BT Mobile PAC code: keep your number when changing mobile operators

If you’re looking to change network while keeping your number then there’s a simple three-step process you need to go through, but it all hinges on getting a PAC (Porting Authorisation Code).

The process is similar whatever network you’re joining or leaving but there are some differences, so in this article we’re looking specifically at joining or leaving BT Mobile.

The first section explains the exact process for leaving BT Mobile and taking your number with you, then further down you’ll find the process for joining BT Mobile and keeping your old number. Finally, there’s an FAQ section at the bottom, in case you still have any questions.

Leaving BT Mobile and transferring your number

If you want to take your number with you when leaving BT Mobile – or any network – then the process essentially is to get a PAC code and give it to your new network.

We’ve split this process into three simple steps below, so just follow those to retain your number.

One thing to note though is that you shouldn’t cancel your BT Mobile plan, as it will automatically be cancelled once you’ve ported your number. If you manually cancel it then you’re likely to lose your number.

Step 1 - Request a BT Mobile PAC code

First up it’s worth noting that step 1 and 2 can be done in either order – so if you’d rather sign up with a new network before getting a PAC code, that’s fine.

In any case, either first or second you’ll need to get a PAC code from BT Mobile. The easiest way to do this is using ‘text to switch’ – a text service which all networks offer, meaning you don’t have to talk to them, you can just send a single text.

However, BT Mobile offers alternate methods to get a PAC code too, all of which can be seen below.

• Text to switch - Text the word ‘PAC’ to 65075
• Online - Head to Mobile > Thinking of leaving BT on your My BT account
• Phone - Call 0800 800 150

Be aware that your PAC code will only last for 30 days – so you need to give it to your new network (which is step 3) before it expires, but if you run out of time you can simply ask for a new one.

Step 2 - Order a new phone or SIM

Next it’s time to sign up with the network you’re planning to join. So order a new phone or SIM card then wait for it to arrive, and activate it, because it typically needs to be active (and for you to have a new temporary number) before you can transfer your old one.

The exception to this is that on a few networks you can provide your PAC code during the checkout process, so your number can potentially be transferred faster.

In any case, if you’re not sure which plan to go for, check out the numerous phone deals and SIM Only deals on our site – some of which are exclusives.

Step 3 - Give your BT Mobile PAC code to your new network

The final step is to give your BT Mobile PAC code to your new network – assuming you didn’t do that during the checkout process, as explained above.

If you weren’t able to do that or chose to wait, then the time to do it is when your new phone or SIM card has arrived, and you’ve activated it.

To request the transfer, you’ll just have to fill out a form on your new network’s website, providing your PAC code, the number you want to transfer, and usually some other details, such as your new temporary number – but they’re all things you should know or be able to find.

Once done, the transfer will generally be carried out in either one or two working days (depending on when you made the request) – or some networks will give you the option to choose a day further in the future if you’d prefer.

You’ll find links and instructions for exactly where to find the number transfer forms for most networks below.

Joining BT Mobile and transferring your number

If you want to transfer your number when joining BT Mobile then it’s a very similar process to the one above for leaving, but we’ve outlined it in full below.

Just note that you shouldn’t cancel your old phone contract – it will be cancelled automatically when your number is transferred, and if you cancel it before then you’ll lose your number.

Step 1 - Request a PAC code from your existing network

The first step to bringing your number to BT Mobile is requesting a PAC code from the network you’re leaving.

We’d suggest simply texting the word PAC’ to 65075 (from the number you want to keep), as this is the fastest and simplest method. But there are alternatives, which we’ve outlined in the chart below.

Step 2 - Order a new BT Mobile SIM

Next it’s time to order a new SIM Only plan from BT Mobile. At the time of writing the network doesn’t offer phones on contract, so you’ll have to supply your own handset, but if that changes in future then you could order a phone instead of a SIM card – you just need to have some sort of account and active number with BT Mobile to transfer your old number to it.

If you haven’t decided on which plan to go for, check out the SIM deals on our site.

Step 3 - Give your PAC code to BT Mobile

The final step is to give BT Mobile your PAC code. Before you do this though, wait for your SIM card to show up, then activate it, as it needs to be active for the number transfer to go through.

Then, just head to bt.com/keepmynumber, and log in using your BT ID and password. Follow the simple on-screen instructions and BT Mobile will then process the transfer.

Typically this takes 24-48 hours, so it’s not instant. BT Mobile also notes that if you request a number transfer late on a Friday, over a weekend or on a Bank Holiday, it may take up to three days.

Frequently Asked Questions