How to Get a PAC Code | Keep Your Mobile Number (2026 Guide)

To get a PAC code, text PAC to 65075 from the number you want to keep. Your current network must reply within two hours; most do it in under a minute. Once you have the code, hand it to your new network, and your number will transfer by the next working day. No cancellation call needed, no retentions team to fight through.

This guide covers every step of the process: how to request a PAC code, how to use it, how long porting takes, what can go wrong, and network-by-network instructions for EE, O2, Vodafone, Three, Tesco Mobile, and more.

What Is a PAC Code?

A PAC code Porting Authorisation Code (PAC) is a unique 9-character alphanumeric code issued by your current mobile network. It authorises the transfer of your existing UK mobile number to a different network. Without it, your number stays with your current provider when you leave.

PAC codes were introduced under Ofcom regulations to give mobile customers the right to take their number with them when switching. Networks are legally required to issue one on request; they cannot refuse, delay beyond two hours, or charge a fee for providing it.

A typical PAC code looks like this: ABC123456. It's 9 characters: 3 letters followed by 6 digits. The code is tied to your specific mobile number, not your account as a whole so if you have multiple numbers on one account, you need a separate PAC code for each.

PAC Code vs STAC Code vs INFO: Which Do You Need?

3 codes are available by text. Each does something different:

If you want to keep your mobile number, always request the PAC code. Use INFO first if you want to check your exit fees before committing.

How to Get a PAC Code: 3 Methods

There are 3 ways to request a PAC code. All are free. The text method is the fastest and recommended for most people.

Method 1: Text PAC to 65075 (Recommended)

Send a text message with just the word PAC to 65075 from the mobile number you want to transfer. Your network must reply within 2 hours in practice, most networks reply in under 60 seconds.

The reply text contains 4 things:

• Your PAC code (9 characters)

• Your contract end date

• Any early termination charges (ETCs) you owe

• The date your PAC code expires (30 days from issue)

This 'Text to Switch' system was mandated by Ofcom in July 2019, specifically to remove the friction of speaking to retention teams. Before 2019, customers had to call their network to get a PAC code, giving the network an opportunity to offer counter-deals and delay departures.

The text method bypasses all of that. You get the code in writing, with your full account information, without speaking to anyone.

Method 2: Call Your Current Network

Call your network's customer service line and ask for your PAC code. The agent must provide it before the end of the call; they cannot put you on hold indefinitely or transfer you to retentions without your consent.

Have these details ready before you call:

• Your full name as registered on the account

• Your date of birth or account password

• Your billing address

• Your account number (if known)

UK network PAC code phone numbers in 2026:

Method 3: Online Account or Live Chat

Several networks, particularly MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) such as giffgaff, SMARTY, and VOXI, do not offer phone support. For these, log into your online account, go to account settings or 'Leaving', and request the PAC code there. It typically appears instantly on screen and is also sent to your registered email address.

BT Mobile and Plusnet Mobile customers can also request PAC codes through their respective online portals, which can be faster than waiting on hold.

How to Transfer Your Mobile Number: Full Step-by-Step Process

Number porting in the UK follows a defined sequence. Each step matters; skipping or reversing steps causes delays or loss of numbers. Follow this process in order.

Step 1: Check Your Contract and Exit Fees

Before you request your PAC code, text INFO to 85075. This returns your current contract end date, any early termination charges (ETCs), and both your PAC and STAC codes without triggering anything.

Early termination charges are calculated per remaining month on your contract. For example, on a £30/month plan with 4 months left, the ETC could be up to £120. Some networks apply a discount to this figure typically reducing it by around 20–30%.

If you're within the last month of your contract or on a rolling monthly plan, there are no exit fees. Porting at this point is entirely free.

What to check before proceeding:

• Contract end date is it worth waiting a few more weeks to avoid ETCs?

• Whether your handset is locked to your current network (see Step 2)

• Whether your new network covers your area check coverage maps before committing

• Whether any cashback, loyalty bonuses, or upgrade offers from your current network are worth staying for

Step 2: Check Your Handset Is Unlocked

If you're keeping your current phone and switching to a new SIM-only deal, your handset must be unlocked to accept a SIM from a different network. Phones bought directly from a network are often locked to that network.

To check: insert a SIM from a different network. If it works, your phone is unlocked. If you see an 'Invalid SIM' or 'SIM not supported' message, your phone is locked.

How to unlock your phone:

• EE free unlock via your online account or by calling 150

• O2 free for phones out of contract; request at o2.co.uk/unlock

• Vodafone free after 30 days of use; request via the Vodafone website

• Three phones sold by Three are unlocked by default from point of sale

Unlocking typically takes between 1–10 working days depending on the network. Request the unlock before you start the porting process so there's no delay once your new SIM arrives.

