Transfer A Phone Number From O2 to Three: Step-By-Step Instructions

Switching from O2 to Three? It's a straightforward process to keep your existing phone number.

Step 1: Get a PAC Code from O2

If you’d like to move your phone number from O2 to Three, the first step is getting your Porting Authorisation Code (or PAC Code) from O2.

There are three ways to get a PAC Code from O2:

1. Online: You can get a PAC Code from O2 by logging in to the My O2 website. Once you've logged in, go to My details > Thinking of switching from O2?.
2. By Text Message: You can get an O2 PAC Code sent to you via SMS text message. Text PAC to 65075 to receive a PAC Code from O2.
3. By Phone: You can get a PAC Code by calling O2. To do this, call them on:
   • For O2 Pay Monthly, dial 202 (or 0344 8090202 from any other phone)
   • For O2 Pay As You Go, dial 4445 (or 0344 8090222 from any other phone)
   You'll need to call during O2's opening hours (Monday-Friday 8am-9pm, Saturday 8am-8pm, Sunday 8am-6pm).

Here are some key things to know:

• The PAC Code from O2 should consist of six numbers with TEL at the start (e.g. TEL 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 O2: it'll be closed automatically when your phone number is transferred to Three.

Still in contract with O2? If so, you may need to pay an early exit fee on your bill from O2. To find out how much this would be, text INFO to 85075.

Don’t want to keep your O2 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 O2 instead.

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:

• Pay Monthly
• SIM Only
• iPhone
• Samsung Galaxy
• Pay As You Go

If you're looking for a SIM card from Three, the following deals from £5/month are currently most popular:

Network	Data	Monthly Cost
Unlimited mins Unlimited texts	3GB data	£5.00 per month 24 month contract Monthly cost will rise each April by £1	See deal
Unlimited mins Unlimited texts	12GB data	£6.00 per month 12 month contract Monthly cost will rise each April by £1.25	See deal
Unlimited mins Unlimited texts	30GB data	£7.00 per month 12 month contract Monthly cost will rise each April by £1.25	See deal
Unlimited mins Unlimited texts	120GB data	£10.00 per month 12 month contract Monthly cost will rise each April by £1.50	See deal
Unlimited mins Unlimited texts	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 O2.

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 O2 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 O2. If the PAC Code has already expired, you'll need to return to step 1 and request a new PAC Code from O2.
• O2 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 O2 will automatically be closed. You'll receive a final bill from O2 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.

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