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How to transfer your number from Tesco Mobile to SMARTY?

Read more about SMARTY
  1. 1) Check you’re eligible to switch from Tesco Mobile

    Certain that you’re out of contract? Good news: that means you’ll be able to switch network for no extra charge.

    If you’re not sure if you’re still under contract or want to check your end date, you can get in touch with Tesco Mobile's customer support by calling 4455 from your Tesco Mobile phone.

    Or you can ring 0345 301 4455 from any other phone (standard network rates apply).

    Opening hours are 8am-9pm Monday-Friday. 8am-8pm Saturdays and 10am-6pm Sundays.

    Alternatively, you can find out your contract end date by logging into your Tesco Mobile account or within the Tesco Mobile app on your phone.

    Decided to keep your existing phone and get a new SIM only deal on a new network? Okay, that means you may need to get your phone unlocked, so it’ll accept the new SIM.

    So while you’re on the phone, make sure you ask Tesco Mobile whether your phone is unlocked. If it is and you want to unlock it, ask them for your pin unlock key (PUK). Tesco Mobile will send you this and you can use it to unlock your handset.

    And if you’re interested in switching but want a bit more information first, text INFO to 85075.

  2. 2) Contact Tesco Mobile to tell them you’re leaving and get your PAC Code

    Parting is such sweet sorrow. But perhaps not in this case.

    Your next job is to get in touch with Tesco Mobile to tell you’d like to leave. Just text PAC to 65075 to get your PAC code. It’s this short, alphanumeric code that will enable you to transfer your existing phone number to the network you want to join. You don't even need to make a phone call.

    If you'd prefer to speak to somebody, just ring Tesco Mobile on one of the numbers in step 1, tell them you want to leave and ask for your PAC Code.

    The law states that networks must provide you with your PAC Code within two hours of your request.

    The critical thing to note is that PAC Codes expire after 30 days. If for any reason, you elect not to use your PAC Code during this timeframe, you’ll need to get in touch with Tesco Mobile to request a new one.

  3. 3) Find and buy a deal on SMARTY

    Assuming you’re out of contract, your next step is to sign up for the SIM-only deal you’ve selected on SMARTY. You’ll receive your SIM card in the post after you’ve passed SMARTY's credit checks.

  4. 4) Contact SMARTY to give them your PAC code

    Not much longer to go now. Your next task is to get in touch with SMARTY to give them your PAC.

    Because SMARTY doesn't have a customer support telephone contact number, you're required to log in to your SMARTY account and submit the PAC Code that way. You can do that right here.

  5. 5) Take out your SMARTY SIM and put it in your phone

    Got your phone to hand? Okay, you now need to unlock the SIM tray using a pin or the key that came with your phone. Once it's open, insert your SMARTY SIM in your handset.

    Your number won't be transferred instantly. But you will have a temporary phone number to use while the process is underway. So you'll still be able to use your phone and you'll be contactable.

  6. 6) Wait for your number to be transferred to SMARTY

    SMARTY advises that the process of transferring your number will take up to two working days. The transfer usually happens between the hours of 11am and 5pm.

    In the event that the transfer doesn't seem to have worked, try turning off your phone and then turning it on again.

    If there's still a problem, get in touch with SMARTY via webchat service on its site.