Step 3: Request Your PAC Code

Text PAC to 65075 from the mobile number you want to transfer. Save the reply it contains your code, expiry date, and contract information.

Your PAC code is valid for 30 days. You do not need to use it immediately. If you're comparing new network deals, you have a full month to decide.

Important: do not cancel your existing contract at this stage. Your old number must remain active throughout the porting process. Cancelling it disconnects the number permanently a disconnected number cannot be ported.

Step 4: Choose Your New Network and Sign Up

Compare SIM-only deals or handset contracts across UK networks. Key things to compare:

• Monthly data allowance most people need at least 10GB; heavy users should look at 50GB+ or unlimited plans

• Network coverage in your home, workplace, and commute route use Ofcom's coverage checker or each network's own map

• Contract length 1-month rolling plans offer flexibility; 24-month contracts usually give better value per GB

• 5G availability all major UK networks now offer 5G, but coverage varies significantly by location

• Roaming terms important if you travel within Europe or further afield

When signing up online, you'll be asked for your PAC code during checkout. Enter the 9-character code exactly as received. You'll also need to provide the mobile number you're porting double-check this is correct before submitting.

Step 5: Wait for Your New SIM and Activate It

Once you've signed up, your new network sends a SIM card. Do not insert it yet. Keep your old SIM in your phone so you can still make and receive calls while the porting process is underway.

The new SIM will arrive with a temporary number. This is normal your existing number replaces it once the port completes.

If you've signed up for an eSIM (electronic SIM), you'll receive a QR code to scan instead of a physical SIM. The same rule applies: set up the eSIM only when instructed by your new network, not before.

Step 6: The Number Port What Happens Behind the Scenes

Once your new network receives your PAC code, a defined technical process begins between the two networks:

1. Your new network submits a porting request to the central UK number portability database, managed by a body called Syniverse.

2. Your old network receives a notification and has until the agreed port date to validate your details.

3. On the scheduled port date (usually the next working day), your number is transferred at the network level typically between midnight and 6am.

4. Your old SIM stops working. Your new SIM (or eSIM) activates with your original number.

5. Your old network closes your account and issues a final bill.

The port itself takes only minutes. Most customers wake up the morning after submitting their PAC code to find the switch has already happened.

Step 7: Switch to Your New SIM and Confirm the Port

When your old SIM stops receiving signal, that's your cue. Remove it and insert your new SIM. Restart your phone to force it to register on the new network.

To confirm the port has completed:

• Make a test call if it connects with your old number showing as the caller ID, the port is done

• Send a test text to a friend and ask them to confirm the number it came from

• Check your phone's settings, the network name should show your new provider

If the port hasn't been completed after 2 working days, contact your new network first. If the issue lies with the old network delaying the release, escalate to Ofcom, networks are required to complete ports within specified timeframes.

Step 8: Handle Your Final Bill from Your Old Network

Your old network issues a final bill within 30 days of your account closing. This covers:

• Any remaining contract charges or ETCs

• Usage charges between your last bill date and the port date

• Any outstanding device payment plan instalments (if you had a handset plan)

Check this bill carefully. If there are charges you don't recognise or believe are incorrect, raise a dispute with your old network within 8 weeks. If unresolved, escalate to the Communications Ombudsman, an independent body that handles mobile billing disputes at no cost to you.

How Long Does It Take to Port a Mobile Number?

Porting completes within 1 working day in the vast majority of cases. The timeline from PAC code request to completed transfer typically looks like this:

4 factors that delay porting:

• Weekend or bank holiday submissions are only complete on working days

• Identity mismatch: The name or address on your new network account doesn't match your old account

• Locked handset, your phone isn't unlocked before the new SIM arrives

• PAC code expiry: the 30-day window passed before you used the code

How Long Does a PAC Code Last?

A PAC code lasts 30 days from the date it was issued. If you don't use it within that period, it expires and you need to request a new one. There's no penalty simply text PAC to 65075 again and a fresh code arrives within minutes.

There's no limit on how many times you can request a PAC code. Some people request one just to find out their exit fees (via the INFO text) and then decide to stay with their network. This is perfectly fine receiving a PAC code does not commit you to leaving.

Network-Specific PAC Code Notes (2026)

EE Porting Authorisation Code

EE is the UK's largest network by coverage area. EE customers can request a PAC code by texting PAC to 65075, calling 150, using the My EE app, or via live chat on the EE website. EE processes ports overnight submit your PAC code before midday for the best chance of next-morning completion.

If you're an EE customer on a handset plan, your device unlock request must be submitted separately. EE unlocks are free and can be done through the online account. Allow up to 10 working days for the unlock before you switch.

O2 Porting Authorisation Code

O2 issues PAC codes via text to 65075, by calling 202, through the My O2 app, or via the O2 website for PAYG customers. O2 contract customers can also view their PAC code directly in the My O2 app under Account Settings > Leave O2.

