By How to transfer & keep your phone number when switching to another mobile network: a step-by-step guide to using a PAC Code.
In the UK, it’s a straightforward process to transfer your phone number from one mobile network to another. This makes it easy to change mobile networks, whilst keeping the same phone number as before. It also ensures you won’t miss any incoming phone calls, and there’s no need to tell everyone a brand new number.
To move your phone number from one network to another, you’ll use something called a Porting Authorisation Code (or PAC Code for short). It normally takes one working day to transfer your phone number using a PAC Code and it’s always free to do so.
Step-By-Step Instructions: Transferring Your Phone Number
For a step-by-step guide on how to keep your current phone number, please select your current mobile network followed by the mobile network you’re planning to join:
PAC Code Finder
Find out how to move your phone number
Through the rest of this article, we’ll discuss the process for transferring your phone number in a little more detail. We’ll show you how to get a PAC Code from different mobile networks, and then how you can use the PAC Code on your new network. We’ll also discuss the validity and expiry of PAC Codes, before looking at some special cases (e.g. transferring your phone number within the same network).
Contents
What is a PAC Code?
In the UK, a PAC Code (or Porting Authorisation Code) is used to transfer your phone number from one mobile network to another.
There are three steps to transferring your phone number:
- Start by getting a PAC Code from your current mobile network. It takes less than a minute to get a PAC Code from your network, and there’s no need to speak to anyone on the phone. You can get your PAC Code either online or by text message – simply follow the instructions here for your network. There’s no cost and no obligation when getting a PAC Code.
- Order your new phone or SIM card. Once you have the PAC Code from your old network, you can order the new phone or SIM card from your new mobile network. To start with, you’ll be given a temporary phone number so you can make sure the service works correctly before transferring your phone number.
- Give the PAC Code to your new mobile network. Finally, you can give the PAC Code to your new network. Normally, you’ll be able to submit the PAC Code online. However, you can also give it to your new mobile network over the phone.
For step-by-step instructions on how to keep your phone number using a PAC Code, please select your current mobile network followed by the mobile network you’re planning to join:
If you don’t want to keep your phone number when changing mobile networks, you can request a STAC Code (Service Termination Authorisation Code) instead of a PAC Code. The form above will also help you to get a STAC Code from your network. Alternatively, you can use the standard cancellation process but an additional notice period fee may apply when you do this.
PUK Codes (Personal Unblocking Key Codes)
PAC Codes are sometimes confused with PUK Codes (Personal Unblocking Key Codes). However, the two codes serve totally different purposes. A PUK code is required if your handset becomes blocked (e.g. if you were to enter your PIN number incorrectly three times). When moving mobile networks, be sure to get a PAC Code instead of a PUK Code.
How Long Do Number Transfers Take?
Once you’ve given the PAC Code to your new network, you’ll need to wait one working day before the phone number is moved over (two working days if you submit the PAC Code late in the afternoon or evening).
Whilst you’re waiting for the transfer to take place, you’ll continue receiving a service from your old mobile network. This means you’ll still be able to receive incoming calls and texts whilst you wait.
On the day of the phone number transfer, you’ll momentarily lose coverage on both your old and new mobile networks. When this happens, you should restart the phone on your new network. That should complete the phone number transfer.
When Will The Number Transfer Take Place?
Phone number transfers normally take place on the next working day after you submit your PAC Code (or two working days if you submit the PAC Code late in the afternoon or evening).
It’s important to remember that phone number transfers will only take place on a working day. Transfers will not happen over the weekend or on English bank holidays. Therefore, assuming there are no bank holidays, the following table shows when you can expect the phone number transfer to take place:
| Day of Submitting PAC Code† | Day of Number Transfer |
|---|---|
| Saturday | Tuesday |
| Sunday | |
| Monday | |
| Tuesday | Wednesday |
| Wednesday | Thursday |
| Thursday | Friday |
| Friday | Monday |
† You’ll need to submit your PAC Code before the daily cut-off time (between 3pm and 5.30pm depending on your network). If the PAC Code is submitted after the daily cut-off time, you’ll need to wait an extra working day for the transfer to take place.
You will need to be in the UK on the day of the phone number transfer.
Getting a PAC Code
The first step to transferring your phone number is getting a PAC Code from your old mobile network. The PAC Code authorises the transfer of your phone number to another network. It’s nine-digits long and consists of three letters followed by six numbers (e.g. ABC 123 456).
You can normally get a PAC Code instantly from your mobile network, either using their website or app or by sending a text message as follows:
| Current Network | How to Get a PAC Code | |
|---|---|---|
 | Log in to the My BT website and go to Mobile > Thinking of leaving BT or text PAC to 65075 to get a BT PAC Code by SMS text message (see other options) | |
 | Log in to the My EE website and go to Menu > Account settings > Leave EE or text PAC to 65075 to get a EE PAC Code by SMS text message (see other options) | |
 | Log in to the My giffgaff website and go to My profiles & settings > Get a giffgaff PAC Code or text PAC to 65075 to get a giffgaff PAC Code by SMS text message (see other options) | |
 | Log in to the My O2 website and go to My details > Thinking of switching from O2? or text PAC to 65075 to get a O2 PAC Code by SMS text message (see other options) | |
 | Log in to your Sky Account and go to My Account > Mobile > My Number or text PAC followed by your date of birth (in DDMMYYYY format) to 65075 (see other options) | |
 | Log in to your My3 Account to get your Three PAC Code or text PAC followed by your date of birth (in DDMMYY format) to 65075 (see other options) | |
 | Log in to your Virgin Mobile Account to get your Virgin PAC Code or text PAC followed by your date of birth (in DD/MM/YYYY format) to 65075 (see other options) | |
 | Log in to the My Vodafone website and go to Account settings > Mobile switching or text PAC to 65075 to get a Vodafone PAC Code by SMS text message (see other options) | |
| Show contact details for more networks... (e.g. iD Mobile, Plusnet, Tesco & Smarty) | ||
If you’re requesting a PAC Code online or by text message, your mobile network is legally obliged to give it to you within 60 seconds of your request.
If you prefer, it’s also possible to get a PAC Code by calling your current mobile network. In this case, you should expect it to take substantially longer as your mobile network will normally try to persuade you to stay with them. It’s certainly a lot more hassle getting your PAC Code this way, but it can give you the opportunity to negotiate a deal with them.
Once issued, your PAC Code will be valid for 30 days. You should write it down, keeping it somewhere safe and secure (treat it like you would a password). There’s no need to separately cancel your mobile contract as this will be done automatically for you when the PAC Code is used.
If any early exit fees apply to your contract, you should be told about these when you request your PAC Code. Alternatively, you can text INFO to 85075 to find out what the early exit fees are for ending your contract.
Using a PAC Code
After you get a PAC Code from your old network, the next step is ordering the new phone or SIM card from your new mobile network. To do this, select the mobile network you’re planning to join:
| Please select the network you're moving to: | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| | | |
| Other Popular Networks: BT Mobile, giffgaff, iD Mobile, Plusnet Mobile, Smarty, Sky Mobile, Tesco Mobile, Virgin Mobile, VOXI | |||
During the online order process, you’ll sometimes be given the option to use your PAC Code straight away. We normally recommend declining this option as it can complicate things (e.g. if you wish to cancel or return your plan during the cooling-off period, or if there’s a delay before your new phone or SIM card arrives).
Unless you choose to use the PAC Code straight away, your new phone or SIM card will initially be given a temporary phone number. This will allow you to spend a little bit of time to make sure everything works correctly before you submit the PAC Code and complete the number transfer process. It isn’t possible to reverse a phone number transfer once it has taken place.
How To Submit Your PAC Code
Once you’re happy to move your phone number over, you can provide the PAC Code to your new mobile network as follows:
| New Network | Contact Details for Providing a PAC Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Give your PAC Code to BT (bt.com) or call 150 from your BT handset / 0800 800 150 from another phone. See full contact details. | |
| Give your PAC Code to EE (ee.co.uk) or call 150 from your EE handset / 07953 966 250 from another phone. See full contact details. | |
| Give your PAC Code to giffgaff (giffgaff.com) The PAC Code must be submitted to giffgaff online. | |
| Give your PAC Code to O2 (o2.co.uk) or call 202 from your O2 Pay Monthly handset, 4445 from your O2 Pay As You Go handset from another phone: 0344 8090202 (Pay Monthly), 0344 8090222 PAYG). See full contact details. | |
| Give your PAC Code to Sky (sky.com) or call 03300 412 524 from your Sky handset / 03300 412 524 from another phone. See full contact details. | |
| Give your PAC Code to Three (three.co.uk) or call 333 from your Three handset / 0333 338 1001 from another phone. See full contact details. | |
| Give your PAC Code to Virgin (virginmedia.com) or call 789 from your Virgin handset / 0345 6000 789 from another phone. See full contact details. | |
| Give your PAC Code to Vodafone (vodafone.co.uk) or call 191 from your Vodafone handset / 03333 040 191 from another phone. See full contact details. | |
| Show contact details for more networks... (e.g. iD Mobile, Plusnet, Smarty, Tesco & VOXI) | ||
We wouldn’t recommend using your PAC Code if there’s still a chance you’ll want to cancel or return your new phone or SIM. This is because the number transfer process cannot be reversed once the PAC Code has been used.
PAC Code Validity & Expiry
Once issued, your PAC Code is valid for 30 days. For instance, if your PAC Code is issued on the 1st of November, it will expire on the 30th of November.
If your PAC Code isn’t used within the 30-day validity period, it will expire and nothing further will happen. The plan on your old mobile network will continue to run and you’ll still be charged for it, even if you’re no longer using it. If you still want to cancel your plan, you can use a different cancellation process such as the STAC Code or standard cancellation process.
If your PAC Code has already expired, you can get a new one if you’d still like to transfer your phone number to another network.
Special Cases
Transferring Within The Same Network
A PAC Code can only be used when you’re transferring a phone number between two different networks.
If you’re staying on the same mobile network but changing to a different phone or plan, it isn’t possible to use the PAC Code process. Instead, you should contact your mobile network directly to ask them to transfer your phone number to the new plan. You’ll need to provide them with details of both of your accounts.
| Please select your network and tariff type: | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| | | |
| Other Popular Networks: BT Mobile, giffgaff, iD Mobile, Plusnet Mobile, Smarty, Sky Mobile, Tesco Mobile, Virgin Mobile, VOXI | |||
In some cases, mobile networks have been known to refuse a request to transfer your phone number to another plan on the same network. This will sometimes be the case if you’ve signed up on a ‘new customer’ deal, whereas the network would like to sell you an ‘upgrade’ instead (normally more expensive).
One potential workaround for this is to use a PAC Code to transfer your number to a different network (e.g. onto a Pay As You Go network such as giffgaff or ASDA Mobile). Once you’ve done that, you can always transfer your phone number back into the original network.
Transferring a Pay As You Go Number
You should follow the normal PAC Code process when transferring a Pay As You Go phone number.
However, one extra thing that’s worth being aware of is that you can’t transfer Pay As You Go credit from one mobile network to another. Any unused credit remaining on your old network will therefore be forfeited on the day of your phone number transfer. For this reason, it’s normally a good idea to use up your Pay As You Go credit before the phone number transfer.
If you have a large amount of money remaining on your Pay As You Go account, consider donating it to charity rather than spending it frivolously. You can donate unused credit by text message to charities like Cancer Research, the Red Cross and Save the Children. You can also check with your favourite charity to see whether they’re able to accept donations by text message.
Transferring Ownership Of Your Number
If you like, the PAC Code process can be used to transfer ownership of your phone number (e.g. to a friend or family member). This is because there is no requirement for the name on the old account and new account to be the same.
Please be aware of the possible privacy and security implications if you decide to transfer ownership of your phone number to someone else. This is because they might end up with access to your incoming phone calls and text messages (including verification codes from the bank, messages from friends, etc).
Cancelling Your Old Mobile Contract
If you’re using a PAC Code to transfer your phone number to another network, the account on your old mobile network will be closed automatically. This will happen when the PAC Code is used and when the phone number transfers to another network.
If you simply request a PAC Code but never actually use it, your account will remain open, even after the PAC Code expires. To cancel it, you’ll need to start the PAC Code process again, or you can follow the STAC Code or standard cancellation process:
- If you’re moving to another network but don’t want to keep your current phone number, follow the STAC Code (Service Termination Authorisation Code) process. You can get a STAC Code online in the same way you’d get a PAC Code, or you can text STAC to 75075. Once you have a STAC Code from your old network, you can use it in the same way you’d use a PAC Code.
- If you’re not moving to another network, follow the standard cancellation process. However, a 30-day notice period might apply for this on some Pay Monthly plans. It can therefore be advantageous to use the PAC Code or STAC Code process instead as the notice period will not apply for this.
Other Things To Know
There are several other things worth knowing about a PAC Code:
- You cannot swap phone numbers between two accounts. When you port your phone number onto another network, the original phone number on that SIM card is lost. Therefore, it isn’t possible to swap phone numbers between two mobile networks.
- You cannot transfer a phone number that has already been lost. For instance, if you’ve already cancelled your contract, or if your phone number has expired due to Pay As You Go inactivity. In both cases, the phone number will have already been lost and can therefore no longer be transferred elsewhere.
- Businesses can transfer up to 25 phone numbers using a PAC Code. Businesses can use a PAC Code to transfer up to 25 phone numbers from one mobile network to another. Larger businesses wanting to transfer more than 25 phone numbers should contact their account manager at the network instead to arrange a transfer.
- A different system exists for transferring landline phone numbers. A PAC Code can only be used for transferring mobile phone numbers in the UK (these are UK phone numbers starting with 07). If you’d like to transfer a landline number, see our guide to switching broadband or home phone provider.
Troubleshooting
Instant Messaging Apps
If you’re using an instant messaging app (e.g. WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger or Snapchat), your temporary phone number may continue to show even after you’ve used your PAC Code. To fix this, you should use the ‘number change’ feature that’s built into your messaging application:
- WhatsApp: Changing your phone number
- Facebook Messenger: Changing your phone number
- Snapchat: Setting your phone number
- WeChat: Change linked mobile network
- LINE: Changing your phone number
iMessage & FaceTime on iPhone
If you’re using an iPhone, you may experience problems with iMessage and FaceTime after transferring your phone number with a PAC Code.
If you’re moving your phone number to a new iPhone, you might see your temporary phone number continuing to show in iMessage and FaceTime. To resolve this, you’ll first need to disable iMessage and FaceTime (you can do this by going to Settings > Messages > iMessage and Settings > FaceTime on your iPhone). After doing this, go to Settings > Phone > My Number and enter your correct phone number there (this should be the phone number that you want to keep). You should then restart your iPhone, after which you can re-enable iMessage and FaceTime.
If you’re moving your phone number from an iPhone to a non-Apple device (e.g. Android), you may find that you stop receiving messages from people with an iPhone. To fix this, you’ll need to de-register your old iPhone from iMessage and FaceTime. If you still have access to your old iPhone, go to Settings > Messages > iMessage and switch it off. You should also go to Settings > FaceTime to turn FaceTime off. Alternatively, if you no longer have access to your iPhone, you can de-register iMessage through the Apple website.
Other Number Transfer Issues
If you have any other issues relating to your phone number transfer (e.g. if your phone number didn’t move over as planned, or if you’re having problems using your phone after the transfer), it’s the responsibility of your new mobile network to resolve this. You should contact their customer services team about the issue you’re having.
If your phone number transfer gets delayed for any reason, you may be eligible for compensation from your new provider.
One Time Passcodes
Once your phone number transfer is complete, you may be subject to some additional security checks when shopping or banking online. This extra security will last for a couple of days after your phone number transfer. It’s an anti-fraud mechanism that is designed to stop scammers from intercepting one-time passcodes (OTPs) to your mobile phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
| What is a PAC Code? | In the UK, a PAC Code (Porting Authorisation Code) is used to transfer your phone number from one mobile network to another. |
|---|---|
| How long does it take to transfer a phone number? | It normally takes one working day to transfer your phone number between mobile networks (two working days if you submit your PAC Code late in the afternoon or evening). You’ll continue receiving coverage from your old mobile network whilst you waiting so the downtime should be minimal. |
| How do I get a PAC Code? | You can get a PAC Code through your mobile network’s website or app, or by texting PAC to 65075. Once you’ve requested it, a PAC Code should be sent to you within 60 seconds. You can also get a PAC Code by calling your network, but this is likely to involve a lot more hassle. |
| What do I do with a PAC Code once I have it? | Once issued, your PAC Code will be valid for 30 days. You should give it to your new mobile network once you’re happy to move your phone number over. Find out how to use your PAC Code. |
| Does using a PAC Code automatically cancel my old plan? | Your old mobile plan is cancelled automatically once the PAC Code is used and once the phone number transfer is complete.
If you simply request a PAC Code but never actually use it, your old account will remain open, even after the PAC Code expires. |
| Can I transfer my phone number to the same network using a PAC Code? | No. It isn’t possible to use a PAC Code to transfer a phone number to the same network. Instead, you’ll need to contact your mobile network directly. Alternatively, you can always port out to a different network before porting your phone number back in. |
| How long is a PAC Code valid for? | Once issued, your PAC Code is valid for 30 days. For instance, if your PAC Code is issued on the 1st of November, it will expire on the 30th of November. |
| What happens if the PAC Code expires? | If your PAC Code isn’t used during the 30-day validity period, your plan will continue to run and you’ll continue being charged for it. You can either request a brand new PAC Code, or you can cancel your contract another way (e.g. using the STAC Code or standard cancellation process). |
| What is a STAC Code? | A STAC Code (Service Termination Authorisation Code) is used when you’re moving to another network but when you don’t want to keep your current phone number. You can get a STAC Code online in the same way you’d get a PAC Code, or you can text STAC to 75075. |
More Information
For a step-by-step guide that takes you through the process of transferring a mobile number, please use our PAC Code Finder.
