iD Mobile PAC Code: keep your number and switch networks

By Adrian Vincent - 26 Feb 2024, 10:05

iD Mobile 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 iD Mobile, as well as leave iD Mobile 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 iD Mobile is very easy:

If you want to join or leave iD Mobile 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 iD Mobile from another network and keeping your number

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Joining iD Mobile 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 iD Mobile.

You can hand your PAC code to iD Mobile at the time of ordering a new iD Mobile phone or iD Mobile 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 iD Mobile, your number will be transferred to iD Mobile 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 iD Mobile, after which it will expire and you will need to request a new one.

Note: If you wish to switch to iD Mobile, 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 iD Mobile

If you haven’t yet ordered a new SIM or phone with iD Mobile, you can find the cheapest iD Mobile deals through our comparison tools:

You can also find a full range of contracts from iD Mobile’s website.

3. Hand the PAC code to iD Mobile

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

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

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

  1. Online: Submit your PAC code via the iD Mobile switch form
  2. Phone: Call 7777 from your iD Mobile SIM or 0333 003 7777 from any other number

4. Wait for the transfer to complete

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

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

Leaving iD Mobile for another network and keeping your number

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iD Mobile
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If you wish to leave iD Mobile and transfer your number, you will need to request a PAC code from iD Mobile 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 iD Mobile account will automatically close.

1. Request a PAC code from iD Mobile

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

  1. Text: From your iD Mobile number, text PAC to 65075 for free. You will receive a reply within 2 minutes, containing your PAC code
  2. Online: Login to your iD Mobile account, click 'End my plan' and select 'Yes' when asked if you want to keep your number
  3. Phone: Call 7777 from your iD Mobile number or 0333 003 7777 from any other number

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 iD Mobile 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 iD Mobile, you simply need to hand it to a different network to start the transfer process.

If you previously handed your iD Mobile 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 iD Mobile 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 iD Mobile PAC code
  2. Phone: Give your new network a call and tell them you wish to transfer your iD Mobile number to them. They will ask for the PAC code that iD Mobile 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 iD Mobile PAC code

4. Wait for the transfer to complete

Once you’ve handed your iD Mobile PAC code to a different network, they will notify iD Mobile 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 iD Mobile will close.

Upgrading with iD Mobile and keeping your number

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

You can find the cheapest iD Mobile upgrade deals by using our comparison tools: