Plusnet PAC Code: keep your number and switch networks

By Adrian Vincent - 26 Feb 2024, 10:05

Plusnet 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 Plusnet, as well as leave Plusnet 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 Plusnet is very easy:

If you want to join or leave Plusnet 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 Plusnet from another network and keeping your number

Joining Plusnet 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 Plusnet.

You can hand your PAC code to Plusnet at the time of ordering a new Plusnet phone or Plusnet 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 Plusnet, your number will be transferred to Plusnet 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 Plusnet, after which it will expire and you will need to request a new one.

Note: If you wish to switch to Plusnet, 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. Hand the PAC code to Plusnet

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

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

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

  1. Online: Fill in the online form and enter your PAC code
  2. Phone: Call 500 from your Plusnet SIM or 0800 079 1133 from any other number. Open everyday from 8am to 8pm

3. Wait for the transfer to complete

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

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

Leaving Plusnet for another network and keeping your number

If you wish to leave Plusnet and transfer your number, you will need to request a PAC code from Plusnet 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 Plusnet account will automatically close.

1. Request a PAC code from Plusnet

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

  1. Text: From your Plusnet number, text PAC to 65075 for free. You will receive a reply within 2 minutes, containing your PAC code
  2. Online: Login to your Plusnet account and look for the section on leaving Plusnet
  3. Phone: Call 500 from your Plusnet number or 0800 079 1133 from any other number. Open everyday from 8am to 8pm

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 Plusnet 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.

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

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

If you previously handed your Plusnet 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 Plusnet 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 Plusnet PAC code
  2. Phone: Give your new network a call and tell them you wish to transfer your Plusnet number to them. They will ask for the PAC code that Plusnet 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 Plusnet PAC code

4. Wait for the transfer to complete

Once you’ve handed your Plusnet PAC code to a different network, they will notify Plusnet 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 Plusnet will close.

Upgrading with Plusnet and keeping your number

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