Use this section to change UK mobile provider without losing the number, account access or evidence needed if the switch is delayed.
Choose the correct route
| Goal | Code/process |
|---|---|
| Keep the existing number | Request a PAC and give it to the new provider. |
| Take a new number and close the old service | Request a STAC and give it to the new provider. |
| Move PAYG to monthly on the same network | Use the provider’s internal migration process; do not assume a PAC is required. |
| Change tariff without changing provider | Confirm whether this is an upgrade, migration or new account. |
Protect access before switching
- Keep the old SIM/eSIM and phone until calls, SMS and data work on the new service.
- Store backup codes for banking, email and authenticator apps.
- Check voicemail, spend caps, roaming and any device-finance agreement.
- Do not cancel Direct Debit before the final bill is settled.
- Record the PAC/STAC, submission date and order reference.
Expected timing
Ofcom requires the new provider to complete a valid PAC or STAC switch within one working day unless the customer agrees to defer it. A short disruption can occur, but a prolonged or split service should be reported.
If something goes wrong
Test incoming calls, outgoing calls, SMS and data separately. A split port may route some services to the old network and others to the new one. Contact the new provider first with exact examples and timestamps.
Switching the service and financing the phone are separate
A mobile service can end while a handset loan, device plan or other agreement continues. Check the documents and final-bill process before cancelling a Direct Debit. Likewise, moving a number does not transfer PAYG credit, voicemail messages or account history.
The switching code handles the mobile service; it is not a universal cancellation instruction for every product on the account.
Choose the correct switching route before requesting a code
Start by deciding whether the reader is changing tariff, moving within one provider, porting the existing number to another provider or closing the old number. PAC, STAC and internal migration solve different jobs. Coverage should be proved before any route is started because a completed port cannot fix a poor network choice.
- Separate airtime obligations from any handset finance.
- Record the code, issue date and scheduled completion.
- Keep the old line and recovery access until the selected route is confirmed complete.
Choose the next network check
Use this section to choose the correct UK switching route, preserve or replace the number deliberately, and keep evidence through the port.
- Understand first: How Long Does Number Porting Take in the UK?; PAC Code Explained: How to Get and Use One; STAC Code Explained: When You Want a New Number; What Happens During the Porting Process.
- Set up or change: How to Switch from Contract to PAYG; How to Switch from PAYG to Contract on the Same Network.
- Prepare or protect: How to Keep Your Number When Changing Network.
- Fix or recover: Common Problems When Porting a Number.
- Use the focused guide: Mobile Network Switching Guide; Switching Network Mid-Contract: What You Need to Know.
When this hub has done its job
The reader should know the correct code or migration route, retain reference numbers and verify calls, SMS, data, voicemail and the displayed number after completion.