Switching from T-Mobile to Vodafone? It's a straightforward process to keep your existing phone number.
Step 1: Get a PAC Code from T-Mobile
If you’d like to move your phone number from T-Mobile to Vodafone, the first step is getting your Porting Authorisation Code (or PAC Code) from T-Mobile.
There are two ways to get a PAC Code from T-Mobile:
- By Text Message: You can get a T-Mobile PAC Code sent to you via SMS text message. Text PAC to 65075 to receive a PAC Code from T-Mobile.
- By Phone: You can get a PAC Code by calling T-Mobile. To do this, call them on 150 using your T-Mobile handset. Alternatively, dial 020 7362 0200 from any other phone. You'll need to call during T-Mobile'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 T-Mobile: it'll be closed automatically when your phone number is transferred to Vodafone.
Don’t want to keep your T-Mobile phone number? You can switch to Vodafone without taking your phone number with you. If you'd like to do this, get a STAC Code from T-Mobile instead.
T-Mobile STAC Code (Leave T-Mobile Without Keeping Your Number)
If you’d like to leave T-Mobile 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 T-Mobile:
- By Text Message: You can get a T-Mobile STAC Code sent to you via SMS text message. Text STAC to 75075 to receive a STAC Code from T-Mobile.
- By Phone: You can get a STAC Code by calling T-Mobile. Call them on 150 using your T-Mobile handset. Alternatively, dial 020 7362 0200 from any other phone. You'll need to call during T-Mobile's opening hours (Monday-Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 8am-6pm, Sunday 8am-6pm).
Once you’ve gotten your STAC Code from T-Mobile, the rest of the process for joining Vodafone remains the same.
Step 2: Order your new phone or SIM card from Vodafone's website
You should now order your new phone or SIM card using the Vodafone website. Please select the type of tariff you're intending to move to:
If you're looking for a SIM card from Vodafone, the following deals from £7/month are currently most popular:
Network | Data | Monthly Cost | |
---|---|---|---|
| 6GB data | £7.00 per month 12 month contract Monthly cost will rise each April by £1 | See deal |
| 40GB data | £8.00 per month 12 month contract Monthly cost will rise each April by £1 | See deal |
| 150GB data | £25.00 per month 24 month contract Monthly cost will rise each April by £1.80 | See deal |
| 200GB data | £28.00 per month 24 month contract Monthly cost will rise each April by £1.80 | See deal |
| Unlimited data 10Mbps max speed | £30.00 per month 24 month contract Monthly cost will rise each April by £1.80 | See deal |
For a full list of available tariffs and the latest Vodafone deals, please refer to this page on Vodafone's website.
Alternatively, if you're getting your Vodafone plan from a reseller, tap on their logo for more information:
Vodafone 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 Vodafone.
Step 3: Give the PAC Code to Vodafone
Once your new phone or SIM card arrives from Vodafone, 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 Vodafone and provide them with your PAC Code from T-Mobile.
Your PAC Code should be entered on Vodafone's online form. Alternatively, you can give the PAC Code to Vodafone by calling 191 on your Vodafone handset. You can also call 03333 040 191 from any other phone.
If you have a STAC Code from T-Mobile rather than a PAC Code, this can be provided to Vodafone in the exact same way.
Remember:
- You must provide the PAC Code to Vodafone within 30 days of it being issued by T-Mobile. If the PAC Code has already expired, you'll need to return to step 1 and request a new PAC Code from T-Mobile.
- T-Mobile Pay As You Go customers: Try to use up your remaining credit as it can't be transferred to Vodafone.
Step 4: Phone Number Transferred (Next Working Day)
As long as you've submitted your PAC Code to Vodafone before 5pm, your phone number transfer will normally be scheduled for the next working day (Monday to Friday only, excluding English bank holidays). After 5pm, 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 Vodafone. You should find that the Vodafone 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 Vodafone, your account on T-Mobile will automatically be closed. You'll receive a final bill from T-Mobile for any outstanding charges.
Get the Latest Deals from Vodafone →
Any Other Questions?
In case of any problems during the transfer of your phone number, you should contact your new mobile network (Vodafone) 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"
Donna said:
Hi,
I recently changed my payg EE (T-Mobile) number over to my new Vodafone contract and the actual change went smoothly.
I still however receive text messages from EE. I contacted EE to see how to stop these messages and was told the only way would be to reply with one of the STOP etc codes at the end of their messages. Surely though, these texts would cost me extra (outside of my Vodafone contract plan) to send to EE as they’re not Vodafone numbers. Is this correct?
Amanda said:
Hi, I have recently moved my number to Vodafone from T- Mobile using the PAC Code. All is ok but my other phone is still working in terms of playing games and connecting to the Internet?
Ken replied:
Hi Amanda,
Thanks for your comment. After your phone number transfer from T-Mobile to Vodafone, the old account at T-Mobile should be closed automatically. The handset itself will still work however (e.g. apps & games will continue to work… you’ll also be use wi-fi internet). If you’d like to use the old handset for calls/texts/mobile internet, you can order a free Pay As You Go SIM card or a SIM Only contract.
Hope this helps,
Ken
jackson said:
i order for my pac code, from T mobile to Vodafone, and they said in the nest 2hrs that i will received it, wat is the next step for me to take after i got it cuz i need to activate my iphone4
Ken replied:
Hi Jackson,
The next step is to call up Vodafone and to provide your PAC Code to them.
Ken