Switching from Vodafone to Plusnet Mobile? 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 Plusnet Mobile, 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Plusnet Mobile.
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 Plusnet Mobile 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Plusnet Mobile remains the same.
Step 2: Order your new phone or SIM card from Plusnet Mobile's website
You should now order your new phone or SIM card using the Plusnet Mobile website. Please select the type of tariff you're intending to move to:
If you're looking for a SIM card from Plusnet Mobile, the following deals are currently most popular:
Network | Data | Monthly Cost | |
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No price plans could be found matching this criteria. |
For a full list of available tariffs and the latest Plusnet Mobile deals, please refer to this page on Plusnet Mobile's website.
Plusnet 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 Plusnet Mobile.
Step 3: Give the PAC Code to Plusnet Mobile
Once your new phone or SIM card arrives from Plusnet 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 Plusnet Mobile and provide them with your PAC Code from Vodafone.
You can give the PAC Code to Plusnet Mobile by calling 500 on your Plusnet Mobile handset. You can also call 0800 079 1133 from any other phone.
If you have a STAC Code from Vodafone rather than a PAC Code, this can be provided to Plusnet Mobile in the exact same way.
Remember:
- You must provide the PAC Code to Plusnet Mobile 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 Plusnet Mobile.
Step 4: Phone Number Transferred (Next Working Day)
Once you've provided a PAC code to Plusnet Mobile, 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 Plusnet Mobile. You should find that the Plusnet 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 Plusnet Mobile, 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 Plusnet Mobile →
Any Other Questions?
In case of any problems during the transfer of your phone number, you should contact your new mobile network (Plusnet 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"
Maxine said:
Please can you advise me? My husband had a Vodaphone account for his and my phone. He has died and I want to cancel one phone but take the PAC number for mine to Plusnet. Despite asking to see my husband’s death certificate ( not nice in an open shop) Vodaphone say they will only give me the PAC number if I transfer the account into my name AND WAIT THREE MONTHS. Despite OFCOM advising me this isn’t correct Vodaphone won’t budge.We are out of contract time with V so this cannot be the issue.
Ken replied:
Hi Maxine,
I’m so sorry to hear about this and about how Vodafone have dealt with this situation. To be honest, my recommendation would be make a formal complaint in writing here to Vodafone. This should help to get the issue escalated, and hopefully dealt with in a more sensitive and helpful manner.
My thoughts are with you and hope the situation with Vodafone can be solved very soon.
Ken
Maxine replied:
Hi Ken, thank you so much for your reply. Searching online I found that Vodaphone have a dedicated bereavement line but not one of the people I spoke with told me that. So…I rang it myself and spoke to someone who apologised and said I should never have been asked to take a death certificate into the shop.
The 30 day rule seems to be about needing to pay early exit from contracts etc but I explained this does not apply to me. I need, apparently, to speak to a supervisor who , they said, should be able to help me! I am phoning her tomorrow and will let you know how I get on!