Phil said:
Hi Ken
I’ve recently signed up to Smarty mobile. Now that I’m happy with how it’s all set up I’d like to do a couple of things.
I’m currently using a STAC to leave my old number with EE. It should terminate tomorrow. I have another number with O2 which I’d like to transfer to the Smarty sim with a PAC once the EE number it’s closed down. Is it possible (or would there be any objection from a network) to do the PAC once the STAC is completed?
Phil
Ken replied:
Hi Phil,
Many thanks for your comment. As far as I know, there shouldn’t be any problem using a PAC Code from O2, once the STAC code from EE has been actioned 🙂
Ken
Alan Taylor said:
Hi i’ve just gone threw this process as listed above, coming from Plusnet to Asda Mobile.
But its all gone south, im now 6 days into the port, the number has still not come over and the number from Asda has now been disconnect.
I’ve spoke to Asda technical people at Asda say Plusnet has not given them the right file, whatever that means
So i now find myself with my number on Plusnet has been disconnected, and my temporary number from Asda has also been disconnected.
The guy from Asda mobile assures me that my number wont be lost, but could another week or more to transfer over, apparently my number supposedly with plusnet is on an Orange account.
I took this account out with Plusnet back in 2017 but had know idea i was with Orange, and i had not renewed this contract since.
So my number port could take weeks, or maybe will never happen 🙁
Steve Sawyer said:
Hi Ken
Great site!
Would you be able to update the info related to the ‘transferring’ from a mobile network to that same network? For example, this used to be a real pain (port out and back in), but it looks like at least 1 network (Vodafone) has addressed this. I guess this now means an existing Vodafone customer can buy a third party Vodafone deal and ‘transfer’ their number: this is really useful as there are many good third party Vodafone deals, unlike say EE
Michael replied:
This allows Vodafone -> Lebara -> Vodafone again?
Is this now live for other networks like EE as well as Vodafone?
Suzy said:
How do I reverse my PAC code as I made a mistake and want to stay with old provider
Ken replied:
Hi Suzy,
Thanks for your comment. There’s no need to do anything in this situation: you can simply allow your PAC Code to expire without using it.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Clive said:
“Still in contract with Virgin Mobile? If so, you may need to pay an early exit fee on your bill from Virgin Mobile. To find out how much this would be, text INFO followed by your date of birth in DD/MM/YYYY format to 87075.”
Hi Ken
the number above should be 85075.
Regards
Ken replied:
Hi Clive,
Great spot – thanks for letting me know! I have just fixed this now 🙂
Much appreciated,
Ken
Julia Pierce said:
Lebara say I have to lose my current number, when I upgrade to a special offer SIM with them ( Lebara to Lebara); I can’t port my number. Doesn’t sound right?
thanks
Ken replied:
Hi Julia,
Thanks for your comment. The special offer SIMs are for new customers only. One way to get around this is to port out to a different network (e.g. giffgaff) and then back in to Lebara. That way, you’ll be classified as a new customer 🙂
Ken
Richard said:
Hi, many thanks for your helpful website. I am currently on Three mobile and planning to port my number to Asda PAYG and immediately bring it back to three PAYG to benefit from roaming in the USA. The number may be ported when I’m travelling abroad. Will my number port across ok? (Three on their website says I should be in the country). Many thanks.
Ken replied:
Hi Richard,
Great question! Normally, your mobile phone should be inside the UK on the day of the phone number transfer. Having said that, it did work once when I was abroad myself, so it may sometimes be fine (though I definitely wouldn’t rely on it working all the time).
Ken
Howard Marsh said:
I first came across Kens Tech Tips when I was investigating WiFi calling services from various providers.
I thought it would be useful to tell you what happened with my EE to Sky Mobile transfer.
I have a Samsung Galaxy S10e that I bought on a 2 year contract from EE starting in September 2019. I am an existing Sky customer so I already have an account with them.
My SIM only EE contract was about to expire so I telephoned 150 on Friday afternoon 5th August 2022 to tell them I want to leave, to request my PAC code and about unlocking my phone.
They immediately texted my PAC code, partially unlocked my phone and texted and emailed my 16 digit unlock code, the first 8 digits are the unlock code and the last 8 digits are the unfreeze code. There was a link in the email to a website that provided step by step instructions of how to unlock the phone. EE will not be charging me to unlock my phone.
At around noon on Saturday 6th August 2022 I contacted Sky Mobile to request a SIM card from them.
In their emails they provided links to websites that had step by step instructions on what to do.
My Sky SIM card arrived on Tuesday 9th August 2022 at 2pm. As recommended by EE I powered down my phone, inserted the new SIM card and then completed the unlock process which was instantaneous. I noticed that WiFi Calling was working with the new SIM.
After the phone was unlocked I then put the EE SIM back in the phone after powering down.
Next I activated my Sky SIM on their website and submitted my PAC Code on 9th August at around 4pm. You have to do this at the same time if you want to keep your number.
At noon the next day my number had transferred to Sky Mobile, Sky texted and emailed me to confirm. So my EE SIM card was still working at this point. As soon as I could I inserted the Sky SIM card and everything is working great.
Information from both companies was superb and it was really easy to simply follow their instructions.
Ken replied:
Hi Howard,
Thanks a lot for taking the time to share your experiences, and I’m really glad to see that your switch from EE to Sky Mobile worked so smoothly!
Ken
Andrew M said:
Bad experience with 3 recently. I wanted to port my old 3 number to my new 3 contract, I thought this would be easy and may even be quicker than the usual 1 -2 days to port from one network to another. How wrong I was! 3 cannot port a 3 contract number to another 3 contract, they insist that I change the ‘old’ contract into PAYG before they can port it, and guess what, that change to PAYG is going to take 30 days! I’m being penalised for staying with the same network provider!
NinjaGo replied:
Because it is two separate contracts on the same network so the rules of 30 days notice still applies even though you are on the same network. I know where you are coming from because it is a pain when all you want to do is port a number to the same network hence why they suggested to put your old contract on Pay and Go to port your number from that.
John said:
Hi
I wanted to double port to Three via o2 so i purchased PAYG O2 sik card and ported over my number to it and bow O2 says i have to wait for 28 days before porting out, i have never seen this mentioned anywhere this is really annoying as i want to port out from o2 back to three as a new customer
Ken replied:
Hi John,
Thanks for your comment. I’m not aware of any minimum amount of time before you’re able to port out. Have you tried texting PAC to 65075 on your O2 Pay As You Go SIM?
Ken
Dave said:
Something in the process has changed for securing a PAC code from Lycamobile.
I have been trying to get a PAC code from Lycamobile since Saturday 7th May 2022. Today is Tuesday 10th May 2022
1. No response to texting PAC to 65075 we tried two different phones it just does not work
2. No help from using the chat facility DeePak cannot provide a PAC code
3. You can no longer get a PAC code from logging into your account on the site you can only get a STAC code by using that method. No use if you want to keep your number
4. If you ring Lycamobile you are told (by Joe) the only way to get a PAC code is by text (which is not working in this case) or email. PAC’s are not given over the phone
5. I emailed on Sunday 8th May 2022 with all the information DeePak told me to provide
6. Received an email on Monday 9th May asking me several more damn fool questions to which I replied and I am still waiting.
Thimme Gowda said:
Hi,
Why it takes 5 days to activate Lebera sim? I requested on Friday and the chap at Lebera said it will be done on Tuesday,that is it due to weekend. I did pleaded with him to say I work for essential services but no help. Surely this is not right for the people who don’t have alternative phones.
Also I found male staff are not very helpful and arrogant.
Cheers
Michael Redfern said:
Virgin mobile unable to give me PAC code
Keeps telling me there is an error and can’t generate one.
This has gone on for several days,
Operators promise to call back but no one ever does.
I keep calling 789 they are always helpful but can’t resolve the problem.
Please help,
Stuart replied:
Same issue for me. Moving to another provider and want to take my number with me. Requested the PAC for my Virgin sim via website and by texting PAC + D.O.B. to 65075. Always get a message saying something has gone wrong. Phone 789 confirmed there was a technical issue and would escalate to IT and expect a response within a day. No further response. No clear how I can get this PAC code from Virgin Mobile even if it is a legal requirement for them to do so.
Norman said:
You have omitted to say that an account account has to be opened with 1p mobile before sending PAC. Unless I have missed something.
Congratulations on your wonderful site I have been a follower for years
John said:
I left ee got pac code joined id mobile 3 days ago they give me tempery number i provided them with the pac code the number i want to keep has transfered over but i want to leave after only 2 days the signals shockingly bad but my issue is when typing pac and my date birth to 65075 it keeps repeating type pac date birth and not giving me pac code and if i log in to my account the mobile number on my account is still the tempery one not mine and ive also rang the id mobile pac code request phone line when it asks for number i type in my number ive transfered and it says no number im worried if i type the tempery one in then the pac coddle they give me will be for that number not mine if you understand its bit of mess and there 100 percent online so cant phone real person ridicolous all i want to do is leave .
Steve said:
Texting to Plusnet on 65075 does not work. I get a reply that the msg is in an unexpected format. STAC and INFO via other numbers get the same error message. I suspect Plusnet want me to ring them so they can try and convince me not to leave.
Richard replied:
For some unknown reason Plusenet does not support ‘Short Codes’ therefore you’ll continue to get error message from that number and you’ll have to ring them. Short codes are used for a whole manner of things these days yet Plusnet don’t allow them. Fortunately I found out before I made the switch and went to a different provider and you may wish to do the same.
Sid said:
I’m concerned about the safeguards when transferring a number. Supposed someone who knew my phone number wanted to make my life very difficult.
1. They could buy a PAYG SIM, put it into an unregistered phone and therefore obtain a random phone number.
2. Then they could text their provider and get a PAC.
3. Next they could go onto my providers web site anonymously and use the PAC to transfer that random number to my account, thereby changing my phone number anonymously and removing my friends’/banks’/clients’ access to my my number.
As far as I can see, at no point is their any check that the owner of the number being changed has to confirm that they agree to the number change. Have I missed something here?
Ken replied:
Hi Sid,
Thanks for your comment. This is probably a question that’s better directed at Ofcom. However, I totally agree with you, and I had the same reservations when they implemented the “text to switch” system two years ago. Some mobile networks do have basic security checks in place before they issue you with a PAC Code (e.g. they require you to text your date of birth or something along with the PAC Code request) but nothing very stringent like they had before. Of course, the system has now been in operation for two years – I’m not aware of any widespread abuse or complaints, or whether there have been instances of phone numbers being ‘stolen’ this way (this is perhaps something that Ofcom might have a bit more data for).
Ken
Daniel said:
Hello Ken
Many thanks for your informative reply. It was very helpful.
Daniel
Jeff said:
Hi Ken,
I used your guide and have requested my STAC code by text but just to make you aware that you must type STAC then a space and then your 4 digit PIN number as well, not just STAC.
Thanks for the info though, very useful.
paul campbell said:
I’m having problems with my son’s pay as you go sim, he’s wanting a bundle plan that’ll give him plenty of data for him to watch YouTube and play games and go on other social media sites that all the youngsters are totally obsessed with these days.
My wife called Vodafone to get the best deals and find out information on what would be the best for my son. But when she called the operator was not interested and was no help at all and she ended up ending the call as she was more confused after speaking to however it was and couldn’t really understand what was being said to her……
So can you please advise me with the best deals that will allow my son to keep in touch with his friends and also allow him to access all the social media sites that all the youth these days use so he’s not left behind and then make our life unbearable and feel like it’s my fault that he’s hard done by and the worst perants ever lol….
Look forward for your response and hopefully with the best deals available. Thanks for your time, as I’m sure there will be other mum’s and dad’s out there with the same issues
Ken replied:
Hi Paul,
Thanks for your comment. Have you looked into getting a SIM card from VOXI? They’re a low-cost sub-brand of Vodafone offering endless social media data from £10/month and endless video data from £15/month, with no contract or credit check required. There’s more information in my VOXI review.
Hope this helps!
Ken
Ann-Marie said:
Hi,
How long after purchasing a new phone through a different provider can you give them your PAC code?
My contract on my current provider runs out on the 12th of may but I would like to order a new phone by the end of April. Can you keep the number they give you for 12 days before asking for your number to be transferred?
Ken replied:
Hi Ann-Marie,
Thanks for your comment. You can give your new provider the PAC Code whenever you like. So it’s absolutely fine to use the temporary phone number for 12 days before moving your existing phone number over. In reality, however, it might work out equivalent to just moving your phone number over straight away (as either way, you’ll be paying for 12 days usage on one of the plans and not using it during that time).
Hope this helps,
Ken
Rhian said:
Can anyone help.
We ported my daughter’s number a few days ago. She is receiving phone calls on that number but not texts.
What can we do.
when she sends texts they show the number Lebara gave not her ported number
Ken replied:
Hi Rhian,
Thanks for your comment. Is she using iMessage on an iPhone by any chance? If so, see the information here on how to resolve the issue.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Rhian said:
Can none help.
We ported my daughter’s number a few days ago. She is receiving phone calls on that number but not texts.
What can we do.
when she sends texts they show the number Lebara gave not her ported number
Ade said:
If I get a PAC or STAC code today from virgin mobile does it mean I have terminated the contract with them? Or I must provide it to order network provider before I am finally terminate my SIM only contract with them?
If I do a standard cancellation without moving my number to another network provider will I remain Pay As You Go subscriber on their network?
Is it possible to terminate Sim only contract I have with them I remain Pay As You Go subscriber on their network?
Hope to hear back from you soon.
Thank you.
Ken replied:
Hi Ade,
Thanks for your comment. Your contract will only be terminated when you actually use the PAC Code or STAC Code given to you by Virgin Mobile. If you’d like to remain a Pay As You Go customer rather than cancelling your service entirely, you should get in touch with their customer services team to request this.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Katy Coyte said:
Wow, thanks Ken. Awesome information for the consumer who knows little about mobile phones. Thank you!
Kakas replied:
Hi Katy,you sound like a lovely lady.,I was just thinking exactly same thing. Very clear and usefull info.
Well done Ken.What a great bloke!!
HC said:
How long can I use a new phone for before using PAC code to transfer old number to new phone?
Ken replied:
Hi HC,
You can use the new phone for as long as you like – it will always be possible to transfer a phone number onto it with a PAC Code 🙂
Hope this helps,
Ken
HC replied:
This is fantastic. Thanks so much.
Phil said:
I had two numbers on ASDA Mobile while they were on EE and last year I ported them out to O2 where they are still connected. I’ve just found that ASDA Mobile are currently in the process of changing from EE to Vodafone. Do you have any ideas if this will affect my ported numbers?
Ken replied:
Hi Phil,
Thanks for your comment. This won’t affect your ported numbers as they’ve already moved over to O2.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Andrew Balls said:
I’ve been a fool and got a 02 SIM deal and used my pac code in the ordering process but when I got the 02 SIM realised the signal wa poor so I cancelled but the next day while the account was closed the number transfer gone though and now I think I’ve lost my number is there anything I can do
Ken replied:
Hi Andrew,
Sorry to hear about what has happened. The best thing to do would be to contact O2 customer services to see whether they’re able to retrieve the phone number for you. You can reach them on 0344 809 0202.
Ken
Suzy said:
Hello, this is a really helpful in-depth guide, thank you!
I purchased a payg sim for o2 and started my number transfer process (now complete) but while it was transferring found a good phone&contract deal on another network so bought that, thinking I could just request my pac code from o2 and transfer my old number over again.
O2 have told me they can’t issue a pac code unless I top up by £10 – this seems completely unreasonable for sending one text message. Are they legally obliged to provide me with a pac code whether or not I top up? Would like to be equipped with the facts before I challenge them further!
Many thanks for any help you can offer!
Ken replied:
Hi Suzy,
Thanks for your comment. As far as I know, O2 is still obliged to issue you with a PAC Code. Are you unable to get one through the normal process?
Ken
Olivia Tanbury said:
Hi Ken.
I have a PAYG Three ‘Data Reward’ SIM that I use intermittently as a GPS tracker, and one whose number is still active. However I wish now use the mobile number allocated on this PAYG SIM as my primary number, but when I initially registered my details of this SIM, I anonymised my name and date of birth, hence I do not have any record of these data (actually I did, but the device which had the info was subsequently stolen).
Since Three require the date of birth upon requesting a PAC, how should I proceed to obtain a PAC from Three ? The only info I know used to register this SIM with Three include: the first name and address.
Ken, I’d appreciate your advice on how to successfully request a PAC from Three.
P.S: I’ve been lurker on your website for many years, and it is without doubt an absolute gem of a resource for all things mobile-related !!
Ken replied:
Hi Olivia,
Thanks for your comment and for the kind words about the site! If you’re unable to get a PAC Code via the automated process (either using SMS or online using your My3 account), it should also be possible to get one from them over the phone. It’s possible they’ll give you more options for clearing security when you call them on the phone so this is probably your option of last resort if the two other methods don’t work.
Ken
Olivia Tanbury replied:
Hi Ken.
I really appreciate your response in helping me.
I initially tried the SMS method you described, but as expected, I was asked for the account holder’s date of birth. As previously stated, I don’t have the randomly generated DoB.
So I tried via My3. To my surprise, I was automatically logged in when I browsed to My3’s website (though only partially logged in, as changes to certain particulars, e.g., address, e-mail, required the input of the pasword).
As the browser’s cache and cookies were cleared, no residual My3 password data was stored in the browser, so I can only attribute the partial login due to Three’s SSO procedure recognising the SIM’s phone number/ICCID.
This partial access to certain parts of the My3 site eventually culminated in a successful request of the PAC via My3, and soon after notified by SMS.
For future reference, anyone wishing to request a PAC from Three, the direct link is:
https://www.three.co.uk/New_My3/My_details/Leave_Three/PortOut?requestType=PAC
Upon accessing the above link, the page will be redirected to My3’s home page. Re-pasting the above link in the same tab will duly issue the desired PAC (a referer issue).
