How to Keep Your Mobile Number When Switching Networks UK 2026: PAC Code Guide

Chandraketu Tripathi

Finance Editor, Kaeltripton

Published 5 Apr 2026

Last reviewed 4 May 2026

✓ Fact-checked

By Chandraketu Tripathi | Updated April 2026

Switching mobile network in the UK does not mean losing your phone number. You can keep your existing mobile number when moving to any new network — and the process takes less than 60 seconds to initiate. Text PAC to 65075 from your current phone and your PAC code arrives by text. Here is the complete step-by-step guide for 2026.

Key facts April 2026

PAC code request: text PAC to 65075 (free, instant) | PAC valid for: 30 days | Number transfer time: within 1 working day | Cost to port: free | Can port: on contract or SIM-only; active or cancelled accounts

What Is a PAC Code?

PAC stands for Porting Authorisation Code. It is a unique 9-character code that gives your new network permission to transfer your phone number from your old network. The PAC system is regulated by Ofcom and all UK mobile networks are legally required to provide it free of charge within 60 seconds of request by text.

How to Get Your PAC Code: Step by Step

Text PAC to 65075 from the phone you want to keep the number from. This is a free text from any UK mobile number.
Receive your PAC code by text within 60 seconds. It is a 9-character alphanumeric code (e.g. ABD123456).
Your current provider is notified that you are leaving. They may call to offer a better deal — compare this against your new plan before accepting.
Choose your new SIM-only plan and give the PAC code to your new provider when ordering.
Your number transfers within 1 working day of your new SIM activating. You may experience a brief gap of a few hours where neither SIM has service during the switch.
Keep your old SIM active until the transfer is confirmed. Do not cancel your old account before the transfer completes.

PAC Code vs STAC Code: What Is the Difference?

Code type	What it does	When to use it
PAC (Porting Authorisation Code)	Transfers your number to a new network	When you want to KEEP your number at a new network
STAC (Service Termination Authorisation Code)	Ends your contract without number transfer	When you want to LEAVE your current network WITHOUT keeping your number
None needed	Just cancel your contract	If your contract is already ended and you do not want to port the number

Text PAC to 65075 to keep your number. Text STAC to 75075 to leave without keeping your number. Using the wrong code is the most common mistake when switching.

How Long Does Number Porting Take UK?

Stage	Timing
PAC code request (text PAC to 65075)	Instant — code arrives within 60 seconds
Choosing new plan and giving PAC code	Up to you; PAC valid for 30 days
New SIM delivery	1–3 working days (standard); same day (eSIM)
Number transfer after SIM activation	Within 1 working day; typically same day or overnight
Old account closes	Automatically on transfer; final bill follows within 30 days

Can I Port My Number if I Am Still in Contract?

Yes — you can request a PAC code and port your number at any time, even mid-contract. However:

Early termination charges still apply if you are mid-contract — check your remaining months and fees
Your number ports as soon as requested — but your old network may continue billing for the remainder of the contract
Sometimes the new network will offer to pay your exit fees as an incentive — check current switching offers
If your contract ends soon, waiting until the end avoids exit charges entirely

Which Networks Can I Port My Number To?

You can port to any UK mobile network — there are no restrictions. This includes:

Destination network type	Examples	Notes
Big four networks	EE, O2, Vodafone, Three	Full coverage; wide range of plans
Virtual networks (MVNOs)	giffgaff, Smarty, Sky Mobile, Tesco, Voxi, Lebara, ID Mobile	Use big four infrastructure; often cheaper
Business networks	Gamma, Daisy, iD Business	B2B focus; account required
eSIM providers (travel)	Airalo, Holafly	Data only; cannot port voice number to travel eSIM

PAC Code: Frequently Missed Details

The PAC code is valid for 30 days. If you do not use it within 30 days, request a new one.
Requesting a PAC code does not automatically cancel your current contract — you still need to either let it lapse or give notice.
The number transfers even if you have outstanding debt on your current account — the debt remains but does not block porting.
Business numbers can also be ported, but the process is slightly more complex and may take 2–5 working days.
Landline numbers can also sometimes be ported to mobile — contact your new network for details.

Key facts April 2026

Keeping your mobile number when switching UK networks is free and takes less than 60 seconds to initiate. Text PAC to 65075 from your current phone. The code arrives instantly and is valid for 30 days. Give it to your new network when ordering. Your number transfers within 1 working day. You can port mid-contract but exit fees still apply. Never cancel your old account before the transfer completes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep my phone number when switching networks UK?

Text PAC to 65075 from your current phone (free). You receive a 9-character PAC code within 60 seconds. Give this code to your new network when ordering your new SIM. Your number transfers within 1 working day.

How long does a PAC code take UK?

Your PAC code arrives by text within 60 seconds of texting PAC to 65075. The code is valid for 30 days. Your number then transfers to the new network within 1 working day of your new SIM being activated.

Can I port my number if I am still in contract?

Yes. You can request and use a PAC code at any time. However, early termination charges from your current provider still apply if you are mid-contract. The porting itself is free — only the exit fee from the old contract applies.

Related Guides

Sources: Ofcom General Condition C8 (number portability), Ofcom PAC code rules, All UK network PAC code processes April 2026, Which? switching guide. April 2026.

How to Keep Your Mobile Number When Switching Networks UK 2026: PAC Code Guide

What Is a PAC Code?

How to Get Your PAC Code: Step by Step

PAC Code vs STAC Code: What Is the Difference?

How Long Does Number Porting Take UK?

Can I Port My Number if I Am Still in Contract?

Which Networks Can I Port My Number To?

PAC Code: Frequently Missed Details

Frequently Asked Questions

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