With so many different contracts and networks to choose from, switching your mobile phone providers can feel a bit daunting before you've started looking. But don't fret: that's where we come in.
Between Uswitch's comparison pages and the advice on this page, we do all the legwork for you and make it quick and easy to find the right network and complete your switch.
Read on, and we’ll answer all your questions about switching networks.
Why would you want to switch mobile phone networks?
There are plenty of good reasons to switch mobile phone providers.
You're unhappy with your current network's service. Whether that's the quality of coverage, mobile internet speeds or the standard of customer service.
You've seen a really good phone contract or SIM only deal on another network.
You like the look of the perks that another network is offering.
You don't use the perks you're already paying for.
Another network offers a better, more extensive international roaming scheme.
You can't get the phone you want on your current network.
Which network's best for perks? O2? Three? EE? Get the measure of what's on offer with our network-by-network guide.
Compare mobile contracts and SIM only deals
Browse our best contract deals for the latest handsets or save money with a cheap SIM only offer.
Are you eligible to switch networks?
This is important to keep in mind. If you are still under contract with your existing provider for either a SIM only deal or a phone-and-tariff contract, you will probably have to see the rest of your contract out before you can switch.
You technically could pay the remaining months off. But depending on how long you've got left, that will likely prove costly.
If you’re locked into a contract but still want to get a new phone or switch providers, check out our guide on cancelling your mobile contract early. If you're not sure when your contract ends, there are lots of ways to find out.
You can usually find your contract end date by opening up your network's app on your phone. If you don't have it, we'd recommend downloading it. If you can't see it there, just ring up your network, and they'll tell you.
Of course, if you're on a rolling-contract SIM only deal, you can switch whenever you like. You just have to give your existing network 30 days' notice.
Check what coverage your new network offers in your area
Switching to a new network only to find that you get a poor signal in the area where you live or work is something to be avoided at all costs.
To check the coverage quality that the network you're joining offers in your locality, use postcode coverage checkers.
All you have to do is enter your postcode, and you'll see a map that shows you how good coverage is in that area.
You'll find coverage checkers for all the major networks below:
So you're eligible to switch and have checked coverage in your area. What's next?
The next thing you need to decide is whether you want to keep your phone number.
Given what a hassle it is to get a new number, which you then have to send out to all your friends, family and other contacts, we're going to start with how to switch and keep your number. Since that's probably what most of you would prefer to do.
Keeping your number when you switch mobile phone provider
Keeping your number when switching mobile networks is much easier than you might imagine.
All you need to do is get what's called a PAC code (Porting Authorisation Code) from your existing provider. You can do this by ringing their customer support line.
Under consumer regulations, they're obliged to provide the PAC Code within two hours of your request.
And now with new Text to Switch regulations, switching networks is easier than ever. You don't even need to phone your existing provider if you don’t want to. To get your PAC code instantly, just text PAC to 65075, and then you’re all set to switch.
Once you've got your PAC Code, your next task is to contact the provider you're joining and supply them with the code. And they can start the switch.
Make sure you use your PAC Code within 30 days. After that point, it runs out and you'll need to text or call your network and ask for another one.
If you’d prefer to speak to someone on the phone, contact details for all the major networks below:
EE
Ring 150 from an EE mobile phone
Ring 07953966250 from any other phone (mobile or landline)
Three
Ring 333 from a Three-phone
Ring 033 3338 1001 from any other phone (mobile or landline)
O2
Ring 202 from an O2 phone
Ring 034 4809 0222 from any other phone (mobile or landline)
Virgin Mobile
Ring 789 from a Virgin Mobile phone
Ring 034 5600 0789 from any other phone (mobile or landline)
Vodafone
Ring 191 from a Vodafone phone
Ring 033 3304 0191 from any other phone (mobile or landline)
BT Mobile
Ring 150 from a BT Mobile phone
Ring 0800 800 150 from any other phone (mobile or landline)
Plusnet Mobile
Ring 500 from a Plusnet Mobile phone
Ring 080 0013 2632 from any other phone (mobile or landline)
ID Mobile
Ring 7777 from an ID Mobile phone
Ring 033 3003 7777 from any other phone (mobile or landline)
Tesco Mobile
Ring 4455 from a Tesco Mobile phone
Ring 034 5301 4455 from any other phone (mobile or landline)
Sky Mobile
Ring 033 0041 2639 from Sky Mobile handsets, or phones registered to other networks and landlines.
giffgaff
giffgaff doesn't offer customer support helplines. To get your PAC code, fill in this giffgaff contact form.
