Switch from Virgin Mobile 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 Virgin Mobile number to Three.
It’s completely free to transfer your number - you simply need to request a PAC code from Virgin Mobile 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 Virgin Mobile 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 Virgin Mobile
Joining Three and transferring your number from Virgin Mobile 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 Virgin Mobile 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 Virgin Mobile will automatically be closed.
1. Request a PAC code from Virgin Mobile
Requesting a PAC code from Virgin Mobile is quick and free. The easiest way to do this is via text:
- Text: From your Virgin Mobile number, text PAC to 65075 for free. You will receive a reply within 2 minutes, containing your PAC code
- Phone: Call 789 from your Virgin Mobile number or 0345 6000 789 from any other number.
- Monday to Friday: 8am - 9pm
- Saturday: 8am - 6pm
- Sunday: 8am - 6pm
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 Virgin Mobile.
Note: If you wish to switch to Three, but you want a brand new number without keeping your Virgin Mobile number, you need to request a STAC code rather than a PAC code from Virgin Mobile. 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 Virgin Mobile 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 Virgin Mobile, 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 Virgin Mobile 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 Virgin Mobile will automatically be closed.