Switching to O2 from another network? You’ll need to ask your old network for a PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) if you want to keep your mobile number.
You can get your code by texting PAC to 65075 from the number you want to keep. Just follow the simple steps and you'll get your PAC within 60 seconds. You can also ask for it from your current provider.
Have you already switched to O2 or left your previous network provider? If you’ve now decided to keep your previous number, you can still request a PAC by contacting your previous network provider.
You have up to 30 days from when you left your previous network provider to request your PAC. You’ll then have 30 more days in which to provide us with your code.
You can give us your code when you order your new O2 connection – or at any time afterwards.
Log in to My O2 to transfer your current mobile number to your new O2 connection.
Web browser: Go to the menu and select ‘Switch to O2’ and then ‘Move my number’.
My O2 app: Go to ‘Support’, and then ‘Keep your number’.
Remember, your PAC will expire after 30 days.
On the day of the switch, we’ll update your temporary O2 number to the number you want to keep. Until the switch takes place, you can continue to use your new O2 SIM with a temporary number or your SIM from your original network.
You’ll lose service on your original network when the switch takes place. The number you want to keep is now live on the O2 network. If you haven’t already, place your O2 SIM in your handset and you’re ready to go.
Switching usually happens by 4pm but can take up to 10pm. Loss of service is minimal too. But, if you do lose service, you’ll be back up and running by 10pm.
We’ll be in touch via text message if there are any issues with your switch, for example, if your PAC has expired.
If you submit your request before 6pm
| Day of request | Expected day of switch to O2 network |
|---|---|
| Monday | Tuesday |
| Tuesday | Wednesday |
| Wednesday | Thursday |
| Thursday | Friday |
| Friday | Monday |
| Saturday | Tuesday |
| Sunday | Tuesday |
If you submit your request after 6pm
| Day of request | Expected day of switch to O2 network |
|---|---|
| Monday | Wednesday |
| Tuesday | Thursday |
| Wednesday | Friday |
| Thursday | Monday |
| Friday | Tuesday |
| Saturday | Tuesday |
| Sunday | Tuesday |
Yes you can. Just provide us with the number you want to switch and a valid PAC.
On the day of the switch, we’ll update your temporary O2 number to the number you want to keep. Until the switch takes place, you can continue to use your new O2 SIM with a temporary number or your SIM from your original network.
You’ll lose service on your original network when the switch takes place. The number you wanted to keep is now live on the O2 network. If you haven’t already, place your O2 SIM in your handset, and you’re ready to go. Switching usually happens by 4pm but can take up to 10pm. Loss of service is minimal, but if you do lose service, you’ll be back up and running by 10pm.
We’ll be in touch via text message if there are any issues with your switch, for example, if your PAC has expired.
We're committed to ensuring you experience the smoothest possible switching journey, from the moment you request your PAC/STAC or Switching Information until the successful completion of your switch.
If we can't switch you on the day we told you we would, you'll be entitled to compensation. You don't need to do anything. We'll contact you within 30 days of the completion of the switch to notify you of the compensation.
If something goes wrong and we don't get in touch, you may be able to claim compensation by contacting us. Our contact details can be found here. If you're registered for our Access for You service, you can find our contact details here. You'll have up to 60 days from the issue date to claim your compensation.
Leaving O2
We’re sorry you’re thinking of leaving O2. If you decide to switch to another network, you’ll need to request a PAC if you want to keep your phone number.
To keep your number when you switch to a new provider, you’ll need to know how to get a PAC from O2. You can request your code by either giving us a call, signing in to My O2, or texting PAC to 65075, for free. You should receive your PAC within 60 seconds.
If you have multiple numbers on your account, or if you have an Apple Watch on a Pay Monthly plan, you can’t use the text service. You’ll need to sign in to My O2, or call us to request your PAC. If you want to switch more than 24 numbers at a time, we can help you on the phone. You can also make more than one request in My O2.
If you want a PAC, you’ll need to be in the UK to request it.
Your PAC should be retained in your text messages. If you lose your code, however, you can also get it from My O2 or by calling us.
You can give the same PAC to multiple networks, if you’re switching to more than one.
Have you already switched from or left O2? Request your PAC by contacting us. You have up to 30 days from when you leave O2 to request a code from us, and it will be valid for an additional 30 days from the date of issue.
We’ll transfer your number within one working day (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, excluding bank holidays). If we receive your code after 5pm, you’ll switch within two working days.
Switching from O2 Pay Monthly to Pay As You Go
If you want to switch from a Pay Monthly to Pay As You Go, we can take care of moving your number and even arrange for your new Pay As You Go SIM.
Get in touch by calling us on 202, free from your O2 phone, or on 0344 809 0202 from any other phone. We’ll do the rest.
If you’re on O2 Refresh, you can only move to Pay As You Go once your device plan is paid.
If you’re not on O2 Refresh but still within your contract’s minimum term, you might need to pay a termination charge, and our Customer Service team can talk this through with you.
You’ll receive your final Pay Monthly bill 14 days after you move to Pay As You Go, and you’ll need to settle any outstanding balance.
Switching from O2 Pay As You Go to Pay Monthly
If you switch from Pay As You Go to a Pay Monthly tariff, we’ll send you a new SIM with a new number. If you want to keep your original number, we can arrange this. You’ll need your new Pay Monthly phone number from your O2 confirmation email or SIM pack.
Call us from your O2 phone or any other phone
Your Pay As You Go balance will be transferred to your Pay Monthly account when you receive your second bill.
If you’re entitled to a loyalty bonus, up to £550, we’ll add credit to your fourth bill.
On the day of the switch, your Pay As You Go sim will lose signal. When this happens, put your Pay Monthly SIM in your phone. If you don’t have signal, switch your phone off and on every couple of hours until you get a signal. If you still don’t have signal by 6pm, get in touch with us.
Texts and picture messaging can take up to 24 hours to work after the switch.
Swapping your O2 SIM
You can move your mobile number across to a new or replacement SIM quickly and easily using My O2.
If you’re an O2 Business customer, please sign in to My O2 Business to swap your SIM.
Find out more information about swapping your SIM – including how to request a new SIM and how long it takes for the swap to happen.
Changed your mind?
If you’ve changed your mind about transferring your number, get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to help.
Are you a VIP customer?
If you're a VIP customer, you will need to call your dedicated Customer Service team to discuss keeping your number. Please find more information below.
If you’re switching to O2 from another network, keeping your mobile number is simple – just ask your old network for a Porting Authorisation Code (PAC). Once you get this, you can provide it when you order your new O2 connection or any time afterwards.
Please contact your VIP personal Customer Service team to give us your PAC.
We’re sorry you’re thinking of leaving O2. If you decide to switch to another network, you’ll need to request a PAC if you want to keep your phone number or a STAC (Service Termination Authorisation Code) if you’d like a new number.
You can request your code by calling your VIP personal Customer Service team, signing in to My O2, or:
Texting PAC to 65075 for free, if you want to keep your phone number
Texting STAC to 75075 for free, if you don’t want to keep your phone number.
You should receive your PAC or STAC within 60 seconds.
If you have multiple numbers on your account, you won’t be able to use the text service. You’ll need to contact your VIP personal Customer Service team or go to My O2.
If you've already switched or left O2, you can request a PAC by calling your personal Customer Service team. You have up to 30 days from when you leave O2 to request a code from us, and it will be valid for an additional 30 days from the date of issue.
Last updated: 24/06/2025
