Joining O2

If you’re switching to O2 from another network, and you want to keep your mobile number, you’ll need to ask your old network for a PAC (Porting Authorisation Code).

You can get your PAC by texting PAC to 65075 from the number you want to keep and following the simple steps. You'll get your PAC within 60 seconds. Or you can contact your current provider.

Already switched to O2 or left your previous network provider and decided to keep your previous number? You can still request a PAC code by contacting your previous network provider.

You have up to 30 days from when you left your previous network provider to request your PAC. You have an additional 30 days to provide us with your PAC code.

How do I use my PAC code?

You can give us your PAC code when you order your new O2 connection or at any time afterwards.

Log in to My O2 to transfer your current mobile number to your new O2 connection.

  • In My O2 web: Go to the menu and select ‘Switch to O2’ and then ‘Move my number’.
  • On the app: Go to ‘Support’, and then ‘Keep your number’.

How long does it take to switch?

Once you've submitted your request to switch your mobile number to O2, we'll aim to have you moved over the next working day. If you submit your request after 6pm, over the weekend or on a bank holiday, it can take two working days to move you across.

 

If you submit your request before 6pm

Day of request Expected day of switch to O2 network
Monday Tuesday
Tuesday Wednesday
Wednesday Thursday
Thursday Friday
Friday Monday
Saturday Tuesday
Sunday Tuesday

 

If you submit your request after 6pm

Day of request Expected day of switch to O2 network
Monday Wednesday
Tuesday Thursday
Wednesday Friday
Thursday Monday
Friday Tuesday
Saturday Tuesday
Sunday Tuesday

Can I switch my number to O2 at any time?

Yes you can. Just provide us with the number you want to switch and a valid PAC. Find out how to give us your PAC.


What else do I need to do to switch to O2?

The first thing to do is ensure your O2 sim is activated. You can do this by inserting your new O2 sim into your handset and allowing it to connect to the O2 network. You can use your O2 sim immediately or wait until your original number is switched over.

To complete the switch to O2, you must be in the UK on the day of the planned switch.


What happens during the switch to O2?

On the day of the switch, we’ll update your temporary O2 number to the number you want to keep. Until the switch takes place, you can continue to use your new O2 sim with a temporary number or your sim from your original network.

You’ll lose service on your original network when the switch takes place. The number you wanted to keep is now live on the O2 network. If you haven’t already, place your O2 sim in your handset, and you’re ready to go. Switching usually happens by 4pm but can take up to 10pm. Loss of service is minimal, but if you do lose service, you’ll be back up and running by 10pm.

We’ll be in touch via SMS if there are any issues with your switch, for example, if your PAC has expired.


What happens if it takes longer to switch?

We're committed to ensuring you experience the smoothest possible switching journey from the moment you request your PAC/STAC code or Switching Information until the successful completion of your switch.

If we can't switch you on the day we told you we would, you'll be entitled to compensation. You don't need to do anything. We'll contact you within 30 days of the completion of the switch to notify you of the compensation.

If something goes wrong and we don't get in touch, you may be able to claim compensation by contacting us. Our contact details can be found here. If you're registered for our Access for You service, you can find our contact details here. You'll have up to 60 days from the issue date to claim your compensation.


Leaving O2

We’re sorry you’re thinking of switching. We’re here if you’d like to discuss your options or hear about any offers – just give us a call on 202, free from your O2 phone.

Remember that if you’re on O2 Refresh, including our custom plans, you can change your phone or tariff whenever you like.

Find out more about Leaving O2.

How do I check if there’s anything to pay on my account?

If you’d like to know whether there’d be anything to pay if you switched, or what your credit balance is if you’re on Pay As You Go, you can get an estimate of any charges or credit by calling on 202, signing in to My O2, or texting INFO to 85075.

 

Depending on what type of plan you’re on, you may incur early termination charges. Find out more about whether this would affect your contract at Leaving O2.


How do I get a PAC or STAC code?

If you decide to switch to another network, you’ll need to request a PAC code if you want to keep your phone number, or a STAC code (Service Termination Authorisation Code) if you’d like a new number.

You can request your code by giving us a call on 202, signing in to My O2, or:

  • Texting PAC to 65075, for free, if you want to keep your phone number
  • Texting STAC to 75075, for free, if you don’t want to keep your phone number.

You should receive your PAC or STAC code within 60 seconds.

If you have multiple numbers on your account, or if you have an Apple Watch on a Pay Monthly plan, you won’t be able to use the text service. You’ll need to sign in to My O2, or give us a call to request your PAC or STAC code. If you want to switch more than 24 numbers at a time, we’ll be able to help you on the phone or you can make more than one request in My O2.

If you want a PAC code, you’ll need to be in the UK to request it. You’ll get it in 60 seconds.

Your PAC code should be retained in your text messages, however if you lose your PAC code you can also get it from My O2 or by giving us a call.

