How to get an O2 PAC code
A PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) lets you move your mobile number from O2 to another UK network. Under Ofcom rules, every mobile provider must issue PAC codes free of charge when you ask.
The fastest way to get an O2 PAC code is to text PAC to 65075 from the O2 number you want to keep. O2 should reply within about 60 seconds with a nine-character code. The text is free, and requesting a PAC does not cancel your contract on its own — it only starts the switch once you give the code to a new provider.
You can also request your PAC through My O2: sign in, open Manage details, scroll to Thinking of leaving O2?, and choose Request your code. If you prefer to speak to someone, call 202 from your O2 mobile (or 0344 809 0202 from another phone).
Your O2 PAC code is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. If it expires before you use it, request a new one the same way. You must be in the UK when you request a PAC.
When O2 sends your code, the text may also include an estimate of any early termination charges if you are still inside your minimum contract term. Treat that figure as a guide — your final bill can include other items such as device plan balances or out-of-bundle charges.
Use our PAC & STAC code generator if you want the exact text message and number ready to copy. The same Ofcom short codes apply on every UK network — our cancel and switch hub explains how PAC and STAC codes work if you want the full picture before you move.
How to cancel your O2 contract
There are three main ways to end an O2 mobile contract, and the right one depends on whether you are switching to another network and whether you want to keep your number.
Switching to another network and keeping your number is the most common route. Get a PAC code, give it to your new provider when you sign up, and they handle the transfer. Once your number moves, O2 cancels your airtime contract automatically. You do not need to call O2 separately to cancel in this situation — and you should not cancel manually before the port completes, or you risk losing your number.
Switching to another network without keeping your number works the same way, but you request a STAC instead of a PAC (see below). The PAC & STAC code generator covers both code types.
Ending your contract without moving to another network requires contacting O2 directly. You will need to give 30 days' notice, which you can do through My O2 or by calling customer services. This path is only for people who are not porting to a new provider. If you want a written record for your files, the cancellation letter generator can draft one for you.
Before you leave, clear any overdue charges on your account. If you bought a phone on an O2 device plan, any remaining balance on that plan will need to be settled.
How to leave O2 and keep your number
Leaving O2 while keeping your number is straightforward once you have your PAC code.
- Choose your new network and pick a plan that suits you. If you are out of contract, start by browsing SIM only deals from other providers — monthly costs vary widely for the same data allowance. 30-day rolling SIM only deals are a popular choice after leaving a long contract because you are not locked in again straight away.
- Request your PAC by texting PAC to 65075, or through My O2.
- Give the PAC to your new provider when you order your new SIM or during the sign-up process. You can usually submit it after ordering if you did not have the code to hand.
- Wait for the switch to complete. The number transfer typically happens within one working day. You can keep using your O2 SIM until the port goes through.
- Check your final bill. O2 sends this around 14 days after disconnection. Do not cancel your Direct Debit until the final payment has been taken.
Your new provider manages the porting process. Once the switch is done, your old O2 SIM stops working and your contract ends without you needing a separate cancellation call.
If you have already left O2 but did not port your number, you can still request a PAC within 30 days of leaving — contact O2 by phone or visit a store. The code will then be valid for another 30 days.
Getting a STAC code from O2
If you are moving to another network but do not want to keep your O2 number, request a STAC (Service Termination Authorisation Code) instead of a PAC.
Text STAC to 75075 from your O2 phone. O2 should reply within about 60 seconds. Give the STAC to your new provider and they will close your O2 line as part of the switch.
You can also request a STAC through My O2 using the same Thinking of leaving O2? section, or by calling 202. Our PAC & STAC code generator shows the correct STAC text and number if you want them to hand.
A STAC is the right choice if you are happy to take a new number from your next provider. It is not needed if you are simply ending your contract without joining another network — in that case, contact O2 to give notice instead.
O2 early termination fees and final bills
Whether you owe money when leaving O2 depends on your plan type and how far through your contract you are.
SIM only and standard plans
If you leave a SIM only or standard combined plan before the end of your minimum term, O2 charges an early termination charge (ETC). The calculation is roughly your monthly airtime tariff multiplied by the months remaining, minus a 4% discount for early receipt of payment. Any regular discounts on your account are factored in.
