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

You might not know where to start with keeping your number when changing mobile network, but fortunately these days it’s a very easy thing to do. That’s true no matter what network you’re joining or leaving, but in this article we’ll look specifically at iD Mobile.

This guide will cover the exact process for both taking your number with you when leaving iD Mobile, and bringing it with you when joining iD Mobile – so whether you’re a new customer or looking to move on, this article will help.

The key to keeping your number in either case though lies in a PAC code – and that’s easy to acquire and use, as we’ll explain below.

Leaving iD Mobile and transferring your number

Transferring your number when leaving iD Mobile requires just three quick and easy steps, which we’ve outlined below.

Before we get to that though, note that you shouldn’t cancel your iD Mobile contract before completing these steps, as you could lose your number if you do. You actually don’t need to cancel your iD plan at all – that will be taken care of automatically once your number is transferred.

Step 1 - Request an iD Mobile PAC code

First up you should request a PAC code from iD Mobile, but you don’t need to actually talk to anyone at the network to do this.

The simplest approach is using ‘text to switch’, which is offered on all networks and requires just sending a simple text message, but there are other options too, detailed below.

• Text to switch - Text PAC and your date of birth (DD/MM/YY) to the number 65075.
• Online - From your online account head to the My Account page > Thinking of Leaving > Switch or Cancel Now > Get PAC code.

Note also that your PAC code only lasts 30 days – but you can just request a new one if you haven’t used yours in that time frame.

Step 2 - Order a new phone or SIM

Next you should order a new phone or SIM Only plan from the network you plan to join – though it’s also fine if you do this before requesting a PAC code.

You’ll find loads of excellent deals on our site for every significant 5G network – just follow the links above or use the nav bar at the top of this page.

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

Once you both have a PAC code and have received your new SIM card, you should activate the card so you have a temporary number with your new network. Then it’s time to give your PAC code to your new network – we’ve included links and details for all the key networks below.

Your new network will then transfer your old number to it soon afterwards – often within one working day.

Joining iD Mobile and transferring your number

If you’re joining iD Mobile then the process for keeping your number is similar – and similarly simple.

The key to the process is getting your PAC code, which we’ll explain how to do below. But note that you shouldn’t cancel your old phone contract until your number has been transferred – the act of transferring it will cancel your old plan anyway, and doing so ahead of that is likely to mean you’ll lose your number.

Step 1 - Request a PAC code from existing network

First, you should request a PAC code from the network you’re leaving. Alternatively you can sign up for an iD Mobile plan (detailed in step 2) and then request your PAC code – it doesn’t matter what order you do these two steps in.

In any case, you’ll find details for requesting a PAC code from various networks below, but in all cases we’d recommend just using ‘text to switch’, as it’s simplest.

Step 2 - Order a new iD Mobile phone or SIM

Next you should sign up for an iD Mobile SIM Only plan or phone contract if you haven’t already.

Our site includes top iD Mobile deals, so make sure to take a look if you haven’t already settled on a plan.

Step 3 - Give your PAC code to iD Mobile

Once your new iD Mobile SIM card has arrived and been activated, it’s time to tell iD Mobile your PAC code.

You can do this by using the network’s switching form, which will also ask for the number you want to transfer, your new temporary number, and your transaction number, which can be found on your ‘order complete’ email or paper invoice.

If you submit the form on a working day before 5:30pm then the transfer should happen the next working day (between 8am and 10pm), otherwise it will usually take two working days.

Frequently Asked Questions