Switching to or from O2
Help & support
Switching to or from O2 | Help & Support | O2 Business
Switching to or from O2
It's now even easier for businesses to switch between networks. All you need is a unique code called a PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) or STAC (Service Termination Authorisation code). Choose a PAC code if you want to keep your phone number(s) or a STAC code if you don't.
You can also request Switching Info (INFO) from your provider if you want to discover the implications of switching. For example, whether you'd need to pay an Early Termination Charge. You can only request this information if you're in the UK.
Looking for more information about switching? Read on for our FAQs
- Switching from O2 to another network?
We’re sorry to hear you’re thinking of switching. If you’d like to discuss your options or see whether you’re eligible for an upgrade, get in touch with your O2 Account Manager or Partner, or give us a call.
If you're considering switching from O2, you might like information about your current tariff, hardware agreement and/or contract, and whether there'd be an Early Termination Charge or any other costs to pay if you switched. You can get this by sending us a text (as detailed below), calling or going to My O2 Business.
If you decide to switch, you'll need to give your PAC or STAC code to your new provider. Here's how:
If I only have one phone number on my account
If there's only one phone number on your O2 Business account, you can call us to request your PAC/STAC and SI. We'll give you your code on the call or send it via text message within two hours of the call ending.
You can also request your PAC/STAC and SI for free by logging into My O2 Business and going to My Account or by texting:- PAC to 65075 for free if you want to keep your phone number
- STAC to 75075 for free if you don't want to keep your phone number
- INFO to 85075 for free if you want your Switching info
You'll receive the information you've requested via text within two working days:
- Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm
- Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays, 9am to 5pm
I have more than one phone number on my account
If there's more than one phone number on your O2 Business account, you won't be able to request your PAC, STAC or SI by text. If you're thinking of switching two to 24 numbers, you have two options:- Contact your O2 Account Manager or Partner, or call us. If you are a partner-managed customer, the only way to receive your PAC/STAC and Switching Info (SI) is by contacting O2 directly).
- We'll provide your SI immediately over the phone if we can. If not, we'll provide it within two working days, by email or via your My O2 Business account. If we can, we'll also give you a PAC or STAC immediately over the phone. If not, we'll call you back within two hours.
- Request a PAC/STAC or your Switching Info in the My Account section of My O2 Business. We'll provide your code and Switching Info via My O2 Business within two days. You will also receive an SMS within two working days with your PAC, STAC and switching information details.
If you're thinking of switching more than 24 numbers, you'll need to select the option to switch more than 24 numbers in the My Account side of My O2 Business or contact your Account Manager or Partner.
If you're a partner-managed customer, the only way to receive your PAC/STAC and Switching Info (SI) is by contacting O2 directly.- Thinking of joining O2?
If you're considering joining O2 from another network/provider and want to keep your mobile number, you'll need to request a PAC code from your provider and hand that over to us. If you wish to join O2 and don't want to keep your mobile number, you'll need to request a STAC code you're your provider and hand that over to us.
Once you've given us your PAC code, you'll switch to our network within one working day:- Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm
- Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays, 9am-5pm
You'll switch within two working days if we receive your PAC any later than the hours shown. You'll switch on the following Tuesday if you provide your PAC code at the weekend. You'll also need to be in the UK on the day your number is set to switch over.
When you lose service on your old network, just swap your old sim card for your new O2 one and turn your phone on. Alternatively, you can ask for the switch to occur on a preferred date.
If you need help joining O2, you can message us via Live Chat or give us a call.
- How can I find out what it could cost to switch to another network?
Got a single phone number on your account?
If there's only one phone number on your O2 Business account and you'd like to know what it could cost to switch, you can call us, go to My O2 Business or text INFO to 85075. The charges you're quoted as part of your Switching Information will be as accurate as possible, but they only apply on the day the information is provided.
Got more than one phone number on your account?
If there's more than one phone number on your O2 Business account and you'd like to know what it could cost to switch from 1 to 24 of them, you can find out about any charges by giving us a call or going to the My Account side of My O2 Business. The charges you're quoted as part of your Switching Information will be as accurate as possible, but they only apply on the day the information is provided.
If you'd like to know what it could cost to switch more than 24 numbers, you'll need to select the option to switch more than 24 numbers in the My Account side of My O2 Business or contact your Account Manager or Partner.- Do I need to give you 30 days’ notice before I switch?
No, you don’t have to give us 30 days’ notice if you’re switching. For more information, contact your Account Manager or Partner or give us a call.
If you are a partner managed customer, the only way to receive your PAC/STAC and Switching Info (SI) is by contacting O2 directly.- Do I need to cancel my digital applications and services before switching?
You may need to cancel your digital applications and services before switching, depending which ones you have. Find out more in our terms and conditions.
- Will I still be able to use Priority if I switch from O2?
The offers, discounts and benefits in Priority are only available to our customers. So unfortunately you won’t be able to get these once you’ve switched.
- What happens after I give a PAC or STAC to my new network?
Once you’ve provided your code to your new network, you’ll switch the next working day, or the day after that if you provide your code after 17:00. Working days are Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00, excluding bank holidays.
Once you’ve switched, we’ll send you your final bill.
- What happens if something goes wrong with my switch?
