How to transfer your number from Tesco Mobile to Three Mobile?

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) 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) Find and buy a new phone or SIM deal from Three

Out of contract and ready to switch? Good news. Your next task is to sign up for a new phone contract or SIM only deal from Three. Once you’ve passed Three’s credit checks, you’ll receive your phone in the post.

4) Contact Three to give them your PAC code

We’re almost there now. Next you’ll just to ring Three to give them your PAC. You can reach their customer support team on 0333 338 1001 from a landline (standard network rates apply).

5) Insert your new Three SIM card

If you got a new phone as part of your contract, take the pin-key included in the box and unlock the handset's SIM tray. Then insert your Three SIM card.

If you went for a SIM-only deal instead, you can just put the Three SIM in your existing phone.

While the number transfer is taking place, you’ll be given a temporary phone number that you can use and on which people can contact you.

6) Wait for your number to be transferred

The transfer should be complete the next working day. However, this can vary from network to network and sometimes depends on whether the day after you make your call is a working day or a weekend.