Switching from Vodafone to Lycamobile? 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 Lycamobile, 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 Lycamobile.

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 Lycamobile 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 Lycamobile remains the same.

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

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

If you're looking for a SIM card from Lycamobile, the following deals from £4.25/month are currently most popular:

Network Data Monthly Cost
Lycamobile
  • EE coverage
  • Unlimited UK mins
  • Unlimited UK texts
  • 100 intl mins
5GB
data
£4.25
per month
3 months free
24 month contract
See deal  
Lycamobile
  • EE coverage
  • Unlimited UK mins
  • Unlimited UK texts
  • 100 intl mins
88GB
data
£8.00
per month
1 month rolling
See deal  
Lycamobile
  • EE coverage
  • Unlimited UK mins
  • Unlimited UK texts
  • 100 intl mins

Offer ends 2nd Dec

100GB
data
£10.00
per month
1 month contract
See deal  
Lycamobile
  • EE coverage
  • Unlimited UK mins
  • Unlimited UK texts
  • 100 intl mins
Unlimited
data
£18.00
per month
3 months free
24 month contract
See deal  

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

Lycamobile 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 Lycamobile.

Step 3: Give the PAC Code to Lycamobile

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

Your PAC Code should be entered on Lycamobile's online form. Alternatively, you can give the PAC Code to Lycamobile by calling 322 on your Lycamobile handset. You can also call 020 7132 0322 from any other phone.

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

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

Remember:

  • You must provide the PAC Code to Lycamobile 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 Lycamobile.

Step 4: Phone Number Transferred (Next Working Day)

Once you've provided a PAC code to Lycamobile, your phone number transfer will normally be scheduled for the next working day (Monday to Friday only, excluding English bank holidays).

On the day of the transfer, you'll momentarily lose coverage on both mobile networks. When this happens, restart your handset on Lycamobile. You should find that the Lycamobile 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 Lycamobile, 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 Lycamobile →

Any Other Questions?

In case of any problems during the transfer of your phone number, you should contact your new mobile network (Lycamobile) 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 Vodafone to Lycamobile. 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.

  • The form just simply doesn’t work to switch over from Vodafone to Lyca. I’ve tried it several times and each time it tells me to check the values. But which values are causing the problem? I don’t want to phone Lyca and speak to someone and be charged 9 pence a minute for something Lyca claim they can do for free using a online form. I’ll take my business elsewhere.

  • Hi I have just ported my numebr from Vodafone to Lyca mobile and my balance started deducting by itself without making any phone calls. Which I frustrating called Lyca asked for pac code and I have been told I need to use their network for 90 days before I request for pac code. I think Lyca here forcing me to use their services even if I don’t want to use. 69515647 Ref number

    • Hi Ali,
      Sorry to hear about the problems you’ve experienced on Lycamobile.
      With regards to the balance deductions, is it possible that Lycamobile might be charging you for the use of mobile data? You should make sure this feature is disabled on your phone if you don’t have an active price plan on your account.
      With regards to the PAC Code from Lycamobile, they cannot force you to stay on the network for a minimum amount of time. You should continue to pursue a PAC Code from them (as per your legal entitlements) – alternatively, I recommend putting a formal complaint in writing with them via the process described here.
      Ken
      Ken

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