We're committed to ensuring you experience the smoothest possible switching journey from the moment you request your PAC/STAC code or Switching Info until the successful completion of your switch. If something goes wrong, for example, if we provide you with incorrect Switching Information, you may be able to claim compensation and/or receive a refund of any additional charges you've incurred.
If we can't switch you on the day that we told you we would, you'll be entitled to compensation.
Please call us on 8002 free from your O2 mobile to arrange this. Or call 0800 977 7337 from a non-O2 mobile or landline. You can also see our complaints page.
You will have up to 60 days, from the date of the issue or the date the issue was resolved, in which to claim your compensation.- How long is a PAC or STAC valid for?
PAC and STAC codes are valid for 30 days from the day we issue them to you/you receive the code.
- What if I change my mind about switching from O2 once I’ve got a PAC or STAC?
If you decide not to switch, you don’t need to do anything at all – your code will just expire in 30 days. If you have any questions, just give us a call.
- What can I do if I lose my PAC or STAC?
You’ll be able to get your code by logging into My O2 Business or giving us a call.
If you’ve only got one phone number on your account, we’ll have previously sent you your code by text, so you could look back through your messages. If you can’t find the text, you can:
- Request your switching info by texting INFO to 85075
- Request a PAC and your switching info by texting PAC to 65075
- Request a STAC and your switching info by texting STAC to 75075.
- What about my insurance?
If you have O2 Insure, you’ll need to give us 30 days’ notice to cancel and it will be charged on your final bill. Your policy will be automatically cancelled if your airtime agreement with O2 is cancelled or you fail to make a premium payment. If you are within 14 days of taking out the insurance policy, you can cancel without incurring any charges.
If you have any more questions, take a look at our insurance terms and conditions.- What if I’m on Pay As You Go or Consumer Pay Monthly?
If you’re not an O2 Business customer, visit our Consumer switching page.
- My final bill shows I’m in credit, what can I do?
Just contact our Business Customer Services team and they’ll arrange a refund.
- My phone is locked to O2. How do I unlock it?
If you’re the main account holder, you can ask for your devices to be unlocked at any time, at no extra cost. Unlocking your device does not end your agreement with us, even if you put a non-O2 sim in your phone.
Once your request’s been accepted, we’ll email you within seven days with your unlocking details.
If it’s an iPhone or iPad you’ve asked to unlock, you’ll need to put a non-O2 sim in the device and connect it to iTunes. iTunes will then tell you the device is unlocked.
Take a look at our help page to find out more about unlocking a phone for use on another network.
- What if I’m switching to more than one network?
If you’re switching to more than one network, you can provide the same PAC or STAC code to each network. Just give them your code.
- What if I don’t have a My O2 Business account?
New to O2?
If you’ve recently joined O2 on a business tariff, we’ve probably already signed you up to My O2 Business. Have a look back through your emails for the one you’ll need to complete your registration. Or speak to your Account Manager or Partner or give us a call.
If the link in your email has expired, you can request another email. If you haven’t received it within 24 hours, check out our Help section.
Been with us a while?
If you don’t have a My O2 Business account already, or don’t know if you have one, we can check and sign you up - just speak to your usual O2 Business contact.
- I've already left O2 and want to request a PAC code. What do I do?
If you requested a STAC code from us and redeemed the code with your new provider, you won't be able to request a PAC code from us as you've agreed to renounce your old number.
If you have already received a PAC from us and redeemed it with a new provider, you will not be able to request and receive another one.
If you've already terminated your contract with us and moved to a different network but haven't redeemed a STAC code from us with your new provider, you'll still be able to request a PAC code from us to give to your new provider. You can only do this within 30 days after you terminate your contract.
To request a PAC code after you've terminated your contract, you'll need to call us on 8002, free from your O2 mobile, or 0800 977 7337 from a non-O2 mobile or landline. Or you can chat with us.
You'll receive your PAC code within one working day after your request. Once received, your code will be valid for 30 days.- I’ve already joined O2 and want to give you my PAC or STAC. What do I do?
If you want to give us a code after you’ve already moved over to our network, just give us a call.
- I’m managed by a Partner of O2, who do I contact?
If you are a partner-managed customer, the only way to receive your PAC/STAC and Switching Info (SI) is by contacting O2 directly.
If you’re not sure who to speak to you can always contact us. Or you can contact our Partners and Franchisees directly for other enquiries.- What if I’m leaving O2 but not switching to another network?
If you’d like to disconnect one or more numbers without switching to another network, go to Leaving O2. If you cancel before the end of your contract, we'll need 30 days' notice, and you may have to pay a charge.
If you're a Business Essentials customer, you can pay off your Device Plan at any point within your 24-month contract. You can also switch your airtime plan without paying a Termination Fee.
Get in touch with your Account Manager or Partner or give us a call on 0800 954 1350, free from your O2 mobile.- What is O2’s change of mind policy?
If you’re a sole trader and you use your phone for personal use, you may be able to return your order within 14 days of purchase if you change your mind. To find out more, get in touch with your Account Manager or Partner or give us a call.
Get in touch
If you need further support or want to discuss options, call us on 8222, free from your O2 mobile, or 0800 977 7337 from a non-O2 mobile or landline. Or get in touch with your O2 Account Manager or Partner, or choose another way to get in touch.