How to get a PAC code

Updated 29 October 2026

Switching networks and want to keep your number? You'll need a PAC code.

What is a PAC code?

PAC stands for Porting Authorisation Code. It's 9 characters long, usually 3 letters and 6 numbers, like ABC123456.

Your current network gives you the code. You give it to your new network, and they move your number across.

Asking for a PAC doesn't end your plan. Nothing changes until your new network uses the code. If you don't use it, it runs out and you stay where you are.

How to get a PAC code

There are three ways. Every UK network offers at least one.

By text

1. Open Messages on the phone with the number you want to keep.
2. Send PAC to 65075.
3. Wait for a reply with your code.

Some networks also want your date of birth. Send PAC followed by your date of birth, like PAC 241285. Three, SMARTY and iD Mobile work this way.

The text is free.

Online or in the app

Sign in to your account on your network's website or app. Look for an option called Leave or Switch.

By phone

Call your network and ask for your PAC. If they can't give it to you on the call, they have to text it to you within two hours.

Got more than one number on your account, like a family plan? The text usually won't work. Use your online account or call instead.

PAC codes by network

Here's how each network does it. Each one links to its own help page for the latest steps.

1pMobile PAC code

To get your PAC code from 1pMobile, text PAC to 65075. You can also find it in your online account or call 03333 442278. Find out more from 1pMobile

Asda Mobile PAC code

To get your PAC code from Asda Mobile, text PAC to 65075. You can also go to My profile and then Transferring your number in your account. Or call 0808 006 2732. Find out more from Asda Mobile

EE PAC code

To get your PAC code from EE, text PAC to 65075. You can also ask online in your EE account or call 150 from your EE phone. The reply tells you about any early exit fee too. Find out more from EE

giffgaff PAC code

To get your PAC code from giffgaff, text PAC to 65075. You can also ask on your profile and settings page or call 43431 from your giffgaff phone. Find out more from giffgaff

Honest Mobile PAC code

To get your PAC code from Honest Mobile, text PAC to 65075. Find out more from Honest Mobile

iD Mobile PAC code

To get your PAC code from iD Mobile, text PAC and your date of birth to 65075, like PAC 241285. You can also go to Plan and then Leave iD in the app. Or call 0333 003 7777. Find out more from iD Mobile

Lebara PAC code

To get your PAC code from Lebara, text PAC to 65075. You can also ask Lebara by chat or phone. Find out more from Lebara

Lyca Mobile PAC code

To get your PAC code from Lyca Mobile, text PAC to 65075. You can also call 322 from your Lyca phone, or 0207 132 0322 from any other phone. Find out more from Lyca Mobile

O2 PAC code

To get your PAC code from O2, text PAC to 65075 while you're in the UK. You can also go to Manage details and then Request your code in My O2. Or call 202 from your O2 phone. Find out more from O2

ParentShield PAC code

To get your PAC code from ParentShield, text PAC to 65075 from the ParentShield phone. You can also call 0330 122 1180 or use live chat. Ask for it when you cancel, because the 30-day notice period still applies. Find out more from ParentShield

Sky Mobile PAC code

To get your PAC code from Sky Mobile, text PAC to 65075 from your Sky SIM. If that doesn't work, contact Sky. Find out more from Sky Mobile

SMARTY PAC code

To get your PAC code from SMARTY, text PAC and your date of birth to 65075, like PAC 241285. You can also go to Manage plan and then Leave SMARTY in your account. Find out more from SMARTY

spusu PAC code

To get your PAC code from spusu, text PAC to 65075. The reply also tells you about any early exit fee or credit left. Find out more from spusu

Talk Home PAC code

To get your PAC code from Talk Home, text PAC to 65075, or use the port out option in your online account. Find out more from Talk Home

Talkmobile PAC code

To get your PAC code from Talkmobile, text PAC and the last two digits of your account PIN to 65075. You can also go to Switching in your account, or call 5888 from your Talkmobile phone. From other phones, call 0333 304 8064. Find out more from Talkmobile

