Switching from O2 to Virgin Mobile? 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 Virgin Mobile, 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:
- 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?.
- 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.
- 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)
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 Virgin Mobile.
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 Virgin Mobile without taking your phone number with you. If you'd like to do this, get a STAC Code from O2 instead.
O2 STAC Code (Leave O2 Without Keeping Your Number)
If you’d like to leave O2 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 O2:
- Online: You can get a STAC Code from O2 by logging in to the My O2 website. After logging in, go to My details > Thinking of switching from O2?.
- By Text Message: You can get an O2 STAC Code sent to you via SMS text message. Text STAC to 75075 to receive a STAC Code from O2.
- By Phone: You can get a STAC Code by calling O2. 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)
Once you’ve gotten your STAC Code from O2, 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 O2.
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 O2 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 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 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 O2 will automatically be closed. You'll receive a final bill from O2 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"
Morgan said:
Hi I want to make my old o2 number my new number on my new virgin phone I have the PAC from o2 and I know you have to call 789 but what do I need to do when I call it ? As in what do I press in order to give you my PAC and be able to have my old number on my new phone ?
Ken replied:
Hi Morgan,
Thanks for your comment. If you call 789, you’ll reach Virgin Mobile’s customer services department. You can then speak to a customer services advisor to give them your PAC Code. Unfortunately, I don’t believe they have an automated service for you to provide this code.
Hope this helps,
Ken