O2 PAC Code: keep your number and switch networks

Ofcom’s policies have made it extremely quick and easy to switch and transfer your existing number to O2, as well as leave O2 and transfer your number to a different network.

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

Switching to and from O2 is very easy:

• Joining O2: transfer and switch your current number to O2
• Leaving O2: transfer and switch your O2 number to a different network
• Upgrading with O2: keep your number when renewing or upgrading your contract

If you want to join or leave O2 and get a brand new phone number, without keeping your existing number, the process is almost identical - the only difference being you will need to request a STAC code instead of a PAC code.

Joining O2 from another network and keeping your number

Joining O2 and transferring your number from a different network 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 current network, and hand it to O2.

You can hand your PAC code to O2 at the time of ordering a new O2 phone or O2 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 O2, your number will be transferred to O2 within 1 to 2 working days, and your account with your previous network will automatically be closed.

1. Request a PAC code from your current network

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

1. Text: From the number you wish to keep, text PAC to 65075 for free. You will receive a reply within 2 minutes, containing your PAC code
2. Phone: Call your existing network and ask for your PAC code
3. Online: Log onto your online account or app with your existing network, and find the section on leaving and transferring your number out
4. In-store: If your existing network has a physical store, you should be able to request a PAC code by asking a shop assistant

You will have 30 days to hand your PAC code to O2, after which it will expire and you will need to request a new one.

Note: If you wish to switch to O2, but you want a brand new number without keeping your existing number, you need to request a STAC code rather than a PAC code. You can do this by texting STAC to 75075 instead.

2. Order a new phone or SIM from O2

If you haven’t yet ordered a new SIM or phone with O2, you can find the cheapest O2 deals through our comparison tools:

• Compare O2 phone deals
• Compare O2 SIM only deals

You can also find a full range of contracts from O2’s website.

3. Hand the PAC code to O2

Once you have your PAC code, you simply need to hand it to O2 to start the transfer process.

If you previously handed your PAC code to O2 at the time of ordering a new O2 phone or O2 SIM during the checkout process, you can skip this step.

Handing your PAC code to O2 can be done through a number of ways:

1. Online: Fill in the online form and enter your PAC code
2. Phone: Call 202 from your O2 SIM or 0344 809 0202 from any other number.
   • Monday - Friday: 8am - 9pm
   • Saturday: 8am - 8pm
   • Sunday: 8am - 6pm
3. Store: Locate your nearest O2 store and ask to join O2

4. Wait for the transfer to complete

After you’ve handed your PAC code to O2, they will notify your previous network that you wish to leave them and transfer your number to O2.

It will take 1 to 2 working days for O2 to transfer your number. Once the transfer has completed, your account with your previous network will automatically be closed.

Leaving O2 for another network and keeping your number

If you wish to leave O2 and transfer your number, you will need to request a PAC code from O2 and hand it to the network you wish to switch to.

The switching process is free and easy, and will take no more than 1 to 2 working days.

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

Once you’ve handed your PAC code to a different network, the transfer process will take 1 to 2 working days, after which your O2 account will automatically close.

1. Request a PAC code from O2

Requesting a PAC code from O2 is quick and free. The easiest way to do this is via text:

1. Text: From your O2 number, text PAC to 65075 for free. You will receive a reply within 2 minutes, containing your PAC code
2. Online: Login to O2, open the My O2 ▾ menu, click Manage your details, then under Thinking of leaving O2? click Request your code. You'll then be asked to perform a quick security check, before you can see your PAC code
3. Phone: Call 202 from your O2 number or 0344 809 0202 from any other number.
   • Monday - Friday: 8am - 9pm
   • Saturday: 8am - 8pm
   • Sunday: 8am - 6pm
4. Store: Locate your nearest O2 store and request to leave O2

You will have 30 days to hand your PAC code to a different network, after which it will expire and you will need to request a new one.

Note: If you wish to switch to a different network, but you want a brand new number without keeping your existing O2 number, you need to request a STAC code rather than a PAC code. You can do this by texting STAC to 75075 instead.

2. Order a new phone or SIM

If you haven’t yet ordered a new SIM or phone, you can find the cheapest phone deals and SIM only deals through our comparison tools.

• Compare phone deals
• Compare SIM only deals

3. Hand the PAC code to the network you wish to switch to

Once you have your PAC code from O2, you simply need to hand it to a different network to start the transfer process.

If you previously handed your O2 PAC code to a different network at the time of ordering a new phone or SIM, you can skip this step.

There are a number of ways you can hand your O2 PAC code to a different network:

1. Online: If you haven’t already, create an account with your new network. Once logged in, look for the section on ‘transferring your number’, where you will be able to submit your O2 PAC code
2. Phone: Give your new network a call and tell them you wish to transfer your O2 number to them. They will ask for the PAC code that O2 provided you with
3. Text: Some networks allow you to text your PAC code to them. Check their online help section to see if this is possible
4. In-store: If your new network has a physical store, they should be able to assist you when transferring your number, and accept your O2 PAC code

4. Wait for the transfer to complete

Once you’ve handed your O2 PAC code to a different network, they will notify O2 that you wish to leave them and transfer your number.

After 1 to 2 working days, your number will be transferred to your new network, and your account with O2 will close.

Upgrading with O2 and keeping your number

If you’re currently with O2, and you’re upgrading to a new SIM or phone contract with O2, or you’re renewing your existing O2 contract, you don’t need to do anything. Your number will stay the same, without requiring a PAC code.

You can find the cheapest O2 upgrade deals by using our comparison tools:

• Compare O2 upgrade phone deals
• Compare O2 upgrade SIM only deals