Tesco Mobile PAC code

To get your PAC code from Tesco Mobile, text PAC to 65075. If you have more than one number, go to My Account, then Manage my details, then Request your PAC code. Find out more from Tesco Mobile

Three PAC code

To get your PAC code from Three, text PAC and your date of birth to 65075, like PAC 241285. You can also go to Leave Three in My3 or call 0333 338 1082. Find out more from Three

Vodafone PAC code

To get your PAC code from Vodafone, text PAC to 65075. You can also use the My Vodafone app or call 191 from your Vodafone phone. Find out more from Vodafone

VOXI PAC code

To get your PAC code from VOXI, text PAC to 65075. You can also go to Leave VOXI in your account or call 08080 057 451. Find out more from VOXI

Other networks

Most use the same text, PAC to 65075. If it doesn't work, check your network's help pages or give them a call.

How long does a PAC code last?

30 days. If yours runs out, ask for a new one the same way. Nothing else happens, and you stay with your network.

Already left your network? You might still be able to get a PAC. O2, giffgaff and iD Mobile give them for up to 30 days after you leave. Three gives them for up to 90 days. After that, your number may be gone for good.

How long does switching take?

Once your new network has your PAC, they have to move your number within one working day.

Keep your old SIM in your phone until the switch is done.

PAC, STAC or INFO?

There are three free codes. Each one goes to a different number.

• PAC to 65075: keep your number and take it to a new network.
• STAC to 75075: leave without your number. Your new network gives you a new one.
• INFO to 85075: see what you'd owe before you leave, like early exit fees.

Want to keep your number? Make sure you ask for a PAC, not a STAC.

Contracts, fees and pay as you go credit

• Still in your minimum term? You'll usually pay an early exit fee. Text INFO to 85075 to see how much.
• Networks can't charge you for a notice period after your switch date.
• On pay as you go, check with your network what happens to any credit you have left.
• Don't cancel your plan before you switch. Once a number is cancelled, it often can't be moved.

Getting a PAC code from abroad

Texting 65075 doesn't always work outside the UK. O2 says you need to be in the UK to ask by text. giffgaff says the same for STAC codes.

If you're abroad, try one of these instead.

• Use your network's website or app. It works anywhere with internet.
• Call your network. Calls from abroad can cost money, so check your roaming rates first.
• Make sure the code reaches you. Some networks send it by text, so keep your UK SIM in a phone or check your account online.

When your PAC code doesn't arrive or doesn't work

• It hasn't arrived: most networks reply within a minute. By law, a code asked for by text or online has to arrive within two working days. If yours is late, try again or contact your network. Some networks say you may be owed compensation.
• The reply says the keyword isn't valid: check you sent just PAC, or PAC and your date of birth if your network asks for it. Some phones send chat messages instead of normal texts. Turning off chat features in your messaging app can help.
• It's expired: ask for a new one. Codes last 30 days.
• Your new network won't accept it: check the code and number match and the code hasn't expired. If it still fails, ask your old network for a new one.
• You have more than one number on your account: use your online account or call your network.

Moving abroad? Keep your UK number

A PAC is also how you keep your UK number when you move abroad, without paying for a UK plan.

With NumberNest, your number lives in an app. Texts and pictures arrive in the app. Calls ring over the internet, wherever you are.

NumberNest isn't open yet. Join the waitlist to hear when it opens for UK numbers.

Common questions

Is a PAC code free?

Yes. Asking for one is free, and so is the text to 65075.

Does asking for a PAC cancel my contract?

No. Your plan only ends when your new network uses the code.

Can I get a PAC code on pay as you go?

Yes. It works the same way for pay as you go and pay monthly.

Can I get a PAC code after I've left?

Often, yes, for a short time. O2, giffgaff and iD Mobile allow 30 days. Three allows 90.

Can I keep my UK number if I move abroad?

Yes. You can keep a UK plan and pay to use it abroad. Or you can bring your number to a service like NumberNest, so it works in an app.

How do I keep my mobile number when I switch network?

Ask your current network for a PAC code, then give it to your new network. Your number moves across and keeps working. Some networks call this "keep my number".