My sincere thanks to you Ken for resolving my issue, which I had expected to be extremely convoluted and awkward for not having the anonymised DoB.
You most likely saved a few hours of my time for not having to be challenged by Three’s web chat and call operators, by not having to explain my circumstance.
I really appreciate the time and effort you engage with responding to not just my query, but the tens of thousands of others who request for advice/help via the comment section.
Ken, your site and you are truly an indispensible source of wisdom concerning all things mobile operator-related. For I am grateful and shall shout out your site from the White Cliffs of Dover, and from the summit of Ben Nevis, so all in the UK shall become to know of this spectacular site !!!!
Ken replied:
Hi Olivia,
Thank you for the kind words – this has absolutely made my day! I’m really pleased that the website was able to help you out 🙂
Thank you also for taking the time to write back with detailed instructions on how other people can solve this issue as well. Likewise, I am sure lots of other people will be exceptionally grateful for the details on how the solve the same issue.
Thanks again, and stay safe and have a nice Christmas break,
Ken
Jim said:
Hi Ken,
I wonder if you can help me!
I have two numbers on one account with virgin mobile and I would like to transfer one number to a new supplier! Can I just request a PAC code for one number and leave the other number on virgin mobile without the account closing?
Ken replied:
Hi Jim,
Thanks for your comment. Yes, I believe it should be possible to do this. The PAC Code is specific to the phone number so it shouldn’t affect the other number, even if they’re attached to the same account.
Ken
V said:
Good news, RE: Transferring Within The Same Network
I have been planning to do this as I wanted to join the ”new black Friday deal” within the same network. As I will need to use my current PAC Code to keep my number with a new different network to get around the restriction before i rejoin as you mentioned, I just found “Lebara” technically has “free sim without activation fee”, we can just choose Free sim+ 5 pounds, then use the promo code FIVE at the checkout. (not sure when the promo will end, and I found all of the other providers do need to top up at least 5 pounds to activate the new temporary number. I hope this helps people who are planning to transfer within the same network!
Mark said:
Hi Ken, I hope you’re doing well. Great site too btw. Is the PAC tied to the phone you message from? I’m hoping to get a new phone for my wife for Xmas as a surprise, but I’m wondering what the best way to go about doing this would be? Do I have to message from her phone to get all this info?
Kind regards,
Mark.
Ken replied:
Hi Mark,
Thanks for your comment and doing well thank you! Yes, the PAC is tied to the phone you send the message from. Don’t worry, however, as she can always obtain a PAC Code at a later date and then transfer the phone number over herself when the new phone is set up. It only takes a minute to get a PAC and then it’s just one working day to move the phone number over, so no immediate rush!
Hope this helps,
Ken
Mark replied:
That’s great Ken, thank you very much. Do you know if I have to also give 30 days notice EVEN IF the contract is over?
Ken replied:
Hi Mark,
Yes, the 30 day notice period still applies even when you’re outside the minimum contract period. The PAC Code/STAC Code process does allow you to bypass this, however, which is a key benefit.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Mark replied:
Thanks again Ken. Much appreciated.
Julie said:
Hi there,
I have tried to request my PAC code from Vectone via texting 65075 with my DDMMYY about 10 times over the past week however each time I get a text back saying there was a ‘technical fault’ or just no reply whatsoever. I have then tried to call Customer Services (322 from my Vectone number) and it doesn’t even ring. It’s been about a week since I first tried and I’m still getting nowhere. What should I do and isn’t this a breach of legal requirement?!
Lee Barnett said:
Hi i wish to join ee through a third party can I bring my pac number over or is this option only available through EE kind regards Lee.
Ken replied:
Hi Lee,
Thanks for your comment. The option to bring your phone number over is open whether you join EE directly, or through a third party retailer. Simply follow the instructions from this form 🙂
Hope this helps,
Ken
Sreeni said:
Excellent tips Ken. Went through ok once got through to right BT department
Pauline said:
My Three sim only service has been unavailable for weeks, i get disconnected, suspended, unavailable try later…without my phone I have to communicate with Three on live chat (they are very good at hiding this on their website). After 10 hours over 3 days I got texted my PAC code (funnily when Three want to contact me my phone service works!), however now with the service unavailable I cannot text my PAC to my new provider! I feel like a prisoner.
Ken replied:
Hi Pauline,
Thanks for your comment. There’s no need to send any text messages from your Three SIM card once the PAC Code has been issued. You simply need to submit the PAC Code to your new provider online, or by calling their customer services.
Ken
Phil said:
Morning Ken, I’m loving your informative website. I hope I can ask this so you understand and without going on.
A mate of mine has a payg sim on a different network to mine with a tariff that is no longer offered, but those already on it can stay on it. He doesn’t want the sim or the number as he’s already signed up to a contract phone with a new number.
Am I able to port my own current number over to the sim off my friend, as it’s already been in use for a couple of years? Or does the sim I port to need to be recently activated? And do you know if it will wipe out the remaining credit or change the current tariff on the sim card?
Ken replied:
Hi Phil,
Thanks for your comment. Yes, you can port your phone number onto your friend’s SIM card to use. There’s no impact to the Pay As You Go credit or plan on the SIM card receiving the phone number (and absolutely fine that the SIM card has been used for some time already). You’ll lose any unused credit on your current SIM card.
Hope this helps,
Ken
edward nelson said:
Have you any idea when Virgin will start issuing PAC numbers again ?
Ken replied:
Hi Edward,
I believe Virgin Mobile should still be issuing PAC Codes as normal. Are you having problems getting a PAC Code from them?
Ken
R said:
With a PAYG SIM when in this process do I top up with the new provider? Do I need to top up before I do the PAC transfer and if so will the credit be there once the number transfers? Or can I wait until the number is transferred? Thanks
Ken replied:
Hi R,
Thanks for your comment. It’s entirely up to you when you top-up your new Pay As You Go SIM. Some providers (e.g. giffgaff) require you to top-up first before they activate your new SIM card. However, if there is no such requirement on your network, you can choose whether to do this before or after transferring your number. Any credit on your new Pay As You Go account when the number transfers over to it will still be there after the number transfer process completes.
Hope this helps,
Ken
R replied:
Ok thank you
Alex McK said:
This might have been covered already but if you are so minded and there are decent deals around, can you simply switch your pay as you go SIM number from network to network every month… or even every week? Admittedly might be quite a lot of work.
Great site by the way!
Ken replied:
Hi Alex,
Great question! There’s absolutely nothing stopping you from doing that if you so wanted! I agree, though, it’s probably a lot of work & hassle so I expect very few people will actually do it. Each time you switch networks, you’ll lose any unused credit on your account. You’ll also need to change the SIM card in your phone, and may need to reconfigure things like the mobile internet settings.
Ken
Michelle said:
I have my STAC code from Lebara – what do I do with it now. Is my account with them cancelled?
Ken replied:
Hi Michelle,
Thanks for your comment. Not quite! You’ll need to give the STAC Code to your new provider in order to have your account closed at Lebara.
Ken
Jane Martin said:
Hi Ken,
I love your website – it’s really informative for someone like me who is not at all au fait with this kind of thing. I have a question I hoped you might answer. I have been with O2 PAYG for around 15 years (and had two fairly basic mobiles during that time) and recently got my first smartphone. The new mobile took a nano sim while my old basic mobile had a standard sim, so I did a sim swap in order to keep my number, still with O2. However, I’ve now decided to move network – my choice of new provider aided by another of your excellent webpages. Do you know if it is feasible in theory to still keep my original number when I move network, even though the phone is using a swapped sim, not the physical one with the original number? Many thanks in anticipation. Kind regards,
Jane
Ken replied:
Hi Jane,
Thanks for your comment. You can keep whichever phone number you’re currently using on O2 – it isn’t tied to a physical SIM card or anything like that 🙂 Simply request your PAC Code through the MyO2 website or app, or text PAC to 65075. That’ll get you a PAC Code for the phone number you’re currently using on O2.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Jane Martin replied:
Hi Ken,
Thanks so much for your reply and the advice. Around a month ago I finally got around to making the switch to the new network. It was really simple. I am now paying a lot less on PAYG. Thanks again for replying to me, and for your excellent website.
Best wishes,
Jane
Courtney said:
Hi Ken,
I recently ordered a phone and sim from EE and while putting my details in it asked for the PAC code from my old network and so I provided it. I have the phone now and it works fine but my number from my previous network has not updated on the new phone. Do I need to wait for my number from the previous provider to update on this phone? Thanks I’m advance!
Ken replied:
Hi Courtney,
Thanks for your comment. Yes, there will be a little bit of a delay for your phone number to move over – see the expected timeframe of the transfer here. If you’re still having problems after this time, you’ll need to contact your new mobile network (so EE in this case).
Ken
Ivy said:
Hi there! I have been told tomorrow my old phone number will transfer to my new sim with Lebara,and the sim is already in my phone(already got my pac code and Lebara are doing the transfer as I speak). I have been told I need to switch off my phone between 16.00 and 18.00 tomorrow when I can switch my phone back on after this time – that is no probs BUT do I need to take the lebara sim out of my phone during this shut down time? I did ask the chatline,but they didn’t answer this question at all. Hoping you can help! I would presume I need to leave the new lebara sim in my phone in the shutdown time? If you can let me know? Thanks.
Ken replied:
Hi Ivy,
Thanks for your comment. There’s no need to take the SIM card out of your phone – you can simply leave it in there.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Ivy replied:
Thanks ken for replying.I haven’t replied until now as all of a sidden,66 messages(including yours) came through on my email address all at once today! I took the bull by the horns and left the sim in the phone – and yes,my old phone number transferred over to my new sim successfully! Thank you for yr help. Best wishes,Ivy
Claire said:
Hi, I requested my PAC code from Lyca mobile via text message because I was considering changing provider but had not definitely decided to do this. I received a text back from Lyca stating that
“pursuant to your request, the termination request with (my number) number has been registered”.
Does this mean that my number and account with Lyca has been cancelled? I don’t want to cancel it!
Thanks
Ken replied:
Hi Claire,
Thanks for your comment. Unfortunately, I’m not quite sure what this text message from Lycamobile means – however, your account should normally remain open until you action the PAC Code with your new network.
Ken
David Anderson said:
What a great resource this web site is. Wanted to change my partners expensive ee mob PAYG and found this amazing place to compare different deals. Settled on ASDA PAYG mob, good simple rates and no need for bundles.
Thanks Ken
Dale Hunter said:
I have a week before my contract with my current provider ends, I have given my new network the PAC code. Will my current contract end on the date it specifies and automatically swap to my new network?
Ken replied:
Hi Dale,
Your contract will end when the PAC Code is actioned. Unless you asked your new mobile network to delay actioning the PAC, you can expect the cancellation to follow the scheduled listed here.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Miri said:
So as soon as I inserted the new sim it said iMessage and FaceTime might be at cost or something alin he those lines. Does lebara charge extra for FaceTime and iMessage, is it now in plan ?
Ken replied:
Hi Miri,
Thanks for your comment. There’s no specific charge from Lebara Mobile for using iMessage or FaceTime – you’ll just need to pay the regular charges for using data on your phone. If you have a bundle or a SIM-only deal, the inclusive data allowance should cover your usage of these services.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Darren Lewis said:
Hi Ken,
I read that calls and texts can still be made and received up to the transfer, does this also apply to data, as I need to use my phone for Internet access.
I note that the PAC code received is to be provided to the new network, but by what method: call, text?
Thanks,
Darren
Ken replied:
Hi Darren,
Thanks for your comment. Yes, everything will continue to work until the phone number transfer takes place (including data as well as calling & texting). With regards to how you provide the PAC Code to your new network, this depends on which mobile network you’re joining. If you use the PAC Code Finder, it will tell you how to submit the PAC Code to your new network 🙂
Ken
Darren Lewis replied:
Hi Ken,
Thanks for the response. That’s answered my questions.
Cheers,
Darren
Annr said:
How long does it take to get PAC number. Have texted and had no reply
Ken replied:
Hi Annr,
You should get a PAC Code within 60 seconds of sending your text message. If you don’t, it might be worth trying it again or using your mobile network’s website or app to request one instead.
Ken
jonathan smith said:
my wife and I have contract with ee both phones on one contract with different numbers. I want my own contract with a different network but wish to retain my number If I request PAC code can I then move phone and leave her contract in place
Ken replied:
Hi Jonathan,
Thanks for your comment. Yes, it should be possible to do this as the PAC Code only affects the specific phone number you request it for. The other line won’t be affected. You can get a PAC Code through the EE website or app, following the instructions here.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Alex said:
Sorry, a follow up question – can you port a Pay as you Go number onto a contract number/account?
Ken replied:
Hi Alex,
Thanks for your comment. Yes, you can move a phone number between any type of account. So it’s fine to transfer a Pay As You Go number onto a Pay Monthly contract.
Ken
Alex said:
Hi
It is possible to port more than once? I have ported a number from Three to Vodafone but now want to replace that with a new number. Can I still do this or are you only allowed to port one number onto your “account”?
Ken replied:
Hi Alex,
Yes, it’s possible to port a phone number onto your account as many times as you like 🙂
Ken
Holly said:
Hi Ken, great article and hopefully will help us as a small business out! We currently hold a business account of 3 handsets/numbers with plan.com which is 5 months into the new contract. However, unfortunately our small limited business has had to go into liquidation and thus the contract is ending as this was a business account. Plan.com have informed us that they will not supply us with a PAC code for any of the numbers unless we stay with them on a personal account. Is this correct or do we have access to our numbers? We have set up 3 x personal accounts with EE/O2 however was hoping we could take the numbers with us! Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Ken replied:
Hi Holly,
Thanks for your comment. Your provider isn’t able to refuse you a PAC Code, but using one will trigger the termination of your contract (and therefore an early exit fee for the remainder of the contract). Obviously, if the business is going into liquidation, it may not be possible for them to receive the money which might be why they’re reluctant to do this. Of course, if you transfer the accounts over into your personal names, you’ll then be liable to pay the remainder of the contract yourself.
Ken
Adam said:
Hi Ken!
Thanks for all of the great advice on the articles. It has really helped! I am currently in my last month of contract with Vodafone and have found a deal with a third party website with Vodafone. Vodafone said that I would need to pay £6 for a disconnection fee if I request a PAC code a few days into June. From what I have read in your advice, to avoid the 30 day cancellation period, I would need to request a sim with a different company (which I have done), send that company my PAC code and then contact Vodafone again to send my PAC code back to them. Is that correct? Also, does it take a bit of time transferring my numbers e.g. from Vodafone to Asda and Asda back to Vodafone? In my experience, the last time I did this, it took ‘up to 24 hours’. Am I right in thinking that it would roughly take two days for the full switch to happen?
Thanks for your help, Ken!
Ken replied:
Hi Adam,
Thanks for your comment and very glad you’ve found the information on this website to be useful! You’re right: it’s possible to port out to another network and then back in to Vodafone. The timeframe for porting a number is listed here – you can normally expect it to take place on the next working day if you manage to submit it before the cut-off time. Therefore, like you said, it would take 1 working day for the phone number to move from Vodafone to ASDA, and then another 1 working day for it to move back to Vodafone. You should continue to have access to your phone number during the entirety of that time, although it’ll be through your ASDA SIM card for the one day in the middle of the transfer process.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Adam replied:
Hi Ken,
Thanks for the reply and answering my question. It certainly helps knowing that I’ll still be able to receive calls during this time of transferring! Thank you again for the help! You rock!
allan wiseman said:
do i need to give ee a months notice on payg
Ken replied:
Hi Allan,
Thanks for your comment. There’s no need to give any notice on EE Pay As You Go. You can simply stop using the service at any time, though of course, if you still have an active bundle on your account, you’ll have paid for it already so you may as well continue to use it!
Hope this helps,
Ken
Martin said:
Talking to 3 at the moment is impossible due to covid 19 the call centres are closed. They could be working from home doing calls, but they prefer to pay them the free taxpayers money (furlough) I guess… Great blog Ken – keep going with it, most helpful for many people.
I’m a new 3 mobile Broadband customer, still within the 30 day contract, about to expire at the end of the month. I applied to 3 for a STAC code to see how much it would cost me to leave to go to a cheaper provider and if they will apply early termination fees. I was quoted £48 if I used the code today, but they did not make it clear in the text msg if this included an early termination charge or not. (Monthly charge is £30) It also says in the contract and on my online account that I have to give them 30 days notice. Does this not apply to cancelling by STAC codes etc?? It’s a little confusing.
Ken replied:
Hi Martin,
Thanks for your comment. Yes, it’s really unfortunate that it’s so difficult at the moment to get in touch with any of the networks.
With regards to using a STAC Code, this doesn’t make any difference to early termination fees but it does remove the 30-day notice period charge. For this reason, my understanding is that you’d only need to pay for the rest of the minimum contract term (i.e. until the end of the month). I’m not quite sure how that squares up against the £48 they’ve quoted you – only they’ll be able to explain the calculation to you I’m afraid 🙁
Ken
Dean replied:
The UK furlough scheme is not available for the vast majority of Three’s call centre staff as they are based in India. Very small numbers of retail staff/social media staff are working from home and are providing a level of service but it is minimal and more geared to new customers wanting advice on hardware and plans etc.
Zoey larkins said:
Hi ken, i was unsure how to cancel my plan and i.d sent me a stac code, i used that but really needed the pac code now i have read up more, can i still retrieve my old number on my new sim after using the stac code
Ken replied:
Hi Zoey,
Thanks for your comment. It’s best to get in touch with iD Mobile to see whether it’s still possible to recover your phone number. In general, it isn’t normally possible to get your phone number back once the account has been closed, but it might be a possibility if they’re still holding on to the phone number for you.
Ken
krzysztof said:
will the purchased data packet be lost after the number has been transferred to another operator?
Ken replied:
Hi Krzysztof,
Yes. Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to transfer your allowances or credit to another network. Anything that you’ve purchased on your old mobile network but not yet used cannot be transferred over to your new network.
Ken
Jas said:
Hi Ken,
Do I use the PAC code on the last day of the phone contract that’s ending, also it ends on a Saturday.
Thanks in advance
Jas
Ken replied:
Hi Jas,
Thanks for your comment. It’s absolutely up to you when you decide to use it! You can use the PAC Code anytime after the end of your contract and you won’t incur any additional fees once the number has moved over. If you use it before the end of your contract, you’ll pay an early exit fee to cover the remaining length of your plan.
Ken
Joy said:
Can someone tell me how I send text message for pac code to 02 not sure how you do it. I’m changing to another mobile network. Thank you.
Ken replied:
Hi Joy,
Thanks for your comment. You can simply text PAC to 65075 to get your PAC Code for free, whichever mobile network you’re on.
Hope this helps!
Ken
Ryan said:
All I want to do is transfer my phone number from an old device to a new one. Both are on the three network. But due to the covid 19 situation I can’t get a hold of customer services to help me, and your app and website only seem to give options to change it from one network to another. I’m finding something so simple enfuriatingly frustrating.
andrew Miller replied:
Three told me to get a payg use the PAC code once done get the PAC code again and transfer back to three. transferring inside an operator is not easy.took BT 3 weeks last time. must be some stupid rule the eu have come up with.
Mick said:
Great service for transferring your number don’t take long I have used this service a couple of times highly recommended thanks
Doreen Andrews said:
I am leaving 02 because every month my bills are way over £90 I have friends on Vodafone paying only £20 to 30 a month bundles they cannot believe what mine is.
Joanna misiak said:
I have bought a vectone sim, I have bought a top up but can’t register the sim are as it doesn’t have a phone number anywhere and the *105# does nothing
I have now been on the phone waiting for 1 hour. I waited for an hour before this when the advisor hung up on me.
This is the worst customer services I have ever seen.
John said:
Why doe’s the “Bring my number to Three” Web Site Not work On The Weekends
Ken replied:
Hi John,
Thanks for your comment. I believe the website should work but number transfers will only take place on English working days. Are you having problems accessing the site at the weekend?
Ken
Daniel said:
Hi Ken,
Still got 6 month left from my contract with Three, however I’ve decided to leave and 3 days ago I requested to 85075 to find out the exact amount I will be charged and it was 318.86 GBP.
Today when I request it again, after just 2 days, the bill was 371.23GBP. I used the phone in the same way, based on my monthly allowance, no extra charges. Do you have any ideas what for!?
Best regards
Ken replied:
Hi Daniel,
Thanks for your comment. That’s bizarre – I don’t know why the number has gone up. How much is your normal mobile phone bill on Three? You should only need to pay around 80% of the remaining monthly charges on your plan (calculated based on the remaining amount of time during your minimum contract length).
Ken
Terry Dumbrell said:
I have used a mobile number with BT for a long while – I want to keep the same number of course – I have renewed a contract with for my Mobile so how can I keep my number – all they are telling me is get a PAC code from your old supplier – well through EE – BT – are my old supplier –
Ken replied:
Hi Terry,
This wasn’t quite clear from your message, but are you simply upgrading from one BT Mobile plan to another? If so, they should move the phone number for you onto the new SIM card.
Ken
SR said:
It’s called a Port Authorisation Code, or PAC. Not PAC Code. They do not issue you with a Port Authorisation Code Code.
Ken replied:
Hi SR,
You’re absolutely right! However, lots of people decide to call it a PAC Code for clarity as this makes it super clear what we’re referring to. You are absolutely right in saying however it should technically just be called a PAC or a Porting Authorisation Code.
Ken
Susie said:
What happens where you’ve got more than one device on your contract please ? Do you have to phone EE to obtain the PAC codes in this instance ? Thanks 🙂
Ken replied:
Hi Susie,
I think it should still be possible to get a PAC Code from your EE account area. However, if you’re unable to do that, you can contact EE Customer Services on 150.
Hope this helps,
Ken
John Henderson said:
Hi, have texted virgin mobile twice to request my pac code with no response, what action can I take to make them respond
Bob Bolton said:
Hi, I have tried texting several times now using the format shown and each time it says it can’t send the message. Is this Virgin deliberately blocking transfer!
Grahame O'Connell replied:
Bob
I had exactly the same problem over a period of five days. I reported them to the industry Ombudsman and received a phone call fro someone in their corporate department apologising for the delay etc. A PAC was given to me over the phone.
I agree, its quite clearly a stalling tactic on their behalf and I received several messages asking If I wanted to discuss changing my package.
brendan said:
I did this and as usual nothing goes smooth.
The PAC code issued does not give the same number i have been using there is a digit missing at the beginning and nobody is telling me why
Hansel Ugbelase said:
How do i register an account with smarty?
Ken replied:
Hi Hansel,
You can order your new SIM card from Smarty & set up your account through this link.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Caroline Dwyer said:
My current giffgaff sim has died and so I cannot text, phone or email giffgaff to ask for my PAC number, please can you help and advise me. Thank you.
Ken replied:
Hi Caroline,
If you log in to the giffgaff website, it should be possible to get a replacement SIM card or to request your PAC Code there.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Paula said:
can I retrieve a ported number back from a new service provider, without cancelling the plan, instead to use the newly offered number they provided with the new plan
Ken replied:
Hi Paula,
I’m not quite sure I fully understand the question – are you trying to cancel the port of your number? If so, it may be possible to do this if your mobile network is yet to action it. However, if your phone number has already ported, the account on your old mobile network will close and it won’t be possible to reverse the transfer.
Ken
Jan Jones said:
I blocked my phone and was told to get my puk code from O2 , when entered number it still says blocked. You only get 3 times to enter correct code, what should I do? Just carry on and enter pac code next?
It’s driving me crazy! 🤯😬
Ken replied:
Hi Jan,
A PAC Code is totally different from a PUK code so I wouldn’t recommend entering this instead! I’d recommend getting in touch with O2 again to see if they’re able to re-issue you with the correct PUK Code.
Ken
John said:
Split with my girl,had a phone under her name,contract finished now,going over to gif gaff and want to keep my old number,but can’t get the PAC number because I don’t have details of the acount. What other ways can I get it??
Ken replied:
Hi John,
Thanks for your comment. You should be able to obtain a PAC Code by texting PAC to 65075. If this doesn’t work, it might be possible to access it through your online account login. Alternatively, if neither option works, it may be necessary to get the account owner to obtain it for you.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Arun Merum said:
I am using Lebara germany account. And my number along with 0 is 12 digits long. The form at “Lebara Mobile Website” is validating my number as wrong. What should I do?
Ken replied:
Hi Arun,
Thanks for your comment. Sadly, the PAC Code process can only be used to transfer UK-based mobile numbers (e.g. +44 7 numbers). It isn’t possible to use this with phone numbers in Germany.
Ken
Daniel Flaherty said:
Thanks for explaining everything so clear.
However I am concerned about what happens to all my contacts in my phone now as I don’t know if they are stored in the phone memory or on sim card.
Can you please advise me.
Many thanks.
Daniel Flaherty.
Ken replied:
Hi Daniel,
Thanks for your comment. The contacts will be stored on your phone rather than on the SIM card. Therefore, you can change the SIM without losing access to your phone book.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Wendy pullin said:
I have a unheard voicemail on my phone when I transfered my no to new network how to I retrieve it
Ken replied:
Hi Wendy,
Thanks for your comment. Has your old account been closed? If so, it’s likely the voicemail message will now have been deleted. However, you can contact your old network to see whether it might still be possible to access this.
Ken
Fiona McCague said:
When keeping my old number and moving to a different network do I move the SIM card manually?
Ken replied:
Hi Fiona,
The phone number will move to the SIM card on your new network. You’ll then need to place the SIM card from your new mobile network in your phone to use it.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Fiona McCague replied:
Thanks Ken. The reason I asked is that I was told it would transfer around 4pm on Friday. I believe that THREE who I am transferring to will not be able to complete the transfer until Tuesday if it is sent on a Friday.
julio degoycoechea said:
hi there!
this is my dilema….while trying to adapt and old SIM card to fit in a new smartphone, I have ruined the card, I need a new SIM card at this point but with the old phone number on it…what do have to do…where can I have this new SIM card…the old one was from a network in Argentina called “Claro”…
Ken replied:
Hi Julio,
Thanks for your comment. You’ll need to contact your mobile network (so Claro in this case) to ask for a replacement SIM card. They should be able to arrange a replacement for you, with the same phone number and plan as before.
Hope this helps,
Ken
P Adams said:
The online route to get a code from EE no longer is valid due to them changing the website.
Ken replied:
Hi there,
Could you let me know which link from EE is broken? I’ve had a quick look and I think it works correctly for me, though would love to fix this if there is a broken link somewhere.
Thanks,
Ken
Sahara El-Batal said:
Hi Ken,
Do I have to use my payg SIM for a particular amount of time before returning to we?
Ken replied:
Hi there,
There is no minimum amount of time you need to have spent on a mobile network before you’re able to request a new PAC Code and port your phone number to another network.
Ken
Pips said:
What a wealth of information on your site! Thank you very much for all the hard work you put into it.
Due to inactivity my EE number has been blocked (and the credit lost). When I called them I was told that there is a grace period of 30 days in which I can recover the number by activating a new sim from their store and then contacting their MNT team to reactivate the old number. This period will expire mid December and I was wondering whether instead of activating a new sim with EE I could request a pac code from them not to lose the number completely and go elsewhere. Thanks for any advice on this.
Ken replied:
Hi Pips,
Thank you for the kind words! That’s a good question – though unfortunately, I don’t have a very good answer to it. Typically, in order to get a PAC Code, you’ll need a SIM card that’s still active on the network. The argument here from EE might be that your SIM card is no longer active on their network, and the 30 day grace period they’re giving you is up to their own accord on an already inactive SIM. The best way to find out, I’m afraid, would be asking EE Customer Services if they’re able to do this for you.
Ken
Joe said:
Extremely useful and well-written article – thanks Ken!
I was wondering if you can in theory do the following, if you switch to a new network and change your mind after a few days? Request PAC from network A and port to network B. After a few days, decide to go back to A (hence request another PAC, this time from B).
So, can you make a PAC request fairly soon after you have just moved onto a network, or does a certain time have to elapse before that’s allowed?
Ken replied:
Hi Joe,
Thanks, and a very good question! No, there’s no time limit or any need to wait before you’re able to request a new PAC Code. So if you like, you could request a PAC Code on the same day you join a network. This loophole is sometimes used to people to access new customer deals (they simply port out to another network, and then back in to the original network as a new customer).
Hope this helps,
Ken
Joe replied:
Thanks Ken – much appreciated.
Elisha said:
Hello
When porting takes place, does the old network provider transfers personal details to the new network provider or it is just a number transfer without passing personal information.
Thanks
Ken replied:
Hi Elisha,
It’s just a simple transfer of the phone number, with no transfer of other personal information 🙂
Ken
Lisa Williams said:
How do I change my number over if my contract is finished?
Ken replied:
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for your comment. You can just move your phone number over in the normal way – use our PAC Code Finder to get step-by-step instructions on how to do this.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Lisa Williams said:
Hi I just finished my contract from ee and would like to go tesco and I don’t know where to begin as my old phone is saying no signal how can I send my number over
Ken replied:
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for your comment. You should be able to follow the instructions here to move your phone number from EE to Tesco Mobile.
Hope this helps,
Ken
MONICA said:
I’ve transferred my virgin number to three and awaiting confirmation, can I still use my phone with the temporary three number on my new sim until the transfer comes through. Thanks
Ken replied:
Hi Monica,
Thanks for your comment. Yes, you can use your temporary phone number from Three in the mean time whilst you wait for the number transfer to complete 🙂
Ken
Peter said:
Ken
Can the o2 sim card work on any 2g,3G, and 4g smart phone and non smart phone
As I read that this classic 123 SIM card payg can only work with 2g phones
Ken replied:
Hi Peter,
Yes, it’ll work with any smartphone or non-smartphone providing the device supports 2G, 3G or 4G.
Hope this helps,
Ken
jade hogan said:
how long will I lose coverage for while the switch is taking place??
Ken replied:
Hi Jade,
Thanks for your comment. You should only lose coverage momentarily. What happens is you’ll find that coverage disappears on your old SIM card/handset. You should then restart your phone with the SIM card from the new network and it will have the original phone number assigned to it.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Daniel Stan said:
Plusnet don’t obey the Ofcom’s directive. They don’t even let you send the text message to the short message to obtain the PAC code.
Naima said:
Hi so I recently lost my vectone Sim card and have unfortunately decided to switch carriers to Giffgaff however by me losing my VectoneSim card it has unfortunately meant that I have a different number however I would like to go back to my Giffgaff number if I am able to get my PAC code I have been calling numerous times a week and I have been put on hold which has led to me waiting for hours on end with no reply . If it doesn’t trouble you can I please get a reply ASAP and can I get my vectone pac code
Ken replied:
Hi Naima,
Thanks for your comment. Are you able to request a PAC Code from the Vectone Mobile website? This might offer a potential solution. Alternatively, is there a way to get a replacement SIM card from Vectone? If you’re able to get one, you should be able to request your PAC Code via text message.
Ken
Norman said:
Does Data have to be turn on to port
Ken replied:
Hi Norman,
Thanks for your comment. No, there’s no need for data to be switched on in order to port!
Ken
Norman watson replied:
Hi Ken,
Thank you for your answer to my question.
Brilliant service you offer.
Thanks again
Norman.
Hashena A Liza said:
I would like to change my new mobile number.
Ken replied:
Hi there,
It should be possible to do this by requesting a STAC Code from your old provider rather than a PAC Code. See the information here about cancelling and ending your old plan.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Gemma said:
Will a PAC code still work in the same way if transferring it from a consumer account to a business account?
Ken replied:
Hi Gemma,
Thanks for your comment. Yes, it will work the exact same way if you’re moving your phone number from a consumer onto a business account 🙂
Ken
RAY said:
Hi, I have an old Motorola V3 with the largest SIM card.
Whenever I needed more airtime I bought a voucher when I was shopping at Tesco`s.
I want to do the same with a new NANO SIM card?
I have my new Smart Phone and want to get a NANO SIM card for it but all I can find is contract SIM cards.
On my old phone I could buy airtime off whatever company I wanted to, I want to do the same with my new Smart Phone.
I want a UK NANO SIM card without a contract, where can I get one from?
Regards Ray.
Ken replied:
Hi Ray,
Thanks for your comment. You can see my guide to Pay As You Go SIM cards here – all of them will now come with a nano-sized SIM card so you can use it inside your new mobile phone. Alternatively, if you’d like to keep your current network, you can simply ask them to provide you with a replacement Nano SIM.
Hope this helps,
Ken
RAY replied:
Hello Ken, Asda don`t supply a NANO SIM card, it`s a triple and you just push out the card you need.
On my new Huawei smart phone, it says the new NANO SIM card is thinner, so the triple won`t work?
You need a separate NANO?
Also, I have been searching ASDA, as they are what I need, and I can`t find the one you are talking about, free pay as you go, it looks like they have bundles only and you have to buy a bundle no matter how small in price?
Regards Ray.
Ken replied:
Hi Ray,
Thanks for your comment. The Nano SIM is simply the innermost part of the Triple SIM – simply push it out and you’ll find that it fits inside your Huawei device. With regards to the bundles, there’s no obligation to buy a bundle every month. If you don’t buy a bundle, you’ll simply pay the standard Pay As You Go rates of 8p/minute, 4p/text and 5p/MB.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Susan said:
If I request a stac by accident can I get a pac after that? I wanted to keep my no.
Ken replied:
Hi Susan,
Yes, no problem at all! Just follow the instructions for requesting a PAC Code. The existing STAC Code will automatically be cancelled, and you’ll be sent a new PAC Code to replace it.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Susan replied:
Thanks Ken! Got sorted. My number is now being ported over 🙂
P mckenzie said:
I am changing from Talk Talk to O2. on my iPhone Tomorrow. they have my PAC no and my present no which I am keeping. By phone call today. At the moment I have a Talk Talk SIM card still in my phone. When do I remove it and insert the O2 SIM card. Thank you.
Ken replied:
Hi there,
Thanks for your comment. You can keep the TalkTalk SIM card inside your iPhone until you lose coverage on that SIM. When that happens, it’s a sign to replace the SIM with your new one from O2.
Hope this helps!
Ken
P Mckenzie replied:
Yes thank you Ken. Very helpful All is ok. I am up and running again. Pam
steve said:
every time i enter all the phone numbers and pac code and enter it tells me theres an unknown error?
Ken replied:
Hi Steve,
Which company was your PAC Code obtained from? It might be worth double checking with them to make sure the PAC Code is correct, before submitting it again to your new network.
Ken
Tracy hill said:
Hi my number is on my work phone (transferred when I went on to work phone) I now want to transfer on to my private number but how do I do this so I keep my number and take it from work phone please ?
Ken replied:
Hi Tracy,
Thanks for your comment. Can you request a PAC Code from your work number, and then use this PAC Code to move the phone number to your own account?
Ken
Debbie Eccles said:
I joined virgin 2 days ago tv broadband & sim only mobile contract
I have my Pac code & I just cannot through on 789. I’ve been pressing redial. Since Friday …40 mins wS the longest wait
Regretting moving …how on earth can I retain my number if no one is available to take my Pac code? ?
Not very happy
Christine Smith said:
Pa code requested but been 7 days still not received. What is the problem
Ken replied:
Hi Christine,
Which mobile network are you trying to get a PAC Code from? They should be giving you a PAC Code within 60 seconds when you request it online or via SMS text message.
