Switching from Vodafone to EE? It's a straightforward process to keep your existing phone number.
Step 1: Get a PAC Code from Vodafone
If you’d like to move your phone number from Vodafone to EE, the first step is getting your Porting Authorisation Code (or PAC Code) from Vodafone.
There are three ways to get a PAC Code from Vodafone:
- Online: You can get a PAC Code from Vodafone by logging in to the My Vodafone website. Once you've logged in, go to Account settings > Mobile switching.
- By Text Message: You can get a Vodafone PAC Code sent to you via SMS text message. Text PAC to 65075 to receive a PAC Code from Vodafone.
- By Phone: You can get a PAC Code by calling Vodafone. To do this, call them on 191 using your Vodafone handset. Alternatively, dial 03333 040 191 from any other phone. You'll need to call during Vodafone's opening hours (Monday-Friday 8am-9pm, Saturday 8am-9pm, Sunday 8am-9pm).
Here are some key things to know:
- A PAC Code is 9 digits long and follows the format ABC 123 456.
- Your PAC Code is valid for 30 days. If you don't use it during this time, the PAC Code will expire and you'll need to request a new one.
- You shouldn't close your account at Vodafone: it'll be closed automatically when your phone number is transferred to EE.
Still in contract with Vodafone? If so, you may need to pay an early exit fee on your bill from Vodafone. To find out how much this would be, text INFO to 85075.
Don’t want to keep your Vodafone phone number? You can switch to EE without taking your phone number with you. If you'd like to do this, get a STAC Code from Vodafone instead.
Vodafone STAC Code (Leave Vodafone Without Keeping Your Number)
If you’d like to leave Vodafone without keeping your phone number, you’ll need to request a STAC Code rather than a PAC Code. There are three ways to get a STAC Code from Vodafone:
- Online: You can get a STAC Code from Vodafone by logging in to the My Vodafone website. After logging in, go to Account settings > Mobile switching.
- By Text Message: You can get a Vodafone STAC Code sent to you via SMS text message. Text STAC to 75075 to receive a STAC Code from Vodafone.
- By Phone: You can get a STAC Code by calling Vodafone. Call them on 191 using your Vodafone handset. Alternatively, dial 03333 040 191 from any other phone. You'll need to call during Vodafone's opening hours (Monday-Friday 8am-9pm, Saturday 8am-9pm, Sunday 8am-9pm).
Once you’ve gotten your STAC Code from Vodafone, the rest of the process for joining EE remains the same.
Step 2: Order your new phone or SIM card from EE's website
You should now order your new phone or SIM card using the EE website. Please select the type of tariff you're intending to move to:
If you're looking for a SIM card from EE, the following deals are currently most popular:
| Network | Data | Monthly Cost (will rise each March by £1.50) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 25GB data 100Mbps max speed | £17.00 per month 24 month contract | See deal |
| 100GB data 100Mbps max speed | £19.00 per month 24 month contract | See deal |
| Unlimited data 100Mbps max speed | £22.00 per month 24 month contract | See deal |
For a full list of available tariffs and the latest EE deals, please refer to this page on EE's website.
Alternatively, if you're getting your EE plan from a reseller, tap on their logo for more information:
EE will assign you with a temporary phone number during the transition process. This will allow you to test out the service before you finally transfer your phone number to EE.
Step 3: Give the PAC Code to EE
Once your new phone or SIM card arrives from EE, switch it on and make sure everything's working properly. If, for whatever reason, you need to return or change the handset or SIM card, it's best to do this before transferring your phone number.
Once you're happy to continue with the phone number transfer, contact EE and provide them with your PAC Code from Vodafone.
Your PAC Code should be entered on EE's online form. Alternatively, you can give the PAC Code to EE by calling 150 on your EE handset. You can also call 07953 966 250 from any other phone.
If you have a STAC Code from Vodafone rather than a PAC Code, this can be provided to EE in the exact same way.
Remember:
- You must provide the PAC Code to EE within 30 days of it being issued by Vodafone. If the PAC Code has already expired, you'll need to return to step 1 and request a new PAC Code from Vodafone.
- Vodafone Pay As You Go customers: Try to use up your remaining credit as it can't be transferred to EE.
Step 4: Phone Number Transferred (Next Working Day)
As long as you've submitted your PAC Code to EE before 5.30pm, your phone number transfer will normally be scheduled for the next working day (Monday to Friday only, excluding English bank holidays). After 5.30pm, you'll need to wait one extra working day for your number to be transferred.
On the day of the transfer, you'll momentarily lose coverage on both mobile networks. When this happens, restart your handset on EE. You should find that the EE phone or SIM card will now associated with your original phone number.
