Contents list
- Leaving LebaraMobile
- Request LebaraMobile PAC
- Order new phone or SIM
- Give PAC code to new network
- Joining LebaraMobile
- Request PAC code
- Order new phone or SIM
- Give PACto LebaraMobile
- Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
If you want to take your number with you when changing networks then you’ll need a PAC (Porting Authorisation Code). That’s true of every network, but with this article we’re looking specifically at the process of joining or leaving Lebara.
Below then, you’ll find a clear step by step guide to leaving Lebara and transferring your number to a new network – including how to get a PAC code and what to do with it.
Then further down you’ll find the process for joining Lebara from another network and bringing your number with you.
Leaving Lebara and transferring your number
As noted, you need to get a PAC code from Lebara if you want to take your number with you to a new network when leaving, so that’s the first step of transferring your number. We’ve explained how to do that below, followed by what to do next.
Before you start the process though, be aware that you shouldn’t cancel your Lebara plan – it will be cancelled automatically once your number is transferred, and if you cancel it before that then you’ll lose your number.
Step 1 - Request a Lebara PAC code
Requesting a PAC code off Lebara is the first step and it’s also very easy to do, as you can just send a text to get it. However, there’s also an online form you can fill in if you’d prefer. Below you can see details of both options.
- Text to switch- Text the word ‘PAC’ to 65075
- Online– Fill inthis form
This code is valid for 30 days, but if you don’t use it before it expires then you can simply request a new one using the same methods.
Step 2 - Order a new phone or SIM
Next it’s time to order a new phone or SIM Only plan from the network you’re joining, though if you’ve already done this, that’s fine, as you can do these first two steps in any order.
If you need some inspiration, take a look at our phone deals and SIM Only deals pages, where you’ll find all sorts of great offers on a wide variety of networks – including exclusive deals at times.
Once you’ve placed your order, just wait for it to arrive, then activate your new SIM card and proceed to step 3.
Step 3 - Give your Lebara PAC code to your new network
Finally, you’ll want to give your Lebara PAC code to the new network you’ve joined. Generally you have to have received and activated your new SIM card first, but in some cases you can do this during checkout.
If you’re reading this step though, presumably that wasn’t an option for the network you joined, or it would have been obvious during the order process.
In which case, you usually just have to fill out a simple form, and you’ll find details of those for most networks below.
Once complete, your old number will usually be transferred within 1-2 working days, and with that done your Lebara account will automatically be closed.
New network | How to transfer your number |
|---|---|
Asda Mobile | Select ‘transferring your number’ on your onlineAsdaMobile account |
BT Mobile | Fill outBT’s transfer form |
CMLink | Follow the steps under ‘how to port in online’ |
EE | Fill outEE’s transfer form |
Giffgaff | Fill outGiffgaff’s transfer form |
iD Mobile | Fill outiD Mobile’s transfer form |
Lebara | Fill outLebara’s transfer form |
Lyca Mobile | Fill outLyca Mobile’s transfer form |
O2 | Fill outO2’s transfer form |
Sky Mobile | Fill outSky’s transfer form |
Smarty | From your online account head to Menu > Your phone number > Enter my PAC or STAC code |
Tesco Mobile | Text ‘PORT’ to 23424 from your new SIM and follow the instructions |
Three | Fill out Three’s transfer form. |
Virgin Mobile | Select ‘Switching’ in your online Virgin account |
Vodafone | Fill out Vodafone’s transfer form |
VOXI | Use the ‘Transfer number’ section of your VOXI account online |
Joining Lebara and transferring your number
If you’re planning to join Lebara then there’s a similar process to the above, just with different networks involved for certain steps.
Below you’ll find all of those steps, complete with details of how to get a PAC code from the network you’re leaving.
Note however that you shouldn’t cancel your old contract before transferring your number. If you do then you’ll lose that number and have to get a new one.
Step 1 - Request a PAC code from your existing network
The first step as ever is to get a PAC code from your current network. Whatever network you’re with you can do this by texting ‘PAC’ to 65075 from the number you want to keep, but there are other methods for most networks too, and these are detailed below.
