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

1) Check you’re eligible to switch from Virgin Mobile

If you’re out of contract with Virgin Mobile, you can switch at any time and it won’t cost you anything.

It’s very easy to lose track of your contract end date, though. If you’re not sure of yours, you can find out by calling Virgin Mobile’s customer support team on 789 from your Virgin Mobile phone.

Alternatively, you can reach them on 0345 6000 789 from any other phone (standard network charges apply).

The support centre’s opening hours are 8am-12pm every day.

If you prefer not to call, you can find out your end date by logging in to your account.

Or you can find it by opening up the Virgin Mobile app on your phone.

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

2) Contact Virgin Mobile to cancel and get a PAC Code

No-one likes goodbyes. But you now need to get in touch with Virgin Mobile to inform them you’re leaving. To do this, 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 Virgin Mobile on one of the numbers in step 1 and tell them you want to leave. They’ll give you a contract end date that you should make a note of. While you’re on the phone to them, you also need to ask for your PAC Code.

Regulations stipulate that all networks must provide you with your PAC Code within two hours of your request. When you’ve got the code it’s smart to make a note of it. Just to be safe.

What you really need to be aware of, though, is that PAC Codes expire after 30 days. So if you don’t use yours within that timeframe, you’ll need to get in touch with Virgin Media again 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.