Ken
Yee Lim said:
Hi Ken,
You mentioned that transferring number needs to be within the UK. Say, I order a new SIM and I travel for 3 months. I’d requested the PAC beforehand. When my new SIM arrives, could I get my wife to tell the new network what the PAC is or does the old SIM has to be physically in the UK. Thanks
Ken replied:
Hi Yee,
Thanks for your comment. I believe your new SIM card will normally need to be inside the UK. This is because some updates need to be made to it – for instance, provisioning it with your new phone number after your PAC Code is used. This isn’t always possible when you’re travelling abroad due to the way international roaming works on different networks, etc. In practice, I have seen it working abroad a couple of times but your mileage may vary and this may not always work as required.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Adeebah said:
I’ve lost my phone which had a giffgaff number inside and I want that number back. How ever everything was logged on that phone like my giffgaff account and I can’t get into it.. is there any other way I can get my number back? Everything linked to that account I can’t log into
Ken replied:
Hi Adeebah,
Thanks for your comment. You can request a replacement SIM card as soon as you can get in to your giffgaff account. Would it be possible to do something like a password reset via email?
Ken
Lee Mcleod said:
Stupidly I’ve miss placed my SIM so ordered a new one want to keep the same number , can I do this ??
Ken replied:
Hi Lee,
Thanks for your comment. Yes, you can process this as a SIM card replacement through your mobile network. They’ll issue you with a new SIM card to replace the old SIM card which has been lost or stolen.
Ken
Julia said:
I have a pay as you go sim only on EE no contract involved. How do i get a pac code? Thank you
Ken replied:
Hi Julia,
Thanks for your comment. You can request a PAC Code from EE in the normal way, as described on this page. Let me know if you encounter any problems following those steps?
Ken
Jamie said:
Hi,
EE now ask for the PAC or STAC number during their signup process. I have my PAC code but if I supply this during signup and the new SIM takes 3 business days to arrive (they quote this) but the number is ported ‘next business day’ won’t this leave me without service for potentially 2 days.
Anyone got advice on this? Will EE wait until I have their SIM before transferring?
Ken replied:
Hi Jamie,
Thanks for your comment. Yes, I’d personally wait for the new SIM card to arrive first. That would also give you the opportunity to return it, without porting complications (e.g. if it didn’t work properly or if you weren’t satisfied with the coverage in your area on the SIM card).
Ken
Jamie replied:
Thanks Ken,
I’ve got one further question. I pay in advance for airtime, do you know if any remaining airtime is refunded when my number switches? So if I pay a month in advance on the 1st of the month and my number switches on the 2nd are my current provider obliged to refund me the remaining 29 days?
Great site by the way.
Ken replied:
Hi Jamie,
Thank you for the very kind words! Are you on a Pay Monthly contract? If so, then yes, you’ll be refunded for the days that you didn’t use in the final month. Details can be found in your final bill (most networks will issue you with a refund automatically, but some of them might require you to call up to ask for your refund). If you’re on Pay As You Go, top-ups are non-refundable and will not be returned to you.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Yvonne white said:
New iPhone XR was meant to change today as used poached code 2 days ago. But still no service.
Ken replied:
Hi Yvonne,
If your phone number transfer has been delayed, it’s worth getting in touch with your new mobile network to check on the status. I believe, as of July 2019, your network should also offer you “reasonable compensation” for a delay in porting that takes more than one working day.
Ken
Rajinder Jhanji said:
What if my existing network is reluctant to give me the pac code?
Ken replied:
Hi Rajinder,
They’re legally obliged to give you a PAC Code, as per Ofcom’s General Conditions of Entitlement. Are you still experiencing problems getting your PAC Code? If so, I’d consider putting a formal complaint in writing to them and reminding them of their legal obligations.
Ken
Stephen Hawley said:
Received ‘Your message isn’t recognised’ from TalkTalk after texting PAC to 65075.
Looks like they haven’t heard about the new process, bless them.
Ken replied:
Hi Stephen,
It’s a shame that they’re not following the new process! Given they’re in the midst of closing down anyway, it’s possible they’ve just decided that it isn’t worth following the new rules.
Ken
Stephen Hawley replied:
Yes but the best it was the text message went on to say … If you want a PAC code text PAC to 65075, if you want a STAC code etc etc!!!
Tina Bran said:
Hi there bt in my boyfriend name no long with him I just want to take my number with me
Ken replied:
Hi Tina,
Thanks for your comment. Typically, it’s the account holder that needs to request the PAC Code. You’ll therefore need to ask him to do this for you. Alternatively, if you have access to the SIM card, it might be possible for you to request it via text message.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Andy said:
is their any ofcom/ofgem laws that state a 10 day pac code release period for 80 business user mobile contracts moving to a new provider?
Ken replied:
Hi Andy,
Thanks for your comment. I believe the requirement is currently for business customers to get a PAC Code within 2 working days of their request. See clause 7.30 of the General Conditions of Entitlement here. Has your network provided any guidance on why they’ll only be able to provide it in 10 days?
Ken
Claire Hill said:
Hi
I am leaving EE and had requested a PAC code which I received and I have now transferred to my new provider. The changeover was requested yesterday and it happened today and my new phone is now using my previous EE number.
However I still seem to be receiving my messages and calls on my old EE phone? I was informed once my PAC code had been transferred that my EE account would be cancelled/closed.
Do I need to do anything else?
Ken replied:
Hi Claire,
Thanks for your comment. Is this problem still persisting or has it now been resolved? On the day of the phone number transfer, there is sometimes a bit of overlap between the two networks. However, it usually clears up by the end of the day and then your account on EE should then automatically be closed.
Ken
Paula said:
Do you get a new number until your old number kicks in and how long does that take?
Ken replied:
Hi Paula,
Thanks for your comment. Yes, you’ll be given a temporary phone number when you sign up your new mobile network. This will allow you to make sure everything works as expected. Once you’re sure that’s the case, you can simply provide your PAC Code to your new network and your phone number transfer should then take place on the next working day.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Mandy said:
I dont want to transfer my number so how do I get a new one from my new voxi sim?
Ken replied:
Hi Mandy,
Thanks for your comment. You’ll be assigned a new phone number automatically when you order your SIM card from VOXI.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Timothy Page said:
Getting my old mobile number back was relatively painless, although the shop had some issues getting to the form at the time it seems, after getting that sorted it got transfered with very little fuss and quickly.
unfortunatly the number thats supposed to just give you the pac number did not do so and just linked the account system for tesco mobile, possibly because it was on a family plan? At any rate we eventualy got a hold of it and the change was relatively painless.
Maria said:
What happens if I get my pac code, then my new sim comes and I kinda like that number…and don’t want to use my pac code, do I just request a stac code and it cancels out the pack code?!
Ken replied:
Hi Maria,
Thanks for your comment. Yes, you can just change your PAC Code into a STAC Code. Just follow the instructions for requesting a STAC Code from your old network, and use this in place of your PAC Code.
Hope this helps,
Ken
paul meredith said:
this is a joke it is supposed to be easy to get a PAK code (send a txt)
no way to do it from the app,online logged into to the account.
When you phone 4455 PAK code is not an option
Tesco mobile seems to be breaking the new Ofcom rules !!!
Marc Steven Braithwaite said:
I need a pac code I am joining sky my sky sim number is 89***removed***9 can you send me information. On how it works do I I give sky the pac code and they will do it
Ken replied:
Hi Marc,
Thanks for your comment. Which mobile network are you on at the moment? You can find step-by-step instructions here on how to move your phone number to Sky Mobile.
Ken
Danny Bothick said:
Hello hope you can help me i’ve lost my sim card and ordered a new one but I want to keep old number
Ken replied:
Hi Danny,
Thanks for your comment. When you order a replacement SIM card from your mobile network, they should automatically transfer your existing phone number to it (get in touch with the customer services team if they don’t do this). A PAC Code is only needed when you move from one mobile network to another, so it isn’t necessary for you to go through this process 🙂
Ken
Jenkins said:
This is getting farcical. Tried texting 65075 for pac but delivery failed. So went to web site, this page, where it tells me to call 202. Called 202 and I got 3 options none of which tell me how to get my PAC.
Looks like O2 are determined to make it as difficult as possible for you to leave.
Hope OFCOM monitor this page!
Scott said:
I wish to remain using my number for EE and stay in service and have changed hand device.
I wish to unlock my old phone provided by EE so as to give it to my daughter on a pay as you go sim card from Vodafone, please can you advise?
Ken replied:
Hi Scott,
Many thanks for your comment. There’s information on this page about how to unlock your handset from EE. To keep your existing phone number, you’ll just need to put your existing SIM Card in your new mobile phone (as the phone number is linked to the SIM card rather than the handset). Your daughter can simply place her Vodafone SIM card inside the mobile phone and it will have the new phone number.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Jordi said:
Hi Ken!
I love this article, super helpful. I am moving from 3 to EE, I have no cancellation fees, but they require 30 days cancellation. If I do it through PAC number, will they charge only what I used until the date number was changed to EE? Or since they have the 30 days policy they will charge the whole month since I requested the PAC ?
Ken replied:
Hi Jordi,
Thanks for your comment. At present, most companies will charge you for your 30-day notice period. Therefore, if you were to request a PAC Code on the 1st July, you would be liable to pay your bill until the 31st July (this is regardless of when your phone number actually moves over). For many people, this means there is a period of time where you’re paying two bills (both the old contract along with the new one). It’s something that I know Ofcom (the UK’s telecommunications regulator) is looking into changing, but sadly, this is how it works at the moment 🙁 You can minimise the overlap by scheduling your transfer towards the end of your 30-day notice period.
Ken
Alex said:
My sim only contract ends on 27/06/19 with Three, I have contacted them today to get my pac code to switch to a different network, they have said I must wait until 27/06/19 when they will then switch me to a PAYG contract and I don’t have to do a 30 day notice period.. they will then issue me a pac code. I have asked for them to email me a copy of my contract as surely if my contract is ending and I am fully paid up I should be able to get it now and not need to give 30 days notice. But they are refusing to send me a copy of contract too. Are they in the right?
Ken replied:
Hi Alex,
Thanks for your comment. Three are legally obliged to issue you with a PAC Code, even whilst you’re in the minimum term of your contract. You should remind them of their legal obligations under Ofcom’s General Conditions of Entitlement!
Ken
christa buttolph said:
How do we text to switch
Ken replied:
Hi Christa,
Thanks for your comment. The mobile networks are only legally obliged to offer “text to switch” from the 1st July 2019. We’ll update this page in due course to make sure it reflects the latest information on how to request a PAC Code.
Hope this helps!
Ken
christa buttolph said:
I’ve asked talk talk 7 times for pac code they keep saying there’s problem giving me one yet they are closing there mobile side down. What can I do.
Ken replied:
Hi Christa,
Thanks for your comment. TalkTalk are legally obliged to provide you with a PAC Code within 2 hours of your request. Have they given you a reason as to why they aren’t able to issue you with one?
Ken
Krusa said:
Hi i have a pay as you go sim, however i have recently got a pay monthly sim can i transfer my pay as you go sim number onto the pay monthly sim and how
Ken replied:
Hi Krusa,
Thanks for your comment. Are you staying on the same mobile network? If so, you can get in touch with their customer services team to request this (a PAC Code is only necessary when moving from one mobile network to another). If you’re changing mobile networks, you can use a PAC Code in order to do this.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Nigel said:
Orange just cut off my number without telling me, I’ve had the same number for 20 years and it’s unbelievable, I phoned them up from a landline obviously and they just said sorry your number is now lost in the system and can’t be restored…..
I had this once before but they managed to reinstate the number but this time said they can’t.
Terrible service, I have had to spend days changing various security details on various accounts which had this number not to mention losing contact with clients etc.
Garry Mcphee said:
Hi I’m trying to get a Pac code off virgin so I can use my phone as I’m having problems with virgin and my account I need my mobile but also need my number as it’s my work that I need it for I have phone up virgin and was told by someone so rude that I can’t have it and then hung up is there any way that I can get the Pac code without calling virgin many thanks Garry
Ken replied:
Hi Garry,
Thanks for your comment. At the moment, the only way to obtain a PAC Code is by calling your mobile network. From the 1st July 2019, however, text-to-switch will be in operation. This will make it possible to obtain a PAC Code by sending a short text message.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Simon said:
Hello, Ken. I was wondering if I could still use data from my goodybags instead of pay-as-you-go stuff.
Ken replied:
Hi Simon,
Thanks for your comment. I’m not sure I 100% understand your question. However, if you have an active giffgaff goodybag on your account, you should be able to use the data from it rather than Pay As You Go rates?
Ken
Wendy said:
Just want to know how to transfer my old/current O2 phone number to my new Tesco Mobile phone. Rather worried that I won’t be able to as I found out that Tesco Mobile use O2 or something.
Can someone help me?
Ken replied:
Hi Wendy,
Thanks for your comment. You can move your phone number from O2 to Tesco Mobile by following the normal PAC code process. The fact that they both use O2 for coverage doesn’t make a difference to this process!
Ken
Owain said:
If you do not change you PAC number once requested, talkmobile will still charge you irrespective if you told them to cancel the account and even though your device may be inactive they will still charge you every month, months by month and scam you with no refunds.
Ken replied:
Hi Owain,
Sadly, the default outcome if you request a PAC Code and then decide not to use it within the 30-day validity period is the existing contract will continue to run as before. In many ways, this is actually a positive for the consumer as it means you can try and negotiate the price you pay (asking for a PAC Code when you do this) but then there’s no obligation to actually leave if they call your bluff and they offer you a PAC Code rather than a discount.
In some cases, this actually causes some confusion if you had just wanted to end the contract without moving your phone number elsewhere. If you had wanted to do this, the PAC Code process shouldn’t have been followed – instead, the 30-day notice period should just have been served and your contract should be ended automatically after that period.
If you believe Talkmobile didn’t act properly on your instructions (e.g. by issuing you with a PAC Code when you had just wanted to end the contract), it might be worth making a formal complaint in writing to them. This will allow you to dispute the money they’ve charged you.
Ken
Alex Vanselow said:
Trying to get a PAC code from Vodafone and again experiencing the service that make me want to switch providers. Called 191, long cue was called back 25 minutes later, did all the identity checks and was told there is a technical problem with their system that is not issuing PAC codes to call again later. Really ?
Muhammad khan said:
I have experienced very bad customer service from Vecton mobile. They don’t bother and understand customer needs . My account has been suspended for last one week but unfortunately they don’t bother to discuss and I try tried to contact them several occasions but no one picks up the phone. There are no customer support and service at all . I was no the phone for hours but no response. Now I wants my puk code but it’s quite impressive to getting it because no one pick up phone.
MP said:
Hi
Moving out of a network and back in again quickly to change deal through a third party provider and get Cashback … is there a minimum time limit?
Ken replied:
Hi MP,
Thanks for your comment. There’s no minimum amount of time you’ll need to have left a mobile network before you’re able to port your phone number back in. With regards to the cashback, however, there might be additional conditions so it’s worth double checking this before you buy.
Hope this helps,
Ken
F Minogue said:
Hi, I changed from EE to Vodafone and used the website to change from my temporary number to my old number. Although on my iphone under “Names, email address and phone number” it says my old number is working, my messages are still going through under the temporary number. What do I do?
Ken replied:
Hi there,
Thanks for your comment. See the information here on using iMessage and FaceTime after porting your phone number with a PAC Code. Hopefully this should help to resolve the problems you’re having!
Ken
G Thain said:
24h RUBBISH! Just been told by Voxi three and a half days!
Keying said:
Hi,
I tried to transfer my number to giffgaff but it shows an error with PAC Code:
Oops. There was a problem with your PAC code. Please try again later.
The PAC code do not expire until 12 June, why can’t it be processed?
Ken replied:
Hi Keying,
Sorry to hear about the problems you’ve experienced inputting a PAC Code at giffgaff. Unfortunately, it’s likely you’ll need to flag this with giffgaff’s support team (e.g. using their online support) to get a bit more info about it.
Sorry I can’t be of any more help!
Ken
Jay said:
I been trying to get Pac code form vector mobile but keeps saying I need to put money on phone to get one ????
Ken replied:
Hi Jay,
Thanks for your comment. It shouldn’t be necessary to have money on your account to get a PAC Code issued. However, there might be a per-minute charge when you get in touch with them (which might require you to have money on your account). You can side-step this by using a different phone to call Vectone (e.g. borrowing someone else’s phone or using a landline instead).
Ken
Mark Perry said:
I tried to move from O2 for pay as you go, 4445 is chargable, but I’m moving provider so I have no credit. I then called from my home phone, entered the code sent to my o2 mobile, then I was told my security details couldn’t be found and was then transferred to a phone line that was closed! Why on earth can’t we just request a pac code via automated service, or through my O2? Seems like you just want to make it hard as possible to transfer away. Your company is a joke!
Andy said:
If you are PAYG and simply want support, without giving three any additional business, they are terrible. I bought a new phone that needs a nano sim, whereas my existing three sim is micro only. It is very difficult to get a nano sim and have my old number transferred to it. There is nothing on the website that allows you to do this simple operation – you need to go to a three shop (I don’t have one nearby) to arrange this…
Hatun Soruklu said:
I had 2 contracts with Virgin and I cancelled one of them yesterday due to their price increase from £9 to £12 while in a contract. Their service is terrible. Always there is some kind of issue with either internet or phone line. My other contract ends in Dec and cant wait to leave them. As yesterday 14th May just about whole country had issues with their internet and phone line as well as text messaging. Simply my both mobiles were dead from 10am until evening.I moved to 3. Lets see what they are like. At least they wouldn’t increase the price 30% while in a contract.
Simon norley said:
If i leave and get a PaC code, then dont use it but still leave. Then 18months later get a bill to terminate because you didnt use your PAC code but still left but used no service..can i be legally bound to pay this bill?
