Whether you're joining Sky Mobile or leaving for another network, it's a straightforward process to keep your existing phone number.
If you're leaving Sky to join another network, or if you're leaving another network in order to join Sky, 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 Sky and joining another network
Transfer your Sky Mobile phone number onto a different mobile network. - I'm joining Sky from another network
Transfer your phone number from another mobile network to Sky Mobile. - I'm upgrading my Sky phone or SIM card
Transfer your phone number from one Sky account to another Sky account.
Leaving Sky For Another Network
If you're leaving Sky Mobile to join another mobile network, you can take your phone number with you using a PAC Code from Sky.
There are three ways to request a Sky PAC Code:
- Online: You can get a PAC Code from Sky by logging in to the Sky Account website. Once you've logged in, go to My Account > Mobile > My Number.
- By Text Message: You can get a Sky Mobile PAC Code sent to you via SMS text message. Text PAC followed by your date of birth in DDMMYYYY format to 65075 to receive a PAC Code from Sky.
- By Phone: You can get a PAC Code by calling Sky Mobile. To do this, call them on 03300 412 524 using your Sky handset. Alternatively, dial 03300 412 524 from any other phone. You'll need to call during Sky's opening hours (Monday-Friday 8.30am-11pm, Saturday 8.30am-11pm, Sunday 8.30am-11pm).
It's always free to get a PAC Code from Sky Mobile, and it's your legal entitlement to be able to recieve one. If any cancellation fees apply to your Sky Mobile contract, they should also tell you what this will be at the same time as sending you a PAC Code.
Once you have your Sky 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:
Don’t want to keep your Sky phone number? You can request a STAC Code from Sky instead.
Sky STAC Code (Leave Sky Without Keeping Your Number)
If you’d like to leave Sky Mobile without keeping your current phone number, you’ll need to request a Sky STAC Code rather than a PAC Code. There are three ways to get a STAC Code from Sky:
- Online: You can get a STAC Code from Sky by logging in to the Sky Account website. After logging in, go to My Account > Mobile > My Number.
- By Text Message: You can get a Sky Mobile STAC Code sent to you via SMS text message. Text STAC followed by your date of birth in DDMMYYYY format to 75075 to receive a STAC Code from Sky.
- By Phone: You can get a STAC Code by calling Sky Mobile. Call them on 03300 412 524 using your Sky handset. Alternatively, dial 03300 412 524 from any other phone. You'll need to call during Sky's opening hours (Monday-Friday 8.30am-11pm, Saturday 8.30am-11pm, Sunday 8.30am-11pm).
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 Sky STAC Code.
Joining Sky From Another Network
If you're joining Sky 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 Sky Mobile.
After getting a PAC Code from your old network, you should order your new phone or SIM card directly from Sky's website. For more information, please select the type of tariff you're wanting to move to:
For a full list of the latest Sky deals, please see this page on Sky Mobile's website.
Get the Latest Deals from Sky Mobile →
When Your New Phone Arrives...
Once your new phone or SIM card arrives from Sky 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 Sky Mobile's online form. Alternatively, you can give the PAC Code to Sky Mobile by calling 03300 412 524 on your Sky Mobile handset. You can also call 03300 412 524 from any other phone.
If your PAC Code is provided before 5pm, 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 5pm 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 Sky 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 Sky
If you're simply upgrading to a newer handset or tariff, it's not necessary to get a Sky Mobile PAC Code. You can simply upgrade via Sky Mobile's website. For more information, please select the type of Sky price plan you're planning to move to:
More Information
For more information, please see the Sky 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 Sky PAC Code or moving their phone number from another network to Sky Mobile.
Raymond Lee said:
My contract with EE ends on June 26, 2020. I have to give notice to EE on the 27th of May 2020. I wish to move to sky mobile. On what day do I text for a pac code and not incur any penalties.
Ken replied:
Hi Raymond,
Thanks for your comment. Ideally, I’d time your switch for the 26th June or for any time after that if you want to avoid an early exit fee from EE. With regards to obtaining your PAC Code, you can get one at any time without incurring any charges. It’s valid for 30 days once you request it, with exit charges only being triggered when you actually use the code to move to another network.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Andrew Taylor said:
Hi Ken
I ported my number from EE to Sky when I got my iPhone 11, my number works with calls but iMessage and FaceTime do not have my number as a choice – just the number that came with the sim when the phone was delivered. I’ve called Sky twice and they eventually told me to call Apple. Three call to the helpline and one visit to an Apple shop later, I’m no further forward. I’ve tried all the suggestions both Apple and Sky have made, do you have the fix?
Ken replied:
Hi Andrew,
Thanks for your comment. Yes, you can resolve this issue by following the instructions here 🙂
Hope this helps,
Ken
Peter L said:
I am a Sky customer. I have just upgraded from an iPhone 6 to a Huwaei p20 pro.