VOXI
VOXI is aimed at under 30s. So it's no surprise that you can only contact the network via Twitter, web chat and Facebook Messenger. To get your PAC code, head to VOXI's contact page.
SMARTY
SMARTY doesn't have any customer service helplines. To get your PAC code, log into your SMARTY account.
Lebara
Ring 5588 from your Lebara mobile. Rates are charged at 19p per call.
Ring 020 7031 0791 from all other networks or from your landline.
For more information, read our guide on how to keep your number when you switch providers.
Switching networks when you don't want to keep your number
Switching mobile phone providers is at its simplest if you're not bothered about keeping your number.
In this case, you simply contact the provider you want to join and tell them you won't be transferring your old number and want a new number instead.
It's then just a matter of contacting your current provider to tell them you want to end your contract.
Of course, the smartest thing to do is to try to match up the start and end dates of your contracts.
Line them up right and you can ensure you won't be without a phone service for any period of time and won't be paying two contracts if the dates overlap.
Text to Switch has made this process easier too - to end your contract and get your Service Termination Authorisation Code (STAC) just text STAC to 75075.
Help with choosing the right deal
You've read all the above, and you're ready to switch. By this point, you'll probably have already decided on the deal you want.
Before you begin the switch, it's a good idea to perform a final check to ensure that the deal is the best value and the best one for your needs.
If you’re interested in switching but haven’t completely decided, text INFO to 85075 for more info on PAC codes, STAC codes, changing networks and Text to Switch. You can also have a read of our in-depth Text to Switch guide.
Choosing a SIM only deal
SIM only deals are becoming increasingly popular. With manufacturers releasing flagship phones that only feature incremental updates from previous generations, it’s not surprising that more people are choosing to stick with their current handset.
If your smartphone is still fit for purpose, getting a SIM only deal could save you a lot of money. Instead of paying off a new handset, you’ll only need to pay for data, calls, and texts.
The advent of one-month, rolling-contract SIM only deals have made it even more attractive to take the SIM only route.
One-month SIM deals can be cancelled with just 30 days' notice. That means you're free to change your mind and get a new phone if your old one packs up or you fancy a shiny new handset.
So rather than being locked into a two-year contract, you can opt for a 12-month or even one-month deal, giving you more flexibility.
How do I choose the right handset?
If your current handset has seen better days or you’ve got your heart set on the latest Apple or Android device, it’s time to start looking at shiny new phones.
Finding the perfect phone for you can be a bit tricky. So, if you’re unsure about which phone you want, check out our guide to the best available smartphones. Or, if you’re looking to save money, read our picks of the best budget phones.
If know you want the latest model from Apple or Samsung, you can browse our iPhone deals or our Samsung Galaxy phone deals.
Check out all of our latest iPhone deals
Compare Samsung Galaxy deals
Browse our range of pay monthly deals for Samsung Galaxy phones.
How do I ensure my plan has monthly allowances that are right for me?
From estimating how much data you’re likely to need each month for the next two years, to working out which network will best suit your needs, picking the right plan can be a bit of a minefield. While it’s important to know how many texts and minutes you’re likely to need, most deals will include a generous allowance of calls and texts.
Nowadays, it’s all about the data. And with the majority of smartphone customers either buying far more than they need or running out of data before the end of the month, it’s important to get the right plan.
If you’re not sure how much data you need, check out our guide on data allowances.
And if you’re all about using the internet on your smartphone while you’re out and about, read our guide on the best mobile coverage in the UK.
While data is the main selling point for most phone deals, value for money is still important. So it’s a good idea to compare the perks and incentives offered by UK mobile providers.
You can find loads more information and search deals on our mobile networks page.
"Smartphones are fantastic bits of kit, and advances in technology mean they're doing what we need for longer than ever. If it's continuing to serve your needs just fine - and you didn't purchase it outright already - definitely spin down to only paying for the tariff with a SIM only package. This can drastically reduce your monthly cost versus a standard mobile contract. Buying a new contract is a long-term commitment, so make sure that your next smartphone is equally up to the task, as well as considering future-proof features like 5G connectivity.
Switching from (or to) an iPhone can also be a bit of a learning curve, so be sure to do your homework and that your favourite apps are all still available. Devices from manufacturers are impressively specced, so getting the latest technology need not cost the Earth, as well as last you another good few years! However, accidents do happen, so considering insurance - either independently or making sure it's covered by your home's insurance - is a must."
Ernest Doku, mobile expert at Uswitch.
Compare mobile contracts and SIM only deals
Browse our best contract deals for the latest handsets or save money with a cheap SIM only offer.
