Giffgaff PAC code: keep your number when changing mobile operators

If you’re planning to either join or leave Giffgaff then you’ll likely want to take your current phone number with you, and the key to doing that is getting a PAC (Porting Authorisation Code).

Below we’ve explained how to get that code, and what to do with it once you have it.

You’ll first find a full step by step explanation covering how to take your number with you when leaving Giffgaff, then further down we’ve got steps for what to do if joining Giffgaff from another network.

Leaving Giffgaff and transferring your number

If you want to take your number with you when leaving Giffgaff then the process is simple – essentially there are just three easy steps, all of which you’ll find below.

Just make sure you do these steps rather than cancelling your Giffgaff plan, because once your account is cancelled your number will be lost.

Step 1 - Request a Giffgaff PAC code

The first thing you’ll want to do is get a PAC code from Giffgaff, and handily there’s a very simple way to do that these days, as you can get a PAC code from any network by sending a single text. There are other methods too though, all of which are detailed below.

• Text to switch - Text the word ‘PAC’ to 65075
• Online - Request it online here

This code is valid for 30 days, so ideally you should try and use it before it expires, but if you need a new one you can simply request another using the same methods above.

Step 2 - Order a new phone or SIM

Next up, you should go ahead and order that new phone or SIM Only plan you’ve got your eye on. It’s actually fine if you do this before you request a PAC code too – these two steps can be done in either order.

If you’re not sure which plan or network to go for, take a look at our phone deals and SIM Only plans pages for all the top options right now. We often host exclusive deals too.

Then once you’ve placed your order, sit back, wait for it to arrive, and activate your new SIM card once you receive it, because you can’t transfer your number to a SIM card that’s not active.

Step 3 - Give your Giffgaff PAC code to your new network

The final step is simply to give your Giffgaff PAC code to the network you’ve just joined.

This typically means filling out a form on your new network’s site – links and details for which can be found for most networks in the chart below.

With the form complete, your number will usually be transferred within 1-2 working days, depending on when the request is made. Though you can in many cases request a later transfer date if you’d prefer.

Note that once your number is transferred, your Giffgaff account will automatically be closed, so you don’t need to do anything else to make the switch.

Joining Giffgaff and transferring your number

Taking your number with you when joining Giffgaff is just as easy as taking your number when leaving the network, and the process is similar, but with some key differences.

Below then you’ll find a step-by-step guide to making sure your number comes with you when you join Giffgaff. Before we start though, note that you shouldn’t cancel your old contract before transferring your number, or that number will be lost.

Step 1 - Request a PAC code from your existing network

The whole number transfer process hinges on a PAC code, so the first step is to get one of these from the network you’re leaving.

You can do that by texting the word ‘PAC’ to 65075 from the number you want to keep, but there are alternate methods on most networks too, and these are detailed in the chart below.

Step 2 - Order a new Giffgaff phone or SIM

Next it’s time to order a phone or SIM card from Giffgaff, but if you already did this before getting your PAC code, that’s fine too.

Take a look at our excellent SIM deals if you want some inspiration. Then once you’ve placed your order, wait for it to arrive, and then activate your new Giffgaff SIM card.

Step 3 - Give your PAC code to Giffgaff

Finally, you need to give Giffgaff your PAC code so they can transfer your old number to your new SIM card.

You do this by heading to Giffgaff’s number transfer page, where you can enter your PAC code and arrange the transfer.

You’ll be able to pick the day you’d like the transfer to happen. Note that on that day you may have intermittent service from both your old provider and Giffgaff until 9pm.

Frequently Asked Questions