Ken replied:
Hi Simon,
Thanks for your comment. Essentially, there are two ways to cancel your contract: you can either use a PAC Code to move your phone number to another network, or you can contact your mobile network directly and ask them to cancel the contract. Typically, you’ll actually need to use the PAC Code to move your phone number to another network in order to cancel your old contract through the PAC Code route. If you haven’t used it after 30 days, the PAC Code is cancelled and it’s assumed you no longer want to move.
With regards to the question you asked, this is unfortunately something you’ll need to dispute with your network. Part of it would rely on whether they cancelled the contract as per your request. For instance, if you had explicitly asked them to cancel your contract (rather than simply issuing you with a PAC Code), it could be argued that they didn’t follow your instructions correctly. Evidence of non-use of the service would also back this up.
Ken
John said:
Today I applied to Tesco Mobile to request a Porting Authorisation Code and was refused point blank to be given one.
No explanation given, just take it or leave it.
I may add I am on a P.A.Y.G. tariff.
Ken replied:
Hi John,
Many thanks for your comment. Tesco Mobile are legally obliged to give you a PAC Code, unless one of the reasons listed here applies. It might be worth reminding them of their obligations, and asking them to give you a reason if they aren’t able to issue you with a PAC Code.
Hope this helps,
Ken
John replied:
Thanks for help.
Not one to give up, I had a “Chat” with Tesco Mobile.
No hassle was given a code there and then.
Dave said:
I tried to request a PAC code from vodaphone only to be told I needed my sim card so they could send me a code number to give them so they could proceed with the Pac code, I told them I no longer have the sim as i have already gone to another phone company and have activated the card to start to use my phone and number as soon as but I am wanting my old number but they said the only way they could start to give me a Pac code is for them to send code to my original sim.
My question is Ken would there be another way they could give me a Pac code.
Thank you
Ken replied:
Hi Dave,
Thanks for your comment. It sounds like Vodafone are trying to put you through a security check to make sure the phone number belongs to you. This is an important step for security and privacy, and as such, I don’t think there is any way around it (unless you’re able to pass the security check another way).
Ken
Daley said:
Hi, I lost my sim and reported it as lost but then found it days later. My account is suspended, I cant get access to reactivate. I have bought a new sim and would like to transfer my old number. Can anyone help
Ken replied:
Hi Daley,
Which mobile network are you on? The best thing to do would be to contact their customer services team (either from your new SIM or from a different number). They should be able to arrange this for you 🙂
Ken
Marite said:
How many numbers are a PAC code?
Ken replied:
Hi Marite,
A PAC Code should consist of three letters followed by six numbers (e.g. ABC 123 456).
Hope this helps!
Ken
Oleg said:
Thanks for this extensive and useful information!
Ron bate said:
Absolute shambles, first I was cut off while talking to an operative, then when I called again I was put onto my own voice mail. I simply want my PAC number so as to keep my current number as I am entitled to do.
Harini said:
I got an email that my number has transferred but it still says no service at the top left corner. I’ve tried turning my phone on and off and I’ve removed the SIM card and put it back in but it still says no service. I need help
Ken replied:
Hi Harini,
Thanks for your comment. Which mobile network are you transferring your phone number into? I’d recommend reaching out to their customer services team directly as this sounds like an account-specific issue that they’ll need to look into.
Ken
Imran said:
Hi so I lost my sim and I need to get back to it how would I do that I know the number and stuff but I can’t transfer back to the old sim because I lost the sim
Ken replied:
Hi Imran,
Thanks for your comment. Your mobile network should be able to send you a replacement SIM card for the one you’ve lost. The phone number would be reassigned to the new SIM card for you.
Ken
Sean said:
Bit of a strange one. My son had a sim only deal with virgin but couldn’t pass teh credit check to get an upgrade. If decided to take a contract out with him on Virgin also. Can he keep his old number?
Ken replied:
Hi Sean,
Yes, if you wanted, you could take out a contract on his behalf and it would be possible for him to transfer his phone number to it. However, as this won’t be processed as a normal upgrade, it may sometimes be necessary to transfer your phone number out to another network before transferring it back in. I’d recommend double-checking with Virgin Mobile Customer Services in advance to see what the best way of achieving this would be.
Ken
Ken
Alex Chan said:
I have asked three to get a Pac code, they said in 2 hours I can get it, but I haven’t get it . I phone three again they said need to cancel the old Pac code and order a new Pac code
Tamata said:
Okay so would this be the same process if my SIM card is damaged and I want to keep my current number?
Ken replied:
Hi Tamata,
Thanks for your comment. No, there’s no need to follow this process if you’re not changing mobile networks. As you want to keep your existing price plan on the same mobile network, you can simply contact your mobile network operator to ask for a replacement SIM card.
Hope this helps,
Ken
M umar said:
More then 1 month trying to contact customer service to port out my number from freedom pop but still no way cos their phone always on auto reply no otherway to find to port out my number. I’m in Worest condition cos of their service
Attila said:
How is it free to request the PAC code while they charge 9p per call and that is the only way to request it?
Ken replied:
Hi Atilla,
Thanks for your comment. There should be a way to contact your mobile network without paying any more than the standard UK landline rate. Could you let me know which network you’re trying to obtain a PAC Code from?
Thanks,
Ken
Steph said:
Hi Ken,
Great blog and very helpful. Quick question for you – I’ve recently relocated to the US and want to get the PAC code from o2 so I can move to 3 – chance to keep my number for when I visit home/move back. I’m being told they can only do this if the sim card is in the UK. Is this accurate?
Thanks in advance.
Ken replied:
Hi Steph,
Thanks for your comment. I do believe your new SIM card should normally be in the UK and connected to a UK network (as opposed to roaming). Saying that, I’m afraid I don’t know enough about the specifics of this and what would happen if you were abroad whilst the phone number moves – sorry about that!
Ken
Gurjit Singh said:
Hi, I had a message 40 mins ago to say that my old number had been successfully transferred but when I ring the number a message says it is an incorrect number !
Ken replied:
Hi Gurjit,
Thanks for your comment. On the day of the transfer, there could be a brief period where the phone number hasn’t yet fully moved over to your new network. If the problem persists, I’d recommend getting in touch with your new mobile network who should be able to take a look into this for you.
Ken
Mr Liam J Cairns said:
It’d be helpful if you made it clear above which are the correct options to select when you call the 0345 number. Think that’s doable?
Ken replied:
Hi Liam,
Thanks for the feedback and agreed this would be a great addition! The main issue here is that menu options change quite frequently, so it would be difficult for us to consistently maintain an up-to-date list of these options. Also, the options may differ depending on the type of tariff somebody has (e.g. consumer VS business, Pay Monthly VS Pay As You Go, etc). For this reason, it’s probably still “best” for everyone to listen to the options and to make sure they pick the right option for them. I will consider this for the future however if there’s a way we can make it useful and accurate.
Thanks again,
Ken
Pamela Lealand said:
I am about to supply my pac code number to change to Sky mobile will I need to get my fone unlocked?
Ken replied:
Hi Pamela,
Thanks for your comment. Are you using a Sky Mobile SIM card in your existing smartphone? If so, you may need to unlock it before it will accept the SIM card from Sky.
If you’re using the Sky Mobile SIM card in a new mobile phone (e.g. one that you’ve purchased from Sky or on a SIM-free basis), it isn’t necessary to unlock your current smartphone.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Carol Roberts said:
I am having huge problems with Virgin. My mobile service has been cut off and no one will answer my calls. Several times I have waited on my landline for over 30 minutes each time. I have asked for my PAC, which I know is my legal right, but virgin cut me off and now I am unable to get through. I have tried to call virgin again this morning but can’t get through.
I have a disabled family member with whom I need to maintain contact – she only has a mobile phone, no landline.
How can I get my PAC code if no one at virgin will take my calls?
Ken replied:
Hi Carol,
I’m very sorry to hear about the problems you’ve experienced getting in touch with Virgin Media. I’m extremely surprised about this and would have expected Virgin to be a lot better at picking up phone calls! Fingers crossed you’ll be able to get through to them soon.
Ken
Divine said:
Hi Ken
Such useful information & easy to follow. Thank you.
One question please
Am planning moving to sim only from my current
provider O2. Already have PAC & after getting the
new sim from new provider who’s actually using
O2 mask, shall activate new sim & transfer my
current number by providing the PAC & then wait
I think for day for the transfer to complete with the
provider. Once I get confirmation that am ready
to go, shall remove old sim & insert in new sim.
Question
Will all my data – contacts, apps, photos & videos
as well as all instant messaging on whatsapp &
iMessage/message be available on my phone
as not sure if some info are stored on the sim while
others are stored on the phone.
Do I need to do a restore once am on the new sim?
BTW am on iPhone 7 Plus
Thank you
Ken replied:
Hi there,
From your message, I believe you’re keeping the same phone as before but just changing the SIM card inside it? If so, then yes, all of your personal data will still be there on the phone after you change the SIM card. Nowadays, smartphones do not store any personal data directly on the SIM card so there’s nothing to worry about here (in the past, it was only some very old feature phones that would store your phone book & contacts on the SIM).
Ken
Eka said:
I am writing and calling for a lycamobile for a month. they do not answer the phone. I want to get the PAC code.
It is unbearable
Robert Smith said:
That was so easily explained, and to set up, thank you
Gen said:
I have a little Nokia PAYG phone and 6 months ago Virgin offered me a great deal paying monthly which has been more than sufficient for my use. I have recently bought a new Nokia PAYG phone, simply as the old one was about done. My question is how do I remain on the same Virgin deal, keep the same phone number on my new phone, also what to do about the SIms? Do I fit the old sim in the new phone? I have not done anything yet, just in case it’s the wrong thing.
Ken replied:
Hi Gen,
Thanks for your comment. It should be possible just to insert your SIM card into the new phone. It would keep the same phone number, price plan, etc. If it requires a different sized SIM card, see our guide to changing your SIM card size.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Andrew said:
I had a contract with tpo mobile who have now gone into administration. They had emailed me a pac code to transfer my number to a new supplier, unfortunately I was abroad at the time and was unable to do this until I returned to the UK. When I have now tried to transfer it the pac code no longer works. I have had the number for around 12 years, I use it for my business and it linked to all my accounts so it is very important for me to keep that number. Does anyone know what will now happen to that number and is there any way I can obtain it?
Ken replied:
Hi Andrew,
I am so sorry to hear that you’ve been affected by the TPO Mobile closure. Unfortunately, your best call of action probably now needs to be getting in touch with TPO’s administrators to see if they can offer you a new PAC Code (I believe you can email them on tpo@duffandphelps.com). I hope they’ll be able to recover the phone number for you.
Ken
Matt Mason said:
Trying to get a PAC code to keep my old orange number, change to EE. Phone says SIM is invalid. Called number to get PAC. (From my Spanish handset) Entered my old number. Told it’s not correct when it is. Tried twice without success.
I only use the UK phone on orange for 2 weeks a year.. seems the SIM is now expired. Advice please. Matt Mason.
Ken replied:
Hi Matt,
Many thanks for your comment. Are you trying to transfer a Spanish phone number (+34) to a UK SIM card? If so, this unfortunately isn’t possible: you can only transfer UK mobile numbers (beginning with +44 7) using a PAC Code.
If you’re moving from Orange UK to EE, you can do this through EE customer services without the need to use a PAC Code.
Ken
Sue Bartholomew said:
Hi, I had a message 40 mins ago to say that my old number had been successfully transferred but when I ring the number a message says it is an incorrect number !
Ken replied:
Hi Sue,
Sorry to hear about the problems you’ve encountered transferring your phone number. In this case, you’ll need to contact your new mobile network to ask them to investigate the issue. As this is an account-specific query, only they will have access to the information required to diagnose the issue.
Ken
andrew rowland said:
Why won’t virgin give me my pac code, basically refusing to do so?
Ken replied:
Hi Andrew,
As per Ofcom’s General Conditions of Entitlement, Virgin are legally obliged to give you a PAC Code unless one of the following reasons is the case (e.g. because you haven’t been able to complete a security check for the account, or because the account has already been closed). You should ask Virgin why they aren’t able to issue you with a PAC Code, and can make a formal complaint in writing against them if they’re still refusing to do this.
Ken
Danielle said:
Hi Ken,
I am moving to Sweden next week. I have cancelled my EE monthly contract, which will expire in roughly 3 weeks time. I have bought a Three pay as you go SIM to transfer my current phone number to, so I can continue to use the same number when I come back to the UK for visits.
My question is, will it be okay for me to set up the Three SIM when I am in Sweden? Or do you need to be in your home country? I am not going to be back in the UK for a few months and don’t want to lose my current EE number.
I hope this makes sense! Thanks for all of your amazing advice, so helpful!
Ken replied:
Hi Danielle,
Thanks for your comment and “god lycka” with the move to Sweden 🙂
Regarding your Three Pay As You Go SIM card, the good news is you can continue to use this at no extra charge whilst over in Sweden (allowing you to continue receiving calls on your UK number, calling back to the UK, etc).
If possible, I’d strongly recommend activating the SIM card whilst you’re still in the UK (i.e. putting it into a phone and then topping it up with some credit). This is because Three will sometimes flag up SIM cards that have never actually been used in the UK. Once your SIM card is active, you can move the phone number over whenever you like. For simplicity, however, you may prefer to get it all done before you go (e.g. scheduling the transfer for 1 or 2 day before you go).
Ken
Shahbaz Ahmed said:
How many digits is the 3 pac code?
Ken replied:
Hi Shahbaz,
It should be three letters followed by six numbers.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Martin said:
Why oh why can you not get a PAC code online through your account login. It should be compulsory that this channel be available. Vodafone, for example, use 2 Factor Authentication just to let you view your own bill – very sensible security precaution. Given that they have the security infrastructure in place, I see no reason why I should not also be able to get my PAC this way. In fact, they shouldbe requiredto issue it by default automatically 30 days prior to contract term. If you don’t choose to use it, the contract just rolls on anyway.
Of course I do know the reason – they want to put you through their ‘persuasion’ process first, make it like you don’t really want to leave, make it like Hotel California.
That’s fine – they could email me their best offer with the default 30 day PAC. But no, they would rather that the date just slipped by and I didn’t notice the uptick in the monthly payment…
Ken replied:
Hi Martin,
Thanks for your comment. You make a really good point, and I totally agree with you. Like you said, the reason they normally require you to contact them by phone is because it gives them a good opportunity to keep you as a customer. The good news, however, is that things are changing from July 2019. Upcoming Ofcom legislation from that date means it’ll be possible to request a PAC Code hassle-free via text message. The issue of double-charging for overlapping contracts will also be resolved. A thoroughly sensible piece of legislation if you ask me!
Ken
lynda masters said:
I only found out about TPO by text from them on Friday the 22nd! No email or letter. As a previous person has said their call centre is closed. I tried Saturday morning. I have sent a message via their website as I want to a PAC code before Tuesday. I’m hoping they will get back to me tomorrow
( Monday) My question is what can I do if they don’t? As I understand it they should provide one but as they are going into administration what rights do I have to keep my existing number. Hope you can help. Lynda
Dayna Simpson said:
Im on a contract under my dads name and im looking to change, however he’s making it difficult for other reasons, can i get this pac code without getting him to do so?
Ken replied:
Hi Dayna,
Thanks for your comment. Sadly, only the bill payer/account owner is able to request the PAC Code for you. This is due to security reasons so that the phone number can not be “stolen” and the phone calls & text messages intercepted.
Ken
John Nuttall said:
I’ve been forced to leave TPO due to their problems and I’ve gone over to Smarty, however I use my phone for my business and my number is on my website and my business cards as well as 11 years trading using same number. I’ve entered my PAC code and yesterday my current number stopped working and my phone is now using the SMARTY number off my new sim. I’m used to there being around 30 mins where my old number stopped working but this is now 18 hours without my phone working from my old number. What do I need to do? Should I resubmit the PAC code and try again or wait.
Ken replied:
Hi John,
Sorry to hear that you’ve been affected by TPO Mobile going into administration. The best thing to do would be to get in touch with Smarty’s online support ASAP. You can do this by visiting their help centre, and contacting them through that (e.g. using the live chat that pops up in the bottom right corner of the page). They should be able to look into this for you, and can figure out the status of your phone number transfer. I would probably avoid waiting further myself, given the short amount of time that TPO has given customers to move off their network.
Ken
Andrew replied:
I too have a TPO number, however I have been informed by SMARTY that the porting delay is due to TPO failing to provide all the information to move the number to SMARTY.
“We’re working with them to get the issue resolved, and you’ll get an email when the transfer completes – if the issue isn’t fixed within three business days, we’ll contact you with an update.”
What information is being transferred here?
Ken replied:
Hi Andrew,
I’m really sorry to hear about the delays you’ve experienced to porting. Out of curiosity, was this resolved in time in the end, or are TPO still failing to provide all the information?
Ken
Matt replied:
Common problem/std response from a very tardy Smarty Customer support team. Do you know what would happen if I have already put in a request to move to Smarty from TPO – but as no longer trusting them – I have also requested my number is transferred to a temporary O2 sim…
Nothing now for over a week. Have I lost my number that I have carried for 20 years….
Ken replied:
Hi Matt,
Sadly, it’s difficult to know 🙁 Unfortunately, I’m not sure what the current status is of old TPO phone numbers. Are you still getting coverage on the TPO SIM card, or is it now dead?
Normally, responsibility for completing the transfer belongs to your new mobile network (i.e. Smarty or O2). It’s up to them to liaise with your old network to get this sorted, albeit, I’m not sure what they’re able to do if TPO isn’t responding. I should have thought that a large number of people will be transferring from TPO to Smarty (since Smarty were the recommended network) so it’s probably more likely they’ll have some more recent contact with TPO on the matter.
Ken
Maisha siddika said:
I am not a pay as you go or monthly for o2 will they still give a Pac code
Ken replied:
Hi Maisha,
Thanks for your comment. What type of tariff do you have from O2? If you have a mobile phone number with them, they should provide you with a PAC Code. However, I’m not sure what other type of tariff there is besides from Pay Monthly and Pay As You Go!
