Keep Your Mobile Number

Get a PAC Code When You Switch Network

Changing mobile network does not usually mean changing your phone number.

If you want to move to another UK mobile provider and take your existing number with you, you will normally need a PAC code.

Fortunately, getting one is usually quick and straightforward.

In many cases, you can request your PAC simply by sending a text message. You can then give the code to your new provider so they can arrange the transfer.

Here is how it works.

What Is a PAC Code?

PAC stands for Porting Authorisation Code.

It is a code that allows your existing mobile number to be transferred, or ported, from one mobile provider to another.

For example, imagine you have used the same mobile number for several years but find a better deal with another network.

You may want to switch provider without having to tell everyone that you have a new number.

Your PAC allows you to do exactly that.

You change network, but your mobile number comes with you.

The Quickest Way to Get Your PAC Code

For most UK mobile customers, the easiest method is the Text-to-Switch service.

From the mobile number you want to keep, text:

PAC

to:

65075

Your current provider should then send you your PAC along with important information about your existing contract.

In most cases, the response should arrive quickly.

The text to 65075 is free.

What Will Your PAC Look Like?

A PAC is a unique code linked to your mobile number.

Once you receive it, keep it somewhere safe until you are ready to give it to your new provider.

However, don’t request one months before you intend to switch.

A PAC normally remains valid for 30 days.

Therefore, it makes sense to request it when you are ready to arrange your move.

What Happens After You Get Your PAC?

Getting the PAC does not normally transfer your number by itself.

Instead, you give the code to your new mobile provider.

The new provider then uses it to arrange the transfer of your existing number.

So, the process is generally:

1. Choose your new mobile service

2. Request your PAC

3. Give the PAC to your new provider

4. Your existing number is transferred

Your new provider should tell you when the transfer is expected to take place.

How Long Does the Number Transfer Take?

Once you have given a valid PAC to your new provider, the number transfer is usually completed quickly.

In many cases, the transfer takes place on the next working day.

However, weekends, bank holidays or other circumstances can affect the timing.

Therefore, check the transfer date with your new provider.

Will Your Phone Stop Working During the Transfer?

There may be a short period while your number is being moved when service is interrupted.

For example, calls, texts or mobile data may temporarily stop working.

Usually, this does not last long.

If your old SIM stops working, try your new SIM. You may also need to restart your phone.

Once the transfer is complete, your old mobile number should work through your new service.

Don’t Cancel Your Old Mobile Service First

If you want to keep your number, do not simply cancel your existing mobile service before arranging the transfer.

Doing so could make it harder or impossible to keep the number.

Instead, request your PAC and give it to the new provider.

The number-transfer process normally results in the old mobile service being closed when the transfer completes.

However, you may still have charges to pay under your existing agreement.

Check Your Contract Before Switching

A PAC makes transferring your number easier.

However, it does not remove any financial commitments you have with your current provider.

For example, you may still be within a minimum contract period.

If so, switching could result in an early termination charge or remaining device payments.

Fortunately, the Text-to-Switch system is designed to give you information about charges that may apply.

Therefore, check this information carefully before going ahead.

What If You Don’t Want to Keep Your Number?

You do not need a PAC if you are happy to receive a new mobile number.

However, you may still want to leave your existing provider.

In that situation, you can request a STAC instead.

STAC stands for Service Termination Authorisation Code.

From the mobile number concerned, text:

STAC

to:

75075

You can then give the STAC to your new provider.

The important difference is simple:

PAC = switch and KEEP your number

STAC = switch WITHOUT keeping your number

Not Sure Whether You Are Still in Contract?

There is another useful text service.

You can text:

INFO

to:

85075

This can provide information about your existing mobile contract without requesting a PAC or STAC.

Therefore, it can be useful if you are simply thinking about switching and want to understand your current position first.

What If You Have More Than One Mobile Number?

The text service is particularly straightforward when dealing with a single mobile number.

However, things can be different if you have several numbers linked to the same account.

For example, this may apply to family accounts or some business mobile arrangements.

In that situation, you may need to contact your provider directly.

They can explain the correct process for transferring the numbers you want to keep.

Can You Get a PAC Without Sending a Text?

Yes.

Texting is often the quickest option, but it is not the only one.

You may also be able to request a PAC through your provider’s website, online account, app or customer service team.

Therefore, if you cannot use the text service, contact your existing provider and ask how to request your PAC.

What If Your Provider Tries to Persuade You to Stay?

Your existing provider may offer you another deal when you decide to leave.

You can consider it if you want to.

However, take a little time to compare what you are actually being offered.

For example, look at the monthly price, data allowance, contract length and any handset costs.

Then compare those with the alternative you were considering.

A last-minute discount can be useful.

However, it is still worth asking:

Is this genuinely the better deal for me?

Can You Use a PAC When Moving to SIM Only?

Yes.

A PAC relates to your mobile number, rather than whether your new deal includes a handset.

Therefore, you can normally use a PAC when moving to a SIM-only service with another provider.

This can be particularly useful if your existing phone still works well.

Instead of automatically getting another handset, you could keep your phone and compare SIM-only options.

That may reduce your monthly costs.

What About Pay As You Go?

PAC codes are not limited to traditional monthly mobile contracts.

You can also normally transfer a mobile number between eligible pay-as-you-go and pay-monthly services.

However, check what happens to any unused credit or other benefits before leaving your existing provider.

These may not transfer with your number.

Before You Switch

A few simple checks can make changing mobile provider easier.

Before starting the transfer:

  • Check whether you are still within a minimum contract
  • Find out whether any exit charges apply
  • Check whether there are outstanding handset payments
  • Make sure your new network has suitable coverage
  • Compare the total cost of your new deal
  • Check the data allowance
  • Consider roaming if you travel
  • Back up anything important stored on your phone or SIM
  • Request your PAC when you are ready to switch

Most importantly, do not cancel your old service first if you want to keep your number.

PAC Codes for Business Mobiles

Businesses can also transfer mobile numbers between providers.

Keeping existing numbers can be particularly important because customers, suppliers and colleagues may already use them.

In addition, your numbers may appear on your website, advertising, vehicles or business documents.

However, business accounts with several mobile connections can be more complicated than an individual consumer account.

Therefore, if you need to move several numbers, speak to your existing and new providers about the correct transfer process before making changes.

Compare Before You Switch

Getting a PAC is easy.

Choosing the right mobile deal deserves a little more thought.

Before moving, consider:

Price · Data · Coverage · Contract length · Handset costs · Roaming · Overall value

The cheapest deal is not automatically the best one.

Likewise, having more data does not provide extra value if you never use it.

Instead, look for a mobile service that matches how you actually use your phone.

Mobile Comparison Is Coming to Energility

Energility’s mobile comparison service is planned to launch in January 2027.

Until then, we are concentrating on creating useful, easy-to-understand information to help you make better choices.

Our free mobile guides will cover areas such as:

  • Mobile phone contracts
  • SIM-only deals
  • Business mobiles
  • Mobile data
  • Network coverage
  • 4G and 5G
  • Roaming
  • Keeping your mobile number
  • Switching network
  • Reducing mobile costs

So, you can still use Energility to understand your options before our comparison service goes live.

Quick Summary

If you want to switch mobile provider and keep your existing number, text:

PAC to 65075

Then give the PAC to your new provider.

If you want to switch without keeping your number, text:

STAC to 75075

If you simply want information about your existing contract, text:

INFO to 85075

It’s a simple system designed to make changing mobile provider easier.

Energility

Understand More. Spend Less. Live Better.