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

If you’re a Sky TV customer – or even if you’re not – then you may very well be looking to join Sky Mobile. Then again, maybe you’re wanting to leave and go elsewhere?

Changing mobile networks is just a part of life, and these days it’s a simple and painless process, even when bringing your number with you.

So whether you’re joining Sky Mobile or leaving, you’ll find a guide to bringing your number with you below. First we’ve covered the process for taking your number with you when leaving Sky Mobile, then further down you’ll find the same process for joining Sky Mobile.

Depending on which you’re doing it’s a bit different, but in both cases it hinges on getting a PAC (Porting Authorisation Code).

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Leaving Sky Mobile and transferring your number

If you’re leaving Sky Mobile then you just need to follow three simple steps to do so and transfer your number.

You’ll find these steps below, but before doing anything note that you shouldn’t cancel your Sky Mobile contract – just follow these steps and that will be handled anyway, but if you manually cancel it too soon then you could lose your number.

Step 1 - Request a Sky Mobile PAC code

We’ve listed this as step one but actually you could do step two first equally, it doesn’t matter which order you do these two steps in.

In any case, this step is getting a PAC code from Sky Mobile, and you can do that just by sending a short text message. However, you can also request one online or over the phone, with details for all options below.

• Text to switch - Text the word ‘PAC’ along with your date of birth (DDMMYYYY) to 65075
• Online – Go to sky.com/leavesky (My Account > Mobile > My Number) and sign in with your Primary Sky ID
• Phone – Call 03300 412 524 

Be aware that PAC codes only last 30 days. That should be plenty of time to complete this process, but if yours expires you can always request a new one using the same methods.

Step 2 - Order a new phone or SIM

Step 2 (or step 1 if you prefer to do things that way round) is to order a phone or SIM Only plan from the network you’re joining.

There are loads of options, so if you haven’t yet decided on a network or plan, take a look at the phone deals and SIM Only deals on our site. You can find, filter and compare all the best options that way, and we even sometimes have exclusive deals.

Once you’ve made an order, just wait for your new SIM card to arrive, and then activate it.

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

Finally, it’s time to give your Sky Mobile PAC code to the new network you’ve joined.

This is typically done via an online form, but you’ll find full details for most networks below. If in doubt though, just give your new network a call for assistance.

The form will also ask for other details, like your new temporary number, and the number you want to keep. But these should all be things you know or can easily find.

Once you’ve filled in the form, you’ll usually find your old number is transferred to your new network in 1-2 working days (unless you request a later date). Once done, your Sky Mobile account will automatically be closed.

Joining Sky Mobile and transferring your number

If you’re planning to join Sky Mobile then there’s a similar three-step process to when leaving the network.

So follow the three simple steps below and you’ll be set up with a Sky Mobile account and have your number transferred to it. Your contract with your old network will also automatically be closed for you at the end of this process, so there’s no need to manually do that.

Oh, and note that the first two steps below can be carried out in either order. So if you’d rather sign up with Sky Mobile (step 2) before getting a PAC code (step 1), that’s absolutely fine, it’s just the final step that needs leaving until last.

Step 1 - Request a PAC code from your existing network

We suggest requesting a PAC code from the network you’re leaving before doing anything else (though as noted it’s fine if you do step 2 first).

The simplest way to request this code is to text ‘PAC’ to 65075 from the number you want to keep. You may also be asked for your date of birth (likely in the format DDMMYYYY) or possibly other details, but this varies from network to network, and you’ll get a text back asking for this information if it is necessary.

Either way, once you’ve texted the necessary details you’ll receive a PAC code in return, and this tends to be the simplest method of getting one, but for most networks it’s not the only method, so we’ve detailed alternate options in the chart below.

Step 2 - Order a new Sky Mobile phone or SIM

Step 2 (unless you choose to do this first) is signing up for a Sky Mobile plan. You have the choice of SIM Only or buying a whole new phone on contract.

You’ll find all the Sky Mobile SIM Only deals and Sky Mobile phone plans on our site, so if you haven’t already decided on a plan, that’s a great way to filter through your options.

Once you’ve placed an order, just wait for it to arrive and then activate your new Sky Mobile SIM card. You’ll be given a new temporary number, which you need to have activated before you move to step three.

Step 3 - Give your PAC code to Sky Mobile

The final step is giving your PAC code to Sky Mobile, and this is just as simple as the previous two steps. All you have to do is fill in Sky Mobile’s number transfer form.

If you do this before 6pm Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) then your number will be transferred by 5pm on the next working day. If you fill the form out after 6pm or on a Saturday or Sunday, then the transfer will happen within two working days.

The process can take longer over bank holidays, but Sky Mobile will text you when it’s done, so you’ll always know. However, the network warns that things like picture messages and voicemail can take up to 24 hours to work after the transfer is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions