Switching from Orange to T-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 T-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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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)
    You'll need to call during Orange's opening hours (Monday-Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 8am-6pm, Sunday 8am-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 Orange: it'll be closed automatically when your phone number is transferred to T-Mobile.

Don’t want to keep your Orange phone number? You can switch to T-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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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)
    You'll need to call during Orange's opening hours (Monday-Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 8am-6pm, Sunday 8am-6pm).

Once you’ve gotten your STAC Code from Orange, the rest of the process for joining T-Mobile remains the same.

Step 2: Order your new phone or SIM card from T-Mobile's website

You should now order your new phone or SIM card using the T-Mobile website. Please select the type of tariff you're intending to move to:

For a full list of available tariffs and the latest T-Mobile deals, please refer to this page on T-Mobile's website.

T-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 T-Mobile.

Step 3: Give the PAC Code to T-Mobile

Once your new phone or SIM card arrives from T-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 T-Mobile and provide them with your PAC Code from Orange.

Your PAC Code should be entered on T-Mobile's online form. Alternatively, you can give the PAC Code to T-Mobile by calling 150 on your T-Mobile handset. You can also call 020 7362 0200 from any other phone.

If you have a STAC Code from Orange rather than a PAC Code, this can be provided to T-Mobile in the exact same way.

Providing your PAC Code to T-Mobile
The PAC Code should be submitted through a form on T-Mobile's website.

Remember:

  • You must provide the PAC Code to T-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 T-Mobile.

Step 4: Phone Number Transferred (Next Working Day)

As long as you've submitted your PAC Code to T-Mobile before 5.30pm, your phone number transfer will normally be scheduled for the next working day (Monday to Friday only, excluding English bank holidays). After 5.30pm, 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 T-Mobile. You should find that the T-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 T-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 T-Mobile →

Any Other Questions?

In case of any problems during the transfer of your phone number, you should contact your new mobile network (T-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"

Your Comments 1,966 so far

We'd love to hear your comments on transferring a phone number from Orange to T-Mobile. The comments below are from people who've made the same transfer. You can add your own comments here.

To view all 1966 comments about transferring a phone number, please visit the main PAC Code article.

  • Jay said:

    Hi

    I on orange contract. I going switch to t-mobile payg smart pack. I have SIM card ready. I have pac code ready. Do I need put money on SIM card before transfer number or I can wait after transfer number?

    When I fill out t-mobile transfer number online form how I know number transfer work and complete (I know it take next business day)? I get text or something?

    • Ken replied:

      Hi Jay,
      It’s not necessary to top-up your SIM card (though it needs to be active when you submit the PAC Code). I would recommend topping up immediately if it isn’t too difficult (as you’ll need some credit to test the new SIM card and also in case you need to contact T-Mobile Customer Services).
      With regards to the online form, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with details of the transfer and an estimated time for its completion.
      Hope this helps!
      Ken

  • Neil said:

    Hi Ken,

    2 years ago I switched form Orange to T-mobile (even though both parts of the same company (EE)) and ported my number across.
    I was able to get a new phone and cheaper line rental by not “upgrading”.

    Is this still possible i.e. switch between orange and t-mobile or have they now closed this loophole?

    I plan to do the reverse (i.e. switch from t-mobile back to orange) now my contract is up.

    May I add that you have a really informative helpful website and well done on replying to those with questions (some website owners abandon their projects after a small amount of time).

    • Ken replied:

      Hi Neil,

      Thanks for the kind words and really glad to know you found the website useful! Yes, it’s still possible to switch from T-Mobile to Orange and you can still sign up as a new Orange customer. The drawback of your plan is that Orange and T-Mobile are no longer available online. You can still buy an Orange contract, but only in EE’s retail stores (where sales staff will normally push you towards an EE 4G contract). It can be a little difficult obtaining details about the Orange deals so you may need to push this with the staff.

      Ken

  • mayfield said:

    i have just recently transferred from orange to t mobile using your pac code tutorial, the confirmation of the number transfer came through today and ever since then there has been zero connection to the mobile internet. is this something ive missed?

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