- If you see an error message (e.g. "SIM card registration failed"), this means it's time to restart your phone.
- Once the phone number has been transferred to EE, your account on Vodafone will automatically be closed. You'll receive a final bill from Vodafone for any outstanding charges.
Get the Latest Deals from EE →
Any Other Questions?
In case of any problems during the transfer of your phone number, you should contact your new mobile network (EE) with details of the problem.
If you have any other questions on using a PAC Code, please see my in-depth guide to transferring your phone number between networks. You can also read the comments below from other visitors to this website.
← Full Article: "PAC Codes - How to transfer your mobile number when switching networks"
Jodie said:
Hi,
I already have a contract with EE but had to take out a new one rather than upgrade as they couldn’t offer me the same deal. EE say they cannot internally transfer my number so I have ported it onto Vodafone, I tried to call Vodafone once the transfer was complete, to be told I have to be with Vodafone for 7 working days before they will give me my new PAC – does this sound correct please?
Thank you
Ken replied:
Hi Jodie,
I’m not aware of any reason why Vodafone shouldn’t be able to issue you with a PAC Code immediately. I’d recommend trying to get a PAC Code from them again and if they’re still asking you to wait, you can make the request in writing or you can lodge a formal complaint with them.
Ken
Claire replied:
Hi ken,
I’ve had the same problem with EE not letting me keep my number after taking new EE contract through 3rd party. I got the PAC & my number ported to a Vodafone PAYG & this happened yesterday. However now I’ve asked Vodafone for my PAC in order to go to back to EE & they are saying they can’t issue me one at this time & to retry in 48 hours. Is this normal or should I be able to obtain PAC immediately after, I’m keen to get my number back on to my contract phone. Thanks
Ken replied:
Hi Claire,
Many thanks for your comment. I’m not aware of any reasons why Vodafone shouldn’t be able to issue you with a new PAC Code immediately. This might be due to a technical issue on their end, or alternatively it could be a technical limitation of their system.
Ken
Schinds21 said:
Hi
I joined Vodafone and then realised they were a nightmare after a week and decided to return to EE. I arranged to return the phone and they said they would issue the PAC code once they had received the phone. A day after I returned the phone my service was ended from Vodafone before they issued my PAC code. I called them immediately and after 2 hours on the phone I had no answers and no PAC code. Have I lost my number (that I’ve had for 20+ years for good??? 😭😱
Ken replied:
Hi there,
It’s the responsibility of Vodafone to issue you with a PAC Code, so unfortunately you’ll need to continue chasing them up for this 🙁 If you’re having continual problems getting this, I’d recommend making a formal complaint in writing to Vodafone. This should hopefully help to escalate the issue, and should hopefully help you with recovering the phone number.
Ken
kathy replied:
But if they cut off my line can they still issue a PAC code. You replied to Thom below me that – Unfortunately, if the account has already been disconnected without a PAC Code being actioned, it’s likely your phone number has now permanently been lost – does that apply in my case too?
Ken replied:
Hi Kathy,
Yes, you’re right. Normally, if an account has been closed without a PAC Code being actioned, you can assume that the phone number has been permanently lost. In your case, unfortunately, it’s also probable this applies. I’d certainly double-check with Vodafone directly however and I’d also make a formal complaint in writing to see if there’s a way for them to get it back for you.
Ken
Jack said:
I am going to transfer to EE, very soon after I get my 1000 points so I can buy a reward then transfer after. But I am leaving because of there coverage, firstly EE has much better 4G coverage.
This made me angry, I bought a £20 Big Value Bundle it said I have been granted with 4GB UK data, unlimited texts and 500 minutes in the text, but on the My Vodafone app it said I had unlimited data. So I used around 3.5GB data then 5 days later I got a text, you have 510mb of data left to use in 25 days. I chatted with them online once then they started this rubbish about buying another data pack and I’m like you made a mistake in the app then they said give me the Vodafone account details. The problem is I wasn’t registered for an account! They kept saying I was when I didn’t create a Vodafone account and I might as well start afresh with EE.
Grace said:
Hello Ken,
I obtained a PAC code to transfer from Vodafone to EE over the weekend. I called the number and gave the code and phone number I wanted to transfer over.
I was informed that on Tuesday 10th May (yesterday) the transfer would happen between 12 noon and midnight. That’s exactly what happened. The process started at around 12 noon but I could not receive calls until midnight.
This is probably not very interesting news to anybody experienced with this. It is the first time I have completed this process and I wanted to leave a comment for inexperienced people such as myself who are doing this for the first time.
Thanks for the tech tips!
Regards
Grace
julie replied:
Very helpful to me, Thanks.
I gave my PAC code to EE to transfer from Vodaphone. Also given a transfer day. All went well though it was very hard waiting and resisting trying old phone.
