Transfer A Phone Number From Tesco Mobile to Virgin Mobile: Step-By-Step Instructions

Switching from Tesco Mobile to Virgin Mobile? It's a straightforward process to keep your existing phone number.

Step 1: Get a PAC Code from Tesco Mobile

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

There are three ways to get a PAC Code from Tesco Mobile:

1. Online: You can get a PAC Code from Tesco Mobile by logging in to the Tesco Mobile account website. Once you've logged in, go to Request a PAC.
2. By Text Message: You can get a Tesco Mobile PAC Code sent to you via SMS text message. Text PAC to 65075 to receive a PAC Code from Tesco Mobile.
3. By Phone: You can get a PAC Code by calling Tesco Mobile. To do this, call them on 4455 using your Tesco Mobile handset. Alternatively, dial 0345 301 4455 from any other phone. You'll need to call during Tesco Mobile's opening hours (Monday-Friday 8am-9pm, Saturday 8am-8pm, Sunday 10am-6pm).

Here are some key things to know:

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

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

Don’t want to keep your Tesco Mobile 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 Tesco Mobile instead.

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:

• Pay Monthly
• SIM Only
• iPhone
• Samsung Galaxy

If you're looking for a SIM card from Virgin Mobile, the following deals are currently most popular:

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 Tesco Mobile.

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

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