Switching from Lycamobile to Three? It's a straightforward process to keep your existing phone number.
Step 1: Get a PAC Code from Lycamobile
If you’d like to move your phone number from Lycamobile to Three, the first step is getting your Porting Authorisation Code (or PAC Code) from Lycamobile.
There are three ways to get a PAC Code from Lycamobile:
- Online: You can get a PAC Code from Lycamobile by logging in to the Lycamobile Account website. Once you've logged in, go to Account Manager > Leave Lycamobile.
- By Text Message: You can get a Lycamobile PAC Code sent to you via SMS text message. Text PAC to 65075 to receive a PAC Code from Lycamobile.
- By Phone: You can get a PAC Code by calling Lycamobile. To do this, call them on 322 using your Lycamobile handset. Alternatively, dial 020 7132 0322 from any other phone. You'll need to call during Lycamobile's opening hours (Monday-Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 9am-6pm).
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 Lycamobile: it'll be closed automatically when your phone number is transferred to Three.
Still in contract with Lycamobile? If so, you may need to pay an early exit fee on your bill from Lycamobile. To find out how much this would be, text INFO to 85075.
Don’t want to keep your Lycamobile phone number? You can switch to Three without taking your phone number with you. If you'd like to do this, get a STAC Code from Lycamobile instead.
Lycamobile STAC Code (Leave Lycamobile Without Keeping Your Number)
If you’d like to leave Lycamobile 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 Lycamobile:
- Online: You can get a STAC Code from Lycamobile by logging in to the Lycamobile Account website. After logging in, go to Account Manager > Leave Lycamobile.
- By Text Message: You can get a Lycamobile STAC Code sent to you via SMS text message. Text STAC to 75075 to receive a STAC Code from Lycamobile.
- By Phone: You can get a STAC Code by calling Lycamobile. Call them on 322 using your Lycamobile handset. Alternatively, dial 020 7132 0322 from any other phone. You'll need to call during Lycamobile's opening hours (Monday-Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 9am-6pm).
Once you’ve gotten your STAC Code from Lycamobile, the rest of the process for joining Three remains the same.
Step 2: Order your new phone or SIM card from Three's website
You should now order your new phone or SIM card using the Three website. Please select the type of tariff you're intending to move to:
If you're looking for a SIM card from Three, the following deals from £5/month are currently most popular:
| Network | Data | Monthly Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3GB data | £5.00 per month 24 month contract Monthly cost will rise each April by £1 | See deal |
| 12GB data | £6.00 per month 12 month contract Monthly cost will rise each April by £1.25 | See deal |
| 30GB data | £7.00 per month 12 month contract Monthly cost will rise each April by £1.25 | See deal |
| 120GB data | £10.00 per month 12 month contract Monthly cost will rise each April by £1.50 | See deal |
| Unlimited data | £20.00 per month 24 month contract Monthly cost will rise each April by £1.50 | See deal |
For a full list of available tariffs and the latest Three deals, please refer to this page on Three's website.
Alternatively, if you're getting your Three plan from a reseller, tap on their logo for more information:
Three 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 Three.
Step 3: Give the PAC Code to Three
Once your new phone or SIM card arrives from Three, 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 Three and provide them with your PAC Code from Lycamobile.
Your PAC Code should be entered on Three's online form. Alternatively, you can give the PAC Code to Three by calling 333 on your Three handset. You can also call 0333 338 1001 from any other phone.
If you have a STAC Code from Lycamobile rather than a PAC Code, this can be provided to Three in the exact same way.
Remember:
- You must provide the PAC Code to Three within 30 days of it being issued by Lycamobile. If the PAC Code has already expired, you'll need to return to step 1 and request a new PAC Code from Lycamobile.
- Lycamobile Pay As You Go customers: Try to use up your remaining credit as it can't be transferred to Three.
Step 4: Phone Number Transferred (Next Working Day)
As long as you've submitted your PAC Code to Three before 5pm, your phone number transfer will normally be scheduled for the next working day (Monday to Friday only, excluding English bank holidays). After 5pm, 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 Three. You should find that the Three 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 Three, your account on Lycamobile will automatically be closed. You'll receive a final bill from Lycamobile for any outstanding charges.
Get the Latest Deals from Three →
Any Other Questions?
In case of any problems during the transfer of your phone number, you should contact your new mobile network (Three) 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"
Earl Andrew said:
Hi,
Can I just ask this, what if I just ported in my number to let’s say, lycamobile yesterday, and then I suddenly decided to go to THREE today. Can I ask immediately a PAC number from lycamobile now? Is that possible? Thanks in advance!
Ken replied:
Hi Earl,
Thanks for your comment. Yes, you can request a PAC Code from Lycamobile any time you like – though bear in mind, you’ll lose your credit on Lycamobile when your number is moved over.
Hope this helps,
Ken
SRK said:
Hi Ken,
Thanks for this very useful site…I feel lucky to have landed here!
Mine is a peculiar problem – I hope you can throw some light on this:
I was with Lycamobile and got a new contract with Three.
To port my number across, I got a PAC Code from Lyca and gave it to Three.
Within a day, I was able to make (outgoing) calls using my old number.
However, shockingly, the incoming calls failed to reach my mobile; calling my number would only result in an “invalid number” message.
Customer services at Three said that they have done their part of the porting, but are waiting for some files from Vodafone! I was surprised to learn that my mobile number’s PAC code was given my Lycamobile (my previous provider), BUT my number is actually owned by Vodafone (they originally issued my number way back in 1999) !
Anyway, since then I have been calling Three and I get only one response “We have sent a chaser to Vodafone and are still waiting for the files”. I called Lycamobile and Vodafone – but they bluntly refused to help me as I don’t have any contract with them now (yes, true!).This has been going on since 12 Aug and I am struggling helplessly as my friends and family are unable to call me on my mobile.
I tried complaining to the Ombudsman service (they ask me to wait 8 weeks!!) and also called Ofcom. Ofcom won’t take individual complaints, but confirmed that the onus of porting my number now lies with Three, the “gaining provider” – and that Three can take Ofcom’s help if they are not getting a proper response from Vodafone.
I don’t know where to go now ! I could cancel the Three contract and get back to Lyca (or even Vodafone, for all the trouble they gave me!), but am concerned that my number could then land in a black hole as it won’t belong to any network provider during the re-porting !
Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease help me !!
Regards,
SRK
Ken replied:
Hi SRK,
Thanks for your comment – I’m really sorry to hear about the terrible experience moving your number from Lycamobile to Three. As you mention, there is some work required on the behalf of the network which issued the number originally (Vodafone in your case though you can verify this info via this link).
As you mention, the onus is now on Three to chase this up for you. I’m really disappointed that Vodafone haven’t been helpful in allowing you to transfer the number – this has led you to miss incoming calls for 9 days already. I would recommend you send an official complaint directly to Vodafone – hopefully this will speed up the process of getting your number transferred.
Good luck and please keep us updated,
Ken
SRK replied:
Hi Ken,
Thanks for your response and advice.
I am glad to let you know that the problem was resolved yesterday (21 Aug) after 10 days of agonising wait and dozens of calls!
Three has agreed to compensate me one month’s price of my contract (£10).
However, they say if I wish to complain further, I should take this up with Vodafone.
I am happy that my anguish has ended – however, there doesn’t seem to be a system in place to avoid recurrence of such incidents either with Ofcom or the ombudsman service.
As Vodafone did not complete the transfer of my files within 24 hrs, it breached the Ofcom regulated standard. As such it should be straight-away penalised. Besides that, for the loss of service, frustration and the helplessness that they subjected me to (imagine being despised when I contacted Vodafone as I don’t have anything to do with them directly), I deserve a better compensation.
I am also unhappy that Ofcom’s role is only “monitoring” the mobile companies – and the 8 weeks period that someone has to wait before the case is taken up .
Someone needs to ensure that this doesn’t repeat.
So I am going to take this battle to Ofcom, Ombudsman service and Vodafone till I get a satisfactory response and compensation.
I welcome your comments in this regard.
Thanks
SRK.
Ken replied:
Hi SRK,
Thank you for updating us – I’m glad the problem was finally resolved. I do agree that the mobile companies need to be better held to account: in this case Vodafone caused you to miss your incoming phone calls for a period of 10 days. This is pretty unacceptable – Ofcom’s General Conditions of Entitlement say they should be doing a lot better in this regard. So I would definitely support you in taking this further. I hope you’ll receive sufficient redress from Vodafone and with the involvement of Ofcom this will prevent other people from experiencing the same problems in the future.
Ken
dinfahim said:
I was using Lyca mobile and then i decided to switch to 3. I get the PAC Code from Lyca and gave all detail to 3 to switch over my number.
But 3 refused to do so by replying , "they are not allowed to switch numbers from the lyca to there network"
It was quit strange , I still keep my both numbers with me …. any one who can guide please …. I don't want to keep lyca network but definitely want to keep my number….
Thanks
Silvia replied:
It's exactly what have happened to me. I decided to switch to T-Mobile…and I received a similar answer.