Switching from Vodafone to Virgin Mobile? 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 Virgin Mobile, 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 Virgin Mobile.
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 Virgin Mobile 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 Virgin Mobile remains the same.
Step 2: Order your new phone or SIM card from Virgin Mobile's website
You should now order your new phone or SIM card using the Virgin Mobile website. Please select the type of tariff you're intending to move to:
If you're looking for a SIM card from Virgin Mobile, the following deals are currently most popular:
| Network | Data | Monthly Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No price plans could be found matching this criteria. | |||
For a full list of available tariffs and the latest Virgin Mobile deals, please refer to this page on Virgin Mobile's website.
Alternatively, if you're getting your Virgin Mobile plan from a reseller, tap on their logo for more information:
Virgin Mobile 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 Virgin Mobile.
Step 3: Give the PAC Code to Virgin Mobile
Once your new phone or SIM card arrives from Virgin Mobile, 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 Virgin Mobile and provide them with your PAC Code from Vodafone.
Your PAC Code should be entered on Virgin Mobile's online form. Alternatively, you can give the PAC Code to Virgin Mobile by calling 789 on your Virgin Mobile handset. You can also call 0345 6000 789 from any other phone.
If you have a STAC Code from Vodafone rather than a PAC Code, this can be provided to Virgin Mobile in the exact same way.
Remember:
- You must provide the PAC Code to Virgin Mobile 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 Virgin Mobile.
Step 4: Phone Number Transferred (Next Working Day)
As long as you've submitted your PAC Code to Virgin Mobile before 6pm, your phone number transfer will normally be scheduled for the next working day (Monday to Friday only, excluding English bank holidays). After 6pm, 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 Virgin Mobile. You should find that the Virgin Mobile 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 Virgin Mobile, 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 Virgin Mobile →
Any Other Questions?
In case of any problems during the transfer of your phone number, you should contact your new mobile network (Virgin Mobile) 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"
Geraldine Ryan said:
Hi there
I think I have completed the process of transferring my number from Vodafone to Virgin Media (din only) correctly.
Can you please confirm that I have done so and that I will not be billed for next month by Vodafone.
Ken replied:
Hi Geraldine,
Thanks for your comment. You’ve reached a third-party website so I wouldn’t be able to check this for you. Instead, the best thing to do is to give Vodafone a call on 03333 040 191.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Angela said:
Hi. I’ve moved from Vodafone to Virgin Mobile and advised them of my PAC code and was told it would be completed by midnight the next day (this was 1pm). Didn’t work, called Virgin again and was told to take out the SIM card, wait 2 minutes and that would definitely work. It didn’t. Third phone call, told it would be completed by midnight the next day. It wasn’t. It has now been “escalated as an urgent case” which will take 3-5 working days!! That’s 8 days not being able to receive calls or texts. And that’s on both my old number I’m trying to transfer and the new number Virgin gave me. Do you know who is responsible, Vodafone or Virgin Mobile? Not happy!!
Ken replied:
Hi Angela,
I’m really sorry to hear about the problems you’ve had moving your phone number from Vodafone to Virgin. For issues with porting, it’s your new mobile network’s responsibility (so in this case, responsibility lies with Virgin). Whatever happens, I’d recommend putting this in writing with a formal complaint (both to ensure it’s dealt with ASAP but also for record). I believe Ofcom have said that compensation is also due in cases like yours where there is disruption to the phone number transfer.
Ken
Angela Gibbs replied:
Hi,
I can’t find my original post with your reply, but many thanks for getting back to me so quick. I’m still unable to receive calls and texts, it’s now been over 10 days. Virgin Mobile (new provider) are blaming Vodafone (previous provider) and vice versa. Seems I am stuck in the middle and have open accounts with both! And probably going to end up paying bills for both. I’ve sent an email of complaint to Virgin Mobile and not received a response, apparently they’ve been “trying to reach me by phone” but have been unsuccessful! Funny that, as the problem is not being able to receive calls! I just don’t know what to do as don’t want to lose my old number. I think Ofcom are going to need to be contacted.
Fiona said:
Hello, transferred from Vodafone to Virgin today and Virgin advised after I gave my pac code that I won’t have use of my phone until Tuesday midnight, which will be three and half days with no phone!
Is there anything I can do about this, can I use my Vodafone sim card in a different handset during this time??
Many thanks
Ken replied:
Hi Fiona,
Thanks for your comment. Are you still without coverage on your Virgin handset? It isn’t typically for you to be left without a phone when transferring your phone number. Whilst you’re waiting for the transfer, both mobile networks will typically work – it’s just your phone number will still be attached to the old SIM card from Vodafone, and your Virgin SIM card will have the temporary number.
Ken
Michael Birns said:
Hi Paul
I’ve just received my PAC code from Vodafone to change to virgin. I want to sell my old device so I’d like it unlocked too. What’s the best way to do this? Change PAC code then get it unlocked. Or the other way round.
Kind Regards.
Michael Burns
Ken replied:
Hi Michael,
Many thanks for your comment. In most cases, it’s much easier to unlock a handset whilst you’re still an active customer on it. For this reason, I’d probably advise unlocking your handset now if possible before moving your phone number over to Virgin Mobile.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Kayleigh said:
Hiya I’ve switched from Vodafone to virgin got my PAC code informed virgin they told me it will be set up by dinnertime today but my phone has been saying no service and I can’t text or ring out since this morning any reason why?
Ken replied:
Hi Kayleigh,
Sorry to hear about your problems transferring a phone number from vodafone to Virgin. Unfortunately, you’ll need to discuss this directly with your new mobile network – they’ll be in the best position to help you. You can call Virgin Mobile on 0345 6000 789 or reach them via online chat here.
Ken
Paul said:
Can anybody help. I was given a PAC code by vodaphone after 19 months of a 24 month contract, I then changed to Virgin and the transfer was fine. Vodaphone now want to bill me for the existing line rental for the 5 months that were left totaling £123. Do I have to pay this, as I know it was not explained to me at the time of PAC code request?
Ken replied:
Hi Paul,
Unfortunately there is a clause in the Vodafone contract that if you terminate early then "you must still pay all the line-rental charges until the end of the minimum period"
Vodafone Customer Services should really have informed you of this charge so you could try to appeal it to Vodafone based on that fact but unfortunately the contract does mention the charge.
Sorry Paul! 🙁
Ken