Switch from Vodafone to Tesco Mobile and keep your number using a PAC code

Last Updated: 29th July 2025

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Are you thinking about leaving Vodafone and switching to Tesco Mobile? Then you're in the right place! Switching networks and keeping your number in 2025 is simple and easy thanks to Ofcom's policy changes.

We've put together a quick and easy to use switching guide. Our guides allow you to select the network you wish to switch to and from, and you will be given a step by step guide on how to keep your number and move to a new SIM Only Deal.

It is worth noting that if you wish to join Tesco Mobile and get a new number then you can use a STAC code in order to get a new number and will cancel your existing contract.

Joining Tesco Mobile and leaving Vodafone

Joining Tesco Mobile and transferring your number from Vodafone is a simple process and usually takes no longer than 1-2 working days.

The process which will go through in more detail below involves requesting a PAC code from Vodafone and handing it to Tesco Mobile.

You can either hand the PAC code over to Tesco Mobile during the ordering process or after you have received your new SIM card or eSIM has been activated.

1. Request a PAC code from Vodafone

Switching from Vodafone and keeping your current phone number is really simple. There is no need to memorise a new number or update your contacts!

Here is how to get your PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) from Vodafone:

• Text: Text "PAC" to 65075 from your Vodafone phone. You'll receive a text with your code within 2 minutes. This is a free service provided by Ofcom (the UK's communications regulator).
• Online: Contact Vodafone through their website's live chat service and request a PAC code.
• Phone: Call Vodafone's customer service on 08080 408 408 and ask for a PAC code.
• In-store: Pop into your nearest Vodafone store and request a PAC code in store. 

Your PAC code is valid for 30 days, so you can request it before you get your new SIM card.

If you want a new number and do not wish to keep your current number, you will need to request an STAC code instead of a PAC code. Text "STAC" to 75075 to get your STAC code.

2. Order a SIM only deal from Tesco Mobile

If you haven't yet ordered your new Tesco Mobile SIM Only deal, you can use our free comparison engine, which will show you the cheapest Tesco Mobile deals available on the market.

Compare Tesco Mobile SIM Only Deals

If you already have your new SIM Card, feel free to skip to step 3 of this article

During the ordering process you may be given the opportunity to share your PAC code from Vodafone to Tesco Mobile, if you choose this option then the number transfer process will start once your new sim card arrives and you activate it in by putting it in your phone and turning it on, this also means you can skip to step 4 of this article if you wish!

If you are not given the opportunity to hand over your PAC code when ordering then there's no need to panic. Once your new sim card from Tesco Mobile has arrived, just continue to step 3 of this article.

It is also worth calling out that it doesn't matter if you are able to hand over your PAC code from Vodafone whilst buying your new sim from Tesco Mobile or not it's just slightly more convenient but the outcome is the same!

3. Give the PAC code to Tesco Mobile

Once you have your PAC code, there are four ways to give it to Tesco Mobile:

If you provided your PAC code when you joined Tesco Mobile:

• Text: Text Port to 23424 from your Tesco Mobile SIM, and follow the instructions that come back via text.
• Online: Contact Tesco Mobile via the online live chat service and request a PAC code.
• Phone: Call 4455 from your Tesco Mobile number or 0345 301 4455 from any other number.
• Store: Find your nearest Tesco Mobile store and ask to switch your number to Tesco.

Important Notes:

• Remember to give your PAC code to Tesco Mobile within 30 days of receiving.

4. Wait for your number transfer to Tesco Mobile to complete

That's it you've done the hard work, now sit back and relax. Tesco Mobile will notify Vodafone of your intention to leave and take your mobile number to Tesco Mobile.

The number transfer process will usually take 1 to 2 working days. After this time your Vodafone mobile number will be working on the Tesco Mobile SIM card.