Ken
Win said:
TPO mobile goes into administration on 23rd. Did not know anything about this until I saw it in the paper yesterday. I am trying to contact them to get my PAC code but their number is dead and any emails won’t go. Can you help me as I need to keep my number and get another operator ASAP. I pay monthly.
Ken replied:
Hi Win,
I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been caught up in TPO Mobile going into administration. I believe they have been issuing PAC Codes to all customers automatically, via a letter in the post or an e-mail in your inbox. According to their website, this should arrive by Monday 18th February – if not, you’re encouraged to get in touch with them via this form on their website.
Ken
Scott Pringle said:
I was only giving a 6 digit PAC Number from O2 not the 9 you have said please advise
Ken replied:
Hi Scott,
It might be worth asking O2 to issue you with your PAC Code again. It should be three letters followed by six numbers e.g. in the format ABC 123 456.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Carol Farrell said:
I’ve just received my new sky sim and would like to activate it, I would like to use my old number when my contract is up. Can I activate my sky sim now and change to my old number at the end of this month when they give me a pac code.
Ken replied:
Hi Carol,
Thanks for your comment. Yes, you can activate your Sky Mobile SIM card today with the temporary phone number that Sky have assigned to you. You can then transfer your phone number over whenever you’re ready (e.g. at the end of the month). With regards to your old provider, I’d suggest getting your PAC Code sooner rather than later as they often require you to give advance notice of ending a contract. Your PAC Code is valid for 30 days, so you can still use your PAC Code as planned at the end of the month.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Clare said:
I have taken a new contract out with a new network provider instead of upgrading with my current provider.
Can I give my new provider a PAC code when I give notice in 3 weeks to my current provider? This is because if I cancel early and use the PAC code I’ll be charged for doing this.
In other words is there any time limit on giving a PAC code? Does it have to be when you receive your new handset etc?
Ken replied:
Hi Clare,
Thanks for your comment. You can ask for a PAC Code at any time, which will last for a period of 30 days. Your current contract will end on the date when you actually use your PAC Code to move your phone number to another network, and any early exit fees will be calculated from that date. For this reason, it’s fine to request your PAC Code today and to wait 3 weeks before you actually use it.
With regards to the best time to request your PAC Code, it’s normally best to do this straight away if you’ve made the decision. Most mobile networks require you to give 30 days notice of ending your contract. In practice, this means they can charge you for another 30 days of usage after you request your PAC Code. Therefore, if you’d like to move network in 3 weeks time, I’d recommend requesting your PAC Code today to avoid having to pay for another 30 days of usage.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Ron said:
Do You lose your data when you switch? Lets say you had 3gb active before switching
Ken replied:
Hi Ron,
Thanks for your comment.
On the mobile network that you’re porting your phone number out of, you’ll lose all unused allowances and Pay As You Go credit. For instance, if you had 3GB of unused data, that would also be lost. Your account will be closed automatically when you use the PAC Code.
On the mobile network that you’re porting your phone number into, your price plan will not be affected and you’ll continue to have the same allowances as before. So if you still had 3GB remaining in the current month, it would still be available for you to use.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Kumkuma said:
Hi, what menu should I go on to request my PAC code (in the 7777 mobile number) is it the “leaving iD” menu or a different one?
Ken replied:
Hi Kumkuma,
Yes – you should choose the “leaving iD” option. This should take you through to the relevant person who can issue you with a PAC Code.
Ken
Emma said:
I have given notice on my contract with EE. It will end on 4th Feb 2019 – is it possible to get the PAC code or as I’ve already stated I want to close the account, is that no longer possible?
Ken replied:
Hi Emma,
Thanks for your comment. It should still be possible to get a PAC Code for your phone number, providing your account hasn’t yet been closed. You can contact EE Customer Services on 150 to do this.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Monty de la Guerra said:
It’s really very frustrating not to be able to register on the app. There is a tick by the number we are porting in, then there seems to be some problem with our surname or date of birth? I have read all the online comments but nothing works. Bit disappointed…
Ken replied:
Hi Monty,
Sorry to hear about the problems you’re experiencing. Which mobile network are you trying to port your phone number into? If you’re not able to get anywhere with the app, it might be worth contacting customer services so they can put it in manually for you.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Keith Stainer said:
How do I get my PAC code without phoning 0800 or 150 numbers as the delay in waiting on hold is unacceptable and not compatible with my working hours.
Ken replied:
Hi Keith,
Thanks for your comment. Sadly, most mobile networks still require you to call them on the phone in order to request a PAC Code. I agree this is a little frustrating, though it should change in the middle of the year when Ofcom introduces text-to-switch legislation. For the time being, however, calling is the only way to request a PAC Code from most mobile networks (especially as you’ll normally need to go through a security check).
Sorry about that!
Ken
Deborah Luff said:
Hello,
I have a family sim package (4 in total) we are moving to bt mobile. Do I need a PAC for each number or just the one PAC to do all four.
Thank you
Deborah
Ken replied:
Hi Deborah,
Thanks for your comment. There are actually two ways for BT to do this: they could put all four numbers on the same PAC Code or they could issue you with four PAC Codes (one for each number). Most typically, I think they’ll normally do the latter as lots of mobile networks only accept port-ins one number at a time. It also gives you a bit of added flexibility (e.g. different numbers could go to different mobile networks or plans).
Hope this helps,
Ken
Deborah replied:
Thank you very much, I found your reply very helpful, Deborah
Kerry said:
If I’m taking a contract out how long after can I use my pac code to change my number to my old one
Ken replied:
Hi Kerry,
Thanks for your comment. You can use the PAC Code as soon as your new contract begins. I’d normally recommend spending a few hours to make sure everything works properly on your new phone or SIM card, before going ahead and asking to move your phone number over.
Ken
sandeep said:
Hi
When I am trying to get PAC code from Lyea , service is not available on SMS or email. We need to call customer care representative which is chargable. As per instruction it should be free.
Please make this service free and also available on sms.
Ken replied:
Hi Sandeep,
Sadly, many mobile networks including Lycamobile only allow you to get a PAC Code by phone (this will change next year when Ofcom introduces the ‘text to switch’ legislation). For the time being, you’ll need to contact Lycamobile by phone. This number should be included within your minutes allowance as it’s a London-based geographical number (020).
Hope this helps,
Ken
Ron replied:
A very good, helpful blog!
My two queries…
Is there any limit on how many times you can port your number between different networks?
Secondly, I want to port my number from Three to o2 but if I find I don’t like o2 can I port my number back to the original network?
Thanks in advance
Ken replied:
Hi Ron,
Thanks for your comment.
1) No, there’s no limit on how many times you can port your phone number between mobile networks.
2) Yes, of course, you can always transfer your phone number back to the original network if you don’t like the service offered by your new provider.
Hope this helps!
Ken
Lisa Roshdy replied:
I contacted Three Mobile by phone on 17/12/18. After many phone calls to them, I still not have received my PAC code. It’s so frustrating. I have my new phone, can I use it with new SIM card until I receive the code?
Lisa
Ken replied:
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for your comment. What has led to the delay in getting a PAC Code from Three? It should normally be a fairly straightforward process, and they’re legally obliged to provide you with the PAC Code within two hours of your request.
Regarding your new phone and SIM card, yes, you can use this as much as you like before finally moving your phone number to over to it.
Ken
Lisa Roshdy replied:
Hi, Three said that they had technical issues. They eventually gave me my PAC code by changing my phone to PAYG and then issuing a pac code which I received in 5 minutes. They didn’t charge me for last bill for inconvenience. I am now using my new phone with new company, thanks for your advice, Lisa.
Jay said:
Advised three I was leaving, got issued a PAC code. Then told that leaving doesn’t mean leaving, and that I would have to phone back on to leave? Why not tell the truth 30 days ago, why lie, why cheat why be dishonest to your customers?
Inga said:
Hello, have Pay as Y go with O2, going to get a 24 month contract O2 in car phone warehouse. I can save my current number with O2 without PAC. But is it possible to save Balance I have now? Thanks
Ken replied:
Hi Inga,
Thanks for your comment. There’s more information here about what happens to your Pay As You Go credit. You should enquire with O2 to see whether you’d be eligible to transfer the balance onto your Pay Monthly SIM. If not then you’ll unfortunately need to use it up before moving over!
Ken
Neil Beaumont said:
I followed Ken’s simple advice and it really works. Ring O2 on the number Ken has provided; it’s so much simpler than trying to navigate O2’s website and impossible on-line form. Even in the week before Christmas waiting times were reasonable.
Rick said:
This is a very useful blog. I want to move from a rolling monthly Sim-only contract to a similar contract with another provider. If I use the PAC code is there a danger I will be billed by both the receiving (iD mobile) and releasing (Plusnet) providers over the same period during the transition? Does it depend on what date I make the switch? I have read the terms and conditions of my contract with Plusnet but I can’t work it out.
Ken replied:
Hi Rick,
Thanks for your comment. You’re right: the issue of overlapping contracts where you’re billed twice is still a problem (in fact, Ofcom is currently legislating to try and reduce the problem). How it currently works is you’ll need to give 30 days notice if you want to end a contract on your old provider. For the purposes of calculating this date, it will normally be the date on which you request your PAC Code. For instance, if you gave notice on the 1st December, they could charge you up until the 31st December (or an early termination fee to that regard).
In order to avoid the issue of overlapping contracts, it’s recommended you start your new contract as close as possible to the end date of the notice (the 31st December in this case). Of course, I wouldn’t leave it too late as you’ll need some buffer time for testing your new SIM, transferring your phone number over, etc.
Ken
Rick replied:
Thanks for the response. Following your comment I called Plusnet to activate my 30 day notice period. Interestingly they said my notice would be confirmed by email but I didn’t receive an email so I am going to call again tomorrow to chase for it.
I will apply for my new phone a week before my notice period ends. That way there shouldn’t be too much of a crossover period and I can live without a phone for a few days if need be.
Rick replied:
I called to give my 30 day notice to Plusnet yesterday and the advisor said okay and that confirmation of my cancellation would be sent via email. I didn’t receive an email so I called again this morning. The advisor said my cancellation notice period would not commence until I had activated a PAC code. Is this right? Doesnt that mean I can only activate the cancellation period if I start a new contract elsewhere? What if I’m leaving the country and don’t need another UK SIM? I’m rather dissatisfied with PLUSNET on this matter and not sure they are telling the truth
Ken replied:
Hi Rick,
As far as I know, the 30-day notice period should begin when you request your PAC Code as this is when you’re giving notice to them that you want to end your contract & move to another network.
If you were leaving the UK and didn’t want to move your phone number elsewhere, it would normally be processed as a straight cancellation (you’d pay for another 30 days, and would receive service up until the end of that period or an early termination fee to that regard).
Ken
Tim R said:
Hi there,
We have no coverage in our house on any network. We were on Talk Talk, but have switched to ID and have asked ID to port our number. Will they be able to do it even though the phone will be indoors and won’t have a signal? Or, to put it another way, does a phone have to have a signal for a number port to work?
Thanks in advance
Ken replied:
Hi Tim,
No, it shouldn’t be necessary for your iD Mobile handset to be connected to the network when your phone number moves over. Hopefully, the coverage will be better on your new mobile network, but if not, your handset will need to connect to your new mobile network to complete the phone number transfer.
Hope this helps!
Ken
Tim R replied:
That was a big help Ken, thank you.
Elle said:
Hi,
Do you know if the old sim (the number you’re keeping/transferring over) needs to be in a phone that’s switched on during the day of the changeover or is it enough to just keep your new phone/sim switched on?
I accidentally flushed my old phone/sim (Virgin) down the toilet and my new phone is locked to a different network (O2).
Thanks in advance!
Ken replied:
Hi Elle,
Thanks for your comment. I don’t think there’s any need for your old SIM card to be inside a handset/connected to the network whilst you’re phone number transfers over.
Hope this helps!
Ken
Elle replied:
Thanks for the speedy response Ken! 🙂
Terry said:
I have asked for my PAC code from Vodafone but they say it can’t be done as my contract ended yesterday and the number has now gone. I was initially told I had to wait until my contract finnished before they could give me the code. Absolutely appalling customer service.
Ken replied:
Hi Terry,
Sorry to hear about the awful experience you’ve had with Vodafone, which has led to the cancellation and deletion of your phone number. It sounds like they’ve messed up hugely, and followed the process for closing your account without generating a PAC Code. I’d strongly recommend putting a formal complaint in writing to them – the faster this is escalated, the better chance you’ll have of recovering your number.
Ken
Jea said:
If I ask to pic number before my current contract expiry date, is there any penalty for the early leaving ?
Ken replied:
Hi Jea,
Thanks for your comment. There is no charge or penalty for requesting your PAC Code. There might, however, be an early exit fee when you come to use your PAC Code if it’s used before the end of your contract.
Hope this helps!
Ken
Gillian Jenkins said:
My ex partner cancelled my phone. Now I am being told I cannot transfer my number to a pay as you go sim
Ken replied:
Hi Gillian,
I’m really sorry to hear about this. Sadly, the mobile phone networks will normally only deal with the bill payer for the account (regardless of whether they’re the person actually using the phone). Therefore, if the bill for your old phone was paid for by your ex-partner, this would be the reason why the instruction to close it was accepted by the mobile network. It might be worth discussing this with your mobile network or the Citizens Advice Bureau to see whether it’s possible to somehow restore your number.
Sorry I couldn’t be of more help,
Ken
Abu Mohamed said:
Hi Ken
I am starting to use a pay as you go plan from three. Is there a minimum period before which I can ask for a pac number to switch to another operator?
Thanks in advance
Ken replied:
Hi Abu,
Thanks for your comment. There is no minimum period before you can ask for a PAC Code – you can do this whenever you’d like to transfer your phone number elsewhere.
Hope this helps!
Ken
Abu replied:
Hi Ken
This answer is spot on. Many thanks for your reply.
Abu
Marouane said:
I was waiting fo coustmer service to answer me half hour then when I asked them I need my PaC Code he asked my why I told him I whant to moove to three then he was close the line
BARRY WHITE said:
If a PAC code is requested from a mobile registered at one address and transferred to another network provider for the same user at a different address, does an address link happen on credit file agencies like experian?
Ken replied:
Hi Barry,
Many thanks for your comment. An address link won’t appear on your credit file as a result of using a PAC Code. You are free to transfer your phone number into an account in someone else’s name or address, without any restrictions or a link being made on your credit record.
Hope this helps!
Ken
John said:
Hi,
My wifes contract is up with another network and I was going to get her a phone for christmas on o2. Would I still be able to swap her current number over in December if I purchased the phone now in October?
Ken replied:
Hi John,
Thanks for your comment. Yes, you can move the phone number over at any time 🙂 So absolutely fine to order the phone today and then to transfer her phone number over in December!
Ken
Emma Stanton said:
The PAC code may be free, but I should like to know exactly what I’ve been charged £75 for, when my phone was paid for in full on 11th Feb 2018 and I had no outstanding payments.
Excluding the cost of the phone, my contract was on £15 a month, so this seems rather steep!
Ken replied:
Hi Emma,
I’m really sorry to hear about the unexpected charges you’ve incurred. Is it possible you might have incurred an early termination fee? It sounds unlikely you’d have had a £75 charge based on the information you provided, but it’s worth double-checking with your mobile network to get a final itemised bill. This should detail all of the final charges, then allowing you to dispute those charges if necessary.
Ken
Ben Johnson said:
Good afternoon,
I followed the guidelines to ‘keeping my number’ on Saturday am. It said on the app that my PAC code was successful, however, it’s now Tuesday and still not switched to my new phone. Any ideas/suggestions. I don’t want EE to charge me. My PAC code expiry is the 14th so i’d given it plenty of time.
Anyway, any help would be great received.
Ben
Ken replied:
Hi Ben,
Thanks for your comment. Are you still experiencing the problem described in your message? Typically, your phone number will transfer over on a Tuesday if you provide your PAC Code on a Saturday. This could happen pretty much any time that day (so going right through into Tuesday evening).
If you’re still experiencing this issue by Wednesday morning, I’d recommend getting in touch with your new mobile network to get a status update on the transfer.
Ken
Dave H said:
Great guide Ken…. Thanks
Alex Elliott said:
I have a Question. I recently canceled my tesco mobile contract and my number was moved to a PAYG deal, on the same sim. I then called tesco and said that i would like a PAC code. I was told that the PAYG Sim card was not “Fully activated” and that i need to top up a minimum of £10 to activate it. then the £10 would be lost when i transfer my Number. Is this Legal? It is technically charging me for a PAC code, which is not legal. Some help would be Greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance.
Alex
Ken replied:
Hi Alex,
Thanks for your comment. Unfortunately, I’m not really sure what the letter of the law is here… it definitely sounds like a bit of a grey area. However, having said that, I’d have thought that Tesco Mobile should be able to issue you with a PAC Code given that you were previously a Pay Monthly customer and used their service on this basis (so I would certainly try and dispute this charge).
Worst case, you can top-up your account with £10 to “activate” it if Tesco won’t budge (either use it for one month or donate the credit to charity to make sure it doesn’t go to waste).
Ken
Angela briggs said:
I rang I’d moble yesterday for my Pac code they said I had to take out another traff costing me 3.99 for one month and when lwant to the bank today they had taken £11.50 out please could you help me thankyou
Ken replied:
Hi Angela,
Sorry to hear about the billing issues you’ve encountered (I presume this is with iD Mobile rather than another mobile network)? Unfortunately, you’ll need to get in touch with iD Mobile directly on 7777 (or 0333 003 7777 from any other phone) and ask them to take a look into this for you. I’m just an independent blogger so I’m not able to answer account-specific queries, though my guess is they either haven’t changed your tariff just yet, or it was too late to update your Direct Debit payment (in which case, they should refund the money to you or apply it as a credit to your account).
