Switch from BT to Three and keep your number using a PAC code
Ofcom’s policies have made it extremely quick and easy to switch and transfer your BT number to Three.
It’s completely free to transfer your number - you simply need to request a PAC code from BT by sending a text message, which takes no more than 2 minutes to arrive. Once you’ve handed the PAC code to Three, the switching process will take no more than 1 to 2 working days to complete.
If you want to join Three and get a brand new phone number, without keeping your existing BT number, the process is almost identical - the only difference being you will need to request a STAC code instead of a PAC code.
Joining Three from BT
Joining Three and transferring your number from BT 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 BT number, and hand it to Three.
You can hand your PAC code to Three at the time of ordering a new Three phone or Three 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 Three, your number will be transferred to Three within 1 to 2 working days, and your account with BT will automatically be closed.
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:
- Text: From your BT number, text PAC to 65075 for free. You will receive a reply within 2 minutes, containing your PAC code
- Online: Login to your BT Mobile account and request a PAC code
- 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 Three, after which it will expire and you will need to request another one from BT.
Note: If you wish to switch to Three, but you want a brand new number without keeping your BT number, you need to request a STAC code rather than a PAC code from BT. You can do this by texting STAC to 75075 instead.
2. Order a new phone or SIM from Three
If you haven’t yet ordered a new SIM or phone with Three, you can find the cheapest Three deals through our comparison tools:
You can also find a full range of contracts from Three’s website.
You may have the opportunity to hand your PAC code over at the time of ordering a new phone or SIM from Three. If so, you will have the option to enter your PAC code during the checkout process. Once your order arrives and you activate the SIM, the transfer process will automatically begin.
If you’re not given the opportunity to hand your PAC code to Three at the time of ordering, don’t worry. Instead, you will receive a temporary number with your new Three SIM. You will be given the opportunity to hand your PAC code to Three and transfer your BT number once your order arrives, as detailed in the next step.
Note: Apart from being slightly more convenient, it doesn’t make a difference whether you choose to hand your PAC code to Three at the order checkout or after you’ve received your order.
3. Hand the PAC code to Three
Once you have your PAC code from BT, you simply need to hand it to Three to start the transfer process.
If you previously handed your PAC code to Three at the time of ordering a new Three phone or Three SIM during the checkout process, you can skip this step.
Handing your PAC code to Three can be done through a number of ways:
- Online: Fill out the switching form and enter your PAC code
- Phone: Call 333 from your Three SIM or 0333 338 1001 from any other number
- Monday to Friday: 8am to 8pm
- Saturday & Sunday: 9am to 6pm
- Store: Locate your nearest Three store and ask to switch your number to Three
4. Wait for the switch to Three to complete
After you’ve handed your PAC code to Three, they will notify BT that you wish to leave them and transfer your number to Three.
It will take 1 to 2 working days for Three to transfer your number. Once the transfer has completed, your account with BT will automatically be closed.