Old Network -Text to switch | Online | Phone |
|---|---|---|
Asda Mobile Text ‘PAC’ to 65075 | Call 2732 from your Asda Mobile (call 0808 006 2732 from any other phone) | |
BT Mobile Text ‘PAC’ to 65075 | Log intoMy BTGo to Mobile > Thinking of leaving BT. | Call 0800 800 150 from any phone |
CMLink Text ‘PAC’ to 65075 | Follow the steps under ‘how to port out online’. | -- |
EE Text ‘PAC’ to 65075 | From yourOnline accountGo to Menu > Account settings > Leave EE | 150 from your EE phone (or 0800 956 6000 from another phone) |
Giffgaff Text ‘PAC’ to 65075 | Request your PAC code onlinehere. | -- |
iD Mobile Text ‘PAC’ to 65075 | From yourOnline account Head to the My Account page > Thinking of Leaving > Switch or Cancel Now > Get PAC code. | -- |
Lebara Text ‘PAC’ to 65075 | Fill inthis form. | -- |
Lyca Mobile Text ‘PAC’ to 65075 | -- | Call Lyca Mobile on 322 from your Lyca Mobile phone |
O2 Text ‘PAC’ to 65075 | My O2 accountonline. | Call 202 from your O2 phone |
Sky Mobile Text ‘PAC’ to 65075 | Call 03300 412 524 | |
Smarty Text ‘PAC’ to 65075 | Head to youraccount settings, then ‘Manage plan’ and follow the steps under ‘Leave Smarty’. | -- |
Tesco Mobile Text ‘PAC’ to 65075 | Go toMy Accountand select ‘View or Change my account details’, then ‘Leaving Tesco Mobile?’ | Call 4455 from your Tesco phone |
Three Text ‘PAC’ to 65075 | Fill in the ‘Leave Three’ form online. Or, useThree’s live chat. | Call 333 from your Three phone (or 0333 338 1001 from another phone,) |
Virgin Mobile Text ‘PAC’ to 65075 | Sign into youronline accountand select ‘Switching’ | Call 789 from your Virgin Mobile (or 0345 6000 789 from any other phone) |
Vodafone Text ‘PAC’ to 65075 | In your online account Go to Account settings > Mobile switching | Call 191 from your Vodafone phone |
VOXI Text ‘PAC’ to 65075 | and head to ‘Leave VOXI’. | Call 08080 057449 |
Step 2 - Order a new Lebara phone or SIM
With your PAC code in hand it’s time to order a Lebara SIM. You can also do this step before getting your PAC code, it doesn’t matter which order you do it in, because you need both the code and the new SIM card before you can transfer your number.
If you haven’t chosen a deal yet then take a look at the Lebara SIM Only deals on our site to find the perfect fit.
Once you’ve ordered a SIM card, wait for it to arrive, then activate it, and move on to the final step.
Step 3 - Give your PAC code to Lebara
The final step is to give your PAC code to Lebara, which is easy to do. Simply fill out the number transfer form on Lebara’s website. The transfer will then be processed on the date you select, so just pick one where it won’t be too inconvenient if you temporarily lose service (as might happen).
Make sure also that it’s a day when you’ll be in the UK, otherwise the transfer probably won’t complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you keep your number when moving between plans on Lebara?
Yes, that’s no problem at all. The process will typically also be automatic.
What if I don’t want to keep my number?
If you don’t want to keep your number when changing network then you can text ‘STAC’ to 75075 from your old number to request a STAC (Service Termination Authorisation Code). Give this to your new network and they’ll close your old account without transferring your number.
Will I be charged for a PAC code?
No, PAC codes are always free to receive.
How long does it take for a number to transfer to a new SIM?
Number transfer times can vary a bit depending on the networks involved and the date and time that you make the request, but in general the wait will be 1-2 working days, unless you’ve requested a later date.
Can I end a contract without a PAC code?
Yes, just contact your current network and tell them you’d like to cancel. However, your number won’t be transferred to a new network if you do this. You can also text ‘STAC’ to 75075 from your old number, and give that to your new network. That way you won’t have to talk to your old network to cancel your contract, but again, your number won’t be transferred.
Can I use a PAC to switch from one Lebara plan to another?
No, there’s no need to use a PAC code when switching between plans on the same network.
Can you change or cancel a number transfer?
Generally if the transfer process hasn’t yet started then it should be possible to change or cancel it. Contact your new network to find out.
What happens if my number didn’t transfer?
Sometimes number transfers don’t work, so if yours hasn’t then check whether the following things apply:
- Your new SIM isn’t active:You need an active SIM card to transfer your number to. So if your new SIM isn’t active then activate it and request the transfer again.
- You’re out of the UK:Number transfers won’t complete if you’re out of the UK at the time, so request the transfer again when you’re back in the country.
If neither of these things solve the problem then get in touch with your new network for assistance.
