BT PAC Code: keep your number and switch networks

Ofcom’s policies have made it extremely quick and easy to switch and transfer your existing number to BT, as well as leave BT and transfer your number to a different network.

It’s completely free to transfer your number - you simply need to request a PAC code by sending a text message, which takes no more than 2 minutes to arrive. Once you’ve given your PAC code to a different network, the switching process will take no more than 1 to 2 working days.

Switching to and from BT is very easy:

• Joining BT: transfer and switch your current number to BT
• Leaving BT: transfer and switch your BT number to a different network
• Upgrading with BT: keep your number when renewing or upgrading your contract

If you want to join or leave BT and get a brand new phone number, without keeping your existing number, the process is almost identical - the only difference being you will need to request a STAC code instead of a PAC code.

Joining BT from another network and keeping your number

Joining BT and transferring your number from a different network is a very easy process, and should take no more than 1 to 2 working days.

You simply need to request a free PAC code from your current network, and hand it to BT.

You can hand your PAC code to BT at the time of ordering a new BT phone or BT SIM, or you can do this after you’ve received your order. When you choose to do this is up to you - it doesn’t make a difference.

After you’ve handed your PAC code to BT, your number will be transferred to BT within 1 to 2 working days, and your account with your previous network will automatically be closed.

1. Request a PAC code from your current network

Requesting a PAC code is quick and free. The easiest way to do this is via text:

1. Text: From the number you wish to keep, text PAC to 65075 for free. You will receive a reply within 2 minutes, containing your PAC code
2. Phone: Call your existing network and ask for your PAC code
3. Online: Log onto your online account or app with your existing network, and find the section on leaving and transferring your number out
4. In-store: If your existing network has a physical store, you should be able to request a PAC code by asking a shop assistant

You will have 30 days to hand your PAC code to BT, after which it will expire and you will need to request a new one.

Note: If you wish to switch to BT, but you want a brand new number without keeping your existing number, you need to request a STAC code rather than a PAC code. You can do this by texting STAC to 75075 instead.

2. Hand the PAC code to BT

Once you have your PAC code, you simply need to hand it to BT to start the transfer process.

If you previously handed your PAC code to BT at the time of ordering a new BT phone or BT SIM during the checkout process, you can skip this step.

Handing your PAC code to BT can be done through a number of ways:

1. Online: Go to BT keep my number and enter your PAC code
2. Phone: Call 150 from your BT Mobile SIM or 0330 1234 150 from any other number.
   • Monday to Friday: 8am - 9pm
   • Weekends and bank holidays: 8am - 8pm

3. Wait for the transfer to complete

After you’ve handed your PAC code to BT, they will notify your previous network that you wish to leave them and transfer your number to BT.

It will take 1 to 2 working days for BT to transfer your number. Once the transfer has completed, your account with your previous network will automatically be closed.

Leaving BT for another network and keeping your number

If you wish to leave BT and transfer your number, you will need to request a PAC code from BT and hand it to the network you wish to switch to.

The switching process is free and easy, and will take no more than 1 to 2 working days.

You can choose to hand your PAC code to a different network at the time of ordering a new phone or SIM, or you can choose to do this once you’ve received your order. When you choose to do this is up to you - it doesn’t make a difference.

Once you’ve handed your PAC code to a different network, the transfer process will take 1 to 2 working days, after which your BT account will automatically close.

1. Request a PAC code from BT

Requesting a PAC code from BT is quick and free. The easiest way to do this is via text:

1. Text: From your BT number, text PAC to 65075 for free. You will receive a reply within 2 minutes, containing your PAC code
2. Online: Login to your BT Mobile account and request a PAC code
3. Phone: Call 150 from your BT Mobile number or 0330 1234 150 from any other number.
   • Monday to Friday: 8am - 9pm
   • Weekends and bank holidays: 8am - 8pm

You will have 30 days to hand your PAC code to a different network, after which it will expire and you will need to request a new one.

Note: If you wish to switch to a different network, but you want a brand new number without keeping your existing BT number, you need to request a STAC code rather than a PAC code. You can do this by texting STAC to 75075 instead.

2. Order a new phone or SIM

If you haven’t yet ordered a new SIM or phone, you can find the cheapest phone deals and SIM only deals through our comparison tools.

• Compare phone deals
• Compare SIM only deals

3. Hand the PAC code to the network you wish to switch to

Once you have your PAC code from BT, you simply need to hand it to a different network to start the transfer process.

If you previously handed your BT PAC code to a different network at the time of ordering a new phone or SIM, you can skip this step.

There are a number of ways you can hand your BT PAC code to a different network:

1. Online: If you haven’t already, create an account with your new network. Once logged in, look for the section on ‘transferring your number’, where you will be able to submit your BT PAC code
2. Phone: Give your new network a call and tell them you wish to transfer your BT number to them. They will ask for the PAC code that BT provided you with
3. Text: Some networks allow you to text your PAC code to them. Check their online help section to see if this is possible
4. In-store: If your new network has a physical store, they should be able to assist you when transferring your number, and accept your BT PAC code

4. Wait for the transfer to complete

Once you’ve handed your BT PAC code to a different network, they will notify BT that you wish to leave them and transfer your number.

After 1 to 2 working days, your number will be transferred to your new network, and your account with BT will close.

Upgrading with BT and keeping your number

If you’re currently with BT, and you’re upgrading to a new SIM or phone contract with BT, or you’re renewing your existing BT contract, you don’t need to do anything. Your number will stay the same, without requiring a PAC code.