Switching from Vodafone to giffgaff? It's a straightforward process to keep your existing phone number.

Step 1: Get a PAC Code from Vodafone

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

There are three ways to get a PAC Code from Vodafone:

  1. Online: You can get a PAC Code from Vodafone by logging in to the My Vodafone website. Once you've logged in, go to Account settings > Mobile switching.
  2. By Text Message: You can get a Vodafone PAC Code sent to you via SMS text message. Text PAC to 65075 to receive a PAC Code from Vodafone.
  3. By Phone: You can get a PAC Code by calling Vodafone. To do this, call them on 191 using your Vodafone handset. Alternatively, dial 03333 040 191 from any other phone. You'll need to call during Vodafone's opening hours (Monday-Friday 8am-9pm, Saturday 8am-9pm, Sunday 8am-9pm).

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 Vodafone: it'll be closed automatically when your phone number is transferred to giffgaff.

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

Don’t want to keep your Vodafone phone number? You can switch to giffgaff without taking your phone number with you. If you'd like to do this, get a STAC Code from Vodafone instead.

Vodafone STAC Code (Leave Vodafone Without Keeping Your Number)

If you’d like to leave Vodafone without keeping your phone number, you’ll need to request a STAC Code rather than a PAC Code. There are three ways to get a STAC Code from Vodafone:

  1. Online: You can get a STAC Code from Vodafone by logging in to the My Vodafone website. After logging in, go to Account settings > Mobile switching.
  2. By Text Message: You can get a Vodafone STAC Code sent to you via SMS text message. Text STAC to 75075 to receive a STAC Code from Vodafone.
  3. By Phone: You can get a STAC Code by calling Vodafone. Call them on 191 using your Vodafone handset. Alternatively, dial 03333 040 191 from any other phone. You'll need to call during Vodafone's opening hours (Monday-Friday 8am-9pm, Saturday 8am-9pm, Sunday 8am-9pm).

Once you’ve gotten your STAC Code from Vodafone, the rest of the process for joining giffgaff remains the same.

Step 2: Order your new phone or SIM card from giffgaff's website

You should now order your new phone or SIM card using the giffgaff website. Please select the type of tariff you're intending to move to:

If you're looking for a SIM card from giffgaff, the following deals from £6/month are currently most popular:

NetworkMinutesTextsDataMonthly Cost
giffgaffUnlimitedUnlimited2GB£6.00
1 month
giffgaffUnlimitedUnlimited6GB£8.00
18 months
giffgaffUnlimitedUnlimited25GB£10.00
18 months
giffgaffUnlimitedUnlimited120GB£20.00
18 months
giffgaffUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited£25.00
18 months

For a full list of available tariffs and the latest giffgaff deals, please refer to this page on giffgaff's website.

giffgaff 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 giffgaff.

Step 3: Give the PAC Code to giffgaff

Once your new phone or SIM card arrives from giffgaff, 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 giffgaff and provide them with your PAC Code from Vodafone.

Your PAC Code should be entered on giffgaff's online form.

If you have a STAC Code from Vodafone rather than a PAC Code, this can be provided to giffgaff in the exact same way.

Providing your PAC Code to giffgaff
The PAC Code should be submitted through a form on giffgaff's website.

Remember:

  • You must provide the PAC Code to giffgaff within 30 days of it being issued by Vodafone. If the PAC Code has already expired, you'll need to return to step 1 and request a new PAC Code from Vodafone.
  • Vodafone Pay As You Go customers: Try to use up your remaining credit as it can't be transferred to giffgaff.

Step 4: Phone Number Transferred (Next Working Day)

As long as you've submitted your PAC Code to giffgaff before 3pm, your phone number transfer will normally be scheduled for the next working day (Monday to Friday only, excluding English bank holidays). After 3pm, 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 giffgaff. You should find that the giffgaff 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 giffgaff, your account on Vodafone will automatically be closed. You'll receive a final bill from Vodafone for any outstanding charges.

Get the Latest Deals from giffgaff →

Any Other Questions?

In case of any problems during the transfer of your phone number, you should contact your new mobile network (giffgaff) 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 1,963 so far

We'd love to hear your comments on transferring a phone number from Vodafone to giffgaff. The comments below are from people who've made the same transfer. You can add your own comments here.

To view all 1963 comments about transferring a phone number, please visit the main PAC Code article.

  • My vodafone contract notice has been given and PAC CODE given to new provider giffgaff. The PAC expires on 30th july but switch is scheduled on 31st July…Hope this works out as I need to keep the same number…

    • Hi nr,
      Thanks for your comment. I don’t think there will be any problem as long as you provide the PAC Code to giffgaff before the time it expires. In case of any problems, simply give Vodafone another call – they can give you a new PAC Code which you immediately re-submit to giffgaff.
      Hope this helps!
      Ken

  • Hi
    i was just wondering i had a contract just finished a week ago and im looking to get a pay as you go sim with giffgaff but i wanted to keep the same number i wanted to know do you still need to be on your contract to get your PAC code by the way i used to be on vodafone?
    thanxx

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