For many of us, using a phone and all its features has become more intuitive as smartphones make their way into all areas of our daily lives. However, this does not always mean that we know every detail about our device. Some things may still be a mystery.

Here, we shed some light on what a PAC code is and how you can generate one.

What is a PAC Code?

A porting authorisation code or PAC is a nine-digit number that will allow you to transfer your phone number to another mobile network. This means you can keep your existing number even if you want to switch to another provider.

The process of transporting your number to another network is called mobile number portability (MNP) – to be able to complete the process, you will need a PAC code.

Once you receive a PAC code, you will give it to your new provider, usually through some kind of online form, and they will ensure that they set up your new account with your current phone number.

So, how can you generate a PAC code?

How to Generate a PAC Code

The easiest way to request a PAC code for your phone is to text ‘PAC’ to 65075 if you are in the UK. This method should work for you no matter who your network provider is. Make sure you don’t close your account with your current network before requesting the PAC code as you will not have access after this point.

Upon texting the number, the response will be fairly instantaneous and may also include further information about whether you will have to pay any fees to change your network.

In some cases, you may be prompted to include additional information in the text to receive your code. This may be in the form of your birth date (DDMMYY), but you’ll likely receive a message about what else needs to be included in the PAC message thread.

Generating a PAC code this way is always free, and the code will last for 30 days.

Other Ways to Generate PAC Codes

The above method is the easiest way to request a PAC code, but there are some other methods that are network-specific if you are having trouble with the process.

• O2 – Call 202 on your O2 phone or 0344 809 0202 from another phone.
• Vodafone – Call 191 or access Account Settings>Mobile Switching through your Vodafone account.
• EE – Call 150 from your EE phone or 07953 966 250 from another phone. Alternatively, you can select ‘Leave EE’ through the Account Settings page on your EE account.
• Three – Call 333 or complete the ‘take my number with me’ form on your Three account.
• Giffgaff – Request a code through the Giffgaff website.
• Tesco Mobile – Call 0345 301 4455 or go to your online account.
• Virgin Mobile – Sign into your online account and select ‘Switching’.

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