Switching from Vodafone to TalkTalk 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 TalkTalk 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 TalkTalk 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 TalkTalk 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 TalkTalk Mobile remains the same.
Step 2: Order your new phone or SIM card from TalkTalk Mobile's website
You should now order your new phone or SIM card using the TalkTalk Mobile website. Please select the type of tariff you're intending to move to:
For a full list of available tariffs and the latest TalkTalk Mobile deals, please refer to this page on TalkTalk Mobile's website.
TalkTalk 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 TalkTalk Mobile.
Step 3: Give the PAC Code to TalkTalk Mobile
Once your new phone or SIM card arrives from TalkTalk 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 TalkTalk Mobile and provide them with your PAC Code from Vodafone.
You can give the PAC Code to TalkTalk Mobile by calling 2883 on your TalkTalk Mobile handset. You can also call 0345 172 0044 from any other phone.
If you have a STAC Code from Vodafone rather than a PAC Code, this can be provided to TalkTalk Mobile in the exact same way.
Remember:
- You must provide the PAC Code to TalkTalk 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 TalkTalk Mobile.
Step 4: Phone Number Transferred (Next Working Day)
As long as you've submitted your PAC Code to TalkTalk Mobile before 4pm, your phone number transfer will normally be scheduled for the next working day (Monday to Friday only, excluding English bank holidays). After 4pm, 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 TalkTalk Mobile. You should find that the TalkTalk 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 TalkTalk 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 TalkTalk Mobile →
Any Other Questions?
In case of any problems during the transfer of your phone number, you should contact your new mobile network (TalkTalk 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"
Claire Genney said:
I contacted talk talk on Wednesday AM and provided my Vodafone PAC code, I was told it would take two working days to transfer my number. I had service via the new talk talk sim until Friday at 2pm and since then absolutely nothing at all on either number. Spoke to talk talk yesterday on my partners phone and I am now waiting for a call back which will take two days. Very disappointed. At home with two kids and no way of contacting anyone.
Ken replied:
Hi Claire,
Sorry to hear about your problems transferring a phone number from Vodafone to TalkTalk. Unfortunately, I’m really not sure what has happened in this case but it sounds like there has been a screw-up on TalkTalk’s end. I’d consider making a complaint to them in writing – aside from that, they’ll be the people you need to speak to in order to fix this issue.
Ken