How to Swap Mobile Providers
Thinking about switching mobile providers? You’re not alone, and it’s a lot easier than most people think.
This guide walks you through the whole process, from getting your PAC code to activating your new SIM.
This guide walks you through the whole process, from getting your PAC code to activating your new SIM.
What does switching mobile providers mean?
Switching mobile providers means moving from one network to another. For example, going from EE to Sky Mobile.
You get to keep your existing phone number, and you don’t necessarily need a new handset either.
The process is as follows:
• End your current contract
• Request a PAC code from your current provider
• Use the PAC code when you sign up with your new network provider
You get to keep your existing phone number, and you don’t necessarily need a new handset either.
The process is as follows:
• End your current contract
• Request a PAC code from your current provider
• Use the PAC code when you sign up with your new network provider
Before you switch: what to check first
Before you make the move to a new provider, it's worth taking a few minutes to check a few things:
The easiest way to check if you’re still in contract is by logging into your account. Your contract end date is usually listed under plan details.
You can also call your network provider directly, and they’ll let you know when your contract ends. If you’re still in contract, you can still switch, but you may have to pay an early exit fee.
The exit fee is typically the remaining months of your monthly contract, not a fixed penalty.
If you’ve bought a phone through your current network, it may be locked to that provider. This means it may not work with a different SIM.
To check, add a SIM from another network to your phone. If it doesn’t connect, it means it's locked.
Most providers will unlock your handset for free, either through their app, website or by calling customer services.
Before you sign up, it’s worth making sure your new network has good coverage where you need it. Whether that’s at home, work, or anywhere else you use your phone.
Most providers have an online checker where you can enter your details and see what to expect.
Explore the Sky Mobile coverage checker to see what signal you can expect in your area.
How to check if you’re still in contract
The easiest way to check if you’re still in contract is by logging into your account. Your contract end date is usually listed under plan details.
You can also call your network provider directly, and they’ll let you know when your contract ends. If you’re still in contract, you can still switch, but you may have to pay an early exit fee.
The exit fee is typically the remaining months of your monthly contract, not a fixed penalty.
How to unlock your handset before switching
If you’ve bought a phone through your current network, it may be locked to that provider. This means it may not work with a different SIM.
To check, add a SIM from another network to your phone. If it doesn’t connect, it means it's locked.
Most providers will unlock your handset for free, either through their app, website or by calling customer services.
Check what coverage your network offers
Before you sign up, it’s worth making sure your new network has good coverage where you need it. Whether that’s at home, work, or anywhere else you use your phone.
Most providers have an online checker where you can enter your details and see what to expect.
Explore the Sky Mobile coverage checker to see what signal you can expect in your area.
How do you switch mobile providers? Step by step
Ready to make the switch? Here’s what you need to do:
1. Get your PAC code from your current provider: Text PAC to 65075 – it's free and takes under a minute to do. Your code will be valid for 30 days.
2. Choose your new plan: Think about how much data you use, whether you travel abroad or if you’re also using broadband or TV.
3. Give your PAC code to your new provider: Enter the code when you sign up, and your new provider will handle the number transfer. Cancel your old contract separately to avoid unexpected charges.
4. Activate your new SIM: Follow the instructions from your new provider, usually through their app, and your number will transfer over to the agreed mobile plan start date.
1. Get your PAC code from your current provider: Text PAC to 65075 – it's free and takes under a minute to do. Your code will be valid for 30 days.
2. Choose your new plan: Think about how much data you use, whether you travel abroad or if you’re also using broadband or TV.
3. Give your PAC code to your new provider: Enter the code when you sign up, and your new provider will handle the number transfer. Cancel your old contract separately to avoid unexpected charges.
4. Activate your new SIM: Follow the instructions from your new provider, usually through their app, and your number will transfer over to the agreed mobile plan start date.
How to switch to Sky Mobile
Switching to Sky Mobile works the same way as switching to any other network. Get your PAC code, then head to Sky Mobile to choose your new mobile plan.
You’ll be asked for your PAC during the sign-up process and whether you want to keep your existing number. Once your SIM arrives, follow the activation instructions, and your number will transfer over on the agreed start date.
If you’re already a Sky TV or Broadband customer, check whether you qualify for Sky VIP benefits, which can include mobile and bundling perks when you add Sky Mobile.
Ready to make the switch? Explore why you should switch to Sky Mobile and find a plan that works for you.
You’ll be asked for your PAC during the sign-up process and whether you want to keep your existing number. Once your SIM arrives, follow the activation instructions, and your number will transfer over on the agreed start date.
If you’re already a Sky TV or Broadband customer, check whether you qualify for Sky VIP benefits, which can include mobile and bundling perks when you add Sky Mobile.
Ready to make the switch? Explore why you should switch to Sky Mobile and find a plan that works for you.