giffgaff 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 giffgaff, as well as leave giffgaff 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 giffgaff is very easy:
- Joining giffgaff: transfer and switch your current number to giffgaff
- Leaving giffgaff: transfer and switch your giffgaff number to a different network
- Upgrading with giffgaff: keep your number when renewing or upgrading your contract
If you want to join or leave giffgaff 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 giffgaff from another network and keeping your number
Joining giffgaff 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 giffgaff.
You can hand your PAC code to giffgaff at the time of ordering a new giffgaff phone or giffgaff 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 giffgaff, your number will be transferred to giffgaff 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:
- 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
- Phone: Call your existing network and ask for your PAC code
- Online: Log onto your online account or app with your existing network, and find the section on leaving and transferring your number out
- 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 giffgaff, after which it will expire and you will need to request a new one.
Note: If you wish to switch to giffgaff, 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. Order a new phone or SIM from giffgaff
If you haven’t yet ordered a new SIM or phone with giffgaff, you can find the cheapest giffgaff deals through our comparison tools:
You can also find a full range of contracts from giffgaff’s website.
3. Hand the PAC code to giffgaff
Once you have your PAC code, you simply need to hand it to giffgaff to start the transfer process.
If you previously handed your PAC code to giffgaff at the time of ordering a new giffgaff phone or giffgaff SIM during the checkout process, you can skip this step.
Handing your PAC code to giffgaff can be done through a number of ways:
- Online: Make a transfer request through your giffgaff account
4. Wait for the transfer to complete
After you’ve handed your PAC code to giffgaff, they will notify your previous network that you wish to leave them and transfer your number to giffgaff.
It will take 1 to 2 working days for giffgaff to transfer your number. Once the transfer has completed, your account with your previous network will automatically be closed.
Leaving giffgaff for another network and keeping your number
If you wish to leave giffgaff and transfer your number, you will need to request a PAC code from giffgaff 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 giffgaff account will automatically close.
1. Request a PAC code from giffgaff
Requesting a PAC code from giffgaff is quick and free. The easiest way to do this is via text:
- Text: From your giffgaff number, text PAC to 65075 for free. You will receive a reply within 2 minutes, containing your PAC code
- Online: Request a PAC code from your giffgaff account
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 giffgaff 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.
3. Hand the PAC code to the network you wish to switch to
Once you have your PAC code from giffgaff, you simply need to hand it to a different network to start the transfer process.
If you previously handed your giffgaff 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 giffgaff PAC code to a different network:
- 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 giffgaff PAC code
- Phone: Give your new network a call and tell them you wish to transfer your giffgaff number to them. They will ask for the PAC code that giffgaff provided you with
- Text: Some networks allow you to text your PAC code to them. Check their online help section to see if this is possible
- In-store: If your new network has a physical store, they should be able to assist you when transferring your number, and accept your giffgaff PAC code
4. Wait for the transfer to complete
Once you’ve handed your giffgaff PAC code to a different network, they will notify giffgaff 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 giffgaff will close.
Upgrading with giffgaff and keeping your number
If you’re currently with giffgaff, and you’re upgrading to a new SIM or phone contract with giffgaff, or you’re renewing your existing giffgaff contract, you don’t need to do anything. Your number will stay the same, without requiring a PAC code.
You can find the cheapest giffgaff upgrade deals by using our comparison tools: