodafone phone, is this normal?

    Laura transferred a phone number from Vodafone to Orange.

  • I'm switching from 02 to orange. I have had my pac code through and have contacted orange and given it (pac code) to them. I currently have a different number from the new orange sim, but they said it can take 3 days to switch (due to the weekend most probably Monday). They told me to have my mobile off – but which sim/phone do they mean. The new orange one or my 02 one? my contract with 02 ended on Friday and I cancled it a few days before. They said for the pac to work properly my mob needs to be off, but I don't get which one they mean?

    katy transferred a phone number from O2 to Orange.

    • Hi Katy,

      I'm not sure… you'll have to ask them for a clarification of what they mean. As far as I know, when the transfer happens you will simply lose signal on your old phone. For me it happened overnight so on the Monday morning when I woke up and turned my phone on, my old phone stopped working and the new one had the existing phone number.

      My advice is to reboot your new phone when you lose signal on your old one. I think this should be sufficient.

      Ken

      • Keep your new phone/sim switched off during the switchover period.

        Switched from 3 to Vodafone yesterday. Vodafone told me keep the Vodafone mobile/sim off between 11am and 4pm. And don't switch it on until after 4pm, even if signal is lost on the 3 phone/sim before then.

        With regards to the old phone – they didn't specify, only that it's important to switch off the new phone. Going to just keep both off – easier…

  • Hi, I got a new SIM with o2 and requested a PAC code from Orange so I could keep my number. Orange said they'd send it in the post for me.
    I put the new o2 SIM in the mobile I'm using so that I could get it set up ready for when I receive the PAC code. The SIM said it had been activated and it appears that I now have signal and can use the SIM for calls and texts – but obviously on a new number that I dont want to use. Now that the SIM has been activated will I still be able to use the PAC code, SIM and keep my number? or have I screwed up by putting it in the phone?

    Liam transferred a phone number from Orange to O2.

    • Hi Liam,

      Nope! Spot on… that is exactly what you need to do. You need to activate your new SIM card & phone number before you can even use your PAC code! Once it arrives in the post, call O2 customer services and give them the PAC Code. They'll handle the porting for you.

      Ken

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