Bills & switching · UK guide

Switch mobile network — keep your number, cut your bill.

Last verified 21 Jun 2026 · Source Ofcom + Citizens Advice

Switching mobile provider takes minutes and one text. To keep your number, text PAC to 65075; for a new number, text STAC to 75075. Want to check exit fees first? Text INFO to 85075. Your code lasts 30 days, you give it to the new network, and your old one can’t charge you for notice after the switch. Here’s the whole thing.

PAC → 65075Keep your number
STAC → 75075New number
INFO → 85075Check exit fees
30 daysCode is valid
How to switch → Cheaper broadband too

The three texts

Text thisTo this numberWhat you get
INFO85075Any early-exit charges, without committing to switch — check this first.
PAC65075Your PAC (to keep your number) + any exit charges. Reply within a minute; code lasts 30 days.
STAC75075Your STAC (to switch with a new number, closing the old account).

Then just sign up with the new provider and give them the code. With a PAC, your number transfers — usually within one working day — and the two providers coordinate so you don’t pay twice. It works the same on pay-monthly and SIM-only; pay-as-you-go can transfer credit/number too.

You don’t have to phone up and be talked out of it

This text-to-switch system exists so you never have to sit through a “retentions” call. You can request the code by text and hand it to the new network — no awkward cancellation conversation required.

When you can leave free

  • Out of contract / minimum term ended: switch with no exit fee — and you should, because staying often means paying for a handset you’ve already finished paying off.
  • Still in your minimum term: you may owe the remaining line rental as an early-exit charge (text INFO to 85075 to see it). Sometimes the savings on a cheaper deal still beat the exit fee — do the maths.
  • Mid-contract price rise above what you agreed: you may have a penalty-free exit — see our mid-contract price-rise guide.
  • No charging for notice after you switch: Ofcom bans your old provider from billing you for a notice period that runs after the switch date.

Cut the bill while you’re at it

  • Drop to SIM-only once your handset is paid off — often a fraction of the bundled price for the same network.
  • Compare on a price-comparison site before you pick the new deal; check coverage at your postcode.
  • On a low income or benefits? Some providers offer cheap social tariffs — see our social tariff guide (covers mobile and broadband).
  • Keep your handset and just move the SIM — you rarely need a new phone to switch.
Do this now
  1. Text INFO to 85075 to see any exit fee.
  2. Out of contract? Text PAC to 65075 (keep number) or STAC to 75075 (new number).
  3. Sign up with the cheaper provider and give them the code — then check your final bill.

Free help: Citizens Advice consumer service 0808 223 1133 · Ofcom (ofcom.org.uk). This is general information, not advice on a specific deal.

Source verification Primary sources: Ofcom (switching mobile provider) and Citizens Advice. Last verified 21 June 2026. Confidence: High — text PAC to 65075 to switch and keep your number, STAC to 75075 for a new number, and INFO to 85075 to check early-exit charges; the code is valid for 30 days and you give it to the new provider; number transfer with a PAC is usually within one working day; and Ofcom bans charging for a notice period running after the switch date. Early-exit charges may apply within a minimum term. SortedUK is independent — not a mobile provider — and this is general information. Always check coverage and the latest deal before switching.

Switching mobile — common questions

Will I lose my number or have a gap with no signal?

No. With a PAC your number moves to the new network, usually within one working day, and switching is designed to avoid a gap. You keep using your phone in the meantime.

Do I have to call to cancel?

No. The PAC/STAC text process means giving the code to your new provider closes the old account — no cancellation call needed.

What if I'm still in contract?

You can still switch, but you may pay an early-exit charge (the remaining line rental). Text INFO to 85075 to see the amount, then compare it against the savings on a cheaper deal.

My provider raised the price mid-contract — can I leave free?

Possibly. If the rise is more than you agreed to, you may have a penalty-free exit. See our broadband & mobile price-rise guide for the current rules.

One text could save you hundreds a year.

Check your exit fee, grab your code, and move to a cheaper deal — keeping the same number. Want help comparing your options?

More ways to save → Ask Sorted