Three 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 Three, as well as leave Three 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 Three is very easy:

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

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

Joining Three 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 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 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 Three, after which it will expire and you will need to request a new one.

Note: If you wish to switch to Three, 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 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:

• Compare Three phone deals
• Compare Three SIM only deals

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

3. Hand the PAC code to Three

Once you have your PAC code, 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 transfer to complete

After you’ve handed your PAC code to Three, they will notify your previous network 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 your previous network will automatically be closed.

Leaving Three for another network and keeping your number

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

1. Request a PAC code from Three

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

1. Text: From your Three number, text PAC to 65075 for free. You will receive a reply within 2 minutes, containing your PAC code
2. Online: Request to leave Three by logging into your account
3. Phone: Call 333 from your Three number or 0333 338 1001 from any other number
   • Monday to Friday: 8am to 8pm
   • Saturday & Sunday: 9am to 6pm
4. Store: Locate your nearest Three store and ask to leave

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

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

4. Wait for the transfer to complete

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

Upgrading with Three and keeping your number

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

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

• Compare Three upgrade phone deals
• Compare Three upgrade SIM only deals