Keeping your mobile number when you switch providers in the UK depends on one thing: a PAC code. Without it, you risk losing a number you may have had for years. The process is simple for most people — a text message to 65075 usually does the job — but not every situation is that straightforward. Some networks rely on their own apps, others require a phone call, and a few ask you to fill in a web form. This guide brings together the exact steps for every major UK provider, including what to do when the standard method does not work.
A PAC, or Porting Authorisation Code, is the key to transferring your mobile number from one network to another. The system was standardised across UK mobile networks in 2019, making the process faster and more transparent for consumers. In most cases, you receive the code within about a minute of requesting it, and the entire transfer can complete within one working day.
This article covers every method currently available — text message, phone call, online account, mobile app, live chat, and web form — and provides network-specific instructions for EE, Three, O2, Vodafone, Sky Mobile, giffgaff, Lebara, VOXI, and Lyca. It also explains what to do if texting 65075 does not work, how long the code remains valid, and what happens after you hand the code to your new provider.
How to get a PAC code?
| Method | How It Works | Time to Receive | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Text PAC to 65075 | Send free SMS from your current mobile | Within 2 hours (usually instant) | Free |
| Phone call | Call provider customer service and request PAC | Provided immediately via phone or SMS | Free (except call charges) |
| Online account | Log in to provider web portal and request PAC | Instant or within 2 hours | Free |
| Mobile app | Use provider’s official app (e.g., My EE, My O2) | Instant | Free |
- The quickest way to get a PAC code is by texting ‘PAC’ to 65075 – it works for most UK mobile providers.
- PAC codes are free and valid for 30 days after issue.
- If you cannot text (e.g., lost SIM, business line), you can request via phone call or online account.
- Some smaller networks (Lyca, VOXI) require using their app or contacting support – the standard text may not work.
- The PAC is typically issued within about a minute of requesting it.
- Porting your number is generally free of charge, though call charges may apply when using a phone line.
- The text-to-switch service was introduced across UK mobile networks in 2019 to simplify the process.
| Fact |
|---|
| PAC stands for Porting Authorization Code. |
| It is used to keep your mobile number when switching providers. |
| Standard text method: send ‘PAC’ to 65075. |
| You receive the code instantly or within 2 hours. |
| PAC code is free of charge. |
| Code expires after 30 days if not used. |
Standard method: text PAC to 65075
Sending the word PAC to 65075 from the number you want to keep is the default method recommended by most UK networks. The service was introduced to create a consistent experience across providers, and it works for EE, Three, O2, Vodafone, and many others. Some networks may ask for extra security details such as your date of birth or PIN after receiving the initial text. In those cases, you simply resend the text with the requested information.
A PAC obtained through this method is generally valid for 30 days, and porting the number is free. Giving the PAC to your new network starts the transfer process; your old number usually stops working once the transfer completes.
Call your provider’s customer service
For customers who cannot send a text message — for example, because they have lost their SIM or are travelling abroad — a phone call to customer services is a reliable fallback. Each network has a dedicated number for PAC requests. EE customers can call 150 from an EE phone or 07953 966 150 from another phone, while Three users can dial 0333 338 1082. O2 customers should call 202 from an O2 phone, and Vodafone users can reach 191 from a Vodafone phone. Sky Mobile provides the number 03300 412 524, and giffgaff customers can call 43431. For Lebara, the number is 5588 from a Lebara phone or 0207 031 0791 from another phone. VOXI offers 0808 0057 451 from any phone.
Online account or app (alternative methods)
Most providers now offer a digital route for requesting a PAC code without making a phone call or sending a text. EE users can find the Leave EE option in Account Settings on the My EE portal. Three customers can log in to the My3 account online or use live chat. O2 provides the My O2 online account, and Vodafone users can use My Vodafone or web chat. Sky Mobile has a dedicated leave page at sky.com/leavesky, while giffgaff allows requests through its website. Lebara offers a web form, and VOXI users can log in and select Leave VOXI. These digital methods are particularly useful for customers who prefer not to use SMS or who have a business line that does not support the text method.
