How do I port my mobile number?
So you’ve decided to switch network? You’ve done your research, read read reviews and confirmed that there’s good coverage in your area? Next, you just need to do a couple of things so you can use your existing number on the new network. Many people are put off changing mobile network by the thought of losing their phone number but it’s actually very simple to keep your mobile number when switching.
The first thing you need to do is to get your PAC code from your current operator. Your current mobile network must give you your PAC immediately over the phone or within a maximum of two hours by SMS. They are not allowed to take long than this or to refuse to give you your PAC
Then all you have to do is give your new network you PAC and they will book you in for a number port (usually the next business day). Then, on the day of the port, keep your old SIM in your phone to start with. You will experience a loss of service at some stage depending on when your old service provider releases your number. The error message on your screen should say something like “SIM card registration failed”. You can now put your new SIM into your mobile. Then just switch your mobile off and on again – this causes the network search to start and you’ll soon find that your new SIM is fully activated with your new number.
For more details please see our complete guide to changing mobile network including our tutorial on porting your number when you change network operator. You might also want to see our article that helps explain how to get your PAC code.
How to send a message for switching(port) one mobile network to another mobile network?
Who are you trying to port from?
My mobile provide has gone bust and is in liquidation, (DIALOG VIZZ) , So I cant get a PAC code from them, has anyone any idea if I can get one any other way?? or is that it, and i have to get a new number., Thanks for any info. Derek
Is there any way to contact them at all? When OVIVO went into administration they still gave out PACs for some time.
I tried contacting Dialog Vizz, by phone, no answer, by e-mail, no answer, I contacted Ofcom, all they said, keep ringing the same numbers, !!great!!. I see all the customer service staff have been made redundant.
This company has two other websites still online all with the same address as Dialog Vizz, but don’t answer the phones at all, They are called Vizz Roshan, and Vizz Africa.
I have decided to join 3mobile and get a new number..
I have recently received my PAC code from my current operator, Orange (EE). If i use the PAC code when ordering another phone over the internet will this automatically cancel my contract with Orange?
I recently signed up with 3, one month contract. The signal was lousy so to terminate I was obliged to give 30 days notice. I have requested my PAC code, which they gave, but incurred a further 30 days notice. Is this legal? Of course I will be charged something approaching £20 extra.
What did they say when you complained?
Does everyone need a PAC? I’m planning to use my iphone in the UK (I live in the U.S) so would I also need to get the PAC from my service provider?
You won’t be able to move your US number to the UK so a PAC is irrelevant.
Im currently on O2 Pay & Go but use a regular sim in my old phone and have purchased an Iphone 4 which takes the micro sim. Can I Port my current number to the new Iphone even through they are different sims?
Do you want to use the same O2 PAYG tariff or change to a new network?
I want to take the GiffGaff Micro Sim and join you guys (better deal than my old sim) but not sure how it would wrok with the port transfer being that I would need to do the on the phone I’m using? (standard sim vs micro in the Iphone) 🙂
Yes, you can port between any SIMs even if one is micro and the other not. First get your PAC from O2. Then just order a new Giffgaff micro-SIM and activate it.
Once you have it activated you can log into your My Giffgaff account and input your PAC to start the number port.
If you have any other questions, please just ask.
You might want to mention that O2 asks you to name a number you frequently call or text as part of their security questions when you request the PAC code. If all your numbers are in your phone, and that’s the one you use to call, it can be a bit tricky to get to them.
Thanks for pointing that out but why would it be “tricky”?
When I get my PAC code how do I contact Giff Gaff to book my port
Just log-in to My Giffgaff their website (URL at the top of the review) and click on “Transfer your number to Giffgaff” at the bottom of the page.
I currently have a contract with O2. Do I still have to get a PAC code to change over to Giffgaff?
You only need to request your PAC if you want to bring your number over with you. Also, using your PAC will automatically cancel your existing O2 contract.