For example, on a 12-month plan at £21 per month, leaving with six months left would produce an ETC of around £120.96 after the 4% reduction.
O2 Refresh (phone + airtime)
On O2 Refresh, your airtime and device payments are separate. If you leave early, you typically will not pay an ETC on the airtime portion, but you must clear any remaining device plan balance. How that works depends on how far through the device plan you are — if you leave within the first 24 months, the full device balance is usually due; after 24 months, you may be able to continue paying instalments or settle in one go.
Checking what you might owe
Before you switch, you can get an estimate by texting INFO to 85075, or by checking in My O2. O2 may also include charge information when you request your PAC.
Your final bill arrives around 14 days after disconnection. It can include:
- Line rental up to your disconnection date
- Any early termination charges
- Outstanding device plan amounts
- Insurance (such as O2 Insure), bolt-ons, and out-of-bundle usage
- A credit if you paid line rental in advance on your last regular bill
Keep your Direct Debit active until the final bill is paid. If your account ends in credit, O2 refunds it automatically within about 30 days.
If you need a formal written record of your cancellation, use the cancellation letter generator on this page.
Special cases: Apple Watch, O2 Refresh and family plans
Some O2 accounts cannot use the text-to-65075 PAC service.
If you have an Apple Watch or multiple numbers linked to one account, you must request your PAC or STAC through My O2 or by calling customer services — texting PAC to 65075 will not work.
If you are on a sharer plan or Multisave discount, leaving may affect other people on your account. Let them know before you port, as their data allowance or discount could change.
If your phone is locked to O2, you will need to unlock it before it works on another network. O2 provides unlocking guidance on their website; most phones can be unlocked once you have met any eligibility requirements.
Pay As You Go customers can leave by switching with a PAC or STAC. Any remaining credit can be refunded — contact O2 to arrange a bank transfer or cheque.
What to do after you switch away from O2
Once your number has ported, a few practical steps are worth taking straight away.
Update your payment details anywhere your old O2 number or Direct Debit was registered — banking apps, two-factor authentication, delivery notifications, and subscription services.
Download anything you need from your O2 account before access ends. The My O2 app stops working once you are disconnected, though you can still view your final bill online through the website.
Cancel O2 add-ons separately if needed. O2 Insure, for instance, requires 30 days' notice and may appear on your final bill.
Dispose of your old SIM once you confirm the new one is active. There is no need to return it to O2.
If you are weighing up providers before you commit, the cancel and switch hub covers PAC codes, notice periods, and switching guidance for other UK networks too — including dedicated guides for Three, Vodafone, and EE.
Choosing a new SIM only plan after leaving O2
Most people who cancel O2 are switching to a cheaper or more flexible SIM only deal rather than buying a new handset. Plans from MVNOs often undercut major networks on monthly price, and several popular options run on the same O2 network infrastructure if coverage in your area matters to you.
Networks and MVNOs worth comparing
| If you want… | Where to look |
|---|---|
| The lowest monthly cost | Cheapest SIM only deals |
| Flexibility without a long tie-in | 30-day SIM only deals |
| O2 network coverage at a lower price | giffgaff SIM only deals or Tesco Mobile SIM only deals |
| Three's network | Three deals or cheapest Three SIM only deals |
| Vodafone's network | Vodafone deals or cheapest Vodafone SIM only deals |
| EE's network | EE deals |
| Low-cost plans on Three's network | Smarty SIM only deals |
When comparing, look at:
- Data allowance — match what you actually use, not the headline maximum
- Contract length — rolling plans offer more freedom than 12- or 24-month minimum terms
- EU roaming — policies differ; check if you travel regularly
- 5G access — included on most current plans, but worth confirming
- Network coverage — use our mobile coverage checker for your postcode if signal quality matters to you
Once you have chosen a provider, request your O2 PAC, submit it during sign-up, and the switch should complete within a working day. You keep the same number and move on to your new plan with minimal downtime.
If you are still researching how switching works across providers, start with the cancel and switch hub or jump straight to our SIM only comparison to see what is available right now.
