Switch from giffgaff to Virgin Mobile and keep your number using a PAC code

By Adrian Vincent - 26 Feb 2024, 10:05

Switch from giffgaff to Virgin Mobile and keep your number using a PAC code

Ofcom’s policies have made it extremely quick and easy to switch and transfer your giffgaff number to Virgin Mobile.

It’s completely free to transfer your number - you simply need to request a PAC code from giffgaff by sending a text message, which takes no more than 2 minutes to arrive. Once you’ve handed the PAC code to Virgin Mobile, the switching process will take no more than 1 to 2 working days to complete.

If you want to join Virgin Mobile and get a brand new phone number, without keeping your existing giffgaff number, the process is almost identical - the only difference being you will need to request a STAC code instead of a PAC code.

Joining Virgin Mobile from giffgaff

Joining Virgin Mobile and transferring your number from giffgaff is a very easy process, and should take no more than 1 to 2 working days.

You simply need to request a free PAC code from your giffgaff number, and hand it to Virgin Mobile.

You can hand your PAC code to Virgin Mobile at the time of ordering a new Virgin Mobile phone or Virgin Mobile SIM, or you can do this after you’ve received your order. When you choose to do this is up to you - it doesn’t make a difference.

After you’ve handed your PAC code to Virgin Mobile, your number will be transferred to Virgin Mobile within 1 to 2 working days, and your account with giffgaff will automatically be closed.

1. Request a PAC code from giffgaff

Requesting a PAC code from giffgaff is quick and free. The easiest way to do this is via text:

  1. Text: From your giffgaff number, text PAC to 65075 for free. You will receive a reply within 2 minutes, containing your PAC code
  2. Online: Request a PAC code from your giffgaff account

You will have 30 days to hand your PAC code to Virgin Mobile, after which it will expire and you will need to request another one from giffgaff.

Note: If you wish to switch to Virgin Mobile, but you want a brand new number without keeping your giffgaff number, you need to request a STAC code rather than a PAC code from giffgaff. You can do this by texting STAC to 75075 instead.

2. Hand the PAC code to Virgin Mobile

Once you have your PAC code from giffgaff, you simply need to hand it to Virgin Mobile to start the transfer process.

If you previously handed your PAC code to Virgin Mobile at the time of ordering a new Virgin Mobile phone or Virgin Mobile SIM during the checkout process, you can skip this step.

Handing your PAC code to Virgin Mobile can be done through a number of ways:

  1. Online: Login to your Virgin Media account and go to Switching > Use PAC
  2. Phone: Call 789 from your Virgin Mobile SIM or 0345 6000 789 from any other number.
    • Monday to Friday: 8am - 9pm
    • Saturday: 8am - 6pm
    • Sunday: 8am - 6pm

3. Wait for the switch to Virgin Mobile to complete

After you’ve handed your PAC code to Virgin Mobile, they will notify giffgaff that you wish to leave them and transfer your number to Virgin Mobile.

It will take 1 to 2 working days for Virgin Mobile to transfer your number. Once the transfer has completed, your account with giffgaff will automatically be closed.