Prior to transfer I moved all contacts, ringtones and pictures to new phone. Transfer day 7.30a.m. I got a text on old phone saying welcome to EE ….switch off an on again… I had a slight panic that they might have transferred the wrong way round, so looked on internet and found this chat. Ignored text and left both phones on table I did not turn phone off. 9.00 text again from EE on old phone saying thank you for requesting to transfer your number… (from this time calls were going to old phone and no call service on new, (I had no credit on old phone so I did not try to make any calls on it) 12.45 message on new phone saying existing number transfer to EE now complete.
old phone still shows contact list and old messages but better safe then sorry ….
Good luck.
Gemma Hyde said:
Hi,
I have swapped my number to EE from Vodafone and my contract with Vodafone ends in July.. I was just going to pay off the rest of the contract and let it end but now it’s saying that I haven’t paid a bill and I can’t pay online or ring Vodafone because I’m now with EE, what do I do?
Ken replied:
Hi Gemma,
Thanks for your comment. I presume you used a PAC Code to move your phone number from Vodafone to EE? If so, your Vodafone account would have been closed automatically when you used the PAC Code and you would have been charged an early termination fee for the remaining months on the contract. They should have produced a final bill with these charges: if you didn’t it might be worth calling Vodafone Customer Services on 03333 040 191 and enquiring about what has happened to your account.
Hope this helps,
Ken
sam said:
Hi,
I have given EE my PAC from Vodafone around 2 hours ago (it was before 5.30) but both my sim cards have network. I thought once the PAC is given, both sims will lose network immediately?
Ken replied:
Hi Sam,
Thanks for your comment. Your PAC Code will actually be actioned on the next working day (so you’ll continue to receive coverage on both devices and your number should move over some time tomorrow).
Hope this helps,
Ken
Helen said:
I am sending this on behalf of my husband as he has no phone usage following a 3 week mess by Vodafone. 4 trips to the store endless phone calls and after 3 weeks decided to leave Vodafone. Now you can’t even get that right he gave his PAC to EE and nothing has changed and guess what it’s Vodafones fault! You are completely incompetent and the worst customer service I have ever encountered. So it will be 4 weeks on Wednesday without a phone. This is ridiculous and we are both very angry with Vodafone and all the time you have wasted.
Ken replied:
Hi Helen,
Thanks for your comment and sorry to hear about the problems with Vodafone. Unfortunately, I’m a third-party blogger so I can’t reply on behalf of Vodafone. I would, however, strongly recommend you make a formal complaint in writing to Vodafone. This should help to escalate the issue and will hopefully get it resolved a bit faster.
Best wishes,
Ken
Rooi said:
Hi, I’m wondering if you can advise me. I’m wanting to move my number from vodafone to ee. My current number is in a family members name as they took the contract out for me. I’m now wanting it to be in my name. If they get the pac code would I be able to give it to ee even though it will now be my name on the contract?
Thanks for any advice.
Ken replied:
Hi Rooi,
Thanks for your comment. You can indeed transfer the phone number to a new account registered under a different name (see point #3 in my other things to know). There’ll be no ownership name checks when giving the PAC Code to EE.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Samantha said:
Hi
I have a Vodafone contract but I want to transfer the number to an EE pay as u go sim. Is this possible? I don’t mind keeping the contract with Vodafone and having a new number with them but I would like that particular number on a EE pay as you go sim if that makes sense?
Kind regards
Sam
Ken replied:
Hi Samantha,
Thanks for your comment. It’s possible to transfer a phone number from Vodafone to EE. However, your old contract at Vodafone will normally be closed when you transfer the number out. If you want to keep the contract on Vodafone but with a brand new phone number, you’ll need to ask Vodafone Customer Services to see whether they’re able to do this for you.
Ken
agne said:
Hello. I have a vodafone pay per month, but I want to change network ee to pay per month. Is it possible to change the network? thank you very much for your response!
Ken replied:
Hi Agne,
Indeed, it is! Take a look at the guide here for step-by-step instructions on moving your phone number from Vodafone to EE.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Warwick said:
I requested a pac code to change my number accords to ee from Vodafone now I have same telephone number on Vodafone sim and ee but I can call out from both ee and receive calls on Vodafone sim so now I have to Carry two phones around. It’s been 2 days now turning phones on and off any ideas please
Ken replied:
Hi Warwick,
Sorry to hear about your problems transferring a phone number from Vodafone to EE (if it helps, other people have the same exact problem – you can see the comments here for more information). In this case, it sounds as if the phone number is still yet to be moved over from Vodafone to EE. Once the number transfer has actually gone through, your Vodafone SIM card should become inactive. Meanwhile, EE has already updated your caller ID number despite the transfer not actually having happened. The best thing to do would be to give EE Customer Services a call on 150. They should be able to update you on the progress of the phone number transfer and can give you an estimated time for the transfer to be complete.