Ken
Anthony said:
Hi Ken,
Plenty of great tips on here, thanks!
I moved to Three from O2 recently and want to cancel within the 14 day cooling off as it hasn’t worked out; any guidance with the process of porting my number out from Three and applying the 14 day cancellation? Normally the PAC being used would create cancellation, but if I want to cancel within the 14 days will they still let me use a PAC?
Ken replied:
Hi Anthony,
Thanks for your comment. In this case, I would definitely speak to Three about wanting to cancel your contract within the 14 days, and moving your phone number elsewhere with a PAC Code. They should be able to advise, and should allow you to move your phone number out as part of the cancellation.
Ken
Lorelle said:
Hi I’ve just bought my own phone as I’m a student and I want to keep my old phone number, but my old iPhone my parents pay for and I am not on good terms with them is there another way to transfer my number?
Ken replied:
Hi Lorelle,
Many thanks for your comment. Unfortunately, your PAC Code will need to be requested by the account holder. In this case, it’s likely that your parents will need to request your PAC Code for you, as they’ll need to undergo a security check to get it.
Ken
William Auld said:
I am a PM customer of O2. I pay £10 per month. My question is, my balance with O2 is £19.87 so if I transfer to Sky Mobile just before the next payment is due will O2 automatically refund me the £19.87 or do I need to ask for this to be refunded?
Ken replied:
Hi Will,
Great question! There’s more information here about O2’s process for final bill refunds. As your refund is less than £20, I believe you’ll need to contact O2 to request for it to be sent.
Hope this helps,
Ken
John H R-S said:
An absolute nightmare. Could hardly hear or understand the operators.
Number will be transferred but I was advised that I would have to go to an O2 store to pay for the PAYG. Also advised that I could not do it on line.
I asked for a top up card to be sent to me. Again, go to an O2 shop.
That means that I have to drive 20 miles each way, pay parking and probably be told I needed to do something else.
Totally fed up.
Vlad said:
Hi Ken so i need ordered new sim card before transfer my number?
Ken replied:
Hi Vlad,
Yes – you’ll need to order your new SIM card first. When it arrives, it will initially have a temporary phone number assigned to it. You’ll then be able to use your PAC Code to complete the phone number transfer.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Terry Medcraft said:
How do i transfer my contacts details and photographs to my new smarty sim card
Ken replied:
Hi Terry,
I assume you’re keeping the same handset, but just changing the SIM card inside it? If so, there’s no need to transfer your phone book or photos as they’re stored on the handset itself rather than on the SIM card.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Tony saltonstall said:
Brilliant…for once a simple reading and easy advice, non obstructive website that gave me all I needed to know…many thanks
Mark Anslow said:
Contacted Tesco last week to get my PAC as i am transferring to a new provider, Tesco text me my PAC and i forwarded it to a new provider. After waiting 5 days the new provider informed me that the PAC is not valid, i have contacted Tesco twice and have told me that it is valid and refuse to issue me a new PAC, have now got to wait until 6/10/2018 before they will issue me a new PAC.
Ken replied:
Hi Mark,
Thanks for your comment. This is a really weird situation. What normally happens is that Tesco Mobile creates the PAC Code on their end and uploads it into a central database. Your new mobile network checks the exact same database to make sure the PAC Code is valid, but in this case, it seems like there has been a breakdown of communication somewhere along the line. This isn’t a situation that I typically encounter, and the only thing I can suggest is to double check all of the information being passed between the parties.
Sorry I couldn’t be of more help,
Ken
Andy. said:
Hi thanks for the reply. Tesco were insistent that there would be a 3 day delay before we could get a pac code. They said they had to update or correct their address data. Perhaps it is related to the final bill as you say. I suspect it may be just their unnecessary bureaucracy.
I have a conspiracy theory that there is a secret database that attaches addresses to mobile phone numbers.
DC said:
As always plain non-tech instructions from Ken. I used him to find out about a getting a temporary Sim in the USA. First port of call in the future.
David said:
Hi Ken. I have requested my PAC code which runs out at the end of August. My contract with 3 terminated on the 11 August I was told that I would have to pay line rental up until the end of August even if I use my PAC code before then. Is this right? I want to switch networks after my contract expiry date but before the PAC runs out
Ken replied:
Hi David,
Thanks for your comment. Unfortunately, most UK Pay Monthly networks have a 30-day notice period on their Pay Monthly contracts. This starts from the day you tell your mobile network you’d like to end your contract (of which requesting a PAC Code is considered to be a form of “notice”). In your case, this means it’s likely you’ll need to continue paying for your contract until around the 9th September (assuming you requested your PAC Code on the 11th August). You can transfer your phone number out to another network any time before that, but you’ll be charged an early termination fee covering usage between that date and the 11th September.
This is a practice that very much frustrates me, and it has also been flagged by Ofcom (the UK’s telecommunications regulator). They’re currently legislating to stop “overlapping contracts” which causes many people to may for two contracts at the same time. For the time being, however, it’s still allowed and the only way to really stop it from happening is to request your PAC Code 30 days in advance.
Ken
David Downey replied:
Thanks for for the reply Ken. Very useful and yes very frustrating.
Andrew Prince said:
Why does the old network need to know your address before they can provide a PAC code? My address has changed since i bought a Tesco phone and they insist on knowing my new address.
My new postcode does not show the correct address on their database so I now have to wait 3 days for them to update their address database before they will issue a PAC code. It all seems unnecessary.
Ken replied:
Hi Andrew,
Your address isn’t normally a requirement for a PAC Code. However, there are two other things that might be coming into play in this case:
(1) The requirement to successfully go through security checks when requesting a PAC Code
(2) The ability for Tesco to send you your final bill, to update credit records, etc.
I shouldn’t have thought an address change would delay the process of them being able to give you a PAC Code, unless for some reason it freezes your account in their system or something.
Ken
Adel Little said:
Straightforward????? Really! I’ve had nothing but problems trying to get a PAC code from Tesco’s so I can keep my same mobile number with a new provider. They said they couldn’t find my name on their records. I said my mother bought the mobile from Tesco’s as a gift for me. They said Oh well if your mother bought the mobile then we can’t give the the PAC code for security reasons. Absolutely ridiculous.
Ken replied:
Hi Adel,
Unfortunately, it can sometimes be a bit of a faff getting PAC Codes for a Pay As You Go number as they’re typically not registered. If you were able to get pass the security checks (e.g. using your mother’s details), then you should receive the PAC Code from Tesco Mobile without any further problems.
Ken
Jessica said:
I did my PAC code on Saturday and my number has still not been changed over? I’m
Ken replied:
Hi Jessica,
Thanks for your comment. If you submitted your PAC Code on a Saturday, I would normally expect the phone number to be transferred sometime on Tuesday. If it hasn’t transferred over by now, it might be worth getting in touch with your new mobile network to see when this is now expected to happen.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Pat Dobbin said:
Hi Ken, I’ve been trying to switch two phones from a o2 Business account to Sky mobile o2 gave me one PAC number for both phones and they say thats all I need, but sky said I need 2 Pac numbers one for each phone !!
Who’s Telling Porkies ?
Ken replied:
Hi Pat,
Thanks for your comment. It is actually possible to have up to 25 phone numbers attached to one PAC Code. So in this case, O2 are correct, but it’s possible that Sky are unfamiliar with the process as they tend not to have as many business customers on their network. I think it should be possible to transfer them both onto Sky Mobile by providing the same PAC Code for both numbers.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Bogdan said:
Hello! I am trying to get my PAC number from Lycamobile, but they keep on delaying me because it’s a “fancy number”. It’s been over 1 week since I have requested it. Any advice on how to proceed? They are holding me hostage to their network
Ken replied:
Hi Bogdan,
I’m really sorry to hear about the problems you’ve experienced getting a PAC Code from Lycamobile. It is a legal requirement for them to provide it to you within 2 hours of your request, so I’d recommend pushing them on this. If you’re still not able to get anywhere with them, I’d then recommend making a formal complaint in writing to them.
Ken
Sally said:
Thank you so much for clarifying exactly what I needed to do wrt swapping SIMS in and out when keeping my old number – moving from Vectone to GiffGaff. I’ve activated the shift now (PAC No). So let’s see if Vectone does its bit. Very, very grateful for this website and appreciate all the work you put in.
Helen said:
My Sony z3 suddenly stopped accepting texts from my husband. All other services worked fine but despite several calls to virgin I was unable to resolve the issue. I wondered if it was linked to a new SIM they had recently sent me as an upgrade.
I kept my phone but decided to change SIM card and provider to gift gaff. This seemed to be a good decision as I transferred my number without a problem and my phone worked fine for a couple of months.
Suddenly my phone stopped receiving calls or texts from anyone except my husband. Gift gaff have a limited helpline and suggested I change the SIM which I did. No difference.
I decide maybe my phone is faulty so I change my phone to Huawei and provider to ID. There now seems to be a problem porting my number…it’s taking 6 days and they are stalling me. I can make calls and send texts but not receive either.
Do you think there is a link between any or all of these events and could you suggest a way forward? Thanks. Helen
Ken replied:
Hi Helen,
Many thanks for your comment. It sounds like there might have been issue somewhere with transferring your phone number – this doesn’t sound like the way it should normally work. Responsibility for solving the problem lies with your new provider, so that’s probably going to be iD Mobile based on what you’ve said in your message. Where applicable, they should correspond with Virgin Mobile and giffgaff and part of your number has is “stuck” somewhere else in the system.
Ken
David said:
Thanks for your helpful guide.
Do you know if a UK pac code is any use moving abroad? I am relocating to Japan and my UK provider, EE, has suggested that would work.
Thanks.
Ken replied:
Hi David,
Many thanks for your comment. Unfortunately, a PAC Code can’t be used to transfer your phone number to a SIM card based outside the UK. Therefore, you won’t be able to bring your UK phone number to a mobile plan in Japan.
Sorry about that!
Ken
David replied:
Thanks Ken. I rather suspected as much!
David
Helen replied:
Thanks Ken
Wendy Jones said:
Thank you so much for your reply. I have ported my number from Virgin Mobile to Giffgaff with a new phone, and my old phone does have access to wifi so I now understand why I can access apps like Facebook with my old phone even without a sim.
I really appreciate the help you have given me so promptly. I was worried that something had gone wrong with the transfer of my number but am now reassured that all is ok.
Many thanks.
PRAJAKTA MAHAJAN said:
I want to change my network and for that I will need PAC code and to get that code it asking me to top up. why should I top up if I don’t want to use your service anymore this is ridiculous. Just to get that code I am wasting my time and they want me to top up, can’t you even provide free customer helpline number? or can you send my PAC code by email?
which will make life easier for everyone.
Ken replied:
Hi there,
Which mobile network are you trying to get a PAC Code from? As far as I know, most networks now provide a free-to-call number, and you shouldn’t need to have a balance on your account to qualify for a PAC Code which is your legal entitlement.
Ken
Clive Thorp said:
Really helpful articles.
I have just stopped my BT landline and am buying a home mobile for infrequent home use, keeping my BT business phone and broadband and wished to know which mobile provider to use. Your articles are incredibly useful, informative and clear
Thank you.
Ken replied:
Hi Clive,
Really glad to know the content was helpful!
Thanks again for getting in touch,
Ken
Wasim Abbas said:
I have been with this company for years. Now their service is pathetic. I can’t receive my texts most of the time and even calls sometimes.
I called them to get PAC, after waiting for 30 minutes someone attended the call. After all the security questions, they asked me to tell them the number i dialed two months back ending with 11. My mobile doesn’t store that many logs to answer this question.
Treating your customers in such a bad way is really disappointing. I would write to offcomm to ban such a cheat companies.
Malik said:
I have been trying to get in touch with Vectone customer service for over a month now.
Because I am working I give a call around my lunch break which is in the afternoon and I am on hold for around 45 mins with no luck getting through. I have also tried around 6pm and i am just waiting for over an hour with no luck. I dont have the time minutes or credit (depending on what I call from) to waste waiting on like to get through every single day for nearly 30 days. I have tried this constantly as I no longer have an interest with vectone as I have regular occurring problems with vectone regarding not being able to call out, signal issues, data issues etc. Not one month have I had a package that gave me no problems so I have started using another sim with Giffgaff who’s service and signal and packages work way better for me. But everyone has my vectone number so I want to transfer that over as I am having to switch some to see any messages etc.
I just want a way to get a Pac code to transfer over my number I don’t have it in me as it is frustrating now to keep on calling and wasting my time. All I require is a simple 3 min conversation with someone to obtain a Pac code.
I would appreciate it if you could provide me with an email so me to get in touch with someone who can get that sent to me straight away or if someone can call me back because this is just becoming a joke now.
You won’t let me be a happy customer and you won’t let me leave in peace. There’s no winning with your services at all. I am disappointed and very frustrated with your level of service and ridiculous waiting times where it feels like there s only one person working within the business.
If someone could contact me very soon that would be amazing or if an email could be provided that would also help. As well as this if you are able to help me with either of the 2 informations coukd you please provide me with a turn around time.
Sally replied:
I just sent a message to Vectone on their website using their Contact form asking for my PAC No straight away. It turned up in a text within an hour. I think that, legally, they have to provide it within 2 hrs.
Before this I’d tried every way to contact them – Facebook, email, landline, 322 with no response. I also sent the same message ‘PAC No straight way’ through Facebook messenger – got an auto reply. So I’m not sure which worked.
I also sent a complaint through Resolver.
Good luck
Susan Wheatley said:
Hi, I was wanting to transfer to ID, I have a Blackberry curve 9300 3G phone and it is not on your list can I still use ID?
Ken replied:
Hi Susan,
Many thanks for your comment. I believe the BlackBerry Curve 9300 requires something called BlackBerry Internet Service, which as far as I know is not available on iD Mobile. Some of the larger networks might still continue to offer this as a service, but as this has been deprecated on newer handsets, you may find there is only a limited selection of networks and tariffs.
Ken
Susan Wheatley replied:
Hi Ken, thanks but I was thinking I do not need to use the internet on my Blackberry I just use it as a phone and to text, would ID mobile work in it just to do that do you know?
Ken replied:
Hi Susan,
I believe it should be possible to use that handset on iD Mobile, for calling and texting. The only BlackBerrys you’ll have a problem with are the old 2G-only devices, but I believe your handset is 3G-enabled.
Ken
Susan Wheatley replied:
Hi Ken, thank you for your help, my Blackberry is a 3G so will try the ID mobile now just wasn’t sure and your advice has sorted it, thank you again
Christine brailsford said:
Can you send me a orange SIM card with free evening calls I don’t like ee it is a crap net work
Ken replied:
Hi Christine,
Thanks for your comment. Sadly, it isn’t possible to join Orange as a new customer any more – the only way to continue using it is if you’re an existing customer with an active account. Are there any other Pay As You Go networks that might be suitable for your usage?
Ken
Fayyaz said:
Vectone Customer Services not answering the call. I am trying the number from a week for many hours everyday. like 4-6 hours
Kevin said:
Hi Ken,
I currently have a company phone on EE. I need a PAC code to swap my number to Vodafone but my company would still want to use my original phone as it is in contract still. Can EE reassign a new number to the original phone and let the contract continue to be active?
Ken replied:
Hi Kevin,
Thanks for your comment. I believe it should be possible for EE to arrange this, but it’s something your company will need to request through their EE account manager.
Ken
Remedios Fernandes said:
After providing Pac to new network my old number if I dial it says cannot be recognise
Please check the number and new vectone number still works
Ken replied:
Hi Remedios,
Thanks for your comment. I’m sorry to hear about the problems you’ve encountered transferring your phone number. In this case, the best thing to do is to contact the mobile network you’ve just joined – it’ll be their responsibility to investigate and resolve the problem for you.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Remedios Fernandes replied:
Hi
Everyday Iam trying to contact customer service team of vectone but they keep me holding the call for more then the hour and then disconnecting the call without even answering what else to do then please advise
Thanks
Ken replied:
Hi Remedios,
I’m very sorry to hear about the problems you’ve experienced getting in contact with Vectone Mobile. Unfortunately, however, they’re the only people who can issue you with a PAC Code in this instance. If you continue to experience problems getting in touch with them, I suggest making a formal complaint in writing to Vectone Mobile (and potentially escalating this to the relevant ombudsman as well, along with dropping a note to Ofcom about it).
Ken
Sarah said:
Hi,
I am moving to American next month and I was wondering if I’d be able to request a PAC code from the company I am with now to transfer it onto a USA sim when I am over there?
Ken replied:
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for your comment. Sadly, it isn’t possible to transfer a UK mobile number onto a US SIM card. Sorry about that!
Ken
Alec Rattray said:
I plan on moving company tomorrow if I phone to get my pac code now. Will I have it in time for tomorrow when I switch
Ken replied:
Hi Alec,
Many thanks for your comment. Your mobile phone company should issue you with a PAC Code within two hours of your request. However, it normally takes 1-2 working days for your new mobile company to actually process the transfer. Given that no phone number transfers take place at the weekend, you’re probably looking at Tuesday at the earliest for your phone number to move over.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Tracey said:
Took me 5 attempts and a total of 9 hours to get my PAC codes from O2. Both phones at the end of their contracts. I’m not happy.
David Carey said:
My number transferred ok but my wife,step son and friend who are on 3 can’t get through to sky mobile it goes back to 3 and I can answer what do I do
Ken replied:
Hi David,
Sorry to hear about the problems you’ve experienced moving a phone number from Three to Sky Mobile. In case of any problems after the phone number transfer, you’ll normally need to get in touch with your new mobile network (so Sky Mobile in this case).
Ken
Michael Lindsay said:
Can one transfer a landline number from Talktalk to BT, once the T/T account is in the process of closing. Thanks
Ken replied:
Hi Michael,
As you’re transferring a landline phone number, the process will be different to transferring a mobile phone number. You should contact your new provider (BT) to ask them to transfer the landline number.
Ken