How to transfer your number from Virgin Mobile to Vodafone?

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 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.