PAC Codes: How to transfer your mobile number when switching networks
September 10th, 2009
If you want to switch network, your mobile network is legally obliged to give you a “PAC code” so you can transfer your number.
photo: kevindooley
One of the main reasons that many people I know have refused to consider switching mobile phone provider, even when cheaper deals are around, is that they are unaware they can take their phone number with them. For many people, it’s vital to be able to keep a current mobile phone number: the cost of having to inform everybody of your number change and the possibility of lost sales/missed calls can be significant.
Well – it is possible to switch network and keep your current phone number. You’ll need a PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) Code to do that.
What does a PAC code do and do not do?
It will allow you to move your phone number from one network onto another. You have 30 days to use the code from when it is issued.
It may lead to the automatic cancellation of your existing contract when used, but it may not. Check with your network provider about whether you need to do this separately.
It will not allow you to transfer Pay as You Go credit. It also does not transfer things such as the contacts/settings on your SIM card – you need to do this separately.
When should I obtain one?
Only when you want to switch network and keep your number. If you are staying on the same network but want to transfer your number to a new phone/SIM card, you will not require one.
How do I obtain a PAC code?
photo: Viernest
Call the customer services department of your current network:
- 3 (Three): 0870 7330 333 (333 from your mobile)
- O2: 0870 2410 202 (202 from your mobile)
- Orange: PAYG 07973 100 450 (450 from your mobile), Contract: 07973 100 150 (150 from your mobile)
- T-Mobile: 0870 6060 139 (150 from your mobile)
- Vodafone: 0870 0700 191 (191 from your mobile)
Am I legally entitled to a PAC code?
Yes, according to Ofcom’s ‘General Conditions of Entitlement’ (2003) Condition 18. They must issue you with a PAC code within 2 days of your request unless you are tied in to a fixed term contract and have not completed it.
How do I use the PAC code?
The exact method depends on the network you join but typically you’ll need order your new phone/SIM card first and then provide the PAC code only once your new phone/SIM card has arrived. The reason for this is so that your current phone/tariff will continue to work and the number won’t be moved over if the phone/SIM card is delayed in the post! Once the new phone/SIM card has arrived, call the customer services of your new network to complete the porting of the number.
To order your new phone or SIM card, select the network you are moving to:
| Select the network you are moving to: | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| O2 | Orange | T-Mobile | Vodafone | |
How long does it take to transfer my number between networks?
Up to two working days.
About the Author: Hi! I'm Ken. I've been using mobiles for over 10 years and technology for a lot longer! I'd love to hear from you.
- Mobile
- Comments(44)
I have gave my Pac code into T-Mobile from O2 and it has been 3 days now and no switch over has occurred, can it normally take this long?
it shouldnt normally becuase they normally take 2 dayz but since there is snow in the uk connections are low so u may have to wayt until the weather blows over
Im in the last month of my contract. I have my pac code. when should I use it? If i use it now and order the phone will i have to pay the new phone contract from soon after ive ordered it, or will it do it from the end of my current contract? Is a bit confusing.
My friend is leaving her mobile phone contract & is not getting another mobile so she has offered me her PAC code (i like her number very easy to remember!!) can i use it when getting a new mobile?
[...] You will need to request a PAC code from your existing network and provide this to Three when you sign [...]
My husband was with the Fresh Mobile network and it closed down while we were travelling overseas for 6 weeks. He has been desperately trying to get hold of someone at Fresh Mobile (operated by Carphone Warehouse and on the T-Mobile network) to get his PAC code so he can transfer his number but no-one seemse able to help him. Not at Fresh or CW or TM.
Any advice you can give would be helpful – it seems ludicrous that he will lose his number after 2 years – his whole business life depends on that number.
thx
Hi Zoe,
Are you now on Talkmobile?
I believe you need to contact your current network and remind them of “Ofcom’s ‘General Conditions of Entitlement’ (2003) Condition 18. They must issue you with a PAC code within 2 days of your request unless you are tied in to a fixed term contract and have not completed it.”
Ken
Talk mobile said they cannot do it only Fresh Mobile can and Fresh Mobile have ceased all operations since 30 March. Surely that cannot mean my number is gone forever – can it?
Afraid I don’t know… I would have thought that Fresh Mobile customers should now be part of a different network and then the new network would be responsible for PAC codes.
If you are still experiencing problems getting a PAC code, it might be worth contracting Ofcom.
Hi Ken,
I have a dilema. I have recently taken out a contract with O2 but have my business number with Virgin. I have asked Virgin for my PAC to transfer the number accross and was given this imediately! But they did say that as soon as I gave my PAC to O2 then the service with Virgin would be terminated. So as fara as Virgin are concerned I will be without contact with business clients for 48hrs. However when I spoke with O2 they said this wasn’t the case. It will take 48hrs to give the PAC to the Portal company who transfers the numbers but in this time my number will still be with Virgin & working & there will be maybe 1 hour while numbers are being transfered after 48hrs where there will be a break in the service to my business number but that is all. WHICH IS TRUE? I dont want to do anything until I am sure about how long I will be without the use of my business number!! Thanks
Hi Mal,
Thanks for your comment. O2 are right here: I recently had a similar experience switching from O2 to T-Mobile. Your Virgin SIM card will continue to work even after you have given the PAC code to O2. Once your number has been ported over to O2 (and not until then), your Virgin SIM card will be disabled. My number transfer happened overnight so I had no significant downtime at all.
Hope this helps
Ken
Thanks Ken, that is great. I can now proceed with transfering my number without sleepless nights worrying about my business!!!
Hi and thanks this was useful but I would like to know.
Can you use a PAC on the same network who issued it through?
I run a mobile phone affiliation scheme and plan to let my existing contract with Three network expire, get my PAC and then sign up as a new customer and get my new Android HTC Desire at discount.
Is this legal?
Hi Bryan,
No you cannot use a PAC code with which it is issued. I have had some conflicting stories with what you can do. For my previous phone, I purchased a new O2 PAYG phone with cashback and was able to get O2 to transfer my number from my old SIM card to my new SIM card (and combine the credit). However, I know some other readers who wanted to use a similar trick and the advice they were given by the customer services of the network was to use a PAC code to transfer to a different network, then get a new PAC code to move back onto a new plan. So it seems like it depends on your network and their policies. I would give them a call, speak to their customer retentions department, tell them about deals other networks are offering and see whether they can offer you the same discount as new customers receive.
HTH
Ken
Can you transfer a number to a PAYG with a PAC?
Hi Mark,
Yep. Both PAYG & contract.
Ken
HELP! im getting a simplicity sim from O2 Im buying it online and there isnt any where i can put the Pac code! Help
Hi Clare,
Many networks only ask for your PAC code once you’ve received your SIM. Otherwise there is a chance that your SIM could still be in the post when the number is switched over! As soon as you get your SIM and confirm that it works in your phone, you’ll need to call O2 Customer services (I think it’s 202 from the Pay Monthly Simplicity and 4445 from the PAYG Simplicity) and then provide them with the PAC code then.
Hope this helps
Ken
Hi
I’m in the process of dropping O2 because of their 500MB cap. I plan to get a Voda £20/mth iPhone SIM, cut it down to MicroSIM size and put it in the iPhone 4.
Voda ask you for the PAC code when you’re placing the order. Is this likely to cause me some downtime between them activating the code and me receiving / using the SIM?
Hi Rob,
I’m not sure. If Vodafone start the porting process before you recieve your new phone/SIM there is the possibility your number could be transferred over to the new SIM whilst that SIM is still in the post. I’d give them a call and enquire.
Cheers
Ken
Im transferring from tmobile pay as you go to o2 and it has been 2 working days already, what shall i do?
It's already been 4 working days, and my number hasn't transferred either, and it's becoming a problem as my credit is running out on the PAYG phone and I'm moving to a contract. What should I do?
Hi Heather,
Have you given your PAC code to your new network? You should contact them for technical queries.
Ken
Hi, I'm currently with O2 pay & go but I want to change to another provider but keep my same number and handset, I haven't got any clues as to how I go about this – without it costing me too much money.
I really only use my mobile to send texts so I'm looking around for the best pay & go deals that live up to my expectations(the cheaper the better obviously).
Any ideas/tips/hints would be most welcome.
Thanks
Hi Royston,
We have some articles which might be of interest to you:
http://cow.neondragon.net/index.php/free-pay-as-y... http://cow.neondragon.net/index.php/which-pay-as-...
Ken
Thanks for that Ken, I'll study those articles when I get more free time
My work are buying me an iphone today and so I am going to cancel my current contract with Orange. Orange have said I will get my PAC code by Friday, if I get an iphone today will I still be able to change my number over to my old number or do I need to wait for my PAC code before I go and get my new phone?
