How to keep your number with Lebara (PAC code)

Switching to Lebara does not mean losing the mobile number you have had for years. Thanks to the UK's "text-to-switch" rules, keeping your number is a quick, free, one-text job — and it is the same process whether you are coming from EE, O2, Three, Vodafone, giffgaff or any other network. This guide walks you through it step by step, clears up the three things people most often get stuck on (there is no manual code to type at sign-up, the referral cash for the person who referred you is paid later, and what to do if your 50% discount is not showing), and shows you how to land 50% off your first three months while you are at it.

Switching to Lebara does not mean losing the mobile number you have had for years. Thanks to the UK's "text-to-switch" rules, keeping your number is a quick, free, one-text job — and it is the same process whether you are coming from EE, O2, Three, Vodafone, giffgaff or any other network. This guide walks you through it step by step, clears up the three things people most often get stuck on (there is no manual code to type at sign-up, the referral cash for the person who referred you is paid later, and what to do if your 50% discount is not showing), and shows you how to land 50% off your first three months while you are at it.

The short version: text PAC to 65075

To keep your number, you need a PAC code (Porting Authorisation Code) from your current network. Text the word PAC to 65075 from the phone with the number you want to keep. It is free, and under Ofcom's rules your old network must text back within about 60 seconds with your PAC code and any final balance owed. The code is valid for 30 days, so you do not need to use it the same minute it arrives. Crucially, requesting a PAC does not cancel your old service — your current SIM keeps working normally until the moment the switch actually completes, so there is no gap where you are left without a phone. If you would rather not text, most networks also let you request a PAC from your online account or app.

Step by step: moving your number to Lebara

First, order your Lebara SIM-only plan and activate the new SIM when it arrives (or activate your eSIM). You want the new SIM live before you hand over the PAC, because the transfer attaches your old number to your active Lebara account. Second, get your PAC by texting PAC to 65075 from your old phone. Third, give Lebara the PAC code along with the number you are transferring — you can do this through Lebara's 'keep your number' / port-in form on lebara.co.uk or via their live chat. You will usually be asked to confirm a transfer date.

There is no code to type at sign-up — and that confuses people

A PAC code is the only code involved in keeping your number, and it goes to Lebara, not into a discount box. Separately, Lebara's Refer & Earn deal — which is how you get 50% off your first three months — is link-based, run through Aklamio (aklam.io links). There is no promo code to type for the discount: you open a referral link, choose your SIM-only plan, and the 50% off applies automatically at checkout. So do not go hunting for a 'referral code' field that does not exist. Just use a working referral link to start your order, then follow the PAC steps above to bring your number with you. The two things are independent: the discount comes from how you sign up; your number comes from the PAC.

Two things that trip people up: the 60-day wait and the discount not showing

If a friend sent you a link, you may have heard the referrer 'earns up to £50'. That cash is theirs, not yours, and it is paid later — Lebara pays it to the referrer's bank or PayPal within about 60 days, only after you have activated and stayed active through a roughly 60-day qualifying window. Cancelling early voids it. What you get as the new customer is the 50% off for three months, and that applies straight away at checkout, not after any wait. So if you are the friend, do not expect cash and do not expect to wait — your saving is immediate.

Good to know before you switch (and how to leave later if you ever need to)

Lebara runs on the Vodafone network with around 98% UK population coverage and 5G at no extra cost on compatible phones, so keeping your number rarely means dropping your signal. The plans are no-contract 30-day rolling (with 12-month options too), there is generally no credit check, and SIM-only plans include calls to 50+ countries at no extra cost plus free EU roaming — handy if you call family abroad. Always confirm your specific plan, allowances and any destination's current rate on lebara.co.uk, as these change.

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