Smarty PAC code: keep your number when changing mobile operators

Smarty is an affordable, flexible 5G mobile network, so it’s one you might understandably be looking to join. Or perhaps you plan to make use of all that flexibility to leave? Either way, you’ll probably want to take your number with you, and for that you’ll need a PAC (Porting Authorisation Code).

This guide will talk you through exactly how to get a PAC code, and what to do with it once you have one, whether you’re joining or leaving Smarty.

The first part of this guide includes a step-by-step process for taking your number with you when leaving Smarty, but head further down to part two for a guide to joining this mobile network, or jump to the end for an FAQ.

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Leaving Smarty and transferring your number

We’ve split the process for leaving Smarty into three simple steps, which you’ll find below.

Before you get started though, just note that you shouldn’t cancel your Smarty plan. Completing this process will end your Smarty contract automatically, and if you end it early then you’re likely to lose your number.

Step 1 - Request a Smarty PAC code

The first step and the key to this whole process is to get a PAC code from Smarty. However, you don’t have to actually talk to anyone at the network to do this – you can just send a single text from your Smarty SIM card.

That’s what we’d advise, but you can also head into your online Smarty account and find a PAC code there. Details for both methods are as follows:

• Text to switch - Text the word ‘PAC’ along with your date of birth (ddmmyy) to 65075
• Online – Go to your account settings, then ‘Manage plan’ and find the ‘Leave Smarty’ heading

Note that your PAC code will last 30 days, but you can request a new one if it expires before you’ve used it.

Step 2 - Order a new phone or SIM

The next step – though you can also do this first – is to order a new SIM card or phone from the network you’re joining.

If you haven’t decided which plan to go for yet, check out the phone deals and SIM Only deals on our site, as we’ve collected and compared all the best options for the UK’s 5G networks.

After placing your order, just wait for it to arrive, and then activate your new SIM card before heading to the third and final step.

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

The final step is giving the PAC code that you got in step one to the network you’ve just joined.

This is almost always done by filling in a simple online form, and you can find links to and details of those for all the key networks below.

As well as your PAC code you’ll also need to provide your new temporary number, the old number you want to keep, and sometimes other simple details.

Generally the number transfer will happen 1-2 working days after the form is completed, but this can vary depending on the network, and in some cases you’ll be able to select the date you’d like the transfer to happen on.

So just wait for the transfer to happen, and once it does your old Smarty account will automatically be closed.

Joining Smarty and transferring your number

Looking to join Smarty? Good choice! And thankfully keeping your number when doing so is easy.

Below we’ve detailed the three simple steps in the process, but just make sure you don’t cancel your old plan, otherwise you could lose your number. Once you’ve transferred your number your old plan will automatically be cancelled anyway.

Note also that the first two steps below can actually be done in either order, you just need to do both of those steps before moving on to step three.

Step 1 - Request a PAC code from your existing network

You can’t port your number without a PAC code, so first of all you should request a PAC code from your old network.

Handily, whatever network you’re leaving, you can get a PAC code from them by texting ‘PAC’ to 65075 from the number you want to keep. In some cases you may also need to include your date of birth or other details, but if so you’ll get a reply saying as much.

Most networks also have alternate methods for acquiring a PAC code, but these vary, and can be seen in the chart below.

Step 2 - Order a new Smarty SIM

Next up (or you can do this first if you prefer) it’s time to order a Smarty SIM Only plan. Specifically that, because at the time of writing the network doesn’t offer phones (other than refurbished ones).

You’ll find all of the available options on our Smarty SIM deals page, so that’s great for comparing and filtering your choices if you haven’t made up your mind yet.

Then place your order, activate your Smarty SIM card once it arrives, and head to the final step.

Step 3 - Give your PAC code to Smarty

Finally you’ll want to give your PAC code to Smarty, which you can do by signing into your online account, then going to Menu > Account Settings > Your phone number > Enter my PAC or STAC code.

If you fill in that form between 8am and 5pm Monday-Friday then the transfer should be carried out by 5pm on the next business day. Outside those hours it will likely take two business days, and on a bank holiday it could take even longer.

Frequently Asked Questions