Hi Sarah,
When you get your new iPhone from work, it will come with a new phone number. This will be your temporary phone number. When you receive your PAC code on Friday, you need to provide it to your new network ASAP. They will do everything behind the scenes move your number onto your iPhone but it will take up to two working days (so the number will only transfer to the iPhone on Monday or Tuesday next week). Until then, people can reach your iPhone through the temporary number and your Orange phone through your existing number.
Hope this helps
Ken
I've receieved my PAC Code from 3G and they sent me a link to follow to activate before I transfer over?
This link is http://mobile.three.co.uk/sdf.transfer but nothing seems to happen when I put this link in?
How do I go about using the PAC code now its been issued?
It needs to be used by 8th August
Any help will be much appriciated
Hi Abby,
The link works for me… although it only shows general information about joining Three. It provides the same information as they provide over at http://www.three.co.uk/Pay_As_You_Go/Top_ups_the_...
I assume you received an 8-digit PAC code (don't post it here). You need to activate your new 3 phone or SIM card and then call the customer services of your new network and give them your PAC code.
Hope this helps
Ken
I am also in the exact same position as Mavis who posted up her query about 20 weeks ago but not sure what the reply is. Basically I am ending my contract but my friend likes my number. If I request my PAC code, can I pass it to my friend to use when he gets his phone?
Hi philippa,
I see no reason why you couldn't do this, yes. The PAC code only transfers a phone number and not account details/ownership etc.
Ken
does this work from Verizon to Sprint?
Hey i got verizon wireless can i get my phone number changed to cricket?
Hi,
No. The system for the US is different.
Ken
Hi Im Marta. My 3 contract will end in 3 months, but Ive decided I will take another contract form vodafone because my 3 reception is terrible. I was just wondering if it is a big problem to transfer my number just after my contract finish lets say i will have 3 months vodafone number and then i will transfer my 3 number ? or can i do it while im also on 3 contract?? its all a bit confusing.
heyy do u need to unlock ur mobile first? or can u just put the sim in ur phone and then put ur PAC in.
Hi,
I don't know if anyone can help me, but i have had A LOT of trouble from orange, which resulted in me ending my contract with them. This was 4 weeks ago. I now have a new phone and have requested a pac code in order to retrieve my old number which i have had for a number of years and desperately need to keep, as i have moved away from home with a new job.
Problem- Orange are refusing to give me my pac code unless i reactivate my account with them, therefore they'll then charge me another months line rental (even though i have no orange phone and no contract) in order to get this Pac code.
Does anyone know if they can actually do this?????
Much appreciated.
Many Thanks
hi im on t mobile my contract is due to end next month i want to end contract and start a new one with the same network because if i was to continue my contract the deals arent as good as if i start again. could i transfer to an orange pay as u go sim then transfer it back?? plz help thanx
they said i cant use pac code to change number on same network if u get what i mean
Hi, I got a new SIM with o2 and requested a PAC code from Orange so I could keep my number. Orange said they'd send it in the post for me.
I put the new o2 SIM in the mobile I'm using so that I could get it set up ready for when I receive the PAC code. The SIM said it had been activated and it appears that I now have signal and can use the SIM for calls and texts – but obviously on a new number that I dont want to use. Now that the SIM has been activated will I still be able to use the PAC code, SIM and keep my number? or have I screwed up by putting it in the phone?
Hi Liam,
Nope! Spot on… that is exactly what you need to do. You need to activate your new SIM card & phone number before you can even use your PAC code! Once it arrives in the post, call O2 customer services and give them the PAC Code. They'll handle the porting for you.
Ken
If your number hasn't transferred, check with the company you are moving from as well as the one you are moving to… the one I moved from gave me an invalid PAC code!
I'm transfering from vodaphone to T-mobile. Vodaphone are in the process of sending me my PAC code. Someone's told me I will lose all my contacts from my SIM card when I get the PAC code. Is this true. How can i avoid this situation?
Hi Steve,
Yes, you're right. If you have any contacts saved on the Vodafone SIM card, you'll need to transfer them to your new T-Mobile SIM card. However, most phones save contacts onto the internal phone memory by default.
For more info, we have published an article over at http://cow.neondragon.net/index.php/transferring-...
Hope this helps
Ken