Before requesting a PAC, check your provider’s official support page. Some networks, such as Lyca and VOXI, may not support the standard text-to-65075 method and require you to use their app, web form, or customer service line instead. Always verify the current method to avoid delays.
How to get a PAC code from major UK networks?
EE: Text PAC to 65075 or use My EE app
EE customers can obtain a PAC by texting PAC to 65075. The network also offers a non-text route through the Leave EE option in Account Settings on the My EE portal. Customer service may also assist if needed. The phone numbers are 150 from an EE phone or 07953 966 150 from another phone.
Three: Text PAC to 65075 or call 333
Three supports the standard text method. Alternatively, customers can call 0333 338 1082 or use the My3 account online and live chat. The network explicitly lists online account and live chat as alternatives to the phone line.
O2: Text PAC to 65075 or use O2 account
O2 provides the text method as well as phone support on 202 from an O2 phone. Customers can also log in to the My O2 online account to request the code. Both phone and online routes are standard for O2.
VOXI: Use VOXI app or contact support
VOXI customers may need to use the online account route as the main fallback. Log in and select Leave VOXI, or call 0808 0057 451 from any phone. Phone support is available as an alternative.
Sky: Log in to My Sky account
Sky Mobile provides a dedicated leave page at sky.com/leavesky plus a phone option on 03300 412 524. The network offers both digital and telephone routes.
Lyca: Contact customer service or use Lyca app
Lyca customers should check the provider’s official support channels. The standard text method may not work for this network, so using the Lyca app or contacting customer service is recommended.
giffgaff: Use online community or request via account
giffgaff is heavily online-account based. Customers can request a PAC on the giffgaff website or call 43431. The website route is the primary method for this network.
Lebara: Text PAC to 65075 or use My Lebara app
Lebara supports the text method, but the network also offers a web form on its website as an important alternative. Customers can call 5588 from a Lebara phone or 0207 031 0791 from another phone.
Not all UK mobile networks support the text-to-65075 service. Lyca and VOXI, for example, may require you to use their app, web form, or customer service line. Always confirm the correct method with your provider before assuming the text route will work.
How to get a PAC code without texting?
Request via phone call to customer service
Every UK mobile network provides a customer service number for PAC requests. If you cannot send a text message — because your SIM is lost, damaged, or you are abroad — calling the provider is a dependable alternative. The code is usually provided immediately during the call or sent via SMS. Standard call charges may apply, but the PAC itself remains free.
Use your provider’s online account or app
Most networks now allow you to request a PAC through their website or official app without making a phone call. EE users can use the My EE portal, Three customers can log in to My3, O2 users can access My O2, and Vodafone customers can use My Vodafone. Sky Mobile offers a dedicated leave page, giffgaff provides a website request form, Lebara has a web form, and VOXI allows requests through its online account. These digital methods are especially useful for customers who prefer not to use SMS or who have a business line that does not support texting.
Visit a retail store (some providers)
Some UK mobile networks allow customers to request a PAC in person at a retail store. This option is not available from all providers, and it is always advisable to check with the specific network beforehand. Store staff can verify your identity and process the request, though the code may still be sent via SMS or email rather than provided on the spot.
If you send PAC to 65075 and do not receive a response, first check that you are texting from the number you want to keep. Ensure you send only the word PAC unless your network specifically asks for more details. If the network requests your date of birth or PIN, resend the text with the requested information. If the problem persists, try the provider’s app, website, online account, live chat, or phone line instead. Some providers may require you to use a form or account page, which is their preferred non-text route.
How to get a PAC code online?
EE: My EE online portal
EE customers can request a PAC by logging into the My EE online portal and navigating to the Leave EE option in Account Settings. This is the clearest non-text route offered by the network.
Three: Three account online
Three provides the My3 online account as an alternative to the phone line. Live chat is also available for customers who prefer not to call.
O2: O2 account
O2 users can log in to the My O2 online account to request a PAC. This route is standard for the network alongside phone support.
Sky: My Sky account
Sky Mobile offers a dedicated leave page at sky.com/leavesky, which is the primary digital method for requesting a PAC.
giffgaff: Community / account page
giffgaff’s website is the main channel for PAC requests. The network is heavily online-account based, so logging in and using the request feature is the recommended approach.
