How-to · 5 minutes
How to Switch UK Mobile Provider & Keep Your Number
Updated May 9, 2026 · By Jules de Bruin · Step-by-step PAC code switching for every UK MVNO.
Updated May 2026. Switching UK mobile providers and keeping your number takes one working day. Text PAC to 65075 from your old SIM, receive your 9-character PAC code by reply, enter it during signup with your new provider. No charge to switch. The new line activates by 17:00 the next working day. Works across EE, O2, Vodafone, Three, and every UK MVNO.
What You Need Before Switching
Active UK SIM
Your current SIM must be live to receive the PAC code by SMS. If it's already disconnected, call 75075 from another phone.
Photo ID
Required for credit-checked plans (EE, O2, Vodafone, Three contract). Not required for prepaid/pay-as-you-go SIMs (giffgaff, SMARTY, Lebara).
Payment method
Direct debit for postpaid contracts; debit/credit card for prepaid top-ups. Apple Pay and Google Pay supported by most major MVNOs.
5 Steps to Switch
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1
Pick your new SIM
Compare plans in the UK comparison hub by price, data, EU roaming, 5G, and host network. Switching does not change your phone number — only the plan and provider.
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2
Text PAC to 65075
From your existing UK SIM, send the word PAC to 65075. This is the Ofcom-mandated Text-to-Switch service. Your provider must reply within one minute with a 9-character PAC code valid for 30 days. Free of charge.
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3
Order with the new provider
Sign up online (or in-store). During checkout, paste the PAC code in the "Keep your existing number" section and confirm the number you want to port. The new provider sends a confirmation SMS to your old SIM.
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4
Wait one working day
Your new provider activates the line by 17:00 the next working day. Your old SIM keeps working until the moment the new line goes live, so there is no gap. You'll see "No service" briefly — pop in the new SIM (or activate the eSIM QR) and you're back online.
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5
Confirm & dispose old SIM
Make a test call from the new SIM, confirm WhatsApp/iMessage haven't been signed out, then cut up the old SIM card. The old contract terminates automatically the day the port completes — you'll receive a final bill within 30 days.
Switching Timing — When to Order
| Order time | PAC code arrives | Port completes |
|---|---|---|
| Mon–Thu, before 17:00 | Within 1 minute (SMS) | By 17:00 next day |
| Friday, before 17:00 | Within 1 minute | By 17:00 Monday |
| Saturday or Sunday | Within 1 minute | By 17:00 Tuesday |
| Bank holiday | Within 1 minute | By 17:00 next working day |
Source: Ofcom Text-to-Switch rules · enforced since July 2019
Should You Keep Your Number?
check_circle Keep number (PAC)
- WhatsApp, iMessage, banking 2FA all keep working
- Friends and contacts don't need to update anything
- Free, automatic, takes 1 working day
- Works across every UK MVNO and network
cancel New number (STAC)
- Forces you to update WhatsApp, banking, contacts
- Old number recycled after 6–12 months
- Useful if you're escaping spam/harassment on the old line
- Same 1-day timing — text STAC to 75075 instead of PAC
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to switch UK mobile provider?expand_more
No. Ofcom's Text-to-Switch rules ban all porting fees. Both leaving and joining are free. You may still owe an early termination charge if you exit a fixed-term contract before the minimum-term end date — text INFO to 85075 to see your exact exit charge before you order.
How long does the port actually take?expand_more
One working day. Once you give the PAC code to your new provider, the port completes by 17:00 the next working day. There is no service gap — your old SIM works until the moment the new line activates.
What if I cannot send a text to 65075?expand_more
You can also call 75075 free from your existing UK mobile to receive your PAC by SMS. Online chat with your current provider is a third option, but the Ofcom-mandated SMS routes are the fastest.
Will my WhatsApp and iMessage transfer?expand_more
Yes. Both bind to the phone number, not the SIM. As long as you keep your number via PAC code, your WhatsApp account, iMessage, Telegram, Signal, and 2FA SMS codes continue to work without re-registration.
What is a STAC code?expand_more
A STAC (Service Termination Authorisation Code) cancels your old service without keeping the number. Text STAC to 75075 instead of PAC if you want a fresh number with your new provider. Same 1-day timing applies.