How to keep your phone number when switching networks

In this UW guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about what PAC codes are, how they work, and how you can use them to transfer your phone number between networks.

What is a PAC code?

A PAC code stands for 'Porting Authorisation Code', and you can think of it as your mobile number's passport for travelling between networks. It's a unique, nine-character alphanumeric code that your current mobile network provider gives you, letting you take your existing phone number with you when you change to a different mobile plan.

This little code tells your new network, "This person is allowed to bring their number over". And, when you use it, it also lets your old provider know that you're moving on.

How does a PAC code work?

A PAC code transfers your mobile number to your new network via a process called 'porting'. This is where your existing mobile provider passes your number to your new one.

Thanks to Ofcom's 'text-to-switch' program, these clever little codes do more than just let you keep your number: they also close your old mobile account. Once you hand this code over to your new provider, they'll automatically cancel your existing account with your old network, meaning you don't need to contact your old provider to ask them to close the account.

However, it's worth noting that just asking your old provider for your PAC code won't close anything. Your old account will keep ticking along as normal until you use the code with your new provider. This means you've got time to shop around and make sure you're choosing a plan with enough mobile data before making the switch official.

How to keep your mobile number

Understanding the world of mobile networks can be confusing, but luckily, the process of keeping your existing mobile number doesn't have to be. In fact, we've broken it down into three easy steps:

1. Find your PAC code

Before you can start transferring your mobile number, you'll need to get your hands on your PAC code. There are a couple of ways to go about this:

• Contact your existing provider directly – Call your current mobile network and ask them for your PAC code. Most providers have dedicated customer service lines, and they're legally required to give you the code when you ask for it.

• Request via text message – This is generally the quickest route. Simply text 'PAC' to 65075 from your mobile, and your provider will send the code back to you via message.

No matter which method you choose, you should receive your code within two hours; that's also a legal requirement. If you've chosen the text option, you'll likely get your code almost instantly, which can be great when you know which provider you're switching to and are keen to get the ball rolling.

2. Give your PAC code to your new provider

Once you've received your PAC code, it's time to pass it along to your new mobile network. The good news is that most providers make this really easy: when you're signing up for a new mobile plan, you'll often be prompted to provide your PAC code (if you have one) during the registration process. If your new provider doesn’t ask you to enter your code, you can contact their customer service team once your new account has been created and submit the code this way.

From there, your new provider takes over. They'll use your code to cancel your existing plan and begin the porting process to transfer your mobile number to them. This usually happens the next working day, so you won't be left waiting for long.

If you've started this process over a weekend, it's worth keeping your existing SIM in your phone until Monday. That way, you'll still have service and can use your phone normally while everything gets sorted behind the scenes.

3. Check that your number has transferred

The final step is making sure everything's gone to plan. To do this, pop your new SIM card into your phone and see if everything’s working properly. If you've got a signal and can make and receive calls, then the switch has worked.

In the unlikely event that something goes wrong, don't panic. Contact your new mobile network's customer service team, and they'll help you figure out what's happened and how to fix it.

How to get a PAC code by phoning in

If you'd rather have a conversation with someone about getting your PAC code, the way to go about it will depend on which mobile network you're currently with. Here's a breakdown on how to request your PAC code from the major UK networks:

How to request a PAC code from EE

• Call 150 from an EE-registered phone

• Call 0795 396 6250 from any other phone

How to request a PAC code from Vodafone

• Call 191 from a Vodafone-registered phone

• Call 0333 304 0191 from any other phone

How to request a PAC code from giffgaff

• No telephone-based customer support.

• Text 'PAC' to 65075 using the method above

• Or, log in to your giffgaff account to get your PAC code

How to request a PAC code from iD Mobile

• Call 7777 from an iD Mobile-registered phone

• Call 0333 003 7777 from any other phone

How to request a PAC code from Lebara

• Call 5588 from a Lebara-registered phone

• Call 0207 031 0791 from any other phone

How to request a PAC code from O2

• Call 202 from an O2-registered phone

• Call 0344 809 0222 from any other phone

How to request a PAC code from SMARTY

• No telephone-based customer support

• Text 'PAC' to 65075 using the method above

• Or, log in to your SMARTY account to get your PAC code 

How to request a PAC code from Sky Mobile

• Call 0330 041 2524 from any phone

How to request a PAC code from Virgin Mobile

• Call 789 from a Virgin Mobile-registered phone

• Call 0345 600 0789 from any other phone

How to request a PAC code from Tesco Mobile

• Call 4455 from a Tesco Mobile-registered phone

• Call 0345 301 4455 from any other phone

How to request a PAC code from VOXI

• No telephone-based customer support

• Text 'PAC' to 65075 using the method above

• Or, log in to your VOXI account to get your PAC code

Explore mobile deals at UW

Keeping your mobile number when switching providers is as simple as getting your PAC code and handing it over – there's no need to memorise a new number or run around updating everyone in your contacts.

If you're ready to make the switch and find a mobile plan that actually works for you, take a look at our mobile deals and discover what UW has to offer.