Switch from O2 to Three and keep your number using a PAC code

By Adrian Vincent - 26 Feb 2024, 10:05

Switch from O2 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 O2 number to Three.

It’s completely free to transfer your number - you simply need to request a PAC code from O2 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 O2 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 O2

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Joining Three and transferring your number from O2 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 O2 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 O2 will automatically be closed.

1. Request a PAC code from O2

Requesting a PAC code from O2 is quick and free. The easiest way to do this is via text:

  1. Text: From your O2 number, text PAC to 65075 for free. You will receive a reply within 2 minutes, containing your PAC code
  2. Online: Login to O2, open the My O2 ▾ menu, click Manage your details, then under Thinking of leaving O2? click Request your code. You'll then be asked to perform a quick security check, before you can see your PAC code
  3. Phone: Call 202 from your O2 number or 0344 809 0202 from any other number.
    • Monday - Friday: 8am - 9pm
    • Saturday: 8am - 8pm
    • Sunday: 8am - 6pm
  4. Store: Locate your nearest O2 store and request to leave O2

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 O2.

Note: If you wish to switch to Three, but you want a brand new number without keeping your O2 number, you need to request a STAC code rather than a PAC code from O2. 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 O2 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 O2, 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:

  1. Online: Fill out the switching form and enter your PAC code
  2. 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
  3. 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 O2 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 O2 will automatically be closed.