Switching from Orange to Plusnet Mobile? It's a straightforward process to keep your existing phone number.
Step 1: Get a PAC Code from Orange
If you’d like to move your phone number from Orange to Plusnet Mobile, the first step is getting your Porting Authorisation Code (or PAC Code) from Orange.
There are two ways to get a PAC Code from Orange:
- By Text Message: You can get an Orange PAC Code sent to you via SMS text message. Text PAC to 65075 to receive a PAC Code from Orange.
- By Phone: You can get a PAC Code by calling Orange. To do this, call them on:
- For Orange Pay Monthly, dial 150 (or 07973 100 150 from any other phone)
- For Orange Pay As You Go, dial 450 (or 07973 100 450 from any other phone)
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 Orange: it'll be closed automatically when your phone number is transferred to Plusnet Mobile.
Don’t want to keep your Orange phone number? You can switch to Plusnet Mobile without taking your phone number with you. If you'd like to do this, get a STAC Code from Orange instead.
Orange STAC Code (Leave Orange Without Keeping Your Number)
If you’d like to leave Orange without keeping your phone number, you’ll need to request a STAC Code rather than a PAC Code. There are two ways to get a STAC Code from Orange:
- By Text Message: You can get an Orange STAC Code sent to you via SMS text message. Text STAC to 75075 to receive a STAC Code from Orange.
- By Phone: You can get a STAC Code by calling Orange. Call them on:
- For Orange Pay Monthly, dial 150 (or 07973 100 150 from any other phone)
- For Orange Pay As You Go, dial 450 (or 07973 100 450 from any other phone)
Once you’ve gotten your STAC Code from Orange, the rest of the process for joining Plusnet Mobile remains the same.
Step 2: Order your new phone or SIM card from Plusnet Mobile's website
You should now order your new phone or SIM card using the Plusnet Mobile website. Please select the type of tariff you're intending to move to:
If you're looking for a SIM card from Plusnet 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 Plusnet Mobile deals, please refer to this page on Plusnet Mobile's website.
Plusnet 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 Plusnet Mobile.
Step 3: Give the PAC Code to Plusnet Mobile
Once your new phone or SIM card arrives from Plusnet 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 Plusnet Mobile and provide them with your PAC Code from Orange.
You can give the PAC Code to Plusnet Mobile by calling 500 on your Plusnet Mobile handset. You can also call 0800 079 1133 from any other phone.
If you have a STAC Code from Orange rather than a PAC Code, this can be provided to Plusnet Mobile in the exact same way.
Remember:
- You must provide the PAC Code to Plusnet Mobile within 30 days of it being issued by Orange. If the PAC Code has already expired, you'll need to return to step 1 and request a new PAC Code from Orange.
- Orange Pay As You Go customers: Try to use up your remaining credit as it can't be transferred to Plusnet Mobile.
Step 4: Phone Number Transferred (Next Working Day)
Once you've provided a PAC code to Plusnet Mobile, your phone number transfer will normally be scheduled for the next working day (Monday to Friday only, excluding English bank holidays).
On the day of the transfer, you'll momentarily lose coverage on both mobile networks. When this happens, restart your handset on Plusnet Mobile. You should find that the Plusnet 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 Plusnet Mobile, your account on Orange will automatically be closed. You'll receive a final bill from Orange for any outstanding charges.
Get the Latest Deals from Plusnet Mobile →
Any Other Questions?
In case of any problems during the transfer of your phone number, you should contact your new mobile network (Plusnet 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"
Dawn said:
Hi, the opposite of what has happened to Sam has happened to me.
I have had my old number with orange for 14 years. I just changed to LIFE mobile. I was waiting for a text to confirm the transfer of number and THEN my orange sim card (with old number I want to transfer to LIFE mobile) to be cancelled.
Instead, my orange sim card and old number have been cancelled and I have only got access from the LIFE mobile sim card with their new number. It says it will take 2 business working days before I get my old number back..but it is important that it happens asap.