The short answer
Text PAC to 65075 from your current phone. You'll get a free code within seconds. Give it to your new network when you sign up. Your number moves across within one working day. Your old contract ends automatically when the switch completes.
Step-by-step: switching and keeping your number
- Text PAC to 65075 from your current phone (free, works from any UK network)
- You'll receive a text within 60 seconds with your PAC code (9 characters, valid for 30 days)
- Choose your new network and plan
- When signing up, provide your PAC code — most networks have a field for it in the sign-up form
- Your number transfers within one working day
- Your old contract ends automatically — no need to contact your old network separately
What the text codes mean
| Text | To | What you get | Use when |
|---|
| PAC | 65075 | Porting Authorisation Code — lets you keep your number | Switching network and keeping your phone number |
| STAC | 75075 | Switching Code — lets you leave without porting | Switching network and getting a new number |
| INFO | 85075 | Contract info — remaining term, exit fees, your PAC and STAC | Checking your current contract status before switching |
Important: check before you switch
- Are you in a minimum term? Text INFO to 85075 first. If you're still in contract, early exit fees may apply.
- Is your handset unlocked? All phones sold in the UK since December 2021 must be sold unlocked. Older phones may be locked — contact your current network to unlock for free.
- Does your new network cover your area? Use the new network's online coverage checker before switching.
- Don't cancel first. Never cancel your old contract before requesting a PAC — this may result in losing your number. The switch completes your cancellation automatically.
How long does switching take?
Once you provide your PAC code to the new network, the switch completes within one working day. During the switch, you may lose signal briefly (usually a few minutes). Your old SIM stops working when the new one activates.
Switching with a handset plan (e.g. O2 Refresh, EE device plan)
If you're on a split handset/airtime contract (like O2 Refresh), you can still switch your airtime to a new network by requesting a PAC for the airtime portion. However, your device plan agreement remains with the original network — you'll need to continue paying the device plan separately until it ends (or pay it off early).
Ofcom protections when switching
- Networks must provide your PAC or STAC within 60 seconds by text, or immediately if requested by other means
- No cancellation or notice fees for switching after providing a PAC or STAC
- The receiving network triggers the switch — you don't need to manage both sides
- If things go wrong, Ofcom's text-to-switch service guarantees the process
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