How to cancel Lycamobile
Leaving Lycamobile is straightforward once you know whether you want to keep your mobile number. In the UK, mobile networks must give you a PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) or STAC (Service Termination Authorisation Code) free of charge when you ask for one. You request these by text message — you do not need to call customer services or visit a shop.
Most people who search cancel Lycamobile or Lycamobile cancel are either switching to another network or closing a pay-monthly plan they no longer use. The steps below cover both.
How to get a Lycamobile PAC code
A PAC lets you move your existing number to a new provider. To request one from Lycamobile:
- From the phone that uses your Lycamobile SIM, text PAC to 65075.
- Lycamobile replies by text with your PAC and the date it expires (PAC codes are valid for 30 days).
- Choose a new SIM only deal from another network and give them the PAC when you sign up or activate your new SIM.
- Your new provider handles the port. Your Lycamobile service ends automatically once the switch completes — usually within one working day.
You can use our PAC & STAC code generator if you want the exact text and number to hand before you send the message.
How to cancel Lycamobile without keeping your number
If you do not need your current number, text STAC to 75075 from your Lycamobile phone. Lycamobile sends back a STAC code and an expiry date. Give the STAC to your new provider if you are moving to one, or use it to confirm you want the number disconnected.
Once the STAC is used or expires unused, the number is released and your Lycamobile service ends.
What to check before you cancel
Before you request a PAC or STAC, it is worth reviewing your account so nothing catches you out:
- Auto-renewals and bundles. If you top up automatically or have a recurring bundle, turn off auto-renewal in your Lycamobile account or app so you are not charged after you leave.
- Pay-monthly plans. Check whether you are on a rolling 30-day plan or a fixed-term contract. Fixed terms may have conditions around early exit — confirm any remaining commitment in your account or on Lycamobile's help pages.
- Credit balance. Any unused PAYG credit on the SIM is typically lost when you port out or disconnect. Use it up or accept the loss before switching.
- Linked services. If your number is used for two-factor authentication, banking alerts or WhatsApp, update those accounts once your new SIM is active.
If you want a written record of your request — for example, alongside a PAC text — you can create one with our cancellation letter generator.
Notice period when you leave Lycamobile
Lycamobile operates on standard UK mobile switching rules. When you port your number using a PAC, your service ends on the day the port completes — there is no separate 30-day notice to serve for a simple PAYG or rolling SIM switch.
For pay-monthly contracts, your notice obligations depend on the plan terms you agreed to. Check your contract or online account for any minimum term or conditions that apply before you port out.
Switching from Lycamobile to another network
Once you have your PAC, the switch itself is handled by your new provider. The usual process:
- Order a SIM or eSIM from your chosen network.
- Provide your PAC during sign-up or activation.
- Wait for the port to complete (typically within one working day).
- Insert your new SIM when prompted, or follow the eSIM setup instructions.
Lycamobile is an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator), so you are not limited to one host network when you leave. You can move to any UK provider that accepts number ports — from budget MVNOs to the main networks.
SIM only deals to compare after you cancel
Most people leaving Lycamobile want a new SIM plan rather than a handset contract. These pages compare live deals from other providers:
If you liked Lycamobile's low-cost, flexible approach, similar MVNOs worth comparing include:
- giffgaff SIM only deals and giffgaff 30-day plans
- Smarty SIM only deals
- Lebara SIM only deals — another international-calls-focused MVNO
- Cheapest giffgaff SIM only deals
- Cheapest Lebara SIM only deals
For step-by-step guides on leaving other low-cost networks, see our pages on how to cancel giffgaff, how to cancel Lebara and how to cancel Smarty. The full list of provider guides sits on our cancel and switch hub.
Troubleshooting a Lycamobile cancellation
PAC text not working. Make sure you are texting from the Lycamobile SIM (not a Wi-Fi calling app). The message body should be exactly PAC with no extra words. The destination number is 65075.
PAC expired. Request a new one by texting PAC to 65075 again. Each new code is valid for 30 days.
Port taking longer than expected. Contact your new provider first — they manage the port request. If it has been more than one working day, they can chase the transfer.
Still being charged. Check that auto-renewal is off and that the port has fully completed. If you used a STAC, confirm the disconnection date with Lycamobile.
Want to leave but keep Lycamobile until a specific date. Request your PAC when you are ready to switch. Because the PAC expires after 30 days, time the request so your new provider can complete the port when you want service to end.
