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Accept & closeDon’t feel like letting everyone you’ve ever met know you’ve got a new number? We don’t blame you. So, it’s a good thing that keeping your old phone number is both quick and easy – here’s how.
Lots of us have had our phone number since, well, forever. So, the idea of switching to a new one seems like a whole lot of hassle, especially when you’re moving to another network.
But, good news, you won’t have to wave goodbye to those digits you’ve had for donkey’s years. Thanks to the UK’s Auto-Switch system, keeping the same number is super quick and super simple – here’s how.
It’s free, works on all UK networks, and you’ll usually get a reply in seconds. PAC codes are valid for 30 days, so you’ll need to hand it to your new provider before it expires.
You'll be able to share your code when you sign up for your new SIM or contract.
Most networks let you enter it when you checkout, but if you’re already set up, customer service should be able to sort it out. Once you’ve passed it along, they’ll do all the tech-y bits to have your number transferred over.
Now just wait for the actual move to be happen – and don’t worry, this part’s usually pretty painless.
As a rule, if you send your PAC before 5pm, your number will transfer over the next working day (after 5pm it'll be 2 working days).
During the switch, your old SIM will eventually tap out and stop working. That’s your cue to swap in the new SIM, pop on the kettle, and you should have your trusty number back in no time at all.
And hey presto - new network, same trusty number. Quick, easy, and no need to start sending out mass texts explaining who you are.