You can give the same PAC or STAC code to multiple networks, if you’re switching to more than one.

If you've already switched or left O2, you can request a PAC code by calling us on 0344 809 0202.

You have up to 30 days from when you leave O2 to request a PAC code from us, and it will be valid for an additional 30 days from the date of issue.


I still have credit on my Pay As You Go account. What can I do?

If you have any credit or outstanding allowance when you complete your switch, you can request to receive a refund either via bank transfer or via a cheque. Please call O2 on 202, free from your O2 phone or on 0344 809 0202 from any other phone to process your refund.


Switching from O2 Pay As You Go to Pay Monthly

If you switch from Pay As You Go to a Pay Monthly tariff, we will send you a new sim with a new phone number.

If you want to keep your original number, we can arrange this. You’ll need your new Pay Monthly phone number from your O2 confirmation email or sim pack.

How long does it take to switch?

We’ll transfer your number within one working day (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, excluding bank holidays).

If we receive your code after 5pm, you’ll switch within two working days.


What can I expect when the switch happens?

On the day of the switch, your Pay As You Go sim will lose signal. When this happens, put your Pay Monthly sim in your phone. If you don’t have signal, switch your phone off and on every couple of hours until you get a signal. If you still don’t have signal by 6pm, get in touch with us.

 

Texts and picture messaging can take up to 24 hours to work after the switch.


What happens to my Pay As You Go balance?

Your Pay As You Go balance will be transferred to your Pay Monthly account when you receive your second bill.

If you’re entitled to a loyalty bonus, up to £550, we’ll add credit to your fourth bill.


Switching from O2 Pay Monthly to Pay As You Go

If you want to switch from a Pay Monthly to Pay As You Go, we can take care of moving your number and even arrange for your new Pay As You Go sim.

Get in touch by calling us on 202, free from your O2 phone, or on 0344 809 0202 from any other phone. We’ll do the rest.

Is there anything to pay on my device plan?

If you’re on O2 Refresh, you can only move to Pay As You Go once your Device Plan is paid.

 

If you’re not on O2 Refresh but still within your contract’s minimum term, you might need to pay a termination charge, and our Customer Service team can talk this through with you.

 

You’ll receive your final Pay Monthly bill 14 days after you move to Pay As You Go, and you’ll need to settle any outstanding balance.


Swapping your O2 sim

 

If you’re just changing or replacing your sim and want to move your mobile number across to your new sim, you can do this in My O2.

If you’re an O2 Business customer, please sign in to My O2 Business to swap your sim.

If you haven’t already got a replacement sim, you can request one by calling us on 202, starting a webchat, or visiting an O2 store.

How long does it take to swap?

Sim swaps can take up to 24 hours to complete.

 

Once you lose signal with your original sim, turn your device off and turn it back on. If you’re using a plastic sim, pop it in your device. Wait till you see your network appearing on your device.


Changed your mind?

If you’ve changed your mind about transferring your number, get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to help.

Give us a call

If you'd like to chat, give us a call on 202, free from your O2 phone, or 0344 809 0202 from a non-O2 phone.

Are you a VIP customer?

If you're a VIP customer, you will need to call your dedicated Customer Service team to discuss keeping your number. Please find more information below.

Joining O2

If you're switching to O2 from another network and want to keep your mobile number, you'll need to ask your old network for a PAC (Porting Authorisation Code).

You can get your PAC by texting PAC to 65075. You'll get it in 60 seconds. Alternatively, you can contact your current provider.

How do I use my PAC code?
You can give us your PAC code when you order your new O2 connection or at any time afterwards. To do this, please contact your VIP personal Customer Service team.


Leaving O2

We’re sorry you’re thinking of switching. We’re here if you’d like to discuss your options or hear about any offers – just give your VIP personal Customer Service team a call.

Find out more about Leaving O2.

How do I check if there’s anything to pay on my account?
Please contact your VIP personal Customer Service team if you'd like to know whether there'd be anything to pay if you switched. Depending on what type of plan you're on, you may incur early termination charges.

Find out more about whether this would affect your contract at Leaving O2.

How do I get a PAC or STAC code?
If you decide to switch to another network, you’ll need to request a PAC code if you want to keep your phone number or a STAC code (Service Termination Authorisation Code) if you’d like a new number.

You can request your code by calling your VIP personal Customer Service team, signing in to My O2, or:

  • Texting PAC to 65075 for free, if you want to keep your phone number
  • Texting STAC to 75075 for free, if you don’t want to keep your phone number.


You should receive your PAC or STAC code within 60 seconds.

If you have multiple numbers on your account you won’t be able to use the text service. You’ll need to contact your VIP personal Customer Service team or go to My O2.

If you've already switched or left O2, you can request a PAC code by calling your personal Customer Service team. You have up to 30 days from when you leave O2 to request a PAC code from us, and it will be valid for an additional 30 days from the date of issue.


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