Lebara: My Lebara online
Lebara provides a web form on its website for PAC requests. This is an important alternative for customers who cannot or prefer not to use the text method.
What happens after you request a PAC code?
- Request PAC from current provider (text, call, or app).
- Receive PAC code — usually within minutes, often within about a minute.
- Give PAC to new provider during the porting process.
- New provider schedules the port, typically within one working day if requested before the cut-off time.
- Number transfers — old SIM loses service, new SIM becomes active.
- Keep your old SIM active until the port completes (usually within 24 hours).
- If you change your mind, you can cancel the port within 30 days by contacting your old provider.
The transfer usually happens on a working weekday. Once the transfer is complete, your old SIM should stop working and your number will move to the new provider. Porting is generally free, and the PAC remains valid for 30 days from the date it is issued.
For a full walkthrough of the entire switching journey, see our guide on How to switch mobile providers in the UK.
What is certain and what remains unclear about PAC codes?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Texting ‘PAC’ to 65075 works for most major UK networks (EE, Three, O2, Vodafone, etc.). | Not all networks support text-to-65075 — Lyca and VOXI, for example, may require alternative methods. |
| PAC codes are free and valid for 30 days. | Business or corporate accounts may have different procedures for obtaining a PAC. |
| Porting must be completed before the PAC expires. | If you have a recent number transfer or a PAC already issued, you may need to wait before requesting a new one. |
The standard method is well established for personal accounts on major networks, but edge cases — such as business lines, recent transfers, or smaller providers — can introduce uncertainty. Always verify with your current provider’s official support page for the most up-to-date method.
Why do PAC codes exist and how do they work?
PAC codes are mandated by the UK telecommunications regulator Ofcom to ensure customers can easily switch providers while keeping their number. The standard method — texting 65075 — was introduced to simplify the process and create a consistent experience across networks. Despite this standardisation, some providers offer alternative channels such as apps, online portals, and web forms, particularly for customers who cannot send text messages.
The system has remained stable for several years, and as of 2025, the rules for obtaining and using a PAC code have not changed significantly. Newer developments such as eSIM may affect the porting process, but PAC codes remain the standard mechanism for number transfer across all UK mobile networks.
Where can you find official PAC code information?
“PAC codes are free and valid for 30 days. You can request a PAC by texting ‘PAC’ to 65075 or by contacting your provider’s customer service.”
— Ofcom, Switching mobile provider guidance
“The quickest way to get a PAC code is by texting ‘PAC’ to 65075. You will receive the code instantly or within a few minutes.”
— Uswitch guide to porting your number
“You can request a PAC code by logging into your My Vodafone account, using web chat, or calling 191 from your Vodafone phone.”
— Vodafone official PAC support page
What should you do after getting your PAC code?
Once you have your PAC code, share it with your new provider to initiate the port. Keep your old SIM active until the transfer completes, which usually happens within 24 hours. If you change your mind, you can cancel the port within 30 days by contacting your old provider. To compare current offers, check the Best mobile network deals 2025.
What is a PAC code?
A Porting Authorization Code allows you to transfer your existing mobile number to a new provider.
How long is a PAC code valid?
30 days from the date it is issued.
Does it cost to get a PAC code?
No, it is free of charge. Call charges may apply if you request by phone.
Can I get a PAC code if I am on Pay As You Go?
Yes, PAYG customers can request a PAC code via the same methods — text 65075, call, or online account.
What happens if I lose my PAC code?
Request a new one. The old code expires when a new one is issued.
Can I get a PAC code for a landline?
No, PAC codes are for mobile numbers only. Landline porting uses a different process.
Do I need to pay anything to port my number?
No, porting is generally free. The PAC code itself is also free.
Can I cancel a port after giving my PAC to the new provider?
Yes, you can cancel within 30 days by contacting your old provider.
What happens to my old SIM after the port completes?
It stops working once the number transfer is complete.
Sophie Chen is News & Politics Editor at readingwire.co.uk, covering UK and world news, politics, policy and current affairs.