Ken
Ted said:
Hi Ken,
I’ve currently got a problem transferring my number from Vodafone to EE. I got the PAC code from Vodafone and passed this to EE when I took out a new contract with a new phone in one of their shops on 10/10/14. I was told in the shop that my number would port across to EE on Mon 13/10.
When I checked out the phone at home, there was no service. I lost my service on Vodafone on 13/10 but never got a service on EE.
I have contacted EE a number of times since, but each time been told the porting has not gone through fully, but got stuck initialising?? I have also been told my problem has been escalated each time but still I am without any service, 11 days since taking out the contract.
Is there any hope of this getting resolved or is it better to cut my losses and forget about keeping my old number?
Regards
Ted
Ken replied:
Hi Ted,
Sorry to hear about your problems transferring a phone number from Vodafone to EE. It’s shocking that they’ve left you without service for 9 days already – even after the number has been transferred. I have a sneaking suspicion that this actually isn’t a problem with the PAC Code (otherwise your EE SIM card would still work but with the temporary number EE originally gave you). It might be worth going into an EE store and asking them to check if there’s a problem with the SIM card. I’d also lodge a complaint with EE – this should hopefully get the issue escalated and will hopefully lead to a faster resolution.
Best of luck,
Ken
Russ said:
Afternoon, I have just obtained my PAC code from Vodafone and my line goes dead on Friday but im not using my PAC code until Saturday when I take out a new contract with EE. Do you know if my PAC code will still work after the line is dead or not. I’m not leaving Vodafone on friendly terms and they are cancelling my contract with immediate effect.
If any one can help me on this that would be great.
Ken replied:
Hi Russ,
If your account at Vodafone gets closed before the transfer, the phone number will be lost and you won’t be able to transfer it to another network. My recommendation would be to use your PAC Code as soon as possible – if you submit the PAC to EE today then your number should be transferred over tomorrow. If it’s not possible to do this, you may need to ask Vodafone to extend your line rental for a couple of days. This will give you a little more time to have your number moved over.
Best of luck,
Ken
Zhoumei said:
Hi Ken!
I’m currently in the process of doing this from Vodafone to EE, however there is an issue going on. It was supposed to be transferred over the next day however it’s been a bit of a problem. I can call out with the phone number that’s been transferred from Vodafone, but I cannot send texts or receive calls. Any idea whats happening?
Ken replied:
Hi Zhoumei,
Sorry to hear about your problems transferring a phone number from Vodafone to EE. If you’re able to call out using your phone number but incoming calls still go to the old network, then the transfer of your phone number is still yet to be finished. I’d recommend rebooting your handset occasionally throughout the number transfer day – this will sometimes iron out any problems on your phone. If you’re still having problems at the end of the working day, the best thing to do would be to call EE Customer Services (dial 150 free from your EE handset). As to why you’re unable to send text messages from your phone, this is a little bizarre as you’ve already managed to make an outgoing phone call. If rebooting your handset doesn’t make a difference then EE Customer Services would probably again be the best bet!
Ken
Dovile said:
Hello,
I have got my pac code and filled form online. I am switching from Vodafone to EE. Aaaaand nothing happened. I have filled that form once again 2 days ago and still nothing happened. I havent got any message. Also I have been trying to switch mobile phone off and on again. Still nothing. I am not sure what to do.
Ken replied:
Hey Dovile,
Thanks for your comment. It’s strange that nothing has happened since submitting your PAC Code to EE. Have you received any messages from them confirming they’ve processed the PAC Code? It might be worth giving them a call (dial 150 from your EE handset) and checking with Customer Services on the status of your transfer.
Ken
mudpie said:
Hi,
Love your site – great advice and help.
I want to change from my pay as you go (Vodaphone) to an EE iphone contract. There is a great deal with EE which unfortunately ends on 31st July. I am trying to use up my credit on my old phone (don’t want to waste it!!!) If I go and sign up for the deal on the the 31st can I wait a while to transfer my number so as to use up my credit?
Thank you in advance
Ken replied:
Hi mudpie,
Thanks for the kind words and for leaving us a comment! Yep, of course, it’s no problem at all to sign up with EE today and to transfer your number over at a later point (e.g. after you’ve used up remaining credit on Vodafone). The process for transferring your number can be seen on this page – with step 3 (providing your PAC Code to EE), you should only do this when you want your number transferred over (you’ll lose any remaining Vodafone credit here at this stage).
Hope this helps!
Ken
mudpie replied:
Thank you for the info Ken, really helpful.