If you’re on the Vodafone network and looking to leave, or you’re on another network and want to switch to Vodafone, then you’ll probably want a PAC (Porting Authorization Code), as this is what you need in order to keep your number when switching networks.
And whichever network you’re moving to or from, you can simply get your PAC by sending a single text message, so it’s a speedy, simple process.
Below we’ll explain how to get a PAC by text, along with the alternate methods. We’ll also look at how to use that PAC to switch from Vodafone to another network, followed by how to switch from another network to Vodafone.
Leaving Vodafone and transferring your number
Below we’ve outlined the three simple steps to transfer your number to a new network when leaving Vodafone.
But as noted above the first step typically is to request your PAC code. If you’ve already signed up with a new network though – don’t worry. There’s still time to get your PAC.
However, make sure you don’t cancel your Vodafone contract until you’ve ported your number. In fact, the act of porting it will cancel your account with Vodafone anyway.
Step 1 – Request a Vodafone PAC code
As noted above, you need a PAC code to keep your number, and you can simply send a text to get one.
This is the method we’d recommend, as it’s fast and simple, but you can also get your PAC code from Vodafone in other ways. Here’s how:
- Text to switch – Text the word ‘PAC’ and your 4-digit account PIN to 65075
- Online – Head to your My Vodafone account
- Phone – Call 191 from your Vodafone phone
Be aware that a PAC code is only valid for 30 daysbut if it expires before you’ve used it then you can request a new one.
Step 2 – Order a new phone or SIM
Now that you’ve got your PAC code, it’s time to place an order with the network you want to move to. So go ahead and order the phone or SIM you have your eye on, then wait for it to arrive, and activate your temporary new number when it does.
If you ordered a new phone or SIM before getting your PAC, that’s fine too – you can do it in either order.
And if you’re not sure which phone deal or SIM Only plan to go for, check out the options on our site, as we collect all the best deals – including some exclusives.
Step 3 – Give your Vodafone PAC code to your new network
The final step is giving your PAC code to the new network you’ve joined. This typically involves filling out a number transfer form, where you’re also asked for a few other details, such as the number you want to keep.
Sometimes you can do this step while placing an order for a new phone or SIM, but generally you have to wait until they’ve arrived and been activated.
In any case, once you’ve filled out this number transfer form, your number can often be transferred as soon as the next working day – although typically you’ll be able to choose a later date if you’d prefer.
|
Old Network – Text to switch |
Online |
Phone |
|---|---|---|
|
Asda Mobile Text ‘PAC’ to 65075 |
Request it online. |
Call 2732 from your Asda Mobile (call 0808 006 2732 from any other phone) |
|
BT Mobile Text ‘PAC’ to 65075 |
Log into My BT Go to Mobile > Thinking of leaving BT. |
Call 0800 800 150 from any phone |
|
CMLink Text ‘PAC’ to 65075 |
Follow the steps under ‘how to port out online’. |
— |
|
EE Text ‘PAC’ to 65075 |
From your Online account Go to Menu > Account settings > Leave EE |
150 from your EE phone (or 0800 956 6000 from another phone) |
|
giffgaff Text ‘PAC’ to 65075 |
Request your PAC code online here. |
— |
|
iD Mobile Text ‘PAC’ to 65075 |
From your Online account Head to the My Account page > Thinking of Leaving > Switch or Cancel Now > Get PAC code. |
— |
|
Bara Text ‘PAC’ to 65075 |
Fill in this form. |
— |
|
Lyca Mobile Text ‘PAC’ to 65075 |
— |
Call Lyca Mobile on 322 from your Lyca Mobile phone |
|
O2 Text ‘PAC’ to 65075 |
My O2 account online. |
Call 202 from your O2 phone |
|
Sky Mobile Text ‘PAC’ to 65075 |
Request it online. |
Call 03300 412 524 |
|
Smarty Text ‘PAC’ to 65075 |
Head to your account settings, then ‘Manage plan’ and follow the steps under ‘Leave Smarty’. |
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|
Tesco Mobile Text ‘PAC’ to 65075 |
Go to My Account and select ‘View or Change my account details’, then ‘Leaving Tesco Mobile?’ |
Call 4455 from your Tesco phone |
|
Three Text ‘PAC’ to 65075 |
Fill in the ‘Leave Three’ form online. Or, use Three’s live chat. |
Call 333 from your Three phone (or 0333 338 1001 from another phone,) |
|
Virgin Mobile Text ‘PAC’ to 65075 |
Sign into your online account and select ‘Switching’ |
Call 789 from your Virgin Mobile (or 0345 6000 789 from any other phone) |
|
Vodafone Text ‘PAC’ to 65075 |
In your online account Go to Account settings > Mobile switching |
Call 191 from your Vodafone phone |
|
VOXI Text ‘PAC’ to 65075 |
Sign into your account and head to ‘Leave VOXI’. |
Call 08080 057449 |
When the transfer is complete, your Vodafone account will automatically be closed, and your final bill will be issued. So there’s no need to manually close your account.
As for how exactly to give your Vodafone PAC code to a new network. Generally you do so either from your online account or another web page, but you’ll find full details in the chart below.
Joining Vodafone and transferring your number
We’ve covered how to take your number with you when leaving Vodafone, but what about if you’re looking to join Vodafone?
The process is largely similar, and it all still starts with getting a PAC code from the network you’re leaving.
We’ve detailed the full three step process below, but just make sure you don’t cancel your old plan until the transfer has been completed. It will automatically be canceled once your number is transferred, but if you cancel it before then you could lose your number.
Step 1 – Request a PAC code from the existing network
To keep your number you need to give Vodafone a PAC code from the network you’re leaving, and the easiest way to get that PAC code is just to text ‘PAC’ to 65075 (from the number you want to keep). However, you’ll find other options for most networks below.
Step 2 – Order a new Vodafone phone or SIM
With your PAC code in hand, it’s time to place an order with Vodafone for the phone or SIM card you’re after. If you’ve already done this though – that’s fine. You can do step one and two in either order.
If you’re still deciding on the plan you want, you’ll find some exclusive SIM deals on our site, as well as loads of Vodafone phone deals.
Step 3 – Give your PAC code to Vodafone
For step three you’ll need to wait until you’ve received and activated your new Vodafone SIM card.
Once you have, you supply Vodafone with your PAC code and the number you want to keep by filling out Vodafone’s number transfer form.
The form lets you request a date when you’d like the transfer to happen too, but it will never be instant – Vodafone states that it can take up to 48 working hours, but will usually be quicker.