How to transfer your number from O2 to Vodafone?

1) Check you’re eligible to switch from O2

If you’re out of contract, you can switch whenever you like for no charge. To check if you’re out of contract, you can:

Open your O2 app on your phone. Once it’s open, head to ‘Allowances’ and then select ‘Tariff’ to see your end date.

Or visit the O2 account webpage. Then click ‘See if you can upgrade today’ and log in to see your contract end date.

Prefer to call? You can get in touch with O2's customer support team by calling 202 on your O2 phone. Or on 034 4809 0202 from any other phone (standard network charges apply).

Opening hours are 8am-8pm Monday-Friday. 8am-6pm on Sundays.

In the event that you’re keeping your existing phone and signing up for a new SIM only deal, you may need to unlock your O2 phone. Only when it’s unlocked will it accept the new SIM card.

To unlock it, though, you’ll need what’s called a personal unlocking key (PUK). The good news is that you can obtain easily by logging in to your O2 account. Once you’ve got the PUK, which you’ll receive as a text message, you can use it to unlock your phone.

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

2) Contact O2 to get your PAC code

Once you’ve signed up for the deal you’ve chosen, 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.

If you'd prefer to speak to somebody, just ring O2 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.

O2 is bound by law to provide a PAC Code within two hours of you asking for it.

3) Find and buy a phone from Vodafone

So you’re out of contract and ready to switch. That’s great. Your next step is to choose a deal from Vodafone and sign up for it.

Once you’ve passed Vodafone’s credit checks, you’ll receive your phone or SIM in the post.

4) Contact Vodafone and give them your PAC code

Okay, we’re well on our way now. Next, you’ll have to ring Vodafone and tell them your PAC Code.

To get in touch, call Vodafone’s customer support team on 03333 040 191 (standard network rates apply).

5) Insert your new Vodafone SIM card

If you got a new phone, it's time to take your pin-key and unlock the handset's SIM tray. Then insert your Vodafone SIM.

If you opted for a SIM-only deal, you can just put the Vodafone SIM card in your existing phone.

The number transfer won’t take place instantly, but while it’s underway you’ll be given a temporary number to use.

6) Wait for your number to be transferred to Vodafone

Experience tells us that your number transfer should be complete the next working day.

But this depends on the network you’re joining and there are some circumstances under which it may take a bit longer. For instance, if you make your call on a working day or a weekend.