O2 is the underlying network for several MVNOs including giffgaff, Tesco Mobile, Sky Mobile, and Lycamobile. If you're currently on one of these and porting to another O2 MVNO, your coverage won't change but your PAC code process goes through your current MVNO, not O2 directly.

Vodafone Porting Authorisation Code

Vodafone PAC code requests go through 65075 (text), calling 191 from a Vodafone number, or 0333 304 0191 from any other phone. Vodafone customers mid-contract should check the Vodafone website for their specific ETC calculation Vodafone applies a discount to ETCs for customers with over 6 months remaining.

Three Porting Authorisation Code

Three issues PAC codes via 65075 text or by calling 333. All phones sold by Three since 2014 are unlocked by default, so there's no separate unlock process needed. Three customers on rolling monthly SIM plans have no exit fees porting is entirely free at any time.

Tesco Mobile PAC Code

Tesco Mobile operates on O2's network infrastructure. PAC codes are available via 65075 text, calling 4455 from your Tesco Mobile, or 0345 301 4455 from any other phone. As Tesco Mobile is a PAYG-focused network, most customers have no ETCs. Unused Tesco Mobile credit is non-refundable on account closure.

giffgaff PAC Code

giffgaff has no phone or live chat support. PAC codes are requested entirely online through your giffgaff account at giffgaff.com. Log in, go to Profile, then 'Leaving giffgaff', and request the code. It appears on screen instantly and is also emailed to you. Giffgaff also runs on O2's network.

5 Common Mistakes When Porting a Mobile Number

1. Cancelling your old contract before porting. This is the most damaging mistake. Cancellation disconnects your number permanently once a number is disconnected, it cannot be ported. Always wait until the port completes before your old contract ends.

2. Giving the PAC code to the wrong number or network. Double-check which number you're porting and which network you're giving the code to. Once submitted, the process starts automatically.

3. Swapping your SIM too early. Keep your old SIM in until the port is confirmed. If you insert the new SIM prematurely, you may miss calls and texts during the transfer window.

4. Ignoring early termination charges. The PAC reply text clearly states your ETCs. Some customers are surprised by a large final bill. Check the INFO text (85075) before committing if you're mid-contract.

5. Letting the PAC code expire. 30 days is a reasonable window, but it passes. If you're comparing deals, start that process before requesting the code or request it when you're ready to move.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get my PAC code instantly?

Text PAC to 65075 from the number you want to keep. Your network sends the code by text, usually within 60 seconds. Under Ofcom rules, the maximum wait time is 2 hours.

Can my network refuse to give me a PAC code?

No. Under Ofcom regulations, your network must provide a PAC code on request there are no legal grounds for refusal. If a network delays beyond 2 hours or refuses outright, file a complaint with Ofcom at ofcom.org.uk.

Does requesting a PAC code mean I have to leave?

No. Requesting a PAC code does not commit you to switching. Your contract continues as normal until you give the code to a new network and the port completes. Many customers request a PAC code simply to check their exit fees and then stay.

Can I port a PAYG number?

Yes. PAYG (Pay As You Go) numbers port using the exact same process. Text PAC to 65075 and follow the same steps. There are no exit fees on PAYG plans. Note that unused PAYG credit is non-refundable on most networks once the account closes.

What happens to my old number after porting?

Your number moves permanently to your new network. Your old network account closes automatically, and you receive a final bill within 30 days. The old number no longer exists on your previous network.

What is a PAC number is it the same as a PAC code?

Yes PAC number and PAC code are the same thing. The full term is Porting Authorisation Code. It's a 9-character alphanumeric code, typically in the format ABC123456, used to authorise a UK mobile number transfer.

Will I lose service during the number transfer?

Yes, briefly. Most customers experience 5–15 minutes of no service during the actual switch, which happens overnight. Keep your old SIM active until you see the port is complete, then restart your phone on the new SIM to restore full service.

How do I transfer my number to a new phone without losing it?

Transferring your number to a new phone on the same network requires no PAC code simply insert your existing SIM into the new handset. If you're switching network at the same time, text PAC to 65075, give the code to the new network, and your number follows you across automatically.

Quick Checklist: Keep Your Mobile Number When Switching

1. Text INFO to 85075 check your exit fees and contract end date first

2. Check your handset is unlocked or request an unlock from your current network

3. Text PAC to 65075 save the reply with your code and expiry date

4. Compare new network deals coverage, data, price, contract length

5. Sign up to your new network and enter the PAC code at checkout

6. Keep your old SIM in your phone until the port completes

7. Restart your phone on your new SIM and make a test call

8. Check your final bill from your old network within 30 days

The entire process from first text to completed port takes less than 24 hours in most cases. There's no cost, no need to speak to a retentions team, and no paperwork.