What is a PAC code?
A PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) is a short code your current mobile network sends you when you want to keep your phone number and move to a different provider. It is the standard way to port a UK mobile number under Ofcom rules.
You need a PAC if you are switching networks but want callers to reach you on the same number. Without one, your old line stays active until you cancel it separately — and you may lose the number.
What is a STAC code?
A STAC (Service Termination Authorisation Code) does the opposite of a PAC. It tells your network to close the mobile service without porting the number. Use a STAC when you do not need to keep the number — for example, if you are moving abroad, switching to a new number, or closing a spare SIM.
How to get a PAC code
Getting a PAC code is free and takes a few seconds by text message.
- From the phone you want to keep, open your messaging app.
- Send a text containing the word PAC to 65075.
- Your current network replies by SMS with your PAC code, usually within a minute.
The text must come from the SIM you are leaving. If you have more than one number, request the PAC from the handset that uses the number you want to port.
PAC codes are valid for 30 days. If yours expires before you finish switching, text PAC to 65075 again to request a fresh one.
Use the generator at the top of this page to confirm the exact message and short code for your network. Your network issues the PAC — not us. We show you what to text; the reply comes from your current provider.
How to get a STAC code
To cancel a mobile line without keeping the number:
- From the phone on that network, text STAC to 75075.
- Your network replies with a STAC code by SMS.
Give the STAC to your provider if they ask for it, or follow their cancellation process once the code is issued. As with a PAC, the request must come from the SIM being closed.
How to use your PAC code when switching networks
Once you have your PAC, the switch itself is straightforward:
- Choose a new SIM only plan. Browse SIM only deals and pick a tariff from a different network. If you are leaving a pay-monthly contract, a 30-day SIM only deal gives you flexibility while you settle in.
- Sign up with your new provider. During checkout, enter your PAC code when asked. You can also give it to them after ordering if the sign-up form does not include a porting field.
- Pick a switch date. Your new provider schedules the number transfer. Porting usually completes within one working day on the date you choose.
- Do not cancel your old plan yourself. When the port goes through, your old contract closes automatically. Cancelling early can disrupt the transfer or leave you without service.
If you are still in a minimum-term contract, check whether early exit charges apply before you port. Our cancel and switch hub covers notice periods and other switching steps across mobile, broadband and TV.
Getting a PAC code from your current network
The SMS method is the same for every UK mobile network — text PAC to 65075 from the phone you are leaving. Some providers also accept requests through their app or online account, but the text route is the fastest and works regardless of who you are with.
Below are the networks people switch from most often, with links to step-by-step leave guides:
| Network | How to request a PAC | Leave guide |
|---|---|---|
| O2 | Text PAC to 65075 from your O2 phone | How to cancel O2 |
| Three | Text PAC to 65075 from your Three phone | How to cancel Three |
| Vodafone | Text PAC to 65075 from your Vodafone phone | How to cancel Vodafone |
| EE | Text PAC to 65075 from your EE phone | How to cancel EE |
| Lebara | Text PAC to 65075 from your Lebara SIM | How to cancel Lebara |
| Tesco Mobile | Text PAC to 65075 from your Tesco Mobile phone | How to cancel Tesco Mobile |
| giffgaff | Text PAC to 65075 from your giffgaff phone | How to cancel giffgaff |
| iD Mobile | Text PAC to 65075 from your iD Mobile phone | How to cancel iD Mobile |
| Sky Mobile | Text PAC to 65075 from your Sky Mobile phone | How to cancel Sky Mobile |
| Smarty | Text PAC to 65075 from your Smarty SIM | How to cancel Smarty |
| Talkmobile | Text PAC to 65075 from your Talkmobile phone | How to cancel Talkmobile |
| BT Mobile | Text PAC to 65075 from your BT Mobile phone | How to cancel BT Mobile |
| Asda Mobile | Text PAC to 65075 from your Asda Mobile SIM | How to cancel Asda Mobile |
| Lycamobile | Text PAC to 65075 from your Lycamobile SIM | How to cancel Lycamobile |
Select your current network in the tool above if you want the instruction written out for your provider.
Choosing your next SIM only deal
Most people requesting a PAC already have a phone and just need a cheaper or more flexible plan. A SIM only tariff keeps your handset and swaps the network underneath.
Start with our SIM only comparison to see plans side by side, or narrow down by contract length:
- Cheapest SIM only deals — lowest monthly prices across all networks
- 30-day SIM only deals — rolling contracts with no long tie-in
- 12-month SIM only deals — lower monthly cost in exchange for a one-year term
If you are leaving one of the main networks, these MVNOs and alternative providers are worth comparing — each runs on established UK infrastructure but often undercuts the parent network on price:
- giffgaff SIM only deals
- Lebara SIM only deals
- Smarty SIM only deals
- Mozillion SIM only deals
- Honest Mobile SIM only deals
Order your new SIM before the PAC expires, then hand the code to your new provider to start the transfer.
PAC code problems and how to fix them
No reply after texting 65075. Check you sent the message from the correct SIM and that you have a mobile signal. Try again, or contact your network's customer service. Some MVNOs route PAC requests through their host network, but the short code is the same.
PAC code expired. Text PAC to 65075 again. There is no limit on how many times you can request one.
Switch failed or number did not transfer. Confirm you gave the correct PAC to your new provider and that the switch date has passed. Contact the network you are joining — they manage the porting process once they have your code.
Still in contract. Porting your number does not automatically waive early termination fees. If you leave before your minimum term ends, your old provider may charge the remaining months. Check your contract or account before you switch.
Need a written record. If you want a formal cancellation letter alongside your PAC request, use our cancellation letter generator to draft a notice you can keep or send to your provider.
Frequently asked questions about PAC and STAC codes
How long does a PAC code take to arrive?
Most networks reply within a minute by SMS. If you do not receive a response, check the message was sent from the right phone and try again.
Can I get a PAC code online?
Some providers let you request a PAC through their app or website, but texting PAC to 65075 works for every UK mobile network and is the method Ofcom requires all providers to support.
Does getting a PAC code cancel my contract?
Requesting a PAC does not cancel anything on its own. Your old plan stays active until the number ports to your new provider, or until you use a STAC or cancel separately.
Can I port a landline or broadband number with a PAC?
No. PAC and STAC codes are for UK mobile numbers only. Broadband and landline switching follows a different process.
What if I want a new number instead of keeping mine?
You do not need a PAC. Sign up with your new provider and they will assign a fresh number. Use a STAC only if you need to close the old line without porting.
Is there a charge for a PAC or STAC code?
No. Both are free to request and free to use.
