What is a PAC code?

A PAC code (Porting Authorisation Code) is a unique nine-character code that allows you to transfer your existing mobile phone number from one network provider to another. It is your right as a UK mobile customer to request a PAC code at any time, free of charge.

How to get your PAC code

Text PAC to 65075 from the number you want to keep. Your network must respond within one minute. The PAC code is valid for 30 days and is completely free.

What does PAC code mean?

PAC stands for Porting Authorisation Code. It is sometimes also searched for as “pack code”, “pak code”, or “stac code”. A STAC code is different — it cancels your contract without keeping your number.

PAC code key facts

• Valid for 30 days from the date issued — request a new one if it expires
• Free to request — your network cannot charge you for a PAC code, by law
• Transfer your number within one working day — usually within hours of giving the PAC to your new provider
• Your old contract is auto-cancelled the moment your existing number ports across
• One PAC per mobile number — if you have multiple SIMs (e.g. business + personal) you need a separate PAC code for each
• Works for SIM-only and contract — whether you’re on a SIM only deal or a full handset contract, you can still request your PAC code to switch mobile providers

How does a PAC code work?

A PAC code works as a digital authorisation handshake between your old and new UK mobile networks. When you give your new provider the nine-character code (along with the phone number you want to keep and your account details), they pass it back to your existing network. Your existing network verifies the PAC is valid, releases your phone number, and the port goes live on your new SIM — usually within one working day. Throughout the process you keep making and receiving calls on your existing mobile, right up until the moment the port completes.

What is a PAC number? Is it the same as a PAC code?

Yes — “PAC number” and “PAC code” mean the same thing. Both refer to the same nine-character Porting Authorisation Code used to transfer your number between UK mobile networks. Some people search for “what is a PAC number” because the code is largely numeric (with a couple of letters at the start), but the official term used by every UK network — EE, O2, Vodafone, Three, iD Mobile, Tesco Mobile, and the smaller MVNOs — is PAC code.

PAC code or STAC code? Which do you need?

This is the most common point of confusion. Choose PAC or STAC based on what you want to do with your number:

• PAC code — Porting Authorisation Code. Use this if you want to keep your existing number when you switch mobile networks. Text PAC to 65075 from the number you want to keep.
• STAC code — Service Termination Authorisation Code. Use this if you want to cancel your contract and get a new number on the new network. Text STAC to 75075 from your existing mobile.

Both codes are issued free of charge, both arrive within one minute, and both are valid for 30 days from the date your network sends them. The choice between PAC and STAC is purely about whether you want to transfer your number or leave it behind.

How to request your PAC code on every UK network

The single fastest way on every UK network is the same: text PAC to 65075 from your existing mobile. The text is free and your provider must respond with your PAC code within 60 seconds. You can also request your PAC code by:

• Phone — call your provider’s customer-services number from your mobile
• App or online account — most major networks (EE, O2, Vodafone, Three, iD Mobile) now expose PAC-code requests in their self-service app
• Live chat — available on most networks 24/7

For exact step-by-step screens for each network, see our comprehensive PAC code guide or our network-specific walkthrough for how to get a PAC code from O2.

For a complete guide covering business PAC transfers, STAC codes, tips for smooth switching, and frequently asked questions, read our comprehensive PAC code guide.

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