How I Switched from O2 to Smarty (and Kept My Number) – Your Step-by-Step UK PAC Code Guide

My Journey to a Better Deal (and How You Can Do It Too!)

Like many of you, I’m always on the hunt for a better mobile deal. My O2 contract was ending, and the prices for a new plan just didn’t make sense compared to the data I could get elsewhere. I’d been eyeing Smarty’s flexible plans, but the thought of changing my number after all these years? No thanks!

Luckily, thanks to OFCOM regulations, keeping your number when switching networks in the UK is incredibly simple. You just need a PAC code (Porting Authorisation Code). I recently went through the process myself, switching from O2 to Smarty, and I’m here to show you exactly how easy it is, step-by-step. Forget confusing jargon – this is my real-world experience, ensuring you keep your number and get that shiny new deal without any hassle.

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Step 1: Get Your PAC Code (The Easiest Part!)

This is where the magic starts. OFCOM made this super simple. You don’t even need to speak to anyone!

My Experience: I simply texted “PAC” to 65075 from my old O2 number. Within 60 seconds, I received a text back with my PAC code (a 9-digit alphanumeric code), its expiry date (30 days), and crucial information about any early termination charges (which, thankfully, I didn’t have as my contract was ending).

Your Action:

1. Text “PAC” to 65075. (This works for all major UK networks: EE, O2, Vodafone, Three, Sky Mobile, Virgin Mobile, Giffgaff, Tesco Mobile, etc.)
2. Look for the Reply: You’ll get a text containing:
   • Your PAC code
   • The expiry date (it’s valid for 30 days)
   • Any outstanding early termination charges or credit balances.

Pro-Tip: Make sure you save this code. I usually screenshot it or jot it down somewhere safe.

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Step 2: Order Your New SIM (My Smarty Choice!)

Once you have your PAC code, you can confidently order your new SIM card from your chosen network.

My Experience: I went straight to Smarty’s website, browsed their SIM Only deals, and picked the 50GB plan. The ordering process was straightforward, just like any online purchase. I wasn’t asked for my PAC code at this stage.

Your Action:

1. Choose your new network and plan. (Browse Olimit.co.uk for the latest deals!)
2. Order your new SIM card. Select either a physical SIM or an eSIM, depending on your phone and the network’s offerings.
3. Wait for delivery. Your new SIM should arrive within a few business days.

Insider Tip: Don’t activate your new SIM with your PAC code until you’ve received it and are ready to put it in your phone.

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Step 3: Activate Your New SIM (and Provide Your PAC Code)

This is the point where you tell your new network to start the number transfer.

My Experience: My Smarty SIM arrived. I popped it into my phone, activated it by topping up, and immediately went to Smarty’s “Keep Your Number” page on their website. They asked for my new Smarty number, my old number (the one I wanted to keep), my old network (O2), and crucially, my PAC code.

Your Action:

1. Insert your new SIM card into your phone.
2. Activate your new SIM. Follow the instructions provided by your new network (this usually involves making a call, sending a text, or topping up if it’s a PAYG SIM). Your new SIM will temporarily have a new number.
3. Find your new network’s “Keep My Number” page. This is usually in the “My Account” section or a dedicated porting page.
4. Enter your details: Your new network’s temporary number, the number you want to keep, your old network, and your PAC code.

Important Note: You must submit your PAC code to your new network within 30 days of getting it, otherwise it will expire, and you’ll need to request a new one.

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Step 4: The Transfer Day (The Moment of Truth!)

The number transfer usually happens on the next working day after you submit your PAC code, if submitted before a certain cut-off time (typically 3-5 PM).

My Experience: I submitted my PAC code to Smarty on a Monday morning. They confirmed the transfer would happen on Tuesday. On Tuesday morning, my old O2 SIM stopped working around 10 AM. I waited an hour, restarted my phone with the new Smarty SIM, and voilà! My original O2 number was now active on my Smarty SIM. I made a test call, sent a text – everything worked perfectly.

Your Action:

1. Note the transfer date/time your new network provides.
2. On transfer day, keep your new SIM in your phone.
3. Expect a brief outage: Your old SIM will stop working, and your new SIM may momentarily lose service. This is normal.
4. Restart your phone: If your old number doesn’t appear on your new SIM automatically, try restarting your phone.
5. Test it out: Make a call, send a text, check your contacts.

What to do if it goes wrong: If your number hasn’t transferred by the end of the transfer day, contact your new network’s customer service first. They handle the porting process.

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Step 5: My Final Thoughts on Switching (and Why You Should Do It!)

Switching networks and keeping my number with a PAC code was genuinely painless. It took less than 5 minutes to get the code, another 5 to order the SIM, and submitting the PAC was just a few clicks. The actual transfer happened seamlessly in the background.

Why I recommend it:

• Save Money: You can always find better deals than what your current provider offers to retain you.
• Better Service: Maybe your current network’s coverage isn’t great, or their customer service is lacking.
• More Data: Get more data for the same or less money.

Don’t be afraid to switch! The process is designed to be easy for consumers, and with this guide, you’re well-equipped to get that better deal you deserve.

Have you switched networks recently? Share your experience in the comments below!