How to get a PAC code and keep your number
Text PAC to 65075
The text is free. Your network must reply within one minute with your code.
On Three? Add your date of birth to the text. See the Three steps
Source: Ofcom, Switching mobile phone provider, updated 25 August 2026
What is a PAC code?
A PAC (porting authorisation code) is a short code that lets you keep your mobile number when you switch network. You give it to your new network, and they use it to move your number onto your new SIM.
If you don't need to keep your number, you need a STAC instead. See What is a STAC code? below.
Source: Ofcom, Switching mobile phone provider, updated 25 August 2026
How to get a PAC code
- Text PAC to 65075 from the phone whose number you want to keep. On Three, add your date of birth.
- Your network must reply within one minute. The reply has your code and important information, such as early termination charges or pay as you go credit.
- Give the code to your new network. Codes last 30 days.
- Your new network must complete the switch within one working day. Any loss of service must not last longer than one working day.
Source: Ofcom, Switching mobile phone provider, updated 25 August 2026
Good to know
- You don't pay for any notice period after the switch date.
- If you have more than one number on your account, you can't use the text. Call your network or use its website.
- Text INFO to 85075 to check if you are in contract and what fees apply. This text is free too.
Source: Ofcom, Switching mobile phone provider, updated 25 August 2026
PAC codes by network
| Network | By text | Online or app | By phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| EE | Text PAC to 65075, or STAC to 75075 | myaccount.ee.co.uk, using a one-time PIN | Call EE |
| O2 | Text PAC to 65075 | My O2 app: Support, then Keep your number | Contact O2 |
| Vodafone | Text PAC to 65075 | My Vodafone shows your leaving fees | Call 0333 3040 191 if you have already left and have more than one number |
| Three | Text PAC plus your date of birth to 65075, or STAC plus your date of birth to 75075 | My3: Manage your plan, then Leave Three | Call 0333 338 1082 |
How to get a PAC code from O2
- By text: Text PAC to 65075.
- Online or app: My O2 app: Support, then Keep your number.
- By phone: Contact O2.
- You can still get a PAC within 30 days of leaving O2.
Source: O2 help: Keep your mobile number, last updated 14 January 2026
How to get a PAC code from EE
- By text: Text PAC to 65075, or STAC to 75075.
- Online or app: myaccount.ee.co.uk, using a one-time PIN.
- By phone: Call EE.
- Pay as you go credit is lost when the switch completes.
- If you cancel without switching, you need to give 30 days' notice.
Source: EE help: What you need to know if you want to leave EE, checked 12 October 2026
Vodafone, Three, giffgaff and other networks
How to get your PAC code from Vodafone
- By text: Text PAC to 65075.
- Online or app: My Vodafone shows your leaving fees.
- By phone: Call 0333 3040 191 if you have already left and have more than one number.
- If you ask Vodafone for your code online or by phone rather than by text, its page says it can take up to two hours.
Source: Vodafone help: How do I get a PAC, checked 8 October 2026
How to get your PAC code from Three
Three needs your date of birth in the text
Text PAC followed by your date of birth as DDMMYY, to 65075. For example, PAC060385 if you were born 6 March 1985.
For a STAC, text STAC followed by your date of birth to 75075.
- By text: Text PAC plus your date of birth to 65075, or STAC plus your date of birth to 75075.
- Online or app: My3: Manage your plan, then Leave Three.
- By phone: Call 0333 338 1082.
- After a STAC you can't upgrade online for 30 days.
Source: Three support: How to get a PAC or STAC code when leaving Three, checked 8 October 2026
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What is a STAC code?
A STAC (service termination authorisation code) lets you leave your network without keeping your number.
There are two codes. Which one you need depends on your number.
- PAC: text PAC to 65075 to keep your number.
- STAC: text STAC to 75075 to get a new number.
Both texts are free, and both codes last 30 days.
Source: Ofcom, Switching mobile phone provider, updated 25 August 2026
How long does a PAC code last?
A PAC code lasts 30 days. If it runs out before you've given it to your new network, your number stays with your current network and you can text PAC to 65075 again for a new code.
Source: Ofcom, Switching mobile phone provider, updated 25 August 2026
What to check before you switch
- Are you still in contract? Text INFO to 85075 to check, and to see what fees apply.
- How much data do you use each month?
- Is the signal on the new network good where you live and work?
Source: Ofcom, Switching mobile phone provider, updated 25 August 2026
Frequently asked questions
What is a PAC code?
A PAC is the code that lets you keep your mobile number when you switch network. You get it by texting PAC to 65075, and the text is free.
How long does a PAC code last?
A PAC code lasts 30 days. If you don't use it in that time, ask for a new one.
How do I use a PAC code?
Give the code to your new network. They move your number for you.
How long does a PAC code take to work?
Your network must reply to your text within one minute. Once you give the code to your new network, they must complete the switch within one working day.
What is the difference between a PAC and a STAC?
A PAC lets you keep your number. A STAC lets you leave and get a new number. Text PAC to 65075 or STAC to 75075.
Sources and dates
- Ofcom, Switching mobile phone providerLast updated 25 August 2026The text codes, how fast your network must reply, how long codes last and how long a switch takes.
- EE help: What you need to know if you want to leave EEChecked 12 October 2026How to get a PAC code from EE.
- O2 help: Keep your mobile numberLast updated 14 January 2026How to get a PAC code from O2.
- Vodafone help: How do I get a PACChecked 8 October 2026How to get a PAC code from Vodafone.
- Three support: How to get a PAC or STAC code when leaving ThreeChecked 8 October 2026How to get a PAC code from Three.
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