Switching from Orange to TalkTalk 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 TalkTalk 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 TalkTalk Mobile.
Don’t want to keep your Orange phone number? You can switch to TalkTalk 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 TalkTalk Mobile remains the same.
Step 2: Order your new phone or SIM card from TalkTalk Mobile's website
You should now order your new phone or SIM card using the TalkTalk Mobile website. Please select the type of tariff you're intending to move to:
For a full list of available tariffs and the latest TalkTalk Mobile deals, please refer to this page on TalkTalk Mobile's website.
TalkTalk 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 TalkTalk Mobile.
Step 3: Give the PAC Code to TalkTalk Mobile
Once your new phone or SIM card arrives from TalkTalk 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 TalkTalk Mobile and provide them with your PAC Code from Orange.
You can give the PAC Code to TalkTalk Mobile by calling 2883 on your TalkTalk Mobile handset. You can also call 0345 172 0044 from any other phone.
If you have a STAC Code from Orange rather than a PAC Code, this can be provided to TalkTalk Mobile in the exact same way.
Remember:
- You must provide the PAC Code to TalkTalk 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 TalkTalk Mobile.
Step 4: Phone Number Transferred (Next Working Day)
As long as you've submitted your PAC Code to TalkTalk Mobile before 4pm, your phone number transfer will normally be scheduled for the next working day (Monday to Friday only, excluding English bank holidays). After 4pm, 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 TalkTalk Mobile. You should find that the TalkTalk 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 TalkTalk 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 TalkTalk Mobile →
Any Other Questions?
In case of any problems during the transfer of your phone number, you should contact your new mobile network (TalkTalk 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"
Stuart said:
About 15 years ago a former colleague bought a batch of Orange PAYG mobiles for office use. These were subsequently replaced by contract mobiles and the PAYG mobiles were given to the staff.
I kept mine for personal use when I retired and I have used it ever since.
I have now bought a smart phone on talktalk network and I wish to transfer the number from the old phone. I have many contacts who have my number.
I am having difficulty getting the PAC number from Orange (now EE).
Can you help please?
Stuart
Ken replied:
Hi Stuart,
Thank for your comment! Could you kindly elaborate a little on what problems you’re having getting a PAC Code from Orange? It should simply be a matter of calling Orange on 450 and then going through security to get your PAC Code (for PAYG they should ask you for some details about recent top-ups, etc).
Ken