I want to keep my old number. Do I just insert my iPhone sim into my new phone. Also there is a £60 cashback offer on the p20 but I am having difficulty finding how to claim this on your website
Ken replied:
Hi Peter,
Thanks for your comment. Yes, you can just put your existing iPhone 6 SIM card into the Huawei P20 Pro. With regards to the cashback offer, this is something you’ll need to chase up directly with Sky Mobile unfortunately as I don’t know all of the details about this offer.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Claire said:
I requested the PAC from O2 and switching via the SKY site seemed relatively straight forward. I was mailed with a date the switch would take place which was 2 working days from completing the form, all as advised so far. On the day of the switch, my O2 phone stopped working however, whilst I can make calls from my new Sky phone with my old number that has been imported, I can’t receive calls. When anyone calls my number, they receive a voice message saying the number is incorrect.
SKY customer service are telling me the issue is being looked at by their porting team. The porting team must be based on Mars as it seems the customer service agent isn’t able to contact or talk to the porting team and find out what is going on. When I asked, I was told it was an issue at O2’s side. I’ve contacted O2 and they can see the number was moved at 11am the previous day. I’m now getting really frustrated with Sky as it’s been 48hrs and I’m still none the wiser what is happening.
Anyone else experienced a similar issue or know how to contact the porting team directly?
Any advise welcome, Sky aren’t being very helpful. I’m just being told to expect a text when complete
Layla replied:
I’m having the same issue. They’ve told me to wait 72 hours for the switch. As if people can bc wait for that long time for a switch which normally takes a couple of hours. I’m stuck here myself they just said wait to me aswell.
Charles Butterworth said:
Hello my contract with bt mobile finished in a months time taken out a contract with sky have not told bt yet wish to take my bt number to sky can I do that will I have problems with bt
Ken replied:
Hi Charles,
Many thanks for your comment. This won’t cause you any problems with BT, as you can decide to move your phone number over at any time. However, it’s worth noting that you’ll normally need to give 30 days notice to bring your contract to an end. BT are normally entitled to charge you for 30 days after you tell them you want to leave, so delaying the request of your PAC Code may cause you to pay a little bit extra here.
Hope this helps,
Ken
barbara said:
We once I’ve activated my sky SIM card can I put my old 02 SIM card back in my phone until the day of sky make my old numer active
Ken replied:
Hi Barbara,
Yes – you are more than welcome to continue using your old O2 SIM card until the date your phone number finally moves over to Sky.
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???
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
Terry said:
Hi Ken,
Firstly, thank you for the helpful and easy to understand guides.
I am looking to transfer my current O2 number to a Sky mobile deal. I have no issue with the normal process but I have lost my current O2 mobile, so to port a number from O2 to Sky, would my old (lost) mobile need to be powered on?
I know I can gain the PAC over a landline.
Regards
Terry
Ken replied:
Hi Terry,
The PAC Code is generated on the mobile network side, and doesn’t relate at all to your handset. So there’s no need to power on your old mobile phone (you just need to be able to contact O2 Customer Services and clear security with them to obtain the PAC Code).
Ken
Yin Maw said:
I have been struggling transferring my number from Lyca to Sky mobile. I’ve tried several ways. It has been a month today.
My number is Lyca. I’ve made a contract with sky. Then I got PAC code from Lyca. When I transferred to Sky mobile, I couldn’t. Then I called Sky mobile but Sky mobile couldn’t help me because Sky mobile has no agreement with Lyca.
Is that possible? I hope someone able to help me out.
Ken replied:
Hi Yin,
Sorry to hear about the problems you’ve encountered transferring a phone number from Lycamobile to Sky. I’m not aware of any reasons why this shouldn’t be possible: Sky should be able to accept a PAC Code from any network. I’d probably recommend making a complaint in writing to Sky, so you can escalate the issue or at least get the restriction in writing.
Best wishes,
Ken
William M replied:
This issue has been ongoing since Sky started. They claim not to “have an agreement with Lyca” which is totally against the spirit (and probably legality) of OFCOM regulations. Seems Sky can do what they want, and totally flout the number portability arrangements applying to ALL U.K. operators ☹️
Matt said:
Hi Ken I’m switching to Sky monthly from o2 PAYG and o2 are telling me they will charge me £15 for an unlock pin as phone only a few months old but have provided a pac code. Is thus allowed as I paid for phone outright?
Ken replied:
Hi Matt,
Thanks for your question about moving your phone number from O2 to Sky Mobile. With regards to O2 charging you £15 to unlock your handset, this is allowed and is O2 policy for customers who’ve had their handset for less than 12 months (their justification for this is you would have received the handset on a subsidised/discounted basis). The PAC Code, however, should always be free and you should